Autumn is a great time to be in Saskatchewan. It is even a better time to be a student at the Saskatoon School of Horticulture as we spend a great deal of time touring and working with as many horticultural enterprises as possible.
Recently we toured the Parkside region of the province, which began with some time spent at Honeywood Heritage Nursery just south of Parkside. If you have not ever been to Honeywood, you should definitely find some time to go. It is a horticultural oasis containing old orchards, lily fields and a number of other specialty plants that thrive in our climate. More than that is that it is a unique piece of history of horticulture on the prairies.
A.J. (Bert) Porter is recognized as one of the pioneer plant breeders of Saskatchewan. This property was founded in 1934, so the history reeks of pioneering spirit not only in Saskatchewan, but around the world as the early plant breeders were an intimate group. The history of Honeywood nursery is an important reminder to us and future generations of the work that went into the fruit and ornamentals we enjoy in our gardens today.
Honeywood was Dr. Porter's home and his nursery. It is the foundation of the work carried out by him throughout his life and is a living legacy to future generations how a person without formal education in the field of horticulture can accomplish. His drive and determination to produce a superior plant whether it be ornamental, such as the lily, or an edible fruit, is an ideal example of what can be accomplished.
Dr. Porter received recognition for his work, but as time marched on the nursery fell into disrepair and was almost lost. In 2001, the nursery was designated a municipal heritage property and a provincial heritage property in 2007.
Today you can visit Honeywood from the Saturday of the long weekend of May until the third Sunday of September. It is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are also a number of events that take place on site throughout the growing season. It is also possible to book your special event on site as well.
Last but definitely not least you can help the Honeywood Heritage Nursery in a number of ways. Volunteering some time is always an option and greatly appreciated. However, you may also support the nursery with financial support. Donations will be used to continue the restoration program that is ongoing. If you are interested in making a donation they are made to the Village of Parkside with the stipulation that the donation be used at the Honeywood Heritage Nursery. Please go to the website at http://www.honeywood-lilies.ca for any further information you may need.
Enjoy the image that goes with this article of our current student body and three supporters of Honeywood.
— Hanbidge is a horticulturist with the Saskatoon School of Horticulture and can be reached at 306-931-GROW(4769); by email at growyourfuture@gmail.com or check out our website at saskhort.com
