Ethan’s Garden Celebrates 5 Years with the help of the Middlesex Centre Pollinator Team! by Pamma Hubbert
Ethan’s Garden, a pollinator-friend - ly memorial garden nestled behind the Komoka Community Centre, is celebrating its fifth anniversary this October. Originally planted in 2020 in memory of Ethan Fonseca — a beloved local boy who lived with Cerebral Palsy — the garden has blossomed into a vibrant native habitat and a touching tribute to lost loved ones. Built on a foundation of communi- ty support, the garden has grown steadily since its first phase. Vol - unteers, including members of the Middlesex Centre Pollinator Team, have helped with seasonal plant- ings, maintenance, and spreading the message about the importance of native species. Painted memori- al stones, donated plants, and art installations have made the space uniquely personal. Each green-painted rock in the garden is more than a decoration — it symbolizes Cerebral Palsy Awareness and honours Ethan’s legacy. In 2021, the garden wel- comed a memorial Burr Oak and a special rock in memory of another community member, Trevor. Lo- cal artists and family friends have added personal touches over the years, making the garden a reflec - tive and educational space. The garden now features dozens of Ontario-native species carefully selected to thrive in the sandy, STARK & CO. Painting and Trim Specializing in residential interior and exterior painting and the removal and replacement of baseboard trim. (226) 998-8703 Enhance Physical Health, Confidence and Self Esteem with Sifu Carlos Ferraz
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gravel-rich soil. Although many native plants take time to establish, biodiversity is increasing each year, and so are the butterflies, bees, and birds that visit. Much of this success is thanks to the Middlesex Centre Pollinator Team, a grassroots group formed in 2019 as part of the tri- national Mayor’s Monarch Pledge. Their mission is to promote pollinator conservation through education, native plant sales, Monarch way stations, and events like Compost Days and the Komoka Market. Their work has helped make Middlesex Centre a model for pollinator protection in Ontario. Today, Ethan’s Garden is more than a memorial — it’s a thriving pollinator hub, a teaching tool, and a place of peace and connection. The Fonseca family continues to share native plants from the garden with others across Southern Ontario, extending Ethan’s legacy and supporting healthy ecosystems far beyond Komoka. To visit, head to the Komoka Community Centre and park near the water tower. A paved path leads straight to the garden, just north of the tennis courts. Come for the wildflowers — stay for the story. Flower photos compliments of Joe & Christine Fonseca.
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Page 10 KKD Villager July/Aug 2025
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