Blooming Together
Lorna McIlroy Past President , ARTA
It is a bright Friday morning . Birds sing , butterflies flutter , bees buzz , and throughout the gardens , heads are bent as volunteer gardeners dig , prune , deadhead , and weed .
Photo by Virginia Quist
Many are enjoying the sun as they work , protected by sun hats and sunscreen ; others are happier in the shade . Working within their comfort zones , volunteers are kneeling , bending , sitting , standing , and reaching . There are snippets of conversation as the work progresses , but at the midmorning coffee break on the patio , enthusiastic conversations and laughter fill the air . Working with nature obviously enhances their physical and mental well-being .
Operated and maintained by volunteers , St . Albert Botanic Park at 265 Sturgeon Road , is just one of many such gardens , but it is special because it ' s located just a ten-minute drive from Edmonton ’ s ARTA building . This beautiful five-acre green space is open year-round from sunrise to sunset with no admission charge . Work parties are held during the growing season on Tuesday and Friday mornings , but volunteer contributions by all ages continue throughout the week and the year .
This park began in 1990 as the dream of Richard Plain and John Beedle . It grew with dedicated volunteers and flourished with generous donations from individuals , plant breeders , businesses , and associations .
SUMMER 2024 | 31