Doris with the Greenhouses

Doris Ross, daughter of Prudence Treggett, is pictured here holding her favourite cat. You can see the two main greenhouses in the background. The Treggetts’ love their animals very much and never let a stray cat or dog go hungry.

Greenhouses have been an integral part of cemetery operations for over 100 years. The tradition of planting flowers on lots is important to lot owners as they want to honour their dead with these floral arrangements. It can also remind them of the flower gardens they had on their properties – this photo was taken around 1881.

“The operations of the greenhouses required at least two men throughout the winter. In summer, my father entrusted me with the weeding work in the greenhouses; it was the employees’ least favourite job, including me. However, I had to earn my allowance somewhere!

In the potting shed adjoining the greenhouse, we stored tulips, daffodils and begonias bulbs to dry for planting the following year.

Greenhouses were one of my family’s favourite places to be. They often spent hours there taking care of the flowers. I, too, spent a lot of time watching my father’s men take care of the propagation of flowers and shrubs in greenhouses.” – Brian Treggett