We are extremely proud of our community outreach programmes and all the volunteers who make them happen!
Welcome to our living laboratory of Native and Carolinian trees, shrubs and wildflowers! – A public garden located between Wonderland Road and the former Wonderland Gardens.
In 1990, the area was nothing more than open parkland, unappreciated for its potential as an education and environmental resource. The Garden Club envisioned, initiated, designed and planned its restoration. Developed and maintained by its members since 1992, the area has become a fully restored natural woodland, rich in biodiversity.
Over 25 years in the making, the work is ongoing and continues to be funded by the Garden Club of London with the support of Parks and Recreation.
On-site exploration and annual tours have sparked a renewed interest in conservation and responsible stewardship. Schools with environmental studies are invited to participate in clean-up and planting as part of a mentorship program to nurture civic responsibility and pride. Elementary grades are also welcome to come and learn about nature in the wild as they experience a variety of fun woodland activities.
The Garden Club is proud to receive in 2015 the Carolinian Canada Coalition Award, for those who work to benefit nature in the Carolinian region. In 2016, the Woodland Restoration project was recognized by the Ontario Parks Association for our long term contribution towards ‘Protecting Tomorrow Today’.
Map of the Woodland
Student Mentorship Program
The Garden Club of London ‘Woodland Restoration Committee is one of several conservation and environmental groups partnering with the Thames Valley School Board to help students learn about environmental issues and become responsible stewards of the land. Students in Grade 10 apply for the Grade 11 Environmental Studies program – one that offers them 40 hours ‘out of class’ time of practical experience in conservation issues and practice.
As a result, Students from Catholic Central High School in London assist us each year with the more labour-intensive aspects of Early Spring Clean-up. Their participation has proven a welcome asset in readying the area for visitors.
The Garden Club of London participates in a one day annual event sponsored by the Carolinian Canada Coalition – the biggest Expo for Nature Lovers, Adventurers, Gardeners and Whole Families who like to get out and learn about Ontario’s natural areas. It is a gathering of experts, organizations and conservation groups who provide inspiration to Go Wild, Grow Wild.
Woodland Plant Inventory
Since 1992, dedicated members of the Garden Club of London have brought the outside in for patients at St. Joseph’s specialized geriatric services’ geriatric rehabilitation care unit.
Each month from September to June, Garden Club members bring in beautiful arrays of fresh flowers and greenery, often from their own gardens in summertime, and work with patients to create individual arrangements. Sometimes patients keep the arrangements for themselves, but other times they’re destined for a roommate, spouse or caregiver. With an average of 15 patients participating in the program each month, over 3,000 arrangements have brightened patients’ rooms over the years.
GARDEN CLUB OF LONDON REAPING AWARD
During the Garden Club program on June 4 2013, Elaine G, left, vice president complex, specialty aging and rehabilitation, presented a plaque to Club members Aditi A, Janet H, Barbara Mand Judy W thanking them for the beauty, joy and creativity the Club has sewn into thousands of patients’ lives.
Flower Arrangements are created by the Garden Club of London for Mothers Day at ANOVA (Women’s Community House residents – women and children in distress and beginning a life on their own.).
The Club designs urns and other seasonal enhancements to provide a warm welcome for out-of-town families with a child at Children’s Hospital.
In recent Decembers, the Complex has come alive as Londoners created their own centerpiece designs in a Christmas Workshop facilitated by members of the Garden Club of London and the Friends of the London Civic Garden Complex.
Investing in the Future – Since 2002, bursary awards have been granted to B. Davison and Clarke Road Secondary Schools and Fanshawe College (Landscape Design and Horticultural Technician programs).
Since 2021, volunteers from The Garden Club of London have been increasing awareness of floral art, sharing our history and knowledge with the community, and focusing education on design, horticulture and conservation with Wellspring (cancer support agency) and Boys and Girls Club (children and youth programs).
Twice a year, at each agency we spend time with the participants and demonstrate a floral arrangement, that they then make themselves. We try and focus our dates near a special holiday (Thanksgiving, Easter, and Mother’s Day) which allows them to take it home and share with their families for the occasion.
It’s a privilege to watch the interaction of both groups and see the results!