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Post by BeerBlessings on Jun 28, 2009 18:51:17 GMT -5
Introduction: After last faire season, several of us started talking about all of our Faire Family that have passed on in the past several years, and the idea of a Memorial Garden sprung up. We announced at the Halloween Party that the Memorial Garden idea had the green-light, but that any and all details were up in the air. This is not a memorial garden just for Stephanie. This is for all of our Faire family, be them human or otherwise. The Memorial Garden is also backed by volunteers, not funded by the Faire itself. Larry has already given us the location. The location for the Memorial Garden was set a few weeks back, and work has begun and progressed. It is starting to take form, but will in no way, shape, or form be done anytime soon. But we do have the beginnings of a shaded, naturalized, perennial woodland memorial garden, with some seating for those who wish to visit. Location: For those that have not been out to site this year, here are changes to the road names, and a new path that is opened up this year. It existed previously, but was not opened to the public. And most of us didn't even realize it was there.. The Memorial Garden is located on this "new" path, Brett MacNoodle Trail, (I think that's the correct name anyway!). It "begins" at Harmony Stage (near the alpaca booth) and loops around to come out next to the gypsy camp. Yes, this site is wooded, which makes it very different from what most people would think of as a traditional garden: Main qualities: As it is a woodland garden, it is in full shade. Yes, it limits the plant selection, but it also has several large benefits. As it is shade, there is a very noticeable temperature difference when you walk in on a hot summer day. It is also quite serene. There are plans for a chapel to be built several years down the line, and it is expected to be built on the other side of the path. A tie-in with the chapel is almost a necessity. We want minimal maintenance, as we do not know how much time we all may have available in future years. (It would be a pity to see it fall to the wayside because there's too much maintenance.) So, this means almost exclusively perennials. This will take a couple years for the plants to really take hold, so it won't be much early on. Plus, a naturalized garden will give "age" that befits a memorial. (Also for the lower maintenance, full shade means much less water evaporation. We won't need to worry about having to water plants sitting out in the bright, dry, July sun.) The garden is semi-circular. We currently have a walk-in path laid out, but exact details can change. We currently have limited seating at the edge, but will have more benches in the future, as resources permit. The plan is to have the border made of "river rocks" with the names of those to be memorialized sand-blasted on the tops. (Engraving bricks remains an option if that idea poses difficulties.) Currently, the border is laid out with sticks, and will be replaced as we go. I like to think of this as "Year Zero". We have the framework started, and it is starting to take shape. We have a number of plants already in, and they will mature and fill out over time. There is still empty space to add more plants as we go. As you travel back to this area, you will get the idea of how the garden will develop. So please, come by and take a break. Sit down and cool off in the shade. Think of all of our Faire Family, both past and present, and know that each of us has a place where we will all be remembered.
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Post by BeerBlessings on Jun 28, 2009 19:15:42 GMT -5
Some other things about the Memorial Garden:
We want to avoid religious symbols, as we do not want to see any one religion given prominence over another. It's not anti-religion; it's simply respect for all, and "Memorial Garden" says it all already.
We were thinking about a water feature until someone pointed out it'd be a mosquito breeding ground. Luckily, this was pointed out very early. There are quite a few 'skeeters' out there already.. This is probably the biggest "issue" at the moment.
I hope to get some citronella candles to put out there early on to keep those buggers away. I hear that the incense booth has some things that keep them away, and I hope to replace those citronella candles after the first weekend with something more appropriate.
Speaking of incense.. Some people will want to burn some, so we'll designate a spot for it. We want to keep is safe from burning anything, but also make it smell nice.
Another plus for incense, other than being appropriate: It can be "garden perfume", as there *are* privies nearby. Luckily, they are the cleanest privies at Faire, since they get the least traffic.
(Does anyone do calligraphy? I'd like to get a sign saying "Incense can be purchased on site, but please do not burn unattended." That whole being responsible thing is kinda important.)
We do not have a sign to say "Memorial Garden", or anything similar. So anyone that walks back will just see a new garden, and not know what it's for. Anyone have capabilities for making a sign, even if a temporary one for this year?
Special thanks to Bunnie for the current bench. It is on loan until we can get the permanent benches put back there.
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Post by bunbun / Hank on Jun 28, 2009 19:57:55 GMT -5
The G.L.M.F. Memorial Garden is behind Harmony stage. the road name is Todd McNeedle trail. this is off Queen's Road, were King's Highway,Hot Kiss Road and Queen's Road meet. Brett MacNoodel is by Gypsy Camp. Bunnie
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Post by Dillasandra on Jun 29, 2009 13:11:40 GMT -5
Bro, you forgot to mention one very important thing.......IN ORDER TO MAKE THE MEMORIAL GARDEN A REALITY WE ARE GOING TO NEED FUNDING!!!
To this end, several ideas are in the works, and more will be added in the future. HOWEVER, we're going to need donations, now and in the future. You can give your donation, should you care to, to Dave, Bunnie or myself ( I'm sure more names will be added later ) and I will have a large mug beside Steph's 'memory vase' and photo in the Grove for the purpose.
Dave, if you want to add more info.............................
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Post by Dillasandra on Jun 29, 2009 13:17:16 GMT -5
Also, if you are intrested but can't afford to donate, I'm thinkin' Dave could use some hands-on help back there......so far, he and Bun seem to be it ( Foprgive me if I missed someone though.....I'm rarely on the grounds! ) and I know Dave especially is working his butt off on the project! ( Whereas Bunnie is just working her butt off everywhere! ;D )
NO idea what may need done at this point, so ask Dave if you're intrested.
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Post by BeerBlessings on Jun 29, 2009 14:58:47 GMT -5
Oh, we've had several people out there with the labor... Very special thanks to Aubrie and O'Rourke.. Both are HUGE helps! Aubrie and I were the first to go back there to start cleaning it out. Just think how many leaves and sticks you'll get in the woods over *years*. Oh, and getting that fallen down tree out.. Two of us, and a small, folding hand-saw. Hehehe.. That was fun!... And I'm glad Aubrie is such a sweet girl. The mosquitoes left me alone while she was out there. Jenn and I got just over 60 plants put in the ground in a day. Now *that* was a pain in the arse. There have been others that have been helping with errands, advice, information, ideas, feedback, etc.. I started this knowing jack squat about gardening shy of tomatoes and bell peppers.. We still need to figure out a "centerpiece". That afore-mentioned fallen tree was at almost the *exact center* of the garden. It is now an open spot for whatever focal point we want to put in. ... Statues are difficult because they have a front, and this will be seen from all sides... Right now, the big consideration is large bush. "Ruby Spice Summersweet". It'll get 3-6 ft tall, and 4' wide. Deep pink flowers in July and August, and with a spicy fragrance. (But, if it attracts skeeters, it's off the consideration list!!!! And if they repel the suckers, it just shot up!) And funding, yes. We'll need it. I held off for a bit to get the idea of the garden out first before asking for money. *grin*
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Post by MARVELous Thor on Jun 29, 2009 17:46:02 GMT -5
Now I know jack Squat about gardening and what a perennial is but if "skeeters" are an issue why not grow lavenders and or citronella plants that repel them naturally?
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Post by Sir Trevor on Jun 29, 2009 17:59:05 GMT -5
I was just reading about citronella plants with that very thought in mind. Unfortunately we have a couple things going against us in that department. First it's too cold up this way. From what I have been reading they aren't hardy in our zone. Second is they need to be in the sun. The garden is in the middle of the woods and in full shade. (which also ruled out catnip, which from what I was reading is killer for mosquitoes as well.
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Post by Sir Trevor on Jun 29, 2009 18:03:25 GMT -5
For a center piece, at first I thought a nice azalea. They do well in full shade and are naturally a forest plant anyway. But then I also remembered that deer love to eat them. Besides, they bloom in the spring and wouldn't be able to appreciate their full beauty as no one would be out there then.
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Post by tomnaboley on Jun 29, 2009 20:32:46 GMT -5
What about some type of urn on a stand? Maybe Larry has one hanging around we can spruce up.
I will make the "Incense" sign for you. I will even laminate it for ya.
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Post by TNT on Jun 30, 2009 8:25:00 GMT -5
I have a 4 headed lion fountain you can have. It is round and it takes three people to set the bowl so it would make a statement. It is made of concrete You could fill it with gravel and set a couple of plants in it or if you have access to electric you could use it as a fountain. The running water will keep the bugs away. This thing is a pain to move, it would take me 2 trips and I would need help unloading the parts and assembling, my back isn’t what it used to be. I even have a cover for the winter time I used it as a fish pond in my living room before I moved, now it just sits in the garage unused. Let me Know -Tom
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Post by BeerBlessings on Jun 30, 2009 10:11:58 GMT -5
Wow! That fountain just sounds fantabulous!
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Post by Dillasandra on Jun 30, 2009 12:20:06 GMT -5
Yes it does! And he's right, no problem with the skeeters.....they need STILL water to breed.
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Post by Dillasandra on Jun 30, 2009 12:50:56 GMT -5
And a huge 'THANK YOU' to everyone who's lending a hand. As I'd said, not up there much, so I wasn't aware of all the folks helping out. Wish I could join you...........
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Post by bunbun / Hank on Jun 30, 2009 15:20:01 GMT -5
Well Hank,Dave and I will be getting the fountain this Sat. and getting it in place. This should look good. thanks you Tom for the fountain. Bunnie
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