By Patti Carr, Howick
Howick Horticultural Society
On the 6th of June 1923, the Howick Beautifying Society came into being, the prime supporters being Mr William Green, head teacher of Pakuranga School, Mr Edwin Bates, Mrs H K Gilmour, wife of Hugh – well known for his somewhat erratic business enterprises, Miss M Motion and the indomitable Miss E M Nixon.
The stated aims were to:
- Preserve the scenery and historic sights in Howick whether public or private.
(‘sight’ was indeed spelt that way and not ‘site’)
- To prevent the destruction of bush and banks of creeks, gullies and seashore.
- To encourage tree planting and general beautifying of public places.
- To endeavour by means of photographs or otherwise to make known the beauties of the district to the people of Auckland.
The Society was very conscious of the public image which Howick presented to the many visitors who came to this quiet township to view historic homes and places and so in 1929 it decided to add to its name and become:
“The Howick Horticultural and Beautifying Society”
Several years later the word ‘beautifying’ was dropped and the Society became known as it is today, The Howick Horticultural Society.
Garden club meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month with interesting speakers and plant trading tables. Today there is an emphasis on home gardens, encouraging members to discover new plants, swop notes and advice – and cuttings of course.
Two shows are held annually – a Spring Daffodil Show in September and a Rose Show in early November.
The Society will celebrate 100 years in June 2023 as a viable, enthusiastic group for whom Howick has much to be grateful for.
Please see the ‘events’ calendar on the Howick 175th website for details
Patti Carr. – Committee.
Email: carrep@xtra.co.nz