East York Garden Club celebrates 100 years of gardening in the community
By MATTHEW STEPHENS
In 1926, the newly formed township of East York was progressively revolutionizing. Residents began advocating for additional routes across the Don Valley; the East York Hydro-Electric Commission and fire department began operation; and on a smaller (but no less impactful) scale, the East York Horticultural Society brought a group of local residents together to celebrate a shared admiration for gardening.
Little did they know that 100 years later, the club would evolve into the East York Garden Club, and their proverbial roots would continue to run deep within the community.
“The East York Garden Club was established in 1926 and has continued without interruption ever since, despite many challenging years,” said Kim Hewitt, member of the garden club’s executive team.
Dozens of East York Garden Club members gathered at the Stan Wadlow Clubhouse on March 16 to celebrate 100 years of community gardening with a celebratory cake and speeches from some of the club’s longstanding members.
Executive committee member Michael Geast was expected to deliver a speech but was unable to attend. Veronica Callinan spoke in his place about how to garden effectively during the brisk spring days.
The meeting also celebrated several executive members who reached decades-long milestones with the garden club.
“The club has a long-standing tradition of recognizing member achievement through awards and trophies presented for competition success,” said Hewitt.
“Yearbooks from the 1940s through the 1960s highlight the importance of these awards, with multiple pages dedicated to winners and their accomplishments.”
Since its conception 100 years ago, the East York Garden Club has been incorporated with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), and now operates as a member of the Ontario Horticultural Association.
In an email to Beach Metro Community News after the March 16 celebration, Hewitt spoke about the resilience of club members as they navigated the hardships of an earlier era.
“During the Great Depression of the 1930s, members faced financial hardships but remained committed to sustaining the club,” said Hewitt.
“In the 1940s, the war years brought further difficulties, as membership declined due to enlistment in the armed forces and others working shifts in war-related industries. Even in those trying times, members did their best to support one another and contribute to worthy causes.”
According to their website, the East York Garden Club currently stands at more than 185 members strong, and continues supporting the community each year with over 2,000 volunteer hours.
“Today, the club continues to thrive, promoting a shared love of gardening within the community,” said Hewitt.
Members of the club gather for meetings at Stan Wadlow on the third Monday every month to commemorate community gardening and share horticultural knowledge among one another.
The club also hosts more than 20 events throughout the year, which includes flower shows, seasonal plant sales, and pop-up garden tours.
“Through engaging guest speakers, seasonal flower shows, plant sales, and participation in events such as the Canada Day parade, members come together to learn, share, and celebrate,” said Hewitt.
Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford and MPP Mary-Margaret McMahon, who were also in attendance at the March 16 gathering, presented the garden club with certificates in honour of the 100-year milestone.
Hewitt said the garden club is always open to welcoming new members who have a shared love for the horticultural arts and community engagement.
“The East York Garden Club remains active and welcoming, always pleased to greet new members who share an interest in gardening, nature, and community involvement.”
For more information about the East York Garden Club, please go to https://eastyorkgardenclub.ca/
