THE Horticultural Society of Guyana is an organization whose members see themselves as not only participants in a vital hobby, but as social resources for promoting the art and science of flower and plant cultivation countrywide.

One of the displays at a recent exhibition.

The Society is dedicated to encouraging the science and practise of horticulture and developing the public’s enjoyment, appreciation, and understanding of plants and their relation to the environment.

Membership is open to all Guyanese.

Horticulture means garden cultivation, and is derived from the Latin word, Hortus, meaning ‘garden’ and ‘cultura’ meaning ‘cultivation’.

During talk of a membership drive recently, members of the society disclosed the objectives of the HSG as follows:

(a) To promote and encourage interest and participation in all categories of horticulture  among citizens and visitors, so as to create an aesthetic environment, and to recognise the importance of kitchen gardening for food and good health;

(b) to establish and maintain its own gardens at various places;

(c) to arrange horticultural exhibitions, lectures and workshops, and at request, visit gardens to assist in furthering interest in horticulture;

(d) to encourage the propagation, care and use of indigenous plants; and

(e) to identify the Society with similar bodies abroad.

The local society is an associate member of the Royal Horticultural Society of London.

Its members are both males and females who revel in the beauty of plants and flowers, and are now increasingly interested in their hobby in the context of national and global environmental concerns and the desire for food production through urban agriculture.

Pastoral: Two ladies take a leisurely stroll through a city garden.

Secretary of the Society, Mrs. Jill Persaud said the organisation was formed in 1995 by enthusiasts in Georgetown.

It held its first general members meetings at the St Roses High School, but changed venue five other times, and is now accommodated in the Botanical Gardens.

The monthly meetings in the Botanical Gardens are held on the first Tuesday of every month, beginning at 5:00pm, and their agenda includes discussion and training in various aspects on the art and science of horticulture.

The topics discussed usually include plant physiology, repotting techniques or other important matters such as soil types, using the right plant in the right place, and the management and control of pests and other plant-related diseases.

With respect to using the right plant in the right place, Mrs Persaud said: “An indoor plant is not for outside, and you can lose that plant if you don’t know.”

Plants discussed cover a wide range of species, such as ferns, crotons, foliage plants, aquatic plants, orchids, aerial and ground feeders, aquatics, and cacti.

Members also get to browse numerous magazines and newsletters on horticulture, which are part of the Society’s library, which is usually open on these meeting days.

Members share information on a wide variety of plants, get to know their right names, and to learn techniques which yield beneficial results.

At these lively meetings, they bring plants and either swop or share with each other.

Knowledgeable members train others in the manufacture of jams and jellies and preserved fruits made from items grown in kitchen gardens.

Given the growing focus on environmental concerns and matters such as the Low Carbon Development Strategy, the conservation of plants is another area of interest and focus, Mrs Persaud said.

Members of the Executive meet once per month to discuss administrative matters and review the progress of the association and plan for the future.

Monthly meetings aside, the Society stages Flower Shows and competitions, during which the talent of members are showcased, displaying their expertise and talents.

These shows are in keeping with the objective of furthering the love and knowledge of horticulture, and underlining its potentially useful role in contemporary life.

“If everyone plants a flower, we will have brighter communities and, by extension, a brighter country,” a very enthusiastic Mrs Persaud said.

The last such competition was held in March of this year, with full participation by members, which was a pleasing sight to visitors.

All competitions are held in accordance with rules laid out by the Royal Horticultural Society of London.

The next big show is scheduled for October 31 at the Umana Yana.

The exhibits will include ground displays, patio displays, fresh florals, ferns, orchids and garden ornamentals among others.

This show will take the form of a one-day exhibition, and more details will be made available as the date draws closer.

“If you believe flowers are beautiful, then you wouldn’t want to miss this show,” Mrs Persaud said.

Admission fees range from $300 to $500 per person.

The Society also raises funds from such activities as tea parties and the auction of rare flowers.

A cake sale is scheduled for Friday, just outside of the Republic Bank on Water Street.

A major objective of theirs, Mrs Persaud said, is to acquire their own accommodation.

“A location of our own! Aaah! We’ll die trying, if we have to,” she said.

The current executive comprises Allison Noord, President; Jean Harding, 1st Vice- President; Louise Joseph, 2nd Vice President; Jill Persaud, Secretary; Yolanda Vasconcellos, Treasurer; Dawn Sookdeo, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer; Juliet Mandbodh, Librarian; and Vibart Griffith, Joann Joseph, Marilyn Gibson and Milisa Sawak, Committee Members.

Ordinary members of the Society hail from Georgetown, and such diverse areas as Soesdyke; the East Bank; Linden; the East Coast; and West Coast Berbice.

Persaud said the Society is planning an outreach programme, which will include spreading the gospel of horticulture in schools.

Membership is generally open at all times to anyone from any part of Guyana, male or female, who has an interest or who is already involved in horticulture and want to hone their skills.

A good point of contact is the monthly general members meeting in the Botanical Gardens held, as indicated before, on the first Tuesday of every month starting at 5:00pm.

The location is next to the Plant Nursery.

“Show up, fill an application form, attach the annual subscription of one thousand dollars and come on board and enjoy the benefits of being a member of the horticultural community in Guyana,” Mrs Persaud said.