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Top Generation Club hall garden renovation project, by Gloucester Horticultural Society
by GHS
 In the fall of 2008, the Gloucester Horticultural Society was asked to participate in Albert’s Gardens project. This project studies the effect of climate change on the bloom time of tulips in local gardens. The NCC would provide tulips if we could find a place to plant them and if we were willing to record the tulips’ bloom times. Gloucester Horticultural Society approached the Top Generation Club (a local seniors club) to see if we could plant the tulips in the beds around their club hall.
Their response was unexpected. They informed us that the maintenance of the beds had become too much for them and they were, in fact, considering converting the garden beds to lawn. Unless … perhaps? … we would be willing to take over the maintenance of the beds. Of course we agreed immediately.
The beds were badly overgrown and some invasives had taken over. So in late 2008, we went and did a major pruning and clean-up of the beds which included the removal of Convallaria majalis and Saponaria officinalis. Unfortunately, in some cases these two invasives had become so intertwined with the existing plantings that the only thing to do was remove the plants. In other cases, sun-loving perennials had been planted and were struggling for survival under the canopy of the now mature trees.
During the winter months, we realized that this project may qualify for an OHA Special Projects Grant. So we formalized the plan, included our budget, plant list and photos of the site, and submitted an application to the OHA for consideration. At our District AGM we were notified that we had been successful in our grant application. We knew our project would be even more spectacular now.
We resumed the transformation of the beds in the Spring of 2009. The first step was to check back on the invasives – had we eradicated them? Not even close! They were back in full force so in early May the beds were turned over, spade by spade, and each spade of soil was literally sifted through to try to remove all the roots. A new bed added to balance to the design. Then two trailer loads of manure were added to the beds.
In the beginning of June a team of volunteers planted the beds following the plan that had been drafted as part of our Special Projects Grant application. After planting, the beds were mulchd and everything was watered well. A roster of volunteers took over the regular maintenance.
 One of our goals in taking on this project was to make these public gardens something that would improve our community. The seniors who use this facility as their “club house” appreciate the neat and tidy beds with their lush healthy foliage plants. Summer events take on an added dimension in this inviting outdoor setting. Vibrant gardens have brought new life to this heritage setting. The gardens are a source of pride for our group and make the site a more fitting location for a Horticultural Society monthly meeting. We will be honoured to show these beds off at our 85th anniversary celebration in 2010.
As a side note, the tulips for Albert’s Gardens which were the impetus for this whole project never materialized. That year the NCC was unable to supply bulbs. However, the renovated garden that resulted is something that has far reaching benefit.
Site history:
“The Ramsayville School (SS No. 13) is a one-room converted school house built in 1894. It is the second building authorized to hold school sessions since permits were first issued for Ramsay’s Corners in 1848. The building is one of the few remaining brick school houses of that era still standing and still in public use in Ottawa-Carleton. This designation includes the school house, an outbuilding and the land within the property lines.” (Quoted from the wall plaque indicating that this building was designated as an historical site in 1997.)
The Gloucester Horticultural Society began meeting at this facility in 1975 and continues to do so today. The cosy one-room school house is a National Capital Commission heritage building.
Gloucester Horticultural Society
Mary Ann Van Berlo
December, 2009 (2010-06-17) |
