HARTFORD GARDENS

The Garden Club named the garden in the downtown area Hartford Gardens in honour of

Janet Hartford who was one of the founding members of the Garden Club in 2000 and who embodies the meaning of community in all she has done and does in all the years of Tumbler Ridge's existence.  It was a unanimous vote.

The garden was created and planted in 2003.  We buy the plants, fertilizer and hoses, etc.  We plant, weed and water.  It is an ongoing project improving each year as we raise the money or receive donations.

The eagle was carved by Rob McCallum, 242-3219; the base of the eagle by Garret Golhof; the benches made by Garret Golhof, 242-2355, were donated by Dr. Charles Helm; willow basket was made and donated by Evelyn Sankowic, 242-3400.

Public works does a great job of mowing the grass and clipping the edges.  Especially wonderful was the shed public works built in 2004 to house our hoses and equipment.

Our weeders and waterers deserve a great deal of thanks for their contribution to the gardens.  Below are Bonnie Boyd on the left and Celine Parodis on the right.

                              The cake dedicated to Hartford Gardens

          Jamet Hartfprd. Ellen Sager and George Hartford cutting the cake.  On the left is Janet's daughter

                                                Dr. Charles Helm speaking at the dedication honouring Janet and George Hartford as the matriarch and patriarch of Tumbler Ridge.  Dr. Helm worked with them on the history of Tumbler Ridge for his book on Tumbler Ridge available at the Tourist Information Centre in the summer, the Community Centre, Jade True Value Hardware Store and the doctors' office at the Medical Clinic.

                                Mayor Clay Iles, Ellen Sager and Janet Hartford unveiling the dedication plague for Hartford Gardens

                                  Janet's daughter and Janet Hartford at the ceremony

                                 Janet's daughter, Janet and George Hartford enjoying the ceremony

                                          Dr. Charles Helm enjoying the ceremony

                              George Hartford having a fun time

  Brian Bray and his band began the ceremony with introductory music and then played a number of pieces including one about the Hartford Gardens which was really wonderful.  It was great to have music.

                                                            Janet Hartford and Ellen Sager's arm.  The ground is not smooth in the garden yet.  It needs some work.

                                  Janet in her garden

                                          Jamet enjoying the morning despite the cold

                                     The Honourable Jay Hill, MP, Mayor Clay Iles, Janet Hartford and Ellen Sager, chair of the Garden Club dedicating the Hartford Gardens. 

                                                             The Honourable Jay Hill, MP speaking about Janet and presenting Janet with a certificate to honour the occasion. 

  Mayor Clay Iles spoke of Janet's contributions to the community over the many years that they have both been here in Tumbler Ridge.  He also brought greetings from the Honourable Blair Lekstrom, MLA who was unable to attend the ceremony but sent greetings