Garden club nurtures Irwin Park beautification

The Garden Club of New Canaan continues its effort to beautify Irwin Park to make it a relaxing and family-friendly setting.

In the past year, the club has planted more new trees and shrubs, including six Okama cherries, a Stewartia, two Macintosh apple, two junipers and 12 rhododendrons. Additionally, 500 daffodil bulbs were planted along the trail beside the baseball fields. Four additional Wave Hill chairs and three new stone benches have been added.

Placed along the permeable surfaced trails are gifted benches, ornamental trees, identification labels on older trees, courtesy of the Bartlett Arboretum, and a gazebo, which is constructed of tree limbs, to blend in with its surroundings and provides a welcome resting place at the northwest corner of the park. A children's maze garden is near the playing fields. Picnic tables and benches are placed amidst the apple orchard.

With completion of the trail along the Weed Street border in the spring, visitors can do a complete trail loop of the park.

In April 2005, the club entered into an arrangement with the Town of New Canaan and the Irwin family to take lead on ideas for ongoing beautification of the park. Annually, the club proposes ideas to the Park and Recreation Commission and Town Council for approval.

Donations for benches and tables are welcomed.