LaSalle horticultural society celebrates 62 years of growing community spirit
This month, the LaSalle horticultural society marks an important milestone — 62 years of cultivating a love for gardening and community beautification.
'The society was founded in 1963 by a small group of dedicated gardeners who wanted to promote horticulture throughout LaSalle,' said Jan Dugdale, president of the society. 'From those humble beginnings, we quickly grew and began organizing regular meetings, flower shows, exhibitions and competitions to showcase the finest plants nurtured by our members.'
Dugdale added that the society has focused on educating the community. 'Over the decades, we have taught people how to grow fruits, vegetables, houseplants, annuals and hardy perennials that return to gardens year after year.'
She noted the importance of expert-led seminars as gardening interest grew. 'We offer workshops on everything from perennial and vegetable gardening to raising monarch butterflies and wreath making.'
Today, the society has more than 130 members, including amateur and professional gardeners, master gardeners, as well as children and young adults curious about where their food comes from.
'For more than six decades, our members have played a vital role in enhancing LaSalle's natural beauty,' Dugdale said. 'We have helped create green spaces like the Celebration Garden on Front Road, pollinator gardens in Vince Marcotte Park and along River Canard, and a community garden that provides fresh produce to those in need.'
The society also actively promotes pollinator-friendly initiatives. 'We've partnered with the LaSalle Community Fund and the Windsor-Essex County Foundation to design and complete a large entrance garden at the new event centre,' Dugdale said. 'This garden welcomes residents and visitors to LaSalle's waterfront.'
In recent years, the society's impact has grown. Dugdale highlighted some key contributions: 'We've donated 10 benches, arena seats and flowers to schools, churches and local businesses. We provide weekly produce donations to the LaSalle food bank, offer scholarships to St. Clair horticulture students and run educational programs like the 'Egg to Butterfly Workshop' to help save monarch butterflies.'
Looking ahead, Dugdale said the society is excited for the future. 'We invite everyone to join us or follow our progress on Instagram and Facebook at
facebook.com/LasalleAmbassadorHorticulturalSociety.
'
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