Now that cooler weather has arrived the Friends of the Old Seed House Garden have ceased regular gardening activities until the Spring. The last big undertaking for these dedicated volunteers was the garden cleanup and bulb planting on October 24th. After that, individual volunteers will monitor the gardens daily until the Spring to check for any issues needing immediate attention.
A popular feature of the garden has always been the little pond and trickling waterfall in the walled garden. Children often ask our volunteers about the fish and frogs they see there. After the pump has been installed in the Spring thanks to our member Sue Balogh, children transport fish from the big pond in the park to the little pond. Frogs populate the pond by themselves with no human intervention. That is the magic of nature.
A number of enhancements have taken place in the garden in the past few months. Noticeable improvements were made to the pathways which allow for a safer and more enjoyable stroll. We are grateful to Unilock for providing a generous discount on the purchase price of the paver stones. We also appreciate the efforts of Don Barclay (owner of local company ‘Grade Control’) who, with his hard working team, produced the beautiful end results.
In addition to the excellent support received from the Town and staff we would also like to thank those who provided donations in 2019 and 2020 which enabled Friends of the Old Seedhouse Garden to complete additional projects.
Donations for specified purpose:
- Town of Halton Hills Sustainability Grant – $1,000 in 2020, $800 in 2019
- Mattamy Homes for repair of roofs on the gazebo, kiosk and shed – $10,000
- Daisy D’Souza – funds for hydrangea bushes in memory of her husband Christopher
General donations:
- Donations in memory of Nancy Cannell
- Canadian Tire – $1,000
- Wastewise – $50
- Donations through United Way (no donor names provided)
- Individuals – Cox, Duval, Whitney, Whitwham, Wilkinson
- Fundraising efforts by group member Gord Lookman (lily sale) $1,300
In Kind donations:
- Susan Quirk – Crab Apple tree
- Tom Shepherd – Columnar evergreen
- Doug and Nancy Starrett – Hostas, Turtleheads, Sedums
- Eduardo Rivero Yon – Flowering bush
The projects will continue in the Spring with a new rock garden that will be created near the garden entrance from the parking lot. Rocks are being donated and appropriate plants will be placed to enhance the area. We are also looking forward to the first blooms of the crocuses that were planted by one of our members at the path entrances. They will surely herald the coming of Spring.
We are delighted that a number of private events used the garden and gazebo as their venue this past year, enjoying the flowers as their backdrop with the opportunity to social distance in the fresh air. (Bookings can be made by contacting the Town of Halton Hills.)
Even in winter the Old Seedhouse Garden will not lose its appeal as again this year ‘Light Up The Hills’ community group will bring the garden to life with their dazzling light display starting December 1st. This winter the gazebo will also take on a new festive look as they expand the light spectacle for everyone to enjoy.
We invite you to come out and enjoy the garden which is open year round to the public from 7:00am until 11:00pm with lots of free parking and no admission fee.
In the heart of Georgetown, Ontario
The garden is located at 135 Maple Avenue in Georgetown, Ontario. Plenty of free parking is available on-site; the parking lot is located off of Maple Avenue just north of Guelph Street (Hwy 7). Map & directions»
About Friends of the Old Seed House Garden
Membership in The Friends of the Old Seed House Garden is open to anyone. It is a registered charitable organization and works in partnership with the Town of Halton Hills. Learn more about us»
The Old Seed House Garden: Our Story
Dominion Seed House was one of the largest mail order suppliers in Canada. The iconic mock Tudor building was a landmark in Georgetown and a tourist attraction in its own right. Learn More»
