livingfeature
A visit to the centre is a gardener ’ s delight with a variety of planted and native species surrounding the grounds . From treed allées to native grass plots , vegetable gardens and meadows , each area presents a unique atmosphere to visitors , with the entire homestead feeling almost like a horticultural exhibition .
he kept one foot firmly planted in Nanton and returned to the area in 1988 to reclaim the family homestead . Sadly , he passed away in 2013 , but his vision for the property continues today after years of meticulous restoration and planning to transform the site into a living testament to the power of the prairies . “ It was always neat to go visit . There were lots of parties happening with so many interesting people ,” Brad recalls of his years growing up around the property and helping Coutts with a variety of work . “ You ’ ve gotta admire someone who can turn an old chicken coop into one of the nicest houses in the area .”
Over three decades , Coutts transformed the neglected property into the unique destination it is today . By restoring old structures on site , and moving other nearby buildings that would have otherwise been destroyed onto the property , he sought to preserve the human history of the area , but his focus on preservation didn ’ t end there . “ Jim definitely tried to keep the history of where he came from ,” Brad explains . “ He was very focused on maintaining native pasture and grasses .”
A long-time supporter of the Nature Conservancy of Canada , Coutts had a great interest in native plant species and realized the importance they played towards maintaining a healthy ecosystem . As he worked on the property , he continued to focus on strengthening the horticultural aspects of the homestead , planting native species and experimenting with native plots of grasses . His meticulous notes on their progress remain inside the main house on the property today , an invaluable resource and historical document of his pursuits .
Planting Seeds for the Future
With forward-thinking vision , Coutts knew he couldn ’ t do it all himself and began seeking more help to build out his plans . As he contemplated the future of the property , he sought assistance to maintain and develop the grounds .
“ When the Coutts Centre came up and they were looking for a contractor , it looked like a great fit for me ,” says John Stoll , a journeyman horticulturist who got his start on golf courses as a horticulturist , then moved on to start his own landscaping company . “ I wanted to be in that kind of environment again where you get to work on something for a long time and see it all come together – that ’ s what drew me to the property ,” John explains .
John ’ s work certainly shows , as a visit to the centre is a gardener ’ s delight with a variety of planted and native species surrounding the grounds . From treed allées to native grass plots , vegetable gardens and meadows , each area presents a unique atmosphere to visitors , with the entire homestead feeling almost like a horticultural exhibition . There is a sense of serenity that pervades the property .
Romeo and Juliet performed on the “ stone stage ” at Coutts Centre .
John , who was hired in 2013 , became first Director of the Coutts Centre in 2014 . However , even before then , Coutts was in the process of finding an institutional partner that could help the Centre grow and expand . In addition to his love of history and the land , Coutts had also been a strong supporter of the arts and had amassed a significant collection . Looking down the road to Lethbridge , he saw the University of Lethbridge Art Gallery ( ULAG ) as an institution that would be a great place to donate his art collection , and he could also see the potential within the property to activate new artistic opportunities .
Photo : University of Lethbridge .
28 LETHBRIDGELIVING . COM MAY-JUN 2017