The Calgary Horticultural Society is Calgary’s oldest surviving organization. In the early 1900s, the promotion of gardening was an important part of a social movement to counter the adverse effects of urban industrialization. Practical business men, founded the Society in 1908 to inspire responsible citizens to learn about gardening in this challenging, largely treeless climate and to "aid in the beautifying and improving of the City of Calgary." Mr. White was the first president of the Calgary Horticultural Society.
In the early years, an annual flower show, garden competition, regular meetings, gardening articles in the Calgary Herald and special projects helped the Society achieve its goals. William Reader (Reader Rock Gardens), as the first superintendent of the Calgary Parks Department, ensured that the Society and the City worked closely together. For example, in 1914, over 10,000 trees were planted through the efforts of the Society and the City planted a further 10,000.
As the Society evolved over the years, the projects changed and the number of members waxed and waned. By the early 1980s, when membership had dropped to an all time low, one of Calgary’s oldest societies was in danger of disappearing. With the enthusiasm and hard work of David Matthews and Sheila Paulson, membership soared from 27 to over 1,500 in just 3 years. They put in place a new Board of Directors and began significant fund-raising efforts and increased public relations. These dedicated supporters of gardening in Calgary also introduced a newsletter, initiated plant shares, bus tours, monthly speakers, garden visits and workshops, all of which are still major components of Society activities. Since this rejuvenation, membership in Calgary’s oldest continuously operating Society has climbed to over 5000 members and still growing.
In 2008, we’ll celebrate our 100th Anniversary. We have a lot to celebrate.