by Judy Gerlitz, Community Member and Volunteer
The very active, fun Mt. Pleasant Outdoor Poor located at 6 Street and 23 Avenue NW, Calgary was originally built in 1953. There have been renovations since but seven of the original ten planters surrounding the outdoor pool have remained. These planters made with railway ties are approximately six feet by six feet. About 18 years ago I noticed that the planters surrounding the swimming pool were in dire need of maintenance. They had become overgrown and full of weeds since the previous volunteer gardener had retired.
I started out with just pulling a few weeds but soon got immersed in cleaning them up. These planters challenged me to remediate them as economically as possible. I soon found out that my beloved family was willing to help me. Jeannine Czuczman, my daughter has done a lot of the work alongside me. My eight grandchildren, every family member and friends have always been very willing workers when I call for help with purchasing, digging, hauling, pruning, planting, weeding, and watering at the Outdoor Pool.
We have been likened to a magpie as when a few of the houses in our neighbourhood were being torn down I would arrive with a wheelbarrow, along with Jeannine, a not so willing accomplice, to rescue perennials. The bulldozer operator would always be pleased that the beautiful old plants were being dug and hauled away. These old plants were then re-planted at the Mt. Pleasant Outdoor Pool. Perennials have also been taken from gardens of my friends and my personal garden and planted in the pool planters.
Each spring for the past numerous years we have made frequent expeditions to our many neighbourhood garden centres looking for the best plants for the least amount of cash to enable us to beautify the planters. Our Community Association has reimbursed me for the cost of these purchases. The Home Depot have also provided a few gift cards to be used in their garden centre.
This winter I was one of the winners in a competition put on by the Federation of Calgary Communities and won a $1,000 grant that could be used to beautify the planters at the pool. With expert advice from a horticulturist friend and access to a wholesaler greenhouse, soil/compost and plants were purchased. This cash has enabled us to hire a student to do the heavy manual labour of improving the planters. The swimming pool planters are in good shape now needing only a few annuals to brighten.
This is a rewarding volunteer position and if anyone would be interested in taking over, I would be pleased to “hand over the reins.” If you are interested reach out to [email protected].
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