At the Central Experimental Farm, many passionate scientists, horticulturists, and botanists created new plant varieties by crossbreeding. This allowed them to develop plants that were both more beautiful and more resistant to harsh weather. Thanks to their work, some plants became better adapted to Canada’s cold climate.
I was fortunate enough to create some myself. I worked on developing hybrids of crabapple trees, lilacs, roses, and many others. I truly enjoyed the process and the success of my scientific experiments.
In 1919, I succeeded in producing the first lily adapted to the Canadian climate: the Lilium ‘George C. Creelman’. This lily bloomed despite harsh winters. What a joy! Many gardening enthusiasts adopted it, but it disappeared from Canadian gardens in the 1940s. I’m proud to have contributed to the advancement of horticulture in Canada and to have shared my passion for plants.
