About Us

The Russell and District Horticultural Society welcomes you to learn more about our wonderful organization, and invites you to join us.

What we're all about

The Russell and District Horticultural Society was founded in 1919 and is still going strong today. We are located in eastern Ontario and include members from many villages in the area such as Russell, Embrun and Metcalfe (to name a few).

We are an active group of people of all ages and backgrounds with a common love of gardening! We hold monthly meetings where we have guest speakers on all sorts of interesting topics. We have day trips to places such as local garden centres and flower farms, workshops where we create beautiful garden ornaments and each year we hold a garden tour.

Have a look at our 2025 Yearbook for lots more information.

Membership

It's easy to become a member of RDHS and support the wonderful work that we do. All you have to do is come to any of our meetings or events and purchase a membership from Linda.

An adult membership for the Russell and District Horticultural Society is $15 per person, per year (January to December).

You can pay by cash, or by electronic payment using the email address . Please be sure to include your full name in the message area of the electronic payment so we know who the membership is for!

By purchasing an RDHS membership, you agree to abide by the Society's Code of Conduct.

Learn more ...

Junior Gardeners

We have a lively program for young people aged 5 to 16 who want to learn about growing things.

The registration for the Russell Junior Gardeners program fee is $10 per year/child. In households with more than 2 children, the fee is $10 per child for the first 2 children, then $5 per child for more.

Registration for the program is in March each year and then at the end of May the kids can pick up their free plants - 2 varieties of vegetables and 2 flowering plants. They'll learn how to take care of their plants and watch them grow over the summer. In the fall they display what they've grown.

It's a great way to meet new friends, learn about gardening and have lots of fun!

Have a look at the Russell Junior Gardeners' Facebook page!

Projects

Over the years, the Society has completed many projects in our community. The bridge in MacDougall Park is one and the Children's Fantasy Reading Garden at the Russell Branch of the library is another. Protecting the environment is very important to us, and each year we hold an event called March it on Out! where everyone is encouraged to think about reusing items rather than throwing them away.

We take great pride in our community and over the years we have spearheaded many beautification projects.

History of the Society

The Society was founding in 1919 and has been going strong ever since. Learn more about our history and the members that contributed so much to our community over the years.