Coming Schedule …
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!
✨ Happy 2024!!! ✨
Hope your winter Holidays were good to you!
Here at the greenhouse … new life is emerging to greet the coming spring, even though it’s currently very cold outside. ❄
And, so it begins … Romulea bulbocodium, an out of zone corm that will be grown for the herbarium and overwinter inside; Allium senescens ssp. Montanum & Campanula thyrsoides – all sprouts looking promising & cozy in the indoor warmth. 🌱
Let nature be your teacher
Listen to Autumn’s stillness … rest, rejuvenate & plan for next year’s adventures.
The Cafe is now closed, but the garden is still available for a peaceful stroll. Enjoy the quiet seasons!
Thank-you to ALL our supporters for making 2023 another successful year at Reader Rock Garden!!!
Thanks for sharing these lovely photos Bob G.
Many Thanks!!! For making our summer celebratory activities even more special!
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Reader Rock Garden is well-known for its extensive plant diversity and rich historical content.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!
May 21, 2019 – Official Plaque Unveiling – National Historic Site!
We were honored to have Mr. Reader’s Family (Betty-Rose, Irene, Elaine et al) join us at this special celebration.
Media Advisory : Government of Canada commemorates Reader Rock Garden as National Historic Site :
CALGARY, May 21, 2019 /CNW/ – Admired for its beauty and botanical diversity, Reader Rock Garden was considered one of the most successful horticultural gardens in Western Canada. It showcased the horticultural, ecological, and aesthetic possibilities of gardening in the cold winters and dry summers of Calgary.
Today, Kent Hehr, Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre, commemorated the national historic significance of Reader Rock Garden with a special plaque unveiling ceremony in Calgary. This commemoration was made on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada.
Built into a steep hillside south of Calgary’s downtown, Reader Rock Garden is an arts and crafts-style alpine rockery, a garden type popular in Europe and North America at the beginning of the 20th century. It features rock paths, steps, and walls forming numerous planting beds that contain thousands of native and non-native plant specimens.
Reader Rock Garden was laid out between 1913 and 1942 by William Roland Reader, Calgary’s most influential parks superintendent. Its creation was driven by two factors: the encouragement of European settlement at a time when southern Alberta was considered hostile to agricultural and horticultural development; and the City Beautiful movement, which linked civic beauty with social progress. The resulting garden was well appreciated for its beauty and design, and inspired private citizens to follow Reader’s example in their own gardens.
The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant people, places, and events that contributed to our country’s diverse heritage. The commemoration process is largely driven by public nominations and to date, more than 2,150 designations have been made.
Quote:
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I am pleased to commemorate the national historic significance of Reader Rock Garden. In addition to its beautiful design and intricate details, this landmark continues to be a reflection of the confidence and optimism of the people and the city of Calgary. Historic designations like Reader Rock Garden reflect Canada’s rich and varied history. I encourage all Canadians to learn more about this national historic site and its important contributions to Canada’s horticulture.”
Kent Hehr – Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre
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