DARTMOUTH, N.S.: The Daffodil Garden for Cancer Survivors in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, witnessed its final planting event on Saturday, drawing an enthusiastic crowd to Ferry Terminal Park. This event marks the culmination of a heartfelt initiative led by Judie and Jim Edgar, a couple dedicated to bringing hope to the community through the symbolic power of daffodils.
This year’s planting event is particularly poignant as it signifies the fourth and final year of the Edgars’ tireless efforts in creating and nurturing this special garden. Judie Edgar noted that the garden has grown beyond their initial expectations. “Basically, we are running out of space,” she explained. “To date, we have planted 39,000 daffodil bulbs, and they multiply, so it will be far more than that.”
A Legacy of Hope
The Daffodil Garden was co-founded by Judie and Jim Edgar in 2020, with the primary mission of instilling hope and joy in the community. Both Jim and Judie are cancer survivors, and their personal journeys inspired them to create a space that reflects resilience and positivity. “We just try to make a difference in our little corner of the world and go from there. We are not looking for praise or any accolades of any kind,” Jim said. “People keep telling us it’s our legacy. We don’t look at it as a legacy. We just see it as making a difference in others’ lives.”
The choice of daffodils was deliberate; these flowers symbolize hope and renewal. “Daffodils represent hope, and that’s what we wanted to convey through this garden,” Judie remarked, emphasizing the flower’s significance to their mission.
Community Engagement and Support
The final planting attracted a diverse group of attendees, including residents from nearby Cole Harbour. Jamie Aalders, who joined the event, expressed his admiration for the turnout. “Just the amount of people here is fantastic,” Aalders said. “And just listening to everyone talk about why it’s important to them adds to the experience.”
In addition to the social impact, the garden’s numbers are impressive. “This spring, we probably planted about 1,400 or 1,500 bulbs,” Jim revealed, noting that the fall planting would add even more to the growing garden.
Jack Devenney, a long-time supporter of the Edgars’ initiative, has been involved since the garden’s inception. He proudly stated, “I’ve planted hundreds of daffodils. I’m also a cancer survivor, so this fits in with what I believe in.” His sentiments echo the shared experiences that bind the community together in their fight against cancer.
The Role of Parks in Healing
Among the attendees was Dr. Katharine Kieser, an oncologist who understands the profound importance of such community spaces for cancer patients. “Both as a care provider and someone involved in the community – and anybody in the community that has been touched by cancer themselves – I think a park like this is absolutely vital,” Kieser stated, highlighting the therapeutic benefits of having access to green spaces for emotional healing and community support.
While the Daffodil Garden was established to honor cancer survivors, it also serves as a poignant memorial for those who have lost loved ones to the disease. Trish Purdy, who attended the event, shared her personal connection to the garden. “My mom passed away when I was 25 from breast cancer,” she recalled. “All of us have a story of losing someone that we love to cancer, and it’s kind of what brings folks together.”
A Bittersweet Farewell
As the final planting unfolded, both Judie and Jim Edgar reflected on the emotional weight of the day. Despite the bittersweet nature of concluding such a meaningful project, they expressed pride in their achievements and gratitude toward the community that supported them. “We are honoured and humbled,” Judie remarked. “Jim says it was time to put a bow on it.”
The Edgars acknowledged that the journey to establish the garden was not without its challenges. “Even though the garden opened in 2020, there were many years before that, in the planning stage – closed doors and up-and-down journeys,” Judie explained. “We’ve given all we can to this place, and we walk away quite proud.”
A Lasting Legacy
Although the Edgars will no longer be actively planting in the garden, they believe their work will continue to resonate within the community. The bright yellow daffodils that will bloom along Alderney Drive serve as a living tribute to their efforts, reminding residents and visitors of the hope and resilience that the garden represents.
The Daffodil Garden for Cancer Survivors stands as a testament to the power of community, compassion, and healing. As the Edgars conclude this chapter of their journey, their legacy lives on in the thousands of daffodils that will bloom for years to come, a reminder of their mission to bring light and hope to those touched by cancer.
In a world where stories of loss and pain are all too common, the Daffodil Garden has provided a space for reflection, remembrance, and renewal. The Edgars’ dedication has inspired many, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding among those who have faced similar struggles. As Dartmouth bids farewell to the Edgars’ direct involvement, the community looks forward to nurturing the garden’s spirit, ensuring that its message of hope continues to blossom.
Related topics:
