Fort Erie’s horticultural society folds after a century of service

The Fort Erie Horticultural Society will close at the end of the year after more than a century, ending its ability to fund bursaries and organize community work under its long-standing banner.

The 104-year-old group is shutting down because no member would take on key officer roles, leaving it unable to legally operate. Residents will still see gardening projects around town, but volunteers will no longer have the society’s structure or support.

The society’s collapse began when its treasurer stepped down after completing a two-year term, leaving a critical gap in leadership. Ruth Markle, president of the Horticultural Society, told Fort Erie Radio that despite appeals, no one among the membership volunteered to take on the responsibility.

“Without that officer, we can’t carry on,” said Markle.

She said the group had weathered interruptions before, including during the First World War, but always found new leaders. This time, she believes the society has reached its end.

“I don’t think the Horticultural Society will be coming back to Fort Erie,” said Markle.

The closure will also bring an end to the society’s long-standing student bursary program, which for years provided financial support to local young people pursuing studies in horticulture and related fields.

“We cannot, as a volunteer group, give money to students. So that’s going to be our big loss,” said Markle.

Volunteers including Markle and longtime member Kriena Thielking plan to continue maintaining gardens at the fire hall on Central Avenue, the Lions Seniors Centre on High Street and school gardens such as Our Lady of Victory. Markle said plant sales may also continue, with proceeds to contribute to supporting local gardens.

“Some of our older members are quite devastated because a lot of them poured time when they were well into activities,” said Markle. “Myself, I’m sad. I was president for ten years, and we worked hard to raise our profile.”

She added that larger organizations, such as the Ontario Horticultural Association and regional bodies often overlooked smaller towns like Fort Erie, leaving local volunteers to manage projects without outside resources or recognition.

“To be very frank, they’re not interested in what goes on in small communities. I think we’re best suited to work within the existing groups here for our local people,” said Markle.

She believes the future lies in smaller, independent efforts, with members organizing their own plant sales and community garden work outside the society’s structure.

“We’ll emerge as a group of interested green and growing volunteers,” she said.

The society’s final official event will be a November meeting featuring guest speaker Jeff Bokma from Vermeer’s Garden Centre, giving members one last chance to gather before the group disbands permanently on December 31.

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