Friends of Reader Rock Garden Society

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

“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

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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!”

“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

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