How does the Doris Gallighar Memorial Garden grow?
Ask the Ladysmith Health Care Auxiliary and they will tell you with love, devotion and the helping hands of dozens of volunteers over its 30-year history.
Since 1984, when $1,000 was bequeathed in honour of Doris Gallighar, who had lost her battle with ovarian cancer, the garden has been growing as an integral part of the Ladysmith Community Health Centre grounds.
They marked the occasion Aug. 26, with tea and cake amidst the flowers – many donated in the memory of loved ones – winding trails, the gazebo, trellises and one of the most splendid views in all of Ladysmith.
Pam Fraser, the garden manager, thanked the volunteers “who work from March to November, maintaining these lovely gardens.”
Every Wednesday from 10 to noon the volunteers meet and tend to their special enclave. This year, with a severe drought upon us, the volunteers have been extra busy.
“When the irrigation was stopped this summer, the volunteers stepped up and came out three times a week and hand-watered the plants,” Fraser said, adding, “Please let it rain this weekend.”
Noting that along with fertilizer and water, public gardens need funds to survive, she thanked the Ladysmith Health Care Auxiliary for its support.
“The Auxiliary has always provided us with the necessary funds, and for that we are very grateful,” she said.
Contributions like that make it possible for the Doris Gallighar Memorial Gardens to brighten lives in every season. Said Fraser, “It’s our goal to have something in bloom every month of the year and I think we’re getting there.”