Ah, Spring!! When our Garden begins takes on a new life, and we can look forward to the fruits of our last year's planning and plantings… When the Glory of St. Jude's Garden starts to evolve into a profusion of colours and textures; to be enjoyed by those who walk through it, those who sit and contemplate its serene surroundings, and our dedicated volunteer group who so willingly work in it.

Plant Sale will be on
Saturday May 10th

We need help to make it a success - as our major expenses rely on this income! Another major topic will be renovations and plantings for the new season. We welcome additional members - there is a great spirit amongst the team; enthusiasm, and a wonderful sense of achievement amongst those who turn up for our Thursday sessions (1:00 from April 10th - then 9:00 after May 15th) and always followed by a welcome get-together with coffee/tea & cookies! Prior to the Plant Sale we have an increased schedule, so please check with a member of the Garden Guild for additional times. We appreciate the extra help, and know you will enjoy it.

Another way of helping to maintain these beautiful Gardens is to consider a Donation. We are so grateful for whatever amount you may wish to give, as it is this living heritage that we wish to both develop and enhance. Donations for the Garden can be in the form of a cheque made out to St. Jude's Church (clearly marked 'for Garden Guild', please) and sent to Julie Hudak, Business Manager, who will then issue an income tax receipt. If you think you would like your gift to be a Memorial shrub, small tree or other planting, in memory of someone, then please discuss this with Michael Lanning.

There is an exciting and ambitious program ahead of us. So, for what we are about to receive - from the expertise and dedication of our wonderful volunteers, to the generous donations we are so delighted to accept; also any kind words of appreciation and encouragement from those who enjoy the Glory of our Garden - may the Lord make us truly thankful…..

Michael Lanning (President)

Until 1983, St. Jude's "garden" was just a dandelion-strewed field, satisfactory for Sunday School picnics, but not a happy surrounding for the beautiful Memorial Garden which had just been established. So Grace Irvine, Jean Mulholland and John Simkins put their minds - and backs - into the creation of what has become a very lovely garden indeed. With the help of a few interested and energetic parishioners, they cleared away rubbish, shaped and dug beds and planted them with carefully chosen plants. Thus, St. Jude's Garden Guild came into being.

The Garden Guild now comprises some 23 members. We meet mostly on Thursday mornings to work at all the tasks that keep the garden looking colourful and cared for - and stopping at "half-time" for a break. We are self-funding, our chief sources of income being our Annual Plant Sale in Mid-May, and donations for memorial plantings. In recent years we have been able to contribute to special church needs such as the new furnace, roof repairs and a ride-on lawn mower.

The Garden Guild is pleased to have new members. You are not expected to be an expert, but this is a great chance to pick up gardening skills and to do work that shows satisfying results, with congenial people, in undeniable pleasant surroundings. Call Michael Lanning at (905) 338-8678 if you are interested in joining the Garden Guild.