Neighbours, friends, pond, frogs & sculptures...

The summer of 2020, fraught with COVID-19 restrictions was a quiet time for the garden with two exceptions: a visit by a local municipal councillor and her family and a highly energetic interaction with frogs involving two young neighbour boys and their mother. Both outdoor events were enjoyed by all involved while respecting social distancing, “family bubbles” and masking regulations.

Members of the Sharma family enjoyed Elaine Steinberg’s garden tour.

Jasmine Sharma introduced her parents and her daughters to Gannaiden through a guided tour hosted by head gardener Elaine Steinberg.

Later in the summer, neighbours Elizabeth Hanna and her sons Markus and George spent a lovely sunfilled morning exploring the frogs in their habitat with Elaine. Some of the frogs were relocated to the greenhouse to help with insect control. For Elaine, it was a moment when the idea of a neighbourhood sculpture-garden became a reality. Wading about in cool water on a hot summer day learning from Markus how to trap frogs with your bare hands was an exceptional time for the humans involved. Perhaps not so much for the frogs!

Markus (right) and his brother George instituted the first Gannaiden Frog Day.

 Thus a season in Gannaiden Sculpture Garden passed into the next and we find ourselves almost a year later contemplating the possible joys of another summer in this marvellous place. As this first newsletter is published, the pandemic restrictions are slowly being lifted as vaccinations are given. Events at Gannaiden Sculpture Garden are happening. Watch for our next publication to see what’s happening! 

For Elaine Steinberg (left) and Marcel Braitstein, the gates of Gannaiden are always ajar. Even at the end of a season.