In alphabetical order, printed below, you will find the annual reports covering all of the projects and operations of the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society in 2025 – A clear reflection of the contributions of both directors and members to the society and to the community.
Annandale Museum Gardens – Liz Bukta, Chairperson
The season started with regular spring clean-up. Spring pots were created using daffodils, pansies, dogwood branches and various bulbs. These pots were placed at the front door entrance and back entrance. In May we prepped for the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society Annual plant sale and auction and supplied many plants.
This year the town delivered and laid new mulch for all the flower beds around the property.
New plant purchases included a “Black Eclipse” Hydrangea and a “Elepidote” Red Rhododendron bush.
Annandale House received a donation of two antique cast iron urns this year. One has been placed beside the side entrance steps and filled with red geraniums, the other is presently under repair and will also be placed on the other side of the steps in the future.
For the summer, pots were completed using various annuals such as banana plants, red new guinea impatiens, different types of ivy, yellow petunias, red geraniums, red dipladenia’s and yellow cannas. The parking lot entry gardens had a beautiful display of dusty miller, red geraniums, purple and white striped petunias and white impatiens. Regular maintenance was completed throughout the summer.
Annandale House was fortunate to receive a donation of a $100 gift card from Zehr’s towards plants and a large discount on annuals this year which helped to fill the gardens beds around the property creating a beautiful display.
In the Autumn/fall three pots containing grasses, mums, peppers etc. were purchased. The two larger ones were placed on either side of the main entrance door. A small one was placed at the back entrance. Coneflowers and Blanket flowers were also purchased and planted in the gardens.
For the Winter/Christmas season pots are filled with seasonal greenery and décor, making sure all are completed in time for the Annandale seasonal open house.
Volunteer Hours: 580
Bert Newman Park – Cathy Kovacs, Director
2025 was a successful year at Bert Newman Park. The season started with the Town of Tillsonburg installing a light-coloured crushed gravel walkway through the park, from gate to gate, and around the centre garden. The walkway was a welcome asset for those using the park however, weeds and grass began to grow through it as the season progressed. A new black fence was also installed around the park in August. With the installation of the fence, we lost a few plants, and some hydrangeas were crushed but by the end of the summer the hydrangeas were coming back. The new fence has enhanced the look of the park.
At the end of the season, the Town agreed to sharing the cost of a new retaining wall around the centre garden in the Park. The retaining wall will hopefully be installed before we plant in early June 2026.
We did have a couple of issues with homeless people in the Park. The Town was very good in dealing with them and removing them.
The garden was lovingly maintained throughout the summer by 8 volunteers – Sherry Crowe, Kathy Crowe, Susan Balazs and her husband Marcus, Anne Corcoran, Mary Jane Leighton, Alana Sinden and myself. A total of 340 volunteer hours were put into the park this year.
Volunteer Hours: 340
Financial Statement – Frank Van Heck, Treasurer
Financial Statements for the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society from November 1, 2025 to October 31, 2025.
Volunteer Hours: 207
Garden Auction and Plant Sale – Christine Nagy, President
The 17th annual fund-raiser was held on Tuesday, May 20 in the Lions Auditorium of the Tillsonburg Community Complex, as per usual.
Set up started at 9:00 a.m. with an army of volunteers. Doors opened at 10:00 a.m. for donations to be received. There were many plant & gently used tool donations from the membership, which is the backbone of this fundraising event.
The donations from the business community were exceptionally generous, and considering the soft retail economy, this was very much appreciated. These donations were from close to 100 companies and businesses located as far away as St. Thomas, Verchoyle, Ingersoll and Norwich as well as from our town of Tillsonburg.
There were very generous donations for the bake table as well as generous sandwich donations from 3 local delis.
We had a full complement of fundraising stations:
- Cash Table for plants, tools, equipment, etc.
- Herb & Vegetable Table
- Prize Table for donations and plants
- Bake Table
- Live Auction
The evening auction was conducted by Bev Burrill partnering with his daughter for the first time. Having 2 auctioneers really sped up the proceedings. We had 4 excellent student volunteers who smoothly delivered auction wins to patrons and cheerfully helped loading vehicles with purchases.
It was a very successful event, matching financial goals and expectations and ending at 8:30 p.m.
Volunteer Hours: 350
Greetings – Dena Luyt, Director
Each member receives a name tag at our meetings. This allows us to get to know each other, to ensure those attending are current members or guests and to keep track of our membership numbers.
Volunteer Hours: 15
Junior Gardener – Cathy Kovacs, Director
This year’s theme was “Plants Have Friends Too!”. We had 75 children register for the program. Each child received 7 packs of vegetable, flower and herb seeds, a cherry tomato plant, a green pepper plant, a marigold plant, a couple of onion bulbs and an information booklet. We also provided 35 packages with seeds and bulbs to the Tillsonburg Helping Hands Food Bank Backpack Program. This year 22 junior gardeners elected to have their gardens judged. Each of them received a Certificate of Achievement and a Solar Light in the shape of a pollinator. Of the 22 judged, 10 received medals at our Horticultural Society General Meeting in October.
In addition, this year we joined forces with Jean Martin and her group at Turtlefest. On the grounds of Annadale House, we set up a booth and helped kids plant seeds that they could take home to nurture and plant in their own gardens. We also distributed extra seed packages, information on the Junior Gardener Program, and our Horticultural Society. The booth was a real hit with the kids and their families which made for a very successful day. There is talk of joining forces for next year’s Turtlefest.
I would like to thank the volunteers who helped me. Anne Corcoran, Sherry Crowe, Jan Torrell, Ilene Chesterman, Dena Luyt, Barb Vibert, and Judi Misener. Together we put in 180 volunteer hours. I would also like to thank Linda and Matt Fenn and their staff at Tillsonburg Garden Gate for their support.
Volunteer Hours: 180
Royal Canadian Legion – Jean Martin, Director
Red tulips in the cross shaped flower bed began the season. The Legion team (Jean Martin,Neena Ciupa, Hanna Hopper, Jenny Thompson and Jane Tunks) then cleaned up the spenttulips and replaced a dying white cedar tree with a blue arrow juniper. The team planted red begonias in the center of the cross with white begonias as a border. The beds along the side of the building were planted with purple and white petunias. Red begonias were usedin the beds along the parking area. The heavy hoses were replaced with lightweight, expanding hoses. These worked well and made watering easier in what was a hot, dry summer.
The beds along the side of the building needed attention. Several shrubs needed to be removed as well as ever expanding groups of daylilies. Thanks to Jenny Thompson, new grasses and perennials were added to the flower beds and some invasive tree seedlings were removed.
For 2026, we will be looking at the durability of the tulips and will complete the removal of the trees that are taking root in the beds. Depending on what survives the winter, we may also be planting some shrubs along with the annuals for the cross and the side beds.
Volunteer Hours: 125
Scholarship – Judi Misener, Director
Our Society sponsors a $1500 scholarship to a graduating student from Glendale High school.
This year’s recipient is Ysabelle Fausto. She is studying environmental design at the Ontario College of Art and Design.
Volunteer Hours: 15
Senior Centre Gardens – Dena Luyt, Director and Co-Chair Diane Pozsgai
Early May, Spring Cleanup completed by 5 volunteers & plant debris brought to transfer station. Six flats of Red & White Begonias and 1 flat of Red & White Portulaca were ordered at Tillsonburg Garden Gate.
May 24th, Begonias and Portulaca plants were planted in garden by 8 volunteers. The gardens were tidied again.
June 7th, 6 drip hoses were carefully laid out throughout the east and north garden.
From then on, the garden was watered Twice a week (Saturday & Tuesday) per drip hoses and hand-watering cans to maintain all the plants throughout the summer till mid-September. Also, the large bushes/ivy was trimmed & garden weeded as necessary Mid July, the Town of Tillsonburg employees added a much-needed layer of Black mulch to the east and north gardens.
The summer of 2025 was very dry and very little rain!!
Mid-September, the drip hoses were removed and stored away for over winter.
Oct 25th, Autumn Cleanup completed by six volunteers. Hosta’s, coneflowers, honeysuckle, hydrangeas, irises trimmed back and all of the annual begonias and Portulaca removed. All plants/debris brought to transfer station.
A total of 115 hours was tallied for volunteer time spent at this garden this year (2025). A Big Thank you to the dedicated and hard-working volunteers as follows: Kathy Crowe, Greta Bryan, Mercy Belding, Dena Luyt, Jill Wareing, Jen Young, Sandra Aspden and Diane Pozsgai.
Volunteer Hours: 120
Social Media / Facebook – Pat Zeyen, Director
In 2025, THS social media had two platforms, Facebook and Instagram.
Posts were generated on social media pages, once or twice a week. Facebook and Instagram posts included brief descriptions and photos of THS general meetings, Annual Spring Buying bus trip, 17th Annual Garden Auction, Junior Gardener Program, Community Gardens, Turtlefest, Members 2025 Summer Garden Tour, Annual August Potluck Social at the Garden of Eden, Spring and Fall workshops, Fall Colours and Foodies bus trip, Annual Christmas Potluck, “It’s still just dirt” by Sue Healey, articles of horticultural interest and THS member garden photos.
We have 300+ social media friends that follow us. We have a community awareness and encourage people to join our society through our social media accounts.
Volunteer Hours: 120
Speakers Program – Barb Quantrill, Director
Joining the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society offers numerous benefits for gardening enthusiasts, both novice and experienced. Our members have gained access to a wealth of knowledge through expert-led talks on diverse topics such as managing urban soils, cultivating native plants, and embracing climate-smart gardening techniques.
Our society has brought in renowned speakers who share insights on specialty plants and innovative practices, enabling members to enhance their gardening skills and understanding. Presenters have given us tours of Gardens across the ocean and also in our own area. Additionally, being part of this horticultural society fosters a sense of community, connecting them with like-minded individuals passionate about horticulture. This network can be invaluable for exchanging tips, ideas, and experiences, ultimately enriching their gardening journey and contributing to more sustainable and thriving green spaces.
Volunteer Hours: 145
Station Arts Centre – Lois Hersey, Director
Spring clean-up was completed with removal of the winter pots and the rock garden was completely cleaned out of all debris on either side of the middle entrance. Rocks were replaced and re-arranged. Overflow of rocks from the back near the air conditioners were placed in the front rock garden to cover exposed landscape fabric. Weeding was also completed at the back by the air conditioners which is visible from Bidwell Street.
The four shrubs are doing well and have been pruned when needed throughout the season.
For the Summer the four pots were completed by Tillsonburg Garden Gate using the red and white theme. The two larger pots contained large palms which made a great statement. This summer was hot and dry, but the watering completed by the BIA and society volunteers kept the four pots looking great. A watering can was purchased to be used by the volunteers. Weeding and clean up was continued around Station Arts.
In the Autumn/fall the four pots were filled with grasses, mums, cabbage, peppers etc.
Winter/Christmas pots are filled with seasonal greenery and décor. Last year’s pots looked great but some of the Christmas décor was stolen.
Tillsonburg Garden Gate has done a great job of providing beautiful seasonal pots this year.
Volunteers for Station Arts: Lois Hersey – Chairperson, Lori Shipperbottom, Anne Marie Kryzanowski, Diane Baulch and Sue Bramall.
Volunteer hours: 33
Sunshine and Greetings – Mary Speechley, Director
A total of 16 greeting cards has been mailed out to members of our society. The cards were 8 get well and 8 sympathies.
Volunteer Hours: 10
Tours – Christine Nagy, President
Two tours were planned and executed for the 2025 calendar year. The Spring Buying tour was sold out which really is no surprise – it’s a very popular tour regardless of where we travel. This year’s tour included a visit to two spectacular gardens in the morning which gave the 56 passengers much inspiration for the subsequent garden centre visits. The “Fall Colours & Foodies” tour was not sold out as the trip was a very long day. Many regular tour goes passed for this reason. The first tour generated income and unfortunately the second tour operated at a wee loss. Totally there were 99 passengers from both trips. A big thank you to all members who supported these Society excursions. While very social, these tours always include a horticultural component, whether purchasing spring plants or becoming inspired with the creative holiday talents of gardeners and professional designers. These trips provided, once again, an opportunity for members to meet other members, gaining new friends in the process.
May 29, 2025 – Spring Buying Tour to Sarnia & Surrounding Area
October 16, 2025 – Fall Colours & Foodies Tour to Thornbury & Surrounding Area.
Volunteer Hours: 130
TurtleFest – Jean Martin, Director
Jean Martin and Cathy Kovacs chaired the committee. Volunteers on the day included Connie McBride, Diane Baulch, Betty Ann Mulholland and Hanna Hopper.
In previous years, the Horticultural Society’s table was located on Broadway with the main events. For 2025 we decided to gear our activities toward children, and the Junior Gardeners Program, with a location at Annandale House. For our activity, children planted seeds in egg carton cups. This was well received, and the location made it easier to engage families. The time (10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) made staffing the table easier. Given the success of this, we hope to do a similar presentation at TurtleFest in 2026.
Volunteer Hours: 27
Volunteer Awards – Marian Smith, Director
“Volunteers aren’t paid – not because they’re worthless, but because they are priceless”.
Volunteers are recognized for continuous years of commitment and dedicated service to the Horticultural Society. This means continuous service throughout the year. Tillsonburg Horticultural Society is extremely grateful to all their volunteers who accomplish so much. Certificates of Appreciation were given in January 2025 and their names were submitted to the Province of Ontario for the Ontario Volunteer Awards. The Ontario Awards ceremony took place in London on Oct. 24. Recipients of appreciation certifications for 2024 are:
Sue Healey – 5 years
Dena Luyt – 15 years
Marian Smith – 20 years
Albert Acre – 20 years ~ Awarded Posthumously
Volunteer Hours: 25
Website – Pat Zeyen, Director
This year we expanded our presence on the OHA website by linking the THS website and updating our information on the OHA society listing page.
All website pages have current information and photos. Website pages include Welcome ~ Presidents Message, Who We Are, Galleries, News, Events/Meetings, In the Community, Membership, 2025 Garden Auction and Plant Sale, Junior Gardens and “It’s still just dirt” article. The latest news is easily viewed on the welcome page.
Volunteer Hours: 80