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4 Friday, May 7, 2021 brooklintowncrier.com In Praise of the Brooklin Horticultural Society By Jennifer Hudgins For 100 years, the Brooklin Horticultural Society has benefited residents through their shared love of horticulture, a pastime that provides a true feeling of achievement, no matter how much or how little work may be involved, it is a satisfying activity that reaps many benefits. It is one of more than 270 nonprofit societies affiliated with the Ontario Horticultural Association (OHA) and one of 12 clubs in the OHA's District 17. There have been up to 200 members in the Brooklin group, the majority of whom were locals, with roughly 60 corporate sponsors. The Society has deep roots in this community. Created by the Brooklin Women's Institute in 1921, it lay dormant during the Second World War until its members re-organized in 1944. Many hours Its long history of accomplishments include 2,600 hours of annual community service in which volunteer members have worked tirelessly to provide and maintain civic beautification projects in the Village and other communities. For instance, members spent 46 hours landscaping the main building for the 1975 International Plowing Match. They've also grown plants for gardens and hanging baskets on Baldwin Street and public buildings; planted and maintained gardens in Grass Park; installed its drinking fountain; initiated the pavilion project; and managed the Buy A Brick Program. It has organized shows and plant sales, held and judged competitions and, in 2006, was instrumental in assisting the Town of Whitby to achieve a much coveted five bloom award through Communities in Bloom. Other notable achievements include the forming of the Brooklin Junior Horticulture club, the creation of flower shows for the annual Harvest Festival and sponsoring of floriculture exhibits at the Brooklin Spring Fair. Hosting workshops Currently the Society provides workshops and demonstrations held in its namesake Parkette on Carnwith Road West. Members maintain the Park of Reflection in the historical Cullen Central Park and a Sunburst Locust tree planted in 1973 by the Society at the Vipond Memorial arena. The bench and plaque at Grass Park, installed in memory of the prominent Brooklin resident Heber Down, are also under their care. This year, they partnered with the Town of Whitby to present the Whitby in Bloom speakers series that started in March and ends in May. Along with its many successes, the Society has also faced a few challenges. The fickleness of Mother Nature, foraging critters, plant thieves and COVID-19 have influenced the results of their labours. However, a shared love of gardening and civic pride have kept members from throwing in the "trowel." Many members, such as Don and Aldine Wick, have been involved for decades. Don Wick joined the Junior Horticultural Society in1950 while in grade 9. He remembers planting the evergreen trees on the land behind the then Brooklin Continuation School along the fence backing onto Winchester Road at the corner of Baldwin. Those trees stand tall today where the proposed new mall and Longo's are to go. Aldine joined 57 years ago. Her mother- in-law suggested she join to make new friends. In 2020, the Society changed its name to the Brooklin-Whitby Garden Club with the intention of extending its reach and at the same time acknowledging the support of Whitby residents. As the newly named club pursues opportunities to honour its 100th Anniversary, Brooklin celebrates with the members, acknowledging with thanks the years they have de-