South Innisfil Arboretum
History Page


A BRIEF HISTORY

Only an idea in 1992, the South Innisfil Arboretum became a reality through the efforts of a very small group of dedicated people and tremendous support from local residents and sponsor companies.

Collaboration is still needed to maintain this long-term project. Several trees are still needed, along with the fertilizers and other supplies to care for them. Many specimen trees have been planted on the nearly nine-acre site.

Other attractions include:

* An unique Gazebo, designed and built by one of our members
* A mature Perennial Garden, donated and planted by former members
* A 34-foot tall Totem Pole, built and donated by a local carver
* Ornamental Grass Bed, Perennial Bed and a Water Wise Bed

While this is an Arboretum and not a memorial garden, we do invite people to sponsor a tree in memory of a loved one or in honour of a person or event. The available trees have been planted, maintained and tagged by Arboretum volunteers.

A visitor to the Arboretum will encounter many of the major tree groups, genera and species. These include several commonly recognized trees as well as many species that are less well known.

Take some time to come and explore. Birds have already discovered this natural habitat; bird lovers should follow. Bring along a picnic and enjoy your meal surrounded by nature. This is a fabulous spot to experience the trees, relax on a park bench and smell the flowers.

To familiarize yourself with the trees planted in the Arboretum go to 'The Trees' page.

This is what the Arboretum looked like in l992 when it was donated to us





EARLY PROGRESS
1995 - The Arboretum is taking shape.
1995 - Perennial Garden: All plants were donated by Jean & Stuart Crane, who dug the beds, planted, and took care of the weeding for the rest of the year.
1999 - The Pergolas were donated by Jean and Stuart Crane. There are two pergolas in the Arboretum, one in the lower meadow (white) and one in the wetland area (green). Arthur and Joan Harper spruced up the white Pergola.
1996 - The Gazebo was designed and built by Arthur Harper in the basement of his home. Arthur and a crew of committee members, volunteers and neighbours lifted it onto Bob Matchett's truck and it slowly made it's way to the Arboretum where it was erected at its present site.
1996 - The Totem Pole is 34' high. It was built and donated to the Arboretum by Adolph von Graffin. Seen here being lifted by crane and ..
1996 - here in its final place. The base is secured with stones approx. 3' high. The stones were also donated and placed there by Adolph.
Yes, we have a Pond in the upper meadow, a valuable aid in watering the trees.
The Shed was built in the Spring of 1995 and the new Iron Gates donated by the Souilliere Family in 1997
1999 - The final Grove tree arrives a 'Black Walnut'

Top
Note the various steps involved in a tree planting
- Not easy -
Very labour intensive and accomplished by just a few.