By Miriam Hampson, BCA Director of Beautification
As the last days of summer fade into fall, the BCA gardens throughout our Blackburn Hamlet neighborhood are still bursting with color and life—thanks to a remarkable group of volunteers who gave their time (and sweat!) to keep them thriving.
This year, 18 dedicated volunteers made up the 2025 Watering Crew, committing themselves to the vital task of keeping our public gardens healthy through a particularly hot and dry spring and summer. Their efforts ensured that residents and visitors alike could enjoy vibrant, welcoming green spaces all season long.
A special thank you goes out to Monica DeRomer, Christine Varley, Don Kelly, and Garth Hampson, who have been with the watering crew since the very beginning—when the BCA Beautification Initiative was revived five years ago. Their long-standing dedication, consistency, and community spirit have truly helped shape the beauty we see around us today.
I would also like to recognize Julie Williams and Alana Fong for lending their creative energy—and plenty of muscle—to help me re-design two of the BCA gardens this year. Their vision and hands-on work brought fresh life to these spaces, making them more vibrant, sustainable, and enjoyable for all.
To every member of the Watering Crew (past and present): thank you for helping the Hamlet bloom. Your contributions have left a lasting impact, not just in flowers and foliage, but in the heart and entry points of our beautiful community.
Watering Crew (Top) Chris Dillon, Don Kelly, Mary Comerton, (Bottom) Lisa Margeson, Monica DeRomer, Susie Wilson. Julie Williams, Garth Hampson
Watering Crew (Top) Mary Comerton, Christine Varley, Frank Bedard, Garth Hampson, Miriam Hampson, Christina McNiven, Debbie Jolley, (Bottom) Tammy Bedard, Monica DeRomer *Missing: Alyna Reesor, Andre Demers, Jaclyn O’Shaughnessy, Karen Barrington and Os Hoch
Garden Crew: Julie Williams, Miriam Hampson, Alana Fong
