Rooted in Stewardship: The Arboretum at Trochu’s Water-Wise Journey
Nestled along North Road in Trochu, Alberta, The Arboretum at Trochu spans 3.5 acres of forest garden—beautiful evidence of how mindful water management and community care can grow something extraordinary.
A Legacy Built on Water
The original farmhouse and surrounding land, first developed in the early 1920s, was sustained by its own well. The site evolved slowly, relying on self-sufficiency and local resources.
When water was added to North Road for residential development, the farmhouse was hooked up via a shared line. As the arboretum began taking shape in the early 1980s, a dedicated new line was installed to support its evolving water needs.
To balance beauty and conservation, a separate irrigation line was later added—fitted with its own valve and monitoring system. This advanced setup allows precise control over when, how much, and where water is used.
Today, all water comes via the Town of Trochu, which pulls from the Red Deer River to supply the community.
Nourishing the Gardens – Seasonally & Responsibly
From late spring through fall, irrigation nourishes trees, lawns, expansive flower beds, and aquatic features, including a large koi pond, a smaller pond, and four gentle fountains. But water flows only when needed—if rainfall is sufficient, the system is paused accordingly.
Staff routinely test soil moisture levels and closely monitor rainfall. After adequate precipitation, irrigation is strategically turned off for set durations, ensuring healthy subsoil moisture without waste.
Mulch & Leaves: Nature’s Retention Methods
Every year, thoughtful layers of wood chip mulch are added to all tree and perennial beds. This helps suppress evaporation, moderates soil temperature, and fosters healthy root development.
Once frosts arrive each fall, fallen leaves are blown onto the plant beds to capture snowmelt in winter, preserving moisture for spring. In late spring, portions of this mulch are removed and composted—closing the cycle of natural fertility and moisture retention.
A Living, Learning Landscape
The Arboretum hosts hundreds of native trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals, all tagged for education. Paths weave through botanical collections including lilacs, roses, fruit trees (saskatoon, cherries, raspberries, apples, crabapples, pears), and heritage conifers (e.g., Colorado blue spruce, paper birch, Ponderosa pine).
In the heart of the garden lies the Dr. Hay Memorial Pond—a carefully planted aquatic environment hosting koi, goldfish, frogs, aquatic insects, and native plants. Multiple fountains and water features support habitat diversity and visitor delight.
Responding to Climate Realities
As regional droughts and erratic weather increase, the Arboretum strengthens its conservation protocols:
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Precision irrigation: Monitored valves adapt watering schedules in real time.
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Mulching & leaf layering: Nature-driven water-saving techniques reduce dependency on supplemental irrigation.
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Soil monitoring: Regular testing ensures subsoil health—balancing root-zone moisture without overwatering.
In essence, water management here is about being proactive—not just responsive.
Growing Together: Community and Conservation
Open daily from dawn to dusk, the Arboretum hosts workshops (including no-dig gardening and pest management), garden tours, Forest of Lights, summer markets, and the annual Flower, Baking & Photography Show.
Local volunteers contribute thousands of hours—from garden maintenance to lighting installations in winter. Education is woven into the landscape, with interpretive signage, soil health programs, and hands-on stewardship workshops.
The Arboretum operates as a not-for-profit charity, supported by donations, memberships, and guided partnerships—with the Town of Trochu, local landscaping and permaculture groups, and greenhouse suppliers.
This year, during Alberta Open Farm Days, the Arboretum becomes a true learning hub, hosting a range of expert-led sessions and interactive demos focused on sustainable living, land stewardship, and natural resilience. Visitors can learn:
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Pruning Basics with arborist Maureen Sexsmith (Ladybug Arborists)
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Introduction to Permaculture & Hot Composting with Connie Tremblay (White Star Permaculture)
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The Benefits of Fermented Foods with Arden Delidais (DNA Gardens)
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Wild Herbal Remedies of Alberta with herbalist Kay McKernan
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Soil Health & Regenerative Practices with Jon Sedore
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Introduction to Biochar with Jeff Morgan (Captain’s Lab)
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Natural Beekeeping with Wendy Kingsmith (Meant to Bee)
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Alberta Native Plants with Latifa (Latifa’s Herbs)
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Interactive Animal Area with Amanda Wunsch (Ranaman Ranch), featuring horses and cows
These sessions reflect the Arboretum’s commitment to conservation, community knowledge-sharing, and connecting people of all ages with the natural world.
Planting Seeds for the Future
The Arboretum at Trochu stands as a model of what community, education, and climate-adaptive design can achieve together. By combining historical roots and forward-thinking water practices, it nurtures both its collection—and its capacity to teach future generations about sustainable land care.
Their message is clear: thoughtful, nature-aligned strategies—mulch, leaves, soil testing, and smart irrigation—can make all the difference in preserving both beauty and resources. In Trochu, water becomes more than a utility—it becomes a shared responsibility, a teaching tool, and the foundation for a landscape that thrives on both roots and resilience.
Step Into a Storybook Garden This Open Farm Days
As Alberta Open Farm Days approaches, The Arboretum at Trochu is ready to welcome visitors into its living classroom. This August 16 & 17, guests will have the opportunity to walk the winding paths, explore the water-wise gardens, and see firsthand how thoughtful conservation practices are integrated into every inch of this vibrant space.
It’s a chance to ask questions, learn from dedicated volunteers and gardeners, and experience the beauty of a community that’s actively nurturing both plants and people through sustainable stewardship.
Whether you’re a passionate gardener, a conservation enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to enjoy a peaceful day outdoors, a visit to The Arboretum at Trochu will offer something truly meaningful: a glimpse into how water, care, and community can grow something extraordinary.
Plan your visit at albertaopenfarmdays.ca and discover the story that’s blooming in Trochu!