Pioneer gardens By Tania Moffat E


arly settlers brought parts of their history in the form of plants when they settled in the province. These plants were reminders of home and are now not only a part of their history but the history of gardening


in Alberta and across the country. When they arrived there were no garden centres, so our ancestors were


resourceful. They collected seeds, shared them among their friends and passed them from generation to generation. The plants they grew were hardy and most were used for food and medicinal uses ahead of beauty. Plants that produced seeds that were easy to harvest or self-sowed were popular. Peren- nials were a wonderful asset to their gardens. In 1933, Alberta Nurseries and Seeds Ltd., located in Bowden, Alta. began


selling seeds. Prior to this seed catalogues from Eaton’s, Hudson Bay or similar ones from across the country or United States were the only other source of seeds available. Today many historical sites throughout the province have heritage gardens


for visitors to enjoy. They provide insight into the past. What plants were popular with each group? What plants did each immigrant group bring with them: What did the First Nations people grow? This is all a part of our living garden history. Should you have the chance, visit some of these histor- ic gardens.


52 • Fall 2016 localgardener.net


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