In this fast-paced world of electronics, technology, and instant messaging, some of us have forgotten how to slow down and breathe. There are few better remedies than the solace of a beautifully orchestrated garden. They are places of serenity, joy, and fascination for the earth’s beauty.
Niverville Communities in Bloom (NCIB) has been actively working towards creating more such natural panoramas for residents and visitors of all ages. In 2016, together with the Remembrance Day Committee, NCIB developed the Cenotaph Poppy Garden to enhance the visual appeal of Main Street’s Heritage Cemetery. The garden has since been featured in Manitoba Gardener and was one of six recipients awarded honours by the Home Hardware Gardens of Remembrance Program. The garden will also be featured in the spring edition of the national Communities in Bloom magazine.
In 2017, NCIB will work with the community to enhance the existing Niverville Heritage Gardens in the outdoor courtyard of the Heritage Centre. NCIB is anticipating a fairly major expansion of the gardens to include more extensive pathways and flower gardens, native plants, butterfly gardens, and a community orchard. More garden beds will be added to complement the previously built Junior Gardener vegetable beds, providing raised garden bed options for seniors. Nearby, a composting area will be created to support the 2017 Business Composting Initiative.
“The intergenerational aspect and historical importance of the Heritage Gardens makes it unique,” says Shirley Hoult of NCIB. “Located on the Crow Wing Trail, the volunteer-run Norman Wittick Memorial Rose Gardens and Botanical Pioneer Gardens are unique, but the additional gardens will create a larger welcoming space for Niverville residents and visitors to enjoy. The expanded gardens will include mobility-friendly pathways, lighting, and access to the gardens. A community orchard will give availability of fresh fruits.”
An interactive component is also in the works for summer. The committee will oversee the installation of a bocce ball court, a lawn chess game, mini libraries throughout the gardens, a pergola, and a barbecue pit for families and visitors to use, as well as a pavilion.
“The Heritage Pavilion will be 26 feet in diameter and reflect the original design of the first grain elevator built in 1879,” says Hoult, referring to Western Canada’s very first grain elevator, built in Niverville. “It will contain some of the original wood used and stained-glass windows depicting the early pioneers to Niverville. It is hoped we can also include some story boards depicting heritage pictures.”
Hoult says that funding will come from a number of sources for this lofty garden project. NCIB was the recipient of generous community donations through the 2014 Heritage Centre gala and some of the life lease landscape funds are being funnelled into this project as well. The NCIB committee has made numerous grant applications for the creation of the pavilion and plans to host a variety of fundraising events this summer, providing opportunities for the community to participate in donating benches, lights, trees, and Celebration of Life plaques.
These items will be available for sponsorship and create opportunities to commemorate life celebrations like births, marriages, and the memories of loved ones who have passed on.
“Gardens and greenspace support a healthier community,” says Hoult. “Art and music events will continue to be offered in the gardens. We are considering participation in a 2018 southeast Cool Gardens exhibition and tour which will draw additional visitors to town.”
Cool Gardens is a public exhibition of contemporary garden and art installations in Manitoba, presented by StorefrontMB and The Forks.
