The BHS, the oldest continuous horticultural society in Australia, formed in October 1859 when an interested group of 13 Ballarat citizens met at Bath's (soon to be Craig's) Hotel in Lydiard Street to commence an association which had a major influence in growing Ballarat's horticultural prowess as well as its reputation as a 'Garden City'.

It was also responsible for the import and cultivation of many rare species of flowers and fruit over decades, and its members filled other important civic roles.

Historian Michael Taffe, a former president of the BHS, wrote Ballarat was known as a garden city 'not solely for its public spaces, but for its marriage of public, private and corporate landscaping;' and the society was critical in the birth of this perception.

Current present Kelly Kerr says contrary to what their name suggests, the Ballarat Horticultural Society is open to all gardeners - whether beginners or highly advanced.

"We welcome all interested in the pursuit of information and the friendship of like-minded people," Ms kerr said.

"The pleasures and challenges of gardening in Ballarat are particularly relevant to the many newcomers to the area.

"Local knowledge is happily dispensed. Our scope is wide and our speakers come from all aspects of gardening, environmental, conservation, local and international species and issues. We feel it is important to be informed and ready for the challenges ahead.

"Our upcoming November 4 meeting will feature Scientist Sally Norton who is the National Leader of the Australian Grains Genebank, Agriculture Victoria, based in Horsham.

She will be speaking on her visit and delivery of seeds to the Arctic Seed Bank and the issues of Climate Change affecting that institution, and it's free."

The monthly meeting of the Ballarat Horticultural Society will be held at the Robert Clark Horticultural Centre in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens on Monday October 7, commencing at 6:30pm. Past and present members, along with interested persons, are invited to attend.

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