HISTORY OF THE REGINA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

The Society had its origins in 1896 when a group of ladies of the Altar Guild of St. Paul’s Anglican Church formed a gardening club.

In 1901, the “Leader” newspaper of August 29th told about a well- attended meeting which formed the Assiniboia Horticultural Society, with directors from Regina, Moose Jaw, Indian Head, Pense and later, Lumsden. There was much discussion about whether to include Arboriculture as well as Horticulture. In naming the society, Assiniboia won by one vote over Regina. The society held meetings regularly until 1907. It was reorganized in 1908 as the Regina Horticultural and Improvement Association, with a membership fee of $1.00 per year for men and $0.50 for women. In 1911 it was renamed again as the Regina Horticultural Association. There was a hiatus during the First World War. In 1924 it was reorganized as the Regina Horticultural Society and held annual fruit, vegetable, flower, plant and home garden competitions. In 1929 it had a membership totalling 150 people. Many shows, competitions, and meetings have been held continually since then; by the mid 60’s there were a total of 32 cups and trophies awarded annually. In total 39 cups, trophies and prizes have been awarded over the years, bearing such illustrious Regina names as Darke, McAra, Champ. England, Whitmore, Hamilton, etc. The society has had a remarkable effect on encouraging residents to change a bare tract of prairie into the beautiful city, of Regina today.

Regina Horticultural Society (RHS) training

Horticultural Gardening Education