Huntsville’s Wellie Garden, which was created in honour of Kareen Burns, has a new home in River Mill Park.
Burns, a beloved local artist and arts supporter who passed away of cancer in 2017, was known for her Wellington boots.
The garden has been facilitated and cared for by two of Burns’ closest friends, Catherine Cole and Kirsty Williamson.
“Before anybody else wore Hunter boots Kareen wore them everywhere with everything, even with dresses. She was a true style icon in our town,” said Cole.
Burns was the president of the Huntsville Festival of the Arts, heavily involved in Hunters Bay Radio, and was known as a champion of all things art in Huntsville.
“She was such an amazing promoter of individuals. She was a true patron of the arts,” said Cole.
When Williamson and Burns were visiting family in Scotland they came across a little fishing town called St. Monans which had its own little Wellie garden on the pier.
So when it came to honouring Burns, a Wellie garden seemed the perfect tribute.
The memorial was created two years ago at Hunters Bay Radio. Those who knew Burns were invited to bring a pair of rubber boots, with a hole in the bottom so water can drain from the soil, and fill it with flowers.
This year, the garden was moved to River Mill Park as part of the inaugural HFA Art Crawl. The garden is expanding as local groups and individuals bring their own Wellies to honour loved ones.
“It’s so beautiful having the garden as part of our downtown. I walk down there almost every day and visit them and water them,” said Cole. “The boots really seem to suit the spot they’re in. It’s an amazing little discovery for people.”
While most of the boots house flowers, one is growing strawberries.
“My hope is that this garden can become a permanent part of River Mill Park, always changing with new boots, new colours, and new flowers each year,” said Williamson. “Kareen Burns was a very interesting, very Scottish character – always questioning, always contributing, always inspiring. The garden is a reminder to follow in her footsteps. It is a spot that makes you smile.”
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Well done, Kirsty. The wellie garden is beautiful and such an appropriate memorial for Kareen. Thank you to all involved.