High Elevation Gardening Web Log "Blog"

To answer the question, yes the structure is finished (there will be no roof), but the gazebo and surrounding gardens have more growing to do and will continue to be a place for others to share memories. The definition of a gazebo, “a small, roofed building affording shade and rest,” certainly doesn’t describe what this one provides for hospice.

It all began in 2002, when Hattie Braun, Horticulturist and Master Gardener Program Coordinator, together with members of the Master Gardener class drew the landscape plans for the garden. A photograph in a garden publication of a lovely wooden garden structure was the inspiration for the existing structure.

A myriad of obstacles needed to be overcome prior to the construction of the gazebo. What is the design plan? How much would it cost? Who would fund it? Who would build it? As with most things concerned with the hospice garden serendipity intervened when Jill Morris, residential designer and hospice volunteer, heard of the need for a plan. She was happy to volunteer her professional services and drafted a plan for the gazebo with only a small photograph for inspiration.

John Adams brought with him Terry Payne, both members of Christ Church of Flagstaff, to begin building the gazebo. It proved to be more difficult and time consuming then either man imagined. It took months just to get the holes deep enough to put in the cement post foundations.

The funds for building it were raised specifically for the garden over several years. Many others provided discounted materials and services in the construction of the gazebo. They included Loven Contracting who provided assistance for building, and Homeco, Paseo Stoneworks and Total Rental Center. Time and energy into the construction and completion of the gazebo were provided by numerous hospice volunteers, Master Gardeners, friends of Northland Hospice, Shawn Newell, and members of the Sunshine Lions Club.

The last job before completion was to lay the brick floor covering the bottom of the gazebo. John Adams and his crew from the Sunshine Lions Club did this. For the last several years money was raised for the Olivia White Hospice Home and Garden by selling memorial bricks. All those that were purchased were placed and several have arrived since placing Andrea’s.

The gardens that surround the gazebo were worked on most of this year by our many volunteers. The largest effort was in revamping the rose garden, a garden that now contains more than 40 roses. The roses were planted with evergreen shrubs, iris, and germander, and were surrounded by lavender to help keep the deer at bay. Pots of wave petunia were hung from the gazebo. Other plants included hollyhock, cleome, and delphinium, and a variety of climbers to eventually provide more shade. Many residents and staff come to enjoy a peaceful moment there, and many families and friends gather to remember loved ones as we did on our last day in the garden for 2006.

Look for an article next year that will focus on the surrounding gardens. In the meantime, if you would like to remember or honor someone with a brick, contact the Northland Hospice office at 779-1227 or go to: www.northlandhospice.org.

By Loni Shapiro & Laura Davis
The authors are Master Gardener volunteers for Coconino County Cooperative Extension. For more information about the Master Gardener Program, call 774-1868 ext. 17 or visit our Web site: highelevationgardening.arizona.edu.