Former Owner of Gardener’s Center & Florist Honored at Tilley Pond Park

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Tree Conservancy Tilley Pond

Ginger Morgan, Cindy Ryan, Sabina Harris, and John Schlachtenhaufen from TCD, Jim Flynn, Jim Coghlan, and Pam Gery from Darien Parks and Recreation, First Selectwoman Jayme Stevenson, Sig Buchmayr, Karen Hughan and Eileen Smith from TCD, Kris Barker (The Gardener’s Center and Florist), John Wilson (TCD), and Pete Grejtak (Gardener’s Center and Florist)

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The Tree Conservancy of Darien held a well-attended commemoration of new tree plantings at Tilley Pond Park in Darien on Tuesday, Dec. 1. The ceremony took place in honor of Keith Barker, who had owned The Gardener’s Center and Florist for 35 years.

In attendance were numerous past and present board members of the Tree Conservancy, Kris Barker, Keith’s son, First Selectman Jayme Stevenson, many donors, friends and supporters, and a few canine friends, including Barker’s dog, Anna.

Tree Conservancy Tilley Pond

From left: Ginger Morgan, Cindy Ryan, Sabina Harris, and John Schlachtenhaufen from TCD, Jim Flynn, Jim Coghlan, and Pam Gery from Darien Parks and Recreation, First Selectman Jayme Stevenson, Sig Buchmayr, Karen Hughan and Eileen Smith from TCD, Kris Barker (The Gardener’s Center and Florist), John Wilson (TCD), and Pete Grejtak (Gardener’s Center and Florist)

When Barker passed away suddenly this summer, his family and friends designated the Tree Conservancy of Darien as a benefactor of memorial gifts and requested Tilley Pond as the planting site.

Keith was a long-time supporter of the town of Darien, sponsor of the Darien Beautification gardens, and a well-respected garden mentor in the community.

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— This is an announcement from The Tree Conservancy of Darien

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His former home overlooks Tilley Pond, where he and his dog, Anna were frequent park visitors. Five trees have been planted there as a memorial in his honor.

The memorial request was the inspiration and impetus for the Tree Conservancy to select Tilley Pond as the site of its 2015 planting. The centrally located park is frequented daily by dog walkers, commuters, exercise groups and as a site for town events.

It has endured a loss of mature trees during super storm Sandy, and due to old age and disease. TCD planted a total of 30 trees and numerous shrubs and bulbs to replace lost trees, and to enhance the environment of the very well utilized town park.

Generous contributions by donors and Good Gardens, The Growing Concern, Designs by Lee and The Gardener’s Center and Florist made the planting possible.

Keith Barker Commemoration

The commemoration event for Keith Barker on Dec. 1.

“It was gratifying and encouraging to see many different parts of the community come together to help beautify this park that is truly a town gem,” stated Karen Hughan, Vice President and Chair of Stewardship for the Tree Conservancy and owner of Good Gardens design firm.

“Designating an organization like TCD as a benefactor can leave a living legacy for generations to come. Estate planning with an interest in the environment is a thoughtful way to incorporate someone’s wishes.”

About The Tree Conservancy of Darien

The Tree Conservancy of Darien is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the tree and forest resources of Darien for the benefit of the community, its health and its quality of life.

Its goals are to educate the community about the value of trees and their care, to identify and revitalize significant (heritage) trees in town, to maintain a stewardship program for the care and maintenance of existing trees, and to build partnerships to achieve Tree Conservancy of Darien goals. TCD can be reached at info@treeconservancyofdarien.org.

Those interested in donating to TCD can mail donations to 25 Old King’s Highway N. Suite 13, #166, Darien, CT 06820.

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