A.  History

In 1984, several Geranium enthusiasts under the direction of Ed Endersby and Marjorie Mason, Manager of Pine Ridge Nursery (at that time, a major source in Ontario for obtaining the many unusual varieties and cultivars of this beautiful genus), decided to form a club.  It is through their efforts that the Geranium and Pelargonium Society of Ontario was born.

What we call Geranium is actually a Pelargonium.  Botanically, it is a member of the family Geraniaceae and the genus Pelargonium. However, in deference to common usage, we refer to them as Geraniums.

The first Geranium was taken to England from South Africa, its native home, in 1672.  By the early 1800’s it was firmly entrenched in gardens all around the world.

In 2000, the Society added Fuchsias to the list of plants to be promoted by the club.

B.  Objects

The object of the Society is to promote, to make available, and to preserve rare and unusual varieties of Fuchsias, Pelargoniums and other related members of the Geraniaceae Family.  Some members hybridize plants to create new, interesting and beautiful varieties.

C.  Membership

The Society welcomes both amateur and specialists to join its membership.  An annual membership fee of $20.00 per family is charged.  Students’ fee is only $5.00, if an email address is provided for the newsletter.

Advantages of Membership

Members receive an interesting and informative quarterly Newsletter prior to each of four events sponsored by the Society each year. Members have access to other members’ collections of uncommon and unusual varieties through plant sales and swaps. Lasting friendships can grow on the basis of common interests.

Library

Members can borrow books on geraniums, pelargoniums and fuchsias from our library during any of our general meetings.

D.  Events

Four events are held each year at the Toronto Botanical Garden, 777 Lawrence Ave. E., Toronto, ON.  Members and the public are invited to these events.

1.  Feb. 23, 2025 – General meeting from 1:00 to 3:30 pm in Studio 1 – Presentation, mini plant show and sale, refreshments.
2.  May 4, 2025 – Annual Plant Sale – 11:00 am to 2:00 pm- our main fundraiser for the year and a good place to obtain unusual varieties for your home and garden and for the August Show.
3.  Aug. 10, 2025 – Annual Show and Plant Sale in Floral Hall – beautiful blooms and fabulous foliage are on display, including extremely rare and historic varieties. Members entering specimens in the show: staging will take place between 9:00 and 10:55 am; judging starts at 11:00 am. Hall will be open to the public from noon to 3:00 pm.
4.  Nov. 16, 2025 – General meeting from 1:00 to 3:30 pm in Studio 1 – Presentation, mini plant show and sale, awards presentations, election of executives, penny table, and holiday festivities during the refreshment break.

Photos of a past event: GPFSO 2019 Annual Show