I attended Ali Gores presentation at Bethsalem yesterday for her ten years as head designer and gardener of the beautiful grounds at Bethsalem. Ali was there right at the beginning when Bethsalem was built and I have personally witnessed the emergence of the most beautiful garden from a barren building site where nothing was growing at all. She didnt do it alone, of course, but she utilised the Gore family gift of organisation and the ability to motivate help from sometimes the most unlikely sources. People flocked to help with the work and everything from mulch to rocks and heavy machinery came from the four corners of Adelaide to be utilised in the work. The dream was Alis, but many, many people joined in the work. I cant believe Ali is actually handing over the work because Bethsalem grounds and garden are part of her soul now. All along I have said to her Ill believe it when I see it, but yesterday was the day. Ali received words of commendation from Darryl Pitcher and some beautiful flowers (not from the Bethsalem garden, he stressed, but specially purchased from a florist for the occasion). Darryl handed over the flowers and then almost immediately, Ali handed over a gift to him for Bethsalem, a very large album, beautifully scrap-booked using Jane Tregenzas decorative materials, of the history of the Bethsalem garden. Photographs, written stories, poems and most importantly from Alis point of view, a detailed list of instructions for the education and instruction of future Bethsalem Gardeners. Alis favorite garden I believe is the last garden which she has just completed, the Japanese garden, complete with fountain and water features. It is here, I think, there should be a small plaque erected, with Alis garden engraved thereon. I hate the thought that in ten years time all Alis hard work may not be remembered. Bethsalem is a wondeful facility for the Christadelphian community, and it is is beautiful, both inside and outside. Thanks Alison Gore and helpers for your generous labors, they are greatly appreciated by us all.
Posted on: Thu, 14 Aug 2014 01:20:06 +0000