More about the Prairie Garden History (continued)

During this same time period (mid-50s), the annual statements of the Winnipeg Horticultural Society were no longer included. In 1957, in conjunction with the books new name, Glad Reycraft began his long tenure as the Editor (1957 to 1973). Glad was involved with the publication prior to that as a member of the Winnipeg Horticultural Society. He was a Director of this Winnipeg society in the early 1950s, then served consecutive terms as Vice President and then President. In 1956 he became "Chairman" of The Flower Garden Committee. The newly formed committee became The Prairie Garden Committee in 1957. And so, 1957, 30 years after the first edition was published, was an auspicious year for The Prairie Garden. The book had a new name, and a new look, and a new process. Now The Prairie Garden Committee was responsible for publication of the book, but still under the continued auspices of The Winnipeg Horticultural Society.

Since the early years, the format of the book has changed somewhat. The 1972 issue wasn't the first edition produced with colour photos (e.g., 1961), but it was when the colour section became a regular feature. The colour photos in this issue targeted a particular topic or theme which was highlighted on the cover. The book was such a success that the practice has been continued ever since. In 1974 the idea was expanded and a portion of the articles in the books were also chosen to expound on the theme highlighted by the colour photos. This was the year after Glad Reycraft stepped down and Phyllis Thomson took over as Editor. A Treasurer position was also created this year (1973/4), and Roger Brown took over finances for the committee from Glad. During this time, the process to formalize the committee began, and in the late 1970s a set of regulations was adopted and positions for Editor, Treasurer, Secretary and Chair were ratified. This allowed for a more structured approach to the task at hand and a clearer delineation of responsibilities.

In 1990, the practice of inviting a Guest Editor (Wilbert Ronald) to assist with the collection of theme material (Bulbs and Perennials) began, and Frances Wershler took over as Editor from Roger Brown who had been Editor for the 1989 issue featuring "The Best of 50 Years of Prairie Gardening" to help transition Fran into the role after Diane Wreford stepped down after the 1988 issue featuring "Gardening Indoors." Once again transitioning the book's production team produced a successful idea which has been continued to this day. The now on average 176-page digest-sized book has a 16-page colour insert that highlights the theme and general gardening articles alike.

Committee members have changed over the years, usually after years of service. Glad Reycraft retired as Editor in 1973, after over 15 years of service (1956 to 1973). He was succeeded by Phyllis Thomson (1974 to 1979). That same year (1974) Roger Brown took over as Treasurer. Shortly after Louis Lenz took over Chairman from P.J. Peters. When Phyllis Thomson moved away in 1979, Dianne Wreford took over as Editor (1979 to 1988). Frances Smith joined the committee in 1977 and soon became Secretary. Fran Wershler took over as Editor in 1989 (1990 to 2002 issues) after Roger Brown's issue as Editor (1989). In 1990 Linda Pearn became Secretary when Frances Smith retired. 1991 was the first issue produced on a computer, and Fran's second issue as Editor. In 1997 Jean Pomo became Treasurer taking over from Roger Brown, who stepped down from this position only to, in 2002, step back once again into a more executive role as Co-Chair with Gary Platford. Roger Brown has retired from the executive in mid 2007. Gary has either shared the Chair position or been the sole Chair since Louis Lenz retired from this position in 1989, after more than a decade of service as Chair. Gary's other Co-Chair Charlie Thomsen, shared the chair position with Gary from 1989 to 1993.

When the Winnipeg Horticultural Society disbanded in 1999/2000, The Prairie Garden and The Prairie Garden Committee continued on with publication of the book. 2002 saw another change in the editorship when Frances Wershler stepped down after being Editor for 12 consecutive issues, and Yvonne Dean took over as Editor for the 2003 book. She was the first Editor to send the publication to the print house on disc. In 2003 Audrey Hosegood became Editor when Yvonne moved west, continuing the production of the book in-house. Audrey began her editorship in early 2003, producing the 2004 to 2007 issues. She also developed our first Web site, giving The Prairie Garden its first Internet presence, and bringing the publication fully into the present. Richard Denesiuk took over as Editor March 1, 2007, beginning his tenure preparing The 2008 Prairie Garden featuring "Roses." 

Many members of this dedicated committee stay for over a decade, sometimes two, before moving on. Members of note over the years have included: Glad Reycraft, J.R. Almey, John Walker, Fred Weir, Charlie Thomsen, Fred Rice, Pete de Wet, Phyllis Thomson, P.J. Peters, Louis Lenz, and Dianne Wreford. All of our current committee members are serious and distinguished gardeners, many being veteran professionals in one or more of a variety of specialties.

back to previous page