Garden Stratford is a volunteer-led organization that promotes best gardening practices and beautification projects, from home backyards and balconies to public flower beds, in the City of Stratford, Ontario, Canada.
Why not join in?
Our city
Stratford, population 32,000, welcomes many visitors each year, drawn here by our arts and culture, including Canada’s largest repertory theatre, the Stratford Festival, and restaurants inspired by the Stratford Chefs School.
Stratford is in hardiness zone 6A.
Our goals
Founded in 1878 as the Stratford and District Horticultural Society—now Garden Stratford—our organization pursues an unwavering commitment to protecting and preserving the natural environment.
What we do
For members—non-member visitors are always welcome—Garden Stratford holds monthly get-togethers. These feature knowledgeable experts invited to discuss topical issues such as combatting invasive species and promoting pollinator gardens.
Our members volunteer to care for perennial beds in public gardens across Stratford. Newer gardeners who join us benefit from mentoring and advice from experienced gardeners who share everything from tips to plants. We also offer an annual scholarship to a local graduating high school student interested in a career in horticulture, agriculture or related fields.
Doreen Zurbrigg: Garden Captain
In 2025, we renewed the Queensland and Bonnie Richardson gardens.
Susan Kurtz: Project Chair
In 2023 the Public Library garden was renewed.
During COVID lockdown restrictions the annual Plant Sale had to be cancelled.
The Great Garden Giveaway was created to help Stratford gardeners get plants for spring planting. The plants were purchased by Garden Stratford or donated by members and other gardeners.
Mike Matthews: President
The planting and creation of a walkway at the Dutch Memorial garden occured in 2015.
The ‘Goddess of Liberty’ statue was unveiled at Freeland Fountain.
489 Members
Catherine East, Bonnie Richardson and Queensland Gardens.
The Churchill Circle garden was built and planted.
Father Corcoran Memorial Iris Garden—Iris donated to Garden Stratford.
Joan Dickson: President
600 Members
Garden Stratford planted 5000 daffodils and 7000 tulips.
The first Pergola on Lake Victoria was built, but was later destroyed by flooding.
HE Dufton: President
T Orr: Parks Board
Shakespeare Gardens opened in 1936.
Membership cost $1.00
2083 Members
Garden Stratford planted 20,000 annuals, 15,000 tulips, and 4250 gladioli in 90 flowerbeds.
Together with the Parks Board, we led the plebiscite to “Save the Park” from Canadian Pacific Railway development.
Garden Stratford joined the Ontario Horticultural Society.
Planting around the Freeland Fountain took place.
Three gardens: Old Grove, Queens Park, Battery Park
J Grayson Smith: President
130 Members
In 1878 the Stratford & District Horticultural Society separated from the Agricultural Society and became our own entity.
Volunteer Directors
- President: Maureen Cocksedge
- Past President: Mike Matthews
- Vice President and Membership: Mary Ann Flaxbard
- Corresponding Secretary: Yasmine Shamsie
- New Board Member: Linda Wakenhut
- Program: Linda Neeb
- Program Speakers: Lorrie McFadden
- Recording Secretary: Marsha Hempel
- Social Media and Plant Sale: Meka Jones
- Technology: Scott Bremner
- Treasurer: Pat Parsons
Volunteer Leaders
- Archives: Vacant
- Floral Design/Flower Show: Bernice Barratt
- Gardens: Susan Kurtz
- Garden Tour: Ron Nichol
- Newsletter: Jennifer Lewington
- Seeds, Seedy Sunday and Local/Green Team: Alice Mainland
- Web editor: Kelley Teahen
