Installation of a new wrought-iron fence has brought an end to years of deer damage at the Lebel Mansion rose garden — and the Oldman Rose Society of Southern Alberta hopes the milestone will attract new members.
“After years of dealing unsuccessfully with predation by the many deer that used the garden as a salad bowl, we are overjoyed to have a permanent and attractive solution,” says interim president Jan Frith.
Ten wrought-iron panels were donated by the Palmer Ranch — and how they made their way from Edmonton to Pincher Creek is quite a story, Frith says.
A grant from the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta funded construction of the remaining four panels by Scott Mitchell Welding.
Frith also extends kudos to Wayne Oliver for his assistance with installation and continued mentorship.
“Our community is indeed blessed,” she says.
The fence marks a turning point for the society, which received recognition well beyond Pincher Creek in 2025.
Members were invited to present a slideshow of the best-performing locally grown roses to an online meeting of the Canadian Rose Society. The organization was also mentioned in World Rose News, a publication of the World Federation of Rose Societies.
The garden caught the eye of Calgary CBC reporter Elise Stolte, who featured Lebel Mansion in her Tales from Southern Alberta series.
“That garden looks like it would be such a beautiful, peaceful spot in the summer,” Stolte said. “I really admire what you’ve done together.”
Now the society is looking ahead — and looking for help.
The group invites the public to its annual general meeting this Wednesday, March 11. Guest speaker Caitlin Kerr, owner of Blue Mouse Greenhouse, will speak about roses and other plants, with highlights from the past year and plans for the upcoming growing season also on the agenda.
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. in the town office meeting room, which is accessible from the Schofield Street entrance.
The AGM is open to anyone, whether they grow roses or not. Garden committee members welcome new gardeners and freely share their expertise at work bees, helping with weeding, pruning, fertilizing and other tasks.
Teenagers are also encouraged to get involved.
“If we can get young people to show an interest in the garden, that can open doors for them,” says director Ianthe Goodfellow.
“They can learn new skills and carry a love for plants forward throughout their lives. And by interacting with people from a range of backgrounds and ages, they can gain more life experience simply by listening.”
People with interests as diverse as photography, communications, event planning and gardening are all welcome to attend the AGM and participate in educational events, garden tours and celebrations throughout the year.
Or simply come and sit among the roses for a peaceful sensory experience.
Gardening
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