Many Thanks!!! For making our summer celebratory activities even more special!
Diane Dalkin
As of May 2022, I am now assisting the FoRRGS team as President [again], but only until a new person steps up into this exciting role. I have been a long-term volunteer of this exceptional, dedicated group. As a Master Gardener, this special oasis appeals to my horticultural interests; however it offers so much more. Whether you are a historical aficionado, a nature enthusiast, a photography buff or simply searching for quiet repose, Reader Rock Garden is a destination-of-choice. I'm proud to be part of this National Historic Site!
Thank-you, Merci, Mucho Gracias!!!
Hans, Coralie, Erin, Angela, Colleen, Francesca, Rachel, Bruce, Linda, Lena, Annette, Richard, John, Magdalena, Victoria, Catherine, David, Glynn, Anna, Heather, Diane, Sue, Daniel, Marion, Yingchun, Joan, Sharon & Mackenzie.
Our fabulous volunteer team came together and put on a successful event on June 10, 2023 at Reader Rock Garden.
Growing Native Plants
The Buzz @Reader Rock Garden
Hope you are staying well in this ongoing pandemic? Nature soldiers on regardless of what world challenges are among us.
Reader Rock Garden is well-known for its extensive plant diversity and rich historical content. But there are also other narratives that escape everyday observations. One of these is the vast communities of local wildlife residents. Just like every healthy garden, Reader Rock serves as a home for a wide array of insects, most being beneficial, but some have a harmful impact. Olds College has an ongoing research study onsite pertaining to the Red Lily Beetles; these buggers are of the nasty variety. The Head Gardener, Daniel, has started a bug collection for educational purposes too. Similarly, Bob Germain, a regular photographic contributor recently shared his close adventures at Reader’s; see link below. While our group is knowledgeable on many topics, none of us are Entomologists. We simply appreciate the Garden for its biodiversity and environmental quality. Hopefully, Bob’s fun visual journey in the attached brings a new perspective to the Buzz at Reader Rock Garden! (click on this link) Enjoy.
Vandals at Reader Rock Garden -Alert!
Our beautiful National Historic Site, the Reader Rock Garden was hit by vandals recently. The memorial plaque that was installed in 1944 to honour Mr. Reader’s efforts and celebrate the park being named after him, welcomed visitors to the garden for decades. However, with COVID-19 physical distancing measures curtailing attendance at the park, vandals took advantage of the ideal quiet time on-site for their nonsensical mischief. The plaque was ripped off the rock cairn at the entrance at the base of the hill. We were hoping that this historical plaque would be located elsewhere at the garden during Spring clean-up. But no such luck … so, … we are asking you to take a good look at the photo below. If you know of its whereabouts, we would be very grateful to have it returned and restored to its rightful, honourable place at the garden. Furthermore, we appeal to the public to remain vigilant and report “questionable behaviour” when visiting Reader Rock Garden. This historic site belongs to all of us and we must be stewards for its preservation for future enjoyment. Please help us keep the Garden safe!
The Calgary Herald: Five historic sites the city of Calgary wants to protect
“From inner-city parks and schools to century-old homes, the city’s planning committee will consider the designation of five iconic properties as municipal historic resources Wednesday. Hoping to preserve their legacy as enduring hallmarks of Calgary’s development history, the committee will forward its recommendations for city council to finalize next week.”
— The Calgary Herald
National Historic Designation Honors Reader Rock Garden
Government of Canada Announces National Historic Designations: Ottawa, March 27, 2018 CNW – Today, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, announced the designation of 12 new nationally significant persons, places and events that helped define Canada’s history.
These new designations reflect the rich and varied history of our country. They bear witness to our country’s defining moments and illustrate its human creativity, evolving values and cultural traditions.
This new designation includes Calgary’s own Reader Rock Garden, such a long-awaited honour … We’re elated!
“I am very proud to recognize some of the persons, places and events that have shaped our country. Designations can recall moments of greatness and triumph or cause us to contemplate the complex and challenging moments that helped define Canada today. By sharing these stories with Canadians, we hope to foster better understanding and open discussions on Canada’s history.”
The Honourable Catherine McKenna
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
Original News Release can be viewed at: https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/government-of-canada-announces-12-new-national-historic-designations-678068053.html
Mr. Reader’s family is also thrilled about this news too. David Peacock, Reader’s great-grandson commented that: “Most of the time, plants just grow silently. It is lovely that in the Reader Rock Garden, plants are currently growing much more loudly with newspaper articles and television coverage of this honor. We are all immensely proud of this National Historic Designation!”
Garden Scenes – A Journey for the Senses
Cobblestone Artistry
Pink Ladyslippers
Come Along With Me
Pasqua
Small Friend
Adonis Sunbathing
Babbling Falls
Perfect in White
Alluring Stone Steps
Himalayan Blue Poppy
Ornamental Rhubarb
To the Cafe
Tiny Resident
Almost Tropical
Fresh Cooking Fills the Air
Along the Driveway
Resting Spot
Closer to the Driveway
At The High Rockery
Arnebia-echioides
Ornamental Rhu & Barberi
Hops on the Pergola
Hops
Painted Tongue
Wee Beauty
So Many Pathways
Cool Fungi
Telekia
Fern Detail
In Nana's Garden
Also in Nana's Garden
Brilliant Blue
View from the Veranda
Brockington's Lawn
So Fragrant!
Sea of Peonies
A Special Resident
Watchful
Fairybells
Peaceful Seating
Rest Stop
The House Beckons
Berry Delightful
Yellow Ladyslippers
Dancing Slippers
Along the Steps
Electric Blue Gentian
Driveway Border
The Neoclassical Arch
Day Retreats Gracefully
CBC: Calgary’s ‘secret’ Reader Rock Garden considered for historic designation
“A proposal to designate Reader Rock Garden as a municipal historic resource, as well as Confederation Park in the city’s northwest, will go before a city committee on Wednesday.
The Calgary Heritage Authority has determined the property to be significant for its intricate and elaborate design, involving rock elements, pathways, trees, water features and many planting beds and garden areas. The spot also includes the restored Reader house, containing Reader’s Garden Café. ”
— CBC