Horticultural Society honours members

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This article was published 17/07/2017 (3173 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

After several spring cleanups, it was time for some blossoming and colour at the Seven Oaks Arboretum.

On July 8, the West Kildonan Horticultural Society dedicated their new Memorial Rose Garden in honour of past and present members. The garden, located at the Seven Oaks Arboretum, features red and white roses that WKHS member planted in celebration of Canada 150.

The WKHS has been around for more than 50 years striving to promote interest in horticultural activities for all community members. Lifetime members and volunteers attended the event to celebrate this new feature in the arboretum located on 430 Partridge Ave. WKHS committee member Roswitha Nowak said Shawna Harkness-Thompson and Lola Lafreniere, Memorial Rose Garden project co-ordinators, planned this tribute for several years.

“It was a matter of tying it in and remembering them (members present and the past). It’s a living tribute,” Nowak said. 

Because of the many apartment buildings in the surrounding neighbourhood, the arboretum is highly used by community members, she commented. 

The WKHS works in partnership with other community organizations to organize events for those who enjoy gardening. Some of their past and present projects and volunteer work include maintaining the Seven Oaks Arboretum, donating to ImagineAbility’s greenhouse, doing landscaping for Habitat for Humanity and maintaining plant beds at the West Kildonan Memorial Community Club.

“It really is a very strong community connection in every way,” Nowak added. “It’s been involvement that goes right back from the onset.”

Before the dedication day, James Houldsworth, City of Winnipeg’s superintendent of Parks North, met with co-ordinators to address dead trees and branches as well as replace and repair benches and tables, which are wheelchair accessible. 

Nic Curry attended the dedication ceremony and said he wants to get involved when the Society hosts their next clean up at the Seven Oaks Arboretum. He said that WKHS adds to the neighbourhood care for green spaces.

“Their garden provides both a destination and an example of community engagement,” Curry said. “The West Kildonan Horticultural Society provides community members from across the North End with a sense of belonging and friendship through careful stewardship for one of our many beautiful parks. 

“The new rose garden is a wonderful addition to the park and is a beautiful centrepiece to an already excellent spot for a picnic, play area or space to rest and relax.”

For those who’d like to get involved can contact WHKS at wkhort@gmail.com. For more information go to www.wkhorticultural.ca