June 5, 2026
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It seems spring has finally sprung and the gardening season is in full frenzy, with many events and activities.
The Ripley and District Horticultural Society’s regular monthly meeting took place May 20 at the Ripley-Huron Community Centre, with guest speaker Olivia Haufe, garden manager of the Bruce Botanical Food Gardens, delivering an overview of the organization’s objectives and programs.
Haufe is a recent Bruce County transplant with a background in conservation biology. She worked several years for Ontario Provincial Parks before taking the position of garden manager at the food gardens in Ripley last year.
She described the three-prong mission of the gardens: fight food insecurity; provide education on sustainable gardening; and heirloom plant preservation.
The struggle to afford food affects many families in Bruce County and beyond. The food gardens organization promotes itself as a living market where anyone may access fresh produce by picking in season and leaving a donation, or by working in the gardens and harvesting for personal consumption. Additionally, produce is sent to local food banks, food shares and shelters.
Each summer, workshops provide education on gardening practices and are geared to both adults and children. School and summer camp groups enjoy exploring the grounds and learning about the plants and the abundant wildlife that inhabit the property. A mud-oven demonstration and tasting of jellies and spreads on warm flatbread, is a highlight of any tour.
The operation is largely volunteer-run with few paid positions. As one might imagine in the food gardens covering an acre in size, there are many opportunities to get down and dirty. Volunteers are always welcome to assist in maintenance, planning and harvesting. Fund-raising is important to the gardens’ finances and help is always appreciated in this area.
Exciting new initiatives this year, are the Youth Stewardship Program and a research trial aiming to control thistles in the gardens.
The goal of the stewardship program is to provide young people, aged 13 to 16, with the opportunity to learn hands-on skills and build their resumes. Upon satisfactory completion of the six week program, participants receive a certificate, a letter of recommendation and a stipend.
Ripley Horticultural Society members enjoyed Haufe’s infectious enthusiasm and had questions for her during the refreshment break.
The horticultural society's annual spring plant sale took place at Lewis Park, May 16, and while not exactly warm, at least it was dry. Members donated a variety of ornamental, native, vegetable and house plants for sale, by donation. The young horticulturalist group, For Our Youth, also had a sale table with an interesting selection of plants.
By far the most popular items were the hot coffee and fresh baking provided by Elaine Shantz.
Society members met at Smeltzer’s Garden Centre over several days in late May to design and plant the large tubs of annuals that beautify the street corners and downtown core of Ripley.
The next monthly meeting takes place Wednesday, June 17, at 7 p.m. at the Ripley-Huron Legion Hall. The society will hold its annual flower show with members contributing exhibits in a variety of classes. Everyone is invited to dress for a garden party.
Written ByChristine Roberts is a retired elementary school teacher, president of Huron Bruce Nature, member of the Ripley and District Horticultural Society, volunteer for the David Suzuki Foundation, VON volunteer fitness leader and a passionate lover of nature.
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