President's Message - 1968

Canadians look back with justifiable pride on Canada's first century and on the gala Centennial celebrations.

Our Horticultural Society too can be proud of 75 years of service and of our particular Centennial project. We cooperated with the city of Ottawa in inaugurating the Centennial Garden which flanks the driveway entering the spacious grounds about City Hall. Our initial contribution of $1,000 purchased plants of Canadian origin for the Garden and we have donated several hundred tulip bulbs.

In November, a group of members attended when Mr. R. H. Briggs officiated as His Worship Mayor Donald Reid planted three Royalty crabapples, selected as the Ontario Horticultural Association's Centennial tree. In 1968 the Society will be allotted a specific segment of the Garden for planting according to City specifications, with plants purchased in whole or in part from Society funds. This project has been added to our Public Planting schedule for 1968, and our interest will be sustained, perhaps even extended in future.

Heralding the approach to the Garden stands a bronze plaque mounted on a concrete base, appropriately inscribed to reflect the Society's share and interest in the Garden.

In 1967 our inimitable secretary­treasurer Mr. W. M. Cavaye was honoured with the Centennial Medal.

What of the future? Would that I could gaze into my crystal ball and see a world free from strife and unhappiness and a Canada undivided and increasingly more beautiful. Let us foster our nation's closer union and strive to promote greater beauty in and around our homes, our gardens, our parks, schools, churches and public buildings, along city streets and down country lanes.

An excellent programme for 1968 has already been initiated. The Iris show in June will have a new site, thus providing a diversified range of locations for the various major shows. Your active participation in Society activities is encouraged your support is solicited.

CLARENCE M. BROWN

Please contact the OHS or the author if you wish to republish these articles. © Ottawa Horticultural Society

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