George Pegg Botanic Garden Society
Our Mission
The George Pegg Botanic Garden Society has maintained the Pegg Garden site since 1989. The Society oversees general upkeep, seasonal maintenance, site preservation and repairs. The Society also plans and promote a variety of public events at the Garden to promote George Pegg’s contributions to Alberta’s botanical and historical heritage.
The Society is led by a volunteer board, executive members, and directors. Memberships are open to the public and are $10.00/person. Memberships may be purchased at most Pegg Garden events. Payments can also be made using the link below. E-transfers to peggbotanicgarden@gmail.com and cheques made payable to the George Pegg Botanic Garden Society, Box 463, Sangudo, Alberta, T0E 2A0, are also accepted. Download a membership application form here.
What We've Achieved
From 1989 to 1992, with the assistance of consultants, members of the newly established George Pegg Botanic Garden Society completed a master development plan, including an inventory of plants and historic artifacts.
Building repair took high priority with picket fence restoration in 1989, followed by stabilization of the machine shed and replacement of the log house roof in 1990.
In 1990, a boardwalk was built, allowing visitors access to the wetland area
The Pegg Garden was designated as a provincial historic resource and protected site in 1992
In 1992 the log house foundation was restored and the summer kitchen floor replaced
In 2008, an unusual 8-sided granary constructed by George Pegg was returned to the Garden, having been sold many years before and moved to Cherhill and later to Stanger
In 2008, the Society accepted a beautiful stone monument for the Garden entrance, donated by the Hinkelman family. When Mr. & Mrs. Henkelman moved from the family farm they did not want to leave behind the 20 ton stone they unearthed in a field some years ago. Stone mason Roger Shore of Stonewriter in Millet, Alberta was contracted to break this massive rock into 4 pieces. The Pegg Garden welcome sign is a favourite place for photographs
In 2009, the property perimeter was completely fenced to protect the unique and delicate flora of the Garden from deer and other destructive foragers. Extensive restoration and repair was also commissioned on the interior chinking of the homestead log house
In 2010 the roof on the log home’s summer kitchen was restored.
In 2011, construction of the Visitor's Center was completed, providing a multi-purpose reception/office space and two accessible indoor washrooms.
In 2012, the boardwalk was replaced. It is a favourite place to see the interesting array of aquatic plants that emerge in spring
In 2014, a kiosk was built, welcoming visitors to the Garden and acknowledging volunteers and sponsors
In 2017 the west wall of the log home was repaired. This big project involved lifting the wall to remove damaged logs. They were replaced with new timbers that were carefully cut to fit back into the dovetail corners.
In 2019 several of the farmyard structures were restored. Tamarack rails were hand cut to replace the corral fence. Damaged by a fallen tree, the machine shed roof was repaired. Concrete foundations for the 8-side granary and historic outhouse gave these buildings stable foundations. One of the granaries was reroofed with cedar shakes.
In 2021 a new water well was dug- providing good quality drinking water and a reliable supply for our plants. A food preparation station was added to the machine shed.
In 2022 the Boys’ Shed was beautifully restored by raising it off the ground, replacing the floor, straightening the structure, and rebuilding the roof.
In 2023 the pumphouse and garage took on a fresh look with structural repairs and new paint.
Over 2024 and 2025 the large machine shed was realigned and the massive roof was replaced with cedar shingles
In 2025 the garage had a second restoration with a new roof. Lac Ste. Anne County’s FireSmart crew worked to make the homestead site more resilient to wildfire.