Nicki and Wilson Montgomery are the recent recipients of the Pelham Beautification thank you initiative.  The Montgomery’s built their forever home at the north-east corner of Canboro Road and Cream Street in 1998.  The lot is close to two acres in size with the house set back, giving a grand view of a very large, neatly trimmed yard with beautiful flower beds and a small walnut grove full of treasured items.

The first Pelham Centre School, a little log cabin, was located at this corner pre 1820, before the school was eventually built at the Center Street site. (Pelham Historical Calendar 1977: Pelham Centre School)  Wilson explained “there was a farm at the corner as well and we still find remnants of horseshoes, nails and other farm paraphilia in the walnut grove”.

Nicki is the self-professed gardener in the family and enjoys tending to the flower beds.  “However”, Nicki revealed, ‘when we first purchased the land it was over run with scrub brush and weeds.  It was quite an undertaking cleaning up the lot and landscaping it with colourful points of interest, to its present day glory.”  Wilson is tasked with mowing the expansive lawn and helping with the weeding.  He said, “Family and friends donate plants and various pieces of garden art.  We picked up a pot belly stove and added it to the collection of neat old things in the walnut grove, including a bike, pump, and a shed that I built that looks like an outhouse”. Nicki proudly explained, ‘We were the recipient of three Trillium Awards from the Communities in Bloom Committee in 2003, 2005 and 2013.  We also hosted two garden tours.  After a long day of tending to the gardens” Nicki explains, “I take the short walk to the walnut grove where I sit and enjoy the peace and quiet.”

The Pelham Beautification Committee are pleased to recognize Wilson and Nicki Montgomery for their beautification accomplishments over the years.    Readers are reminded that 2022 is the Year of the Garden. If you see a particular garden deserving recognition we would be interested in hearing from you.

The Beautification Committee would like to give special mention to the following:  Jane Peat submitted the gardens of Heather …. at 1574 Pelham Street.  Jane wrote, ‘there is lots of magic and clearly a work of heart!’  Heather also has year round interest in her gardens with seasonal containers and yard art.  Paul and Patricia Gibson, living at 1581 Lookout Street, are new to Pelham and say ‘we are working hard to beautify our new community’.  Welcome to Pelham Paul and Patricia and great work on your gardens!  Dianne Kerr submitted her neighbours, Dave Larocque and Bob Franks, for their gardening enthusiasm.  She wrote, ‘Dave and Bob have a wonderfully cared for property and are exquisite stewards of their garden which also support many different birds.  Dave and Bob as well as Dianne’s gardens were featured in the Pelham Garden Club’s 2021 virtual Garden Tour.  Well done!  Happy gardening everyone.

The Pelham Beautification Committee is an advisory committee to Pelham Council.  The committee seeks to foster civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community involvement.  The monthly ‘Thank You’ card initiative is one of the Committee’s efforts to inspire the Town’s businesses, organizations and residents to exemplify ideals defined in the Beautification Committee’s Terms of Reference, available at www.pelham.ca

The Pelham Beautification Committee will name a recipient each month.  Residents are encouraged to submit potential recipient recommendations to the Pelham Beautification Committee at beautification@pelham.ca