By Julia Harmsworth
The Ontario Horticultural Association (OHA) is an organization with deep historical roots. It traces its heritage as far back as 1792, when the Niagara-on-the-Lake Agricultural Society was formed in Upper Canada.
Horticultural societies grew in popularity in Ontario throughout the 19th century. In 1857, Upper Canada passed an act acknowledging these societies and permitting their incorporation. The Ontario Legislature officially incorporated OHA to unite horticultural societies in 1906.
Today, the association encompasses 24,000 members in 19 districts and 264 societies throughout Ontario, some of which are over 150 years old.
“I hope we can continue to move forward to expand, to make sure that we’re giving the societies and the districts everything they need to be the best they can be,” said Sharlene Desjardins, OHA president.
The association encourages an interest in gardening, environmental stewardship, community beautification and conservation by supporting its affiliated horticultural and gardening societies — and aiding the development of new societies.
The OHA provides guidance, training and administrative leadership to its members and advocates on their behalf. It also offers discounted home and auto insurance, workshops, a speakers list, flower show judging support, and marketing materials. Each society is independent from the OHA but works closely with its district directors.
“Our vision is to be recognized as the primary gardening and horticultural association by inspiring, educating, and supporting gardeners,” said Desjardins.
Grants are an important part of the organization’s work. In 2023, the OHA is offering one new award and one new grant to its members. The OHA is also a “unified voice” for its societies to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), which offers grants to incorporated societies.
Each year, the OHA runs a convention that includes a conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM). The 115th convention took place from July 21 to 23, 2023 in Ottawa, Ont. Chosen delegates from OHA societies and clubs vote on motions at AGM. There are also bus tours, seminars, featured speakers, competitions, a dinner and an awards banquet.
“Our host district did a fantastic job. Their volunteers worked tirelessly for many, many hours to ensure everything went smoothly,” said Desjardins. “It’s a lot of work but it’s worth it. It’s a great event.”
This year’s convention was in-person for the first time since 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It was so wonderful to see people coming from all over the province and getting together with friends they probably haven’t seen in the last four years,” said Desjardins. “Everybody had a really excellent time and learned a lot.”
Desjardins encouraged gardeners and plant enthusiasts to get involved by joining their local horticultural society or participating in OHA events, which run throughout the year and can be found on the societies events calendar. She said getting involved is an “absolutely amazing learning experience.”
“We just want to keep moving forward to be the best we can be in keeping Ontario beautiful,” said Desjardins.
