Lethbridge is on the verge of having a major ornamental garden, an attraction for all to enjoy that may even attract garden lovers from beyond the city limits.
That’s the goal of the Lethbridge and District Horticultural Society, led by a core of garden lovers 10 strong who in a committee of the society created the vision for what’s called the Legacy Ornamental Garden. The group started about three years ago pulling together a concept that in short order was accepted by the City of Lethbridge, which then set aside about an acre in the northwest corner of the new 76-acre Legacy Regional Park off 13th Street and 40th Avenue N. Garden beds will cover about 1,760 square metres.
Principles for the garden design developed by the committee include recognition of the Southern Alberta landscape and topography, from the Rockies through foothills and prairie, water features and plants that are native to the area. Elevation to suggest the area’s descending topography was achieved through construction of a berm of about nine metres. The berm also allows for enhancing garden relief and visibility and provides some protection from prevailing winds.
Plants from varied tree species, flowering shrubs, perennials and annuals with varied bloom times and drawn from species know to flourish in the area will add diversity to the gardens. Herb and some vegetable gardens can also be incorporated into the design, still in keeping with the ornamental nature of the gardens.
Principles also provide a focus on plant education, water conservation, maximum visual interest and broad use of the area by members of the community.
Basic garden foundation, servicing, landscaping including benches, patios and pathways, trees and shrubs were completed by the end of October.
The Legacy Ornamental Garden committee has now turned its attention to fund-raising efforts toward a water feature that would be installed in spring 2018. A package to inform potential donors to the water feature and other garden elements, most notably plants, has been developed and distribution of the materials has started.
As well, planning will continue toward the first plantings in early spring, under direction of another sub-committee of the society.
The Horticultural Society has committed $25,000 over three years toward the Gardens. As well, the committee has applied for grants and has already received interest from potential donors.
You can participate through donations on the Legacy Garden Page of this website: https://wp.me/P8hYxd-2T