About the Garden Clubs of Ontario

The history of the Garden Clubs of Ontario

The Garden Clubs of Ontario was founded and incorporated in l954.

In 1981 The GCO and garden-related organisations from fifteen different countries formed the World Association of Flower Arrangers (WAFA). WAFA has a 2010/11 membership enrollment from thirty-seven countries.

Since 1981 The GCO members have attended ten International Seminars, and World Flower Shows and Congresses in England, Belgium, France, Canada (managed by GCO), New Zealand, South Africa, Scotland, Japan and the United States of America.

In 1984 The GCO formed, and continues to circulate information to Garden Clubs Canada, a registry of garden and floral design organisations across the country.

From 1954 to the present day The GCO has had a friendly relationship with the Ontario Horticultural Association and member judges from both associations work for each other, teach programs and judge at flower shows.
The purpose of the Garden Clubs of Ontario is to stimulate knowledge of horticulture and the art of floral design. 

Remember the Ten Neat Things about a Garden Club:-
  1. CAMARADERIE – meeting people with similar interests
  2. LEARNING SKILLS –  watch for our new Education Committee.
  3. WORKSHOPS  -  Each club has workshops on subjects pertaining to Horticulture,the Art of Floral Design and associated craft skills.
  4. SPEAKERS  - The opportunity to hear lectures on subjects of related interest.
  5. DEMONSTRATIONS  -  The ‘How To’ part of a club.
  6. OUTINGS -  The opportunity to go to places of interest often not available to the general public both here and abroad.
  7. NEW HORIZONS  -   Having exposure to new ideas both horticulturally and design wise, by being part of Judges Council, through flower shows, decorating of public buildings and church festivals.
  8. HELP THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT -  Doing our part through outreach to improve local amenities within our speciality.
  9. UNDERSTANDING THE LOCAL HABITATION  - Both flora and fauna – will it grow here?
  10. BEING PART OF A WORLD ORGANISATION  - learning and understanding other cultures, their art, their traditions their flora and fauna.