For anyone who does not know the story of Gerry's Garden,
here it is. It's kind of sweet. Gerry is in his 90's and can still be seen shovelling soil etc. in the garden. His wife Molly is in her 80's. Her job is to keep Gerry from overdoing it - not an easy task. Both are lovely and have been married for more than 60 years. Gerry started the garden when he was in his 70's. Without city, district, BC Hydro, or NVSD approval, he and a retired custodian from Brooksbank started hacking away invasive blackberries, ivy etc, and they built a tiny flower garden next to the school. People in the community noticed and offered extra soil and plants they had kicking around. The garden grew and evolved. Gerry placed a bench next to one of the paths. It has a plaque in memory of his son who had died. Eventually the city started helping out by putting in a source of water for them, bringing in pavers etc. There are now a few dedicated volunteers as well. Students, dog walkers, bicyclists, even horses and riders pass through the garden and stop to sit and admire it.
Last Thursday, students from several classes took turns decorating a pine tree in the corner of the garden near our classroom. At 3:00, Gerry and Molly, volunteers from the garden, Brooksbank staff, parents, and students enjoyed listening to the Brooksbank choir and the senior band while mingling. It was a beautiful sunny snowy day!
