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One of the finest pleasures of a visit to Lougheed House is a stroll through the formal Beaulieu Gardens, situated on the 2.8 acre Lougheed estate. The Lougheeds were horticultural leaders in their community, often winning Calgary Horticultural Society 1st prizes for many garden and lawn entries between the years of 1908 - 1914.
The restored Beaulieu Gardens are a recreation of the Lougheeds' time and the essence of the original can still be seen in the perimeter plantings of spruce trees, the balustrades and the circle beds. The plant material is historically accurate to their period of 1891 - 1925.
ORDER OF ST. GEORGE AND ST. MICHAEL
Each year, Lougheed House presents a distinct theme for the gardens. This year's theme focuses on war and peace, and more precisely an order of chivalry instituted in 1818 by Prince Regent, later King George IV. The order is named in tribute to two military saints, St. Michael and St. George.
The Order of St. Michael and St. George consists of three classes of seniority, in descending order these are, Knight Grand Cross, Knight Commander, and Companion.
Sir James Alexander Lougheed was knighted on June 3, 1916 and presented the Order of St. Michael and St. George, Knight Commander, in recognition of his government responsibilities during World War I as Chairman of the Military Hospitals Commission. Sir James was the only Albertan ever to receive this honour. His medal is currently showcased inside Lougheed House in the Senator's Study.
THE KNIGHT COMMANDER
The Knight Commander insignia is an eight pointed star. In the centre of this star is an image of St. Michael holding a flaming sword and trampling Satan. The image is within a blue circle bearing the motto of the Order, Auspicium Melioris Aevi (Token of a Better Age), in gold letters.
The 8 points of the Knight Commander symbolize the 8 points of courage, which are: loyalty, piety, generosity, bravery, glory and honour, contempt of death, helpfulness towards the poor and the sick, and respect for the church.
2010 GARDEN THEME
 Read our 2010 Garden Brochure (PDF)
The star insignia of Knight Commander - silver-gilt emblazoned with a red-cross - is the inspiration for the 2010 Centre Circle Bed in the Formal Garden.
The dramatic silver figured formed by two Maltese Crosses, the edges of which lead directly out to the eight points, is stylized by Seneciao cinerara, or Dusty Miller 'Silver Dust'. This plant is an old time favourite of Victorians and was introduced at Kew Gardens in 1888. The other sections of the silver star are captured with Cineraria Maritima 'Cirrus' - another Victorian favourite.
The Red Cross of St. George is captured with Salvia splendens 'Vista Red' and the inner fold circle surrounding St. Michael is stylized by a New Zealand grass called Uncinia uncinata. St. Michael is depicted by Dianthus 'Red Dynasty'.
Beaulieu Gardens at Lougheed House are a beautiful showpiece for the city of Calgary and the province of Alberta, made possible by our many corporate and private donors. The Beaulieu Gardens in this now public inner-city estate provide pure enjoyment of horticultural beauty and nature, while fostering preservation, education and cooperation within the community. Our outstanding volunteers dedicate countless hours to preparing the beds, planting, weeding, edging, watering, transplanting and deadheading.
Volunteering in the Gardens is fun, educational and appreciated! If interested, please call
(403)244-6333 and ask for Mary-Anne Robeson, Head Gardener (ext. 106).
Click on the links to visit the websites of our Beaulieu Gardens supporters and partners:
Beltline Community Association
Calgary Horticultural Society
Calgary Rose Society
Calgary Zoological Society
William Moore Farms - Pure Prairie Ornamental Grasses |
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