in Chatsworth, Grey Highlands, Southgate, West Grey
October 11, 2024
BY LYNN SILVERTON — Next Spring/Summer, a natural garden for 'The Lads' that went 'Over There' will grace the Eugenia Cenotaph in the Eugenia Falls Conservation Area. A large group of volunteers gathered on Friday, October 4, to finally plant plants that are native to our immediate area in the lovingly prepared monument grounds that date back over 100 years.
Under the tutelage of Claire Ellenwood of Ontario Flora and the leadership of Joyce Hall, and with the permission of Grey Sable Conservation Authority via Margaret Potter, we prepared the ground and planted a great amount of beautiful flowering perennial plants and ferns. (Kinda reminded me of the hymn "We plough the field and scatter the good seed on the land"!)
Some of us began meeting about a year-and-a-half ago to plan this big task. Folks from your Grey Highlands Peace Committee, Flesherton-Markdale Legion, Eugenia community and Grey Sauble Conservation Authority. With funds being needed, an application was submitted to the Community Foundation Grey Bruce and knowing this was a worthy cause, they generously donated $3,000.00 to help with the beautification plan.
Ice River Springs, Eugenia District Community Improvement Association, Devonleigh Homes and others also donated to the project, including the provision of plants. Weed-free soil and mulch were also purchased. The Municipality of Grey Highlands looked after supplying the truck and manpower to pick up and deliver supplies to the site.
More money needs to be raised to pay for the existing plants, as well as for continued maintenance. A spaghetti dinner at the Flesherton-Markdale Legion will be held at 5 pm on Saturday, October 19. Proceeds from the dinner will support the Eugenia Memorial Park project.
Ice River Springs also donated water for the hard working volunteer gardeners. Stacie Howe of Kimberley General Store donated delicious goodies that we enjoyed at our half time breaks (we did 4 days of 3 hours each day). Cathy Barnett of Flesherton Home Hardware donated boxes of large brown garden/leaf bags essential to solarizing (blocking weed growth) the area. Other 'in kind' donations were received from Inglis Falls Arboretum Alliance, Rock Solid Landscapes and Ontario Flora.
Bo and Brian Penny were there as well — as if they didn't have enough to do looking after the Healing Gardens at the new hospital in Markdale! They have a few faithful helpers and one happy weekend, your Grey Highlands Fire Department helped as well. Given the ever-attentive nature of a garden, the core group of volunteers will desperately need help with ongoing weeding.
The monument area will also be updated to reflect the names of our local men and women who, in various actions since WWI & WWII, have given their lives continuing the fight for peace in their time and forever. "Lest We Forget - We Will RememberThem.
Donations to this cause can be made via the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority website. Anyone who wants to volunteer, can contact me — what a great way to enjoy the fresh air.
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