Early in April, 1983, a notice appeared in “The Casket”, Antigonish, inviting persons interested in gardening to attend a meeting.  The name of Greg MacKenzie was given for “more information.”

On April 14th a group of approximately twenty gardeners met at the John Paul Center.  Greg MacKenzie acted as chairman.  Enthusiasm was the order of business for the evening.  Greg read some correspondence which introduced the garden club concept.  Another meeting was scheduled for the following week.

Weekly meetings were held that first month.  There was much information to be shared.  Bruce Partridge, of Pleasant Valley Nurseries, attended as resource person and covered topics of interest to the new gardener- soil preparation, starting seeds, storage, greenhouses, shrubs, and demonstrations of grafting methods.

In May of 1983, regular monthly meetings began.  Greg MacKenzie, president, Bill Wilgenhof, Vice-president, Lynda MacLellan, secretary, and Josephine Monkman, treasurer, formed the executive.

The first official meeting of the club was held on June 6th, 1985.  Official minutes record every meeting from that date onward. 

A noteworthy event took place in July, when the club entered a float in the Highland Games Parade, winning fourth prize.
Autumn of that year brought a decrease in attendance at meetings; therefore a winter recess was called.  When meetings resumed in the spring, there was renewed interest and an increase in membership.

The club organized a Home Gardening Information display at the Antigonish Mall on May 12, 1984.  The first social was held on July 1st, as a pot-luck barbeque at Greg MacKenzie’s cottage in Arisaig.  It was well organized by Bernadette Gillis, the new social committee chairperson.

The beautification of Columbus Field was a club project for 1984.  Membership cards were distributed and membership fees of $2.00 (single) and $3.00 (double) were collected.  An average of sixteen persons enjoyed the programs at the meetings.  A Christmas Party at Joyce Daigles’ provided an enjoyable conclusion to a very successful second year.