About 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. Protecting the environment is very important to us as well, 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.

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

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!