North York Garden Club Celebrates More Than a Century of Community

I was honoured to join the North York Garden Club, led by President Christina Pierroz, for the unveiling of its 100-Year Commemoration Plaque at Mel Lastman Square. The plaque has been beautifully installed, where visitors attending performances and community events can enjoy this tribute to one of North York's longest-standing community organizations.

The plaque celebrates a remarkable legacy of neighbours coming together to share gardening tips, exchange seeds, learn from one another, and participate in friendly gardening competitions. It is a reminder that strong communities often grow from simple shared interests.

One of the highlights of the event was seeing a photograph of Mr. Frederick Goode, who founded the club in 1924. While the plaque commemorates the club's centennial, it is now proudly celebrating its 102nd year. I also enjoyed seeing a photo of former North York Garden Club President John Chalmers with then-Mayor Mel Lastman in 1981, a wonderful snapshot of local history.

Over the past century, the North York Garden Club has helped strengthen our community through a shared love of gardening. Christina also shared exciting plans for future outreach initiatives to welcome new members. One longtime member fondly recalled the club's former Junior Membership, which introduced students to the joys of gardening, and expressed hope that this tradition can be revived for a new generation.

Congratulations to the North York Garden Club on more than 100 years of cultivating friendships, community spirit, and beautiful gardens. Here's to another century of helping our community bloom.

Special thanks to Rosa Maria de Barros and the North York Central Library for hosting the reception and housing the archives in the Gladys Allison History Room. We also thank City of Toronto staff Todd Swan and Trista Murphy, who helped mount and prepare the plaque for unveiling.

The club always welcomes new members. They meet monthly at Willowdale Presbyterian Church at 38 Ellerslie Ave. You can find out more: www.northyorkgardenclub.ca