The Master Gardener Program came to Canada when the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) reviewed ways to provide horticultural information to the public using volunteers.  In 1985 London was chosen as one of the first pilot programs of Ontario Master Gardeners.  After losing the OMAFRA funding in 1996, the Master Gardeners of Ontario Inc. formally became incorporated in 1998.  At that time there were 36 active groups with a membership of over 800 volunteers. Today the London Middlesex Master Gardener group is 24 people strong and serves Middlesex Country. 

London Middlesex Master Gardeners aWill be selling Rain Barrels again, starting in March 2011.  Click on the Rain Barrel tab below to find out tips about the benefits and uses of rainbarrels.  

Memorial to Donna Hickmott

When Donna Hickmott died this spring, London Middlesex Master Gardeners lost a long time member and friend.  Donna joined London Middlesex Master gardeners in 1987 and was one of our original members.  She obtained her Master gardener Certificate through the University of Guelph.  During years of active service, Donna held such executive positions with the group as events, plant sales, secretary, social and archives. 

In addition, Donna was a member of several of the London area horticultural societies.  She joined London Horticultural Society in 1976  where she was a regular and faithful attendee and a highly valued member of that society.  She was a passionate flower arranger and constantly exhibited at shows.  Donna volunteered on the help desk where her great store of information was much appreciated by other members of the society.

Donna and her husband Owen were great travellers and members of the London Camera Club.  They were able to host many presentations based on their numerous trips.

The Ontario Ministry of Citizenship awarded Donna with a Volunteer Service award for 20 years commitment to voluntarism. 

Donna was a registered nurse by profession.  She was very proud of her family.  She believed in constantly updating ones knowledge and skills.  She  is greatly missed by all at London Middlesex Master Gardeners.