Bolton & District Horticultural Society

A History of BDHS Community Beautification, Naturalization and Special Projects
by Webmaster

In the 16 years since the BDHS was founded, a number of beautification projects were initiated & financially supported by the society. 

Here is a brief history of some of these sites and BDHS involvement.  The list begins with current, on-going projects. Some projects listed below (numbered 4 - 11) are no longer actively managed by the society, but remain part of the improved landscape of Bolton. 

1. Bolton Mill Park Naturalization Projects, between Queen St. N & Humberlea Road, Bolton

This is a major continuing project of the BDHS, started in 1998.  The Humber River is the focal point and improving the health of the river and the natural habitat in the river valley is the prime purpose of our activities.  Here is what we have accomplished to date:
1998 - diverted a hill side spring to create a Wetlands c/w pond, native trees, shrubs & wildflowers.
2002 - planted mix of native trees & shrubs at McFall’s Dam.
2004 - planted mix of native trees & shrubs on west side of Humberlea Rd.
2005 - planted mix of native trees & shrubs in park at base of hill.
2006 - planted a wildflower garden adjacent to the Wetlands.
2008 - spade planted 33 mature native coniferous & deciduous trees (12 varieties).
2009 - expanded existing Wetlands pond and added new pond south of path. 

2. Dick's Dam Park Community Naturalization Project, adjacent to Glasgow Road, Bolton

The aim of this project is to help re-establish the woodland habitat in this important area of the Humber River valley which will improve both the quality of water that enters the Humber River and the air we breathe plus providing improved habitat for local wildlife.  This park is unique in that the Humber River, a Canadian Heritage River, flows through it and a well used trail connects the various activity areas such as a soccer field, children’s playground, volleyball court and an open area for community events. 

This Park was named after the Dick family who are a prominent family in the Bolton area and whose ancestors originally built the dam to provide water power to their Iron Foundry in Bolton. The original dam abutments are still in place (under the walking bridge).

This area also has other local heritage significance in that it was once part of the hamlet of Glasgow that was incorporated into the Village of Bolton in 1872. Glasgow was a thriving community with both a Woollen and Saw Mill. A Commemorative Kiosk provides an interesting history about the area.  This site also provides access to the Humber Valley Heritage Trail Association (HVHTA) trail which connects with the Rail Trail in Palgrave and the Bruce and TransCanada Trails.

The Fall 2010 Planting Project included 73 mature “ball & burlapped” native species trees. All deciduous trees were protected by vandal/beaver guards plus 3 each T bars for support and a generous amount of mulch.

3. Taylorwood Community Tree Plantation, South of Columbia Way between Kingsview Dr & Westchester Blvd. Est 2010

This is a multi- year naturalization project to re-establish the woodlands in this important local environment by planting native trees & shrubs in the Cold Creek sub-watershed of the Humber River, a Canadian Heritage River, thereby improving both the quality of water in the Humber River and the air we breathe. 

The 2010 Spring Planting Project included 150 trees and 350 shrubs (all native) planted by approximately 30 volunteers.  The 2010 Fall Planting Project included  50 trees and 100 shrubs planted by approximately 35 volunteers.  In addition, 7bird houses were assembled and installed.

This project was initiated in 1995 by the newly founded BDHS as our first major effort in enlisting partners for civic improvement projects.  It was built in 1997 by Town of Caledon Parks staff with funds raised by the society and donated to the town.  The society maintained the plantings in the pavilion until 2005 when responsibility was passed over to the Town of Caledon and the Bolton BIA. The Town of Caledon lost title to the land in 2008 (or earlier – facts unkown) and it has reverted to private ownership. 

5.  Albion Bolton Community Centre, 150 Queen Street S., Bolton – home of the Bolton library, Caledon Parent/Child Centre, Bolton Arena, site of the Bolton Fall Fair, Caledon Home Show, other community events in the rental facility. 

The society established the gardens in 1995 and maintained them until 2008 when a water main burst and emergency repairs resulted in the gardens being removed post haste.  The Town of Caledon assumed responsibility to replant and maintain the beds in 2009.
- Mixed border with perennials, shrubs, vines, trees est. 1995
- Raised planters with Bench and flagpole est. 1995
- Rebekah Rose garden est. 1995
- ‘Plant A Seed and Watch it Grow’ Youth Garden est. 1999

6. Caledon Seniors Recreation Centre, 7 Rotarian Way, behind the Caledon Centre for Recreation & Wellness.

BDHS membership was growing in leaps and bounds and we had outgrown our first meeting site at the Bolton Legion on Ann Street. While we waited for this new facility to open, BDHS members began some ambitious gardening plans to showcase our meeting place.  In 1996 the existing foundation plantings were enhanced by the addition of perennials donated by BDHS members.  New beds were created at the roadside using more plants donated by our generous members and Sant’s Cold Creek nursery.

7. Rotary Place Scree Garden, 7 Rotarian Way,  Bolton  Xeriscape Rock Garden est. 1997: Alpine plants in gravel substrate.

In 1997, BDHS members (and their spouses) muscled into place the boulders donated by James Dick Construction.  Members planted alpine plants into Grade A roadside gravel after first rinsing all the soil from their roots. This resulted in a unique, xeriscape garden we call the scree bed. 

8. McFall’s Lookout, King Street East, just west of Humberlea Road
Viewing platform, historical plaques, native trees and shrubs est. 2001. (also called the McFall Fishway, Mill Park Lookout)

The concept was presented to Town of Caledon council in 1998.  Concerns about privacy for the property owner next door were alleviated when BDHS planted 6 large evergreens for screening purposes along the west border of the site. The lookout garden and pathway was designed and installed in 2001 by landscapers working in consultation with BDHS members.  The goal was to open the view to Mill Park from King Street to reveal the hidden parkland.  Partnerships with the TRCA and Albion Bolton Historical Society resulted in a pictorial display of the milling history of the Humber River.  This park was opened in time to celebrate the federal government’s designation of the Humber River as a Canadian Heritage River.

9. Downtown Bolton Flower Container Beautification Project
Initiated purchase, planting & maintenance of 55 flower barrels from 2000 to 2004.

10. Caledon Centre for Recreation and Wellness, 14111 Regional Road 50, Bolton - Planted a wide variety of shrubs & perennial flowers beds, est. in 2002 and maintained until 2006.

When it became apparent that BDHS was outgrowing the space offered at the Caledon Seniors Recreation Centre, there came an opportunity to move to the new Wellness Centre and to be involved in the Landscape Committee.  Proceeds from two years of Garden Tour fundraising were dedicated to the Wellness Centre and planting of the site began in 2002.  The vast expanse of empty beds swallowed the hundreds of plants BDHS member installed in their first effort.  A major expense was the installation of an automatic sprinkler system.   Fortunately, a generous donation of perennials & shrubs from a business and a thousand bulbs from Rotary filled in most of the planting gaps.

11. Louis Plunkett’s Memorial Garden, Caledon Centre for Recreation and Wellness, 14111 Regional Road 50. Est. in 2004.

Louis Plunkett was a founding member of the society and well past 3 score and ten years of age, was an inspiration to many younger members.  He loved caring for roses and had unlimited energy for gardening in general.  This garden was planted to honour his memory and his many contributions to the society.