We are thrilled to announce that the first section of our Fragrant Garden is complete! Situated next to M Cabin (at the end of the row of cabins on the lake side), this garden is designed to offer a sensory-rich experience for all CNIB Lake Joe campers alike. From the scent of cedar chips to the sweet aroma of butterfly bushes, every aspect of the garden was carefully curated to create a multi-sensory experience in nature for our campers.
This project was made possible through the generosity of longtime CNIB supporter, Susan Creasy Financial Inc. Susan’s family has a deep-rooted history with CNIB Lake Joe. Her grandfather and great aunt were both members of the Lake Joseph Planning Committee in the early stages of development in the 1960s. Susan was also inspired by her great aunt who helped create the fragrant garden at the CNIB national office in Toronto.
As a child, Susan watched her mother record textbooks on cassette tapes to make learning materials accessible to university students living with sight loss. This year, Susan’s son Jack Creasey followed the family footsteps, playing a significant role in the success of the Cookout with Cuddy event as a member of the fundraising event committee and generous donor.
During the garden's installation by Ground Guys, Barrie, Veronica Stinson, garden designer along with fellow staff members David Tomlinson, Rebecca Kennedy, Justin Prince and their installation teams, shared insights into its thoughtful design. “We have butterfly bushes to attract bees creating sound, and grasses that let the wind flow through, adding a sensory element,” Rebecca explained. “While it’s a beautiful garden to look at, we wanted to engage other senses too, incorporating fragrant plants like lavender and lilac.”
One crucial consideration in the garden's design was ensuring it would be safe for guide dogs and buddy dogs to explore. None of the plants are harmful or toxic to dogs roaming the garden pathways.
The garden is already a beloved feature of camp. Guests can stroll along the winding paths between the beds of flowers and rest on benches and Muskoka chairs to savour this glorious garden.
Everyone is eager to see the garden flourish and grow. Plans are underway to extend the garden’s pathway, so it connects to the existing trail from the campfire to the Rec Hall.
We can’t wait to see this garden blossom in years to come, allowing even more experiences for our campers to connect with nature accessibly. We hope to see you in the Fragrant Garden soon.
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The Fragrant Garden, proudly supported by Susan Creasy Financial Inc., was made possible thanks to the hard work of The Grounds Guys Barrie, in collaboration with DSL Landscape Supplies, Carr Landscape Depot, Alliston Botanix, Brent Quarries, and EC Concrete. A heartfelt thank you to everyone for making this project a reality!