Memorial tree gets little upkeep and no respect
Florence Rosberg deserves better than to have not one but two trees planted in her memory wither and die.
Her family paid for the city to plant a memorial tree in her honour in Taddle Creek Park, at Lowther Avenue and Bedford Road. But instead of a standard four-by-six-inch plaque near the tree, they installed what can best be described as a small headstone, not unlike those in cemeteries.
Star editor Julie Carl, a regular visitor to the park, sent me a note saying that the tree was recently dug up, along with the stone. Her note included a photo of the stone, which appeared to be discarded under nearby bushes.
Carl said she didn’t pay much attention to the tree or its condition because her focus had always been on the enchanting inscription on the stone: “Age could not wither her nor dim her joyous love of learning.”
Carl thought the tree had been stolen or vandalized, saying, “I always read the stone when I walk the dog because my sister and I are choosing words for a plaque for our mother and I like Mrs. Rosberg’s.”
“I can’t recall if the tree was looking ratty. I still hope someone is replacing it. I bet I am not the only person intrigued with what happened here. Or even with who Florence Rosberg is.”
I looked online and learned that Rosberg died in 2005. She was the mother of legendary CBC broadcaster Barbara Frum and grandmother of Sen. Linda Frum, who recently revealed she is retiring from the Canadian senate, and her brother David Frum, a former speechwriter for U.S. president George W. Bush and columnist for the Atlantic magazine.
I went to the park and found that the stone had been moved from under the bushes and plunked down in the hole that the tree had occupied. How it got from under the bushes wasn’t clear; it’s too heavy for your average guy to heft.
In an email, David Frum confirmed that the memorial is his grandmother’s and that she lived nearby on Prince Arthur Avenue, and that Taddle Creek was her neighbourhood park.
Status: I sent a note to the city and asked if it would replace the tree, as provided for under Toronto’s commemorative tree and bench program.
A reply said that, “Forestry staff assessed this tree and found it was no longer viable after branches were broken and removed. Staff removed the tree, and temporarily relocated the plaque in order to complete the removal without damaging it. The plaque is being held for safekeeping while arrangements are being made for a new tree to be replanted this week. The commemorative plaque will also be placed back at the base of the tree.
“Unfortunately staff was not able to locate contact information for Ms. Rosberg’s family prior to removing the tree and moving the plaque. We regret this and apologize.”
The next day I got another note from the city, saying that the tree had been replaced and the stone restored to its original location, along with a photo to prove it.
But last week, Carl sent me another email that said “Florence Rosberg’s tree is dead. Even crispy.” She included a photo showing that the leaves on the tree had already dried up and withered, adding, “I have a sense this could make a good Monty Python skit.”
What’s the point in planting trees or anything else during the height of summer, if the city can’t be bothered to provide it with enough water to ensure its survival?
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