Erik Hogh, a member of the Orangeville Horticultural Society for 23 years, will be honoured with the Ontario Horticultural Association's highest award, the Silver Medal, this Saturday in Owen Sound.

The award is given to a member who does outstanding work in the advancement of horticulture. Jean Phillips, who nominated him, says that during his time with the local society, Mr. Hogh has continually gone over and above what was expected.

He has seen the award presented to other members of the association over the years and never dreamt that one year he would be the recipient.

Why be a horticulturalist? "I do it because I like to do it and because I can do it," he said.

He joined the society in 1984 and quickly became very involved. In 1985 he became a member of the board of directors, then editor of the Society's year book in 1987 and continues to edit it today.

Ms. Phillips says that with Mr. Hogh's first language being Danish, in the beginning this couldn't have been an easy task.

His other accomplishments within the society include being president for 1993-94; currently serving as its treasurer, which he also did from 1998 to 2001 and again in 2005, and serving as secretary from 1995 to 1997. In 2001 the society made him a life member.

The 81-year-old said he is proud to me a member of the society, especially one that will now have two members who have received the Silver Medal award, Margaret Leitz having won a few years ago.

Mr. Hogh has planted and maintained flower beds in Orangeville and Caledon as part of the Society's Public Planting Program and takes pride in his personal garden, which he has opened up to members on a number of occasions and to the public annually. His garden is full of herbs and scented geraniums, which he started from cuttings.

The Association's annual general meeting will take place at the Harry Lumley Centre in Owen Sound this Saturday.