The Brampton Horticultural Society traces its roots to February 1895. The Society is entering its second century at a time when gardening is one of the two fastest growing pastimes in Canada. General membership meetings are held at the Flower City Seniors Recreation Centre, 8870 McLaughlin Road South, Brampton, on the fourth Tuesday of the month, with the exceptions of July, August and December, when there are no meetings. Doors generally open at 7:30 P.M., with the formal meeting commencing at 8:00 P.M. The evening consists of a brief review of the Society business and upcoming events, an invited speaker, and a social period. Annual memberships are available as follows: Single Membership $19.00; Family Membership $26.00; Senior Single $14.00; Senior Family $20.00; Junior $2.50 - effective January 1st, 2006. www.geocities.com/bramhort/
For the third year the Brampton Horticultural Society (BHS) is presenting the Front Garden Recognition Awards. This is made possible again by the sponsorship of Bramalea City Centre and the enthusiasm of the BHS volunteer judges. BHS in the process of evaluating the front gardens in the entire City of Brampton.
Based on the criteria below and some careful evaluations by the judges a plaque is placed in the front garden of residents' homes. Information on the programme, the society, "Communities in Bloom" flyer and a "Congrats" note are placed in the homeowner's mail box.
- Curb Appeal
- Garden is neat and tidy
- Garden is well-maintained
- Use of colour is apparent
- Harmony and Balance are apparent
- Good selection of Plant Material
- Good diversity and arrangement of Plant Material
- Use of focal Point
- Creativity is apparent
The number of homes recognized has been increased to 750 for 2006.
The entire city has been divided into twenty four sections and the society has two society volunteer judges for each section placing congratulatory signs in the gardens of homes meeting the criteria.
The programme started the week of July 14th and will be completed by the end of August.
While the society does receive nominations from members of the community, the judging is done by the society members. Any addresses that the society does receive are forwarded to the judges in the given area and will be evaluated. The society does not encourage phone calls with requests. The society does encourage calls from those who receive an award.
The response from the community has been overwhelming and society considers it a great success. It has significantly increased the overall appearance of many neighbourhoods. 
For more information about the Front Garden Recognition Awards 2006 or if interested in becoming a member or supporting the Brampton Horticultural Society, please feel free to send e-mail to: bramhort@hotmail.com or send mail to: P.O. Box 92546,160 Main Street South, Brampton, Ontario, L6W 4R1.
Brampton Horticultural Society website: http://www.geocities.com/bramhort/
Information obtained from the Brampton Horticultural Society website http://www.geocities.com/bramhort/FrontGarden.html