The Wellington Advertiser has invited local horticultural societies to write about what they are up to during COVID-19 restrictions, and what’s going on in their gardens. For questions or to submit articles, email jshuttleworth@wellingtonadvertiser.com
FERGUS – In the centre of town in Fergus on the Grand River’s edge is Templin Gardens, a magnificent garden enjoyed by passersby on their way to work or by people wanting to disconnect in a peaceful, serene and colourful setting.
It was designated a garden of cultural and heritage significance by the Ontario Heritage Act in 2019. The gardens were constructed by John C. Templin in stages from 1920 to 1934 and gardened by John Johnson Senior from 1930 to 1941.
It was the Fergus and District Horticulture Society’s first garden, and the club is responsible for its ongoing design, planning and maintenance. Doreen Telford, a Fergus Horticultural Society member, said, “There have been many contributors over the years that helped create what all of us enjoy today.”
TEMPLIN GARDENS
A Euonymus europaeus (European spindletree) was purchased with the money willed to the society by a lady that walked through Templin on her way to work every day. The tree’s small green flowers blossom in summer with pink seed capsules opening later to reveal red/orange fruit.
Cerci Canadensis (Native Redbud tree) is planted next to the majestic Walnut tree with spring blooms of bright pink flowers before the leaves come out. The heart shaped leaves turn yellow in the fall.
A Gingko biloba (gingko maidenhair tree) donated by the society grows next to the two park tables to commemorate the Horticultural Society’s 150th anniversary and the 175th anniversary of the town of Fergus.
A Yew tree, very old and beautiful all year grows next to the bridge. It has been in Templin Garden forever.
Bruce Youngblood, a Digger, donated an Amelanchier (Serviceberry) tree. The fruit is very edible but you have to beat the birds who also love the berries.
A Magnolia was donated by the Melville United Church many years ago. The blooms are large bright yellow in the spring. Another Magnolia was planted in remembrance of Alec Calder, a major contributor and long time society member loved by all.
Quercus (Columnar Red Oak) was planted in celebration of Marj Dow’s 90th birthday. Marj, now in her 97th year has been a member since 1958. There is a stone in another garden commemorating the passing of her husband Dave, known as the Gardener and active into his nineties.
A butterfly and bee friendly section was created in the centre of Templin. It includes butterfly and bee friendly perennials, a bee house and a butterfly house donated by members Sue and Juri Niit; a bird bath and succulent planter donated by member Liz Murray and designed by Linda Murray.
The bright vibrant primary colours of the annuals are grown in the town greenhouses and planted every spring. The next time you visit Templin and take in the colours, the aroma of the air and feel the calm, peaceful energy of the wonderful setting that John Templin built back in 1920, think for a minute of all the contributors that helped make this a crown jewel in our town.
Ken Johnston has been a member of the Fergus Horticultural Society for four years and is a digger, a board member, and chair of the club’s media committee.