COVID Memorial Gardens Established In Kingsville

Tuesday May 18th, 2021, 7:59am

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COVID Memorial Garden in Ruthven

Communities in Bloom Kingsville and Kingsville Horticultural Society have partnered to create a COVID memorial garden in each Kingsville, Cottam and Ruthven.

“Establishing new gardens in each of Kingsville’s community centres was a way for us to show unity and support for our neighbours and friends affected by COVID,” said Karen Loney, Manager of Recreation Programs and Special Events for the Town of Kingsville.

The three gardens share similar designs and have spring and summer versions.

At the centre of the spring beds are purple allium flowers; chosen because the flower is a sphere of individual florets that give the appearance of spikes, much like the look of the coronavirus itself. Surrounding the allium are pure white tulips.

The summer version is similar, with mauve cleome replacing the allium. Cleome flowers also have a spherical shape with a spiky outward appearance. The white spring tulips will be replaced with white vinca and a border of purple ageratum.

“A great deal of thought went into the design of these gardens,” added Heather Crewe, President of Kingsville Horticultural Society. “The flowers chosen had to convey meaning while being beautiful and low maintenance. I think we were able to check all those boxes, and the Horticultural Society is proud to partner with Communities in Bloom Kingsville on this important initiative.”

Signs at each location explain the symbolism behind the flowers selected. The gardens are at Rotary Park in Cottam, on Union Road in Ruthven, and next to the Municipal Office on Division Road North in Kingsville.