Rosetta Hardscapes Commemorates Victims Of Crime Through Retaining Wall Donation

By Lindsey Manthei, Rosetta Hardscapes, LLC

The accessible entrance of the park includes ornamental shrubs as well as perennials. A Courage in Bloom Memorial Garden sign mounted atop the seat walls welcomes visitors to the garden. Images Courtesy of Rosetta Hardscapes, LLC

In the fall of 2009, the state of Vermont celebrated the opening of the Courage in Bloom Memorial Garden in Montpelier. Made possible through the donation of land from the state, retaining walls from Rosetta Hardscapes of New England, and services from contractors and suppliers, the garden is a place of remembrance for victims of crime.

The Courage in Bloom Memorial Garden started out as the dream of Vermont resident Nina Ward whose mother was murdered in Vermont. Her mother's ashes were scattered abroad, leaving the family no place to visit and remember her. After visiting memorial gardens in other states, Ward wanted to see something similar in Vermont. Five years later, her dream is a reality.

''I hope the Garden will be a visible monument about the impact of crime on people in Vermont and a place for professionals to educate our communities,'' Ward said.

The Rosetta Hardscapes Outcropping wall supports the garden's patio and the Rosetta irregular steps provide access. Rosetta Hardscapes of New England donated both.

Design Creation

Landscape architects Jean Vissering and Milford Cushman created a design for the garden that is both functional and inspiring. The design of the garden called for retaining walls to create a raised circular courtyard, lined by freestanding seat walls for visitors to reflect and to enjoy the sculpture that is central to the garden.

Donations Make Dream Reality

Kicking off the donation of materials, Rosetta Hardscapes of New England donated 180 sq. ft. of Rosetta Outcropping Stone and four Rosetta steps. The natural looking Rosetta retaining walls blocks created the semi-circular 8 by 10 ft. central patio area of the garden. Rosetta's wet cast hardscaping stones provide the look of a natural stone wall with the structural advantages of a concrete system. The understated, natural look of the walls help give the garden a calming, reflective feeling.

Dubois Construction, Milton CAT, E.J. Prescott and others donated construction services for the site. Gardener's Supply, Landshapes, B & B Nursery, Caddy's Falls Nursery and Treeworks donated landscaping and/or installation. The ornamental shrubs and plantings specified for the site are shade tolerant and were chosen to provide year-round color, texture and form to the garden.

More than $150,000 towards landscape design, hardscaping, landscaping and construction was all donated by local businesses, designers, contractors and artists.

Coming Together

''We are very fortunate to live in a state with so many generous people willing to support such a wonderful project,'' said Governor Jim Douglas at the ribbon cutting ceremony. ''The Courage in Bloom Garden will create a space for us to come together and remember those people whose lives have been changed forever by crime,'' he added.