By Sophie Walsh 

Welcome to the Nina de Villiers Memorial Rose Garden. Nina’s life, full of a love for plants, animals, music, science and more, was tragically cut short when she was abducted and murdered in 1991. Nina was in her first year studying biochemistry at McMaster at the time. 

This memorial garden was originally built for Nina in 1993, but as the years passed, the Grounds department noticed areas where the garden could be improved and revitalized.

In 2020, the grounds department began a full revitalization of the garden in consultation with Priscilla de Villiers, Nina’s mother. They removed the wrought-iron fence around the garden and implemented new pathways to create a more welcoming open concept. 

Nina had a love for roses, so the original roses from the garden were replanted in the new layout, with English Lavender, two magnolias and five baby blue spruce trees. 

Today, the garden has grown into its new design well, with built-in irrigation, two repainted support stands for its climbing roses and a pair of benches from the original garden, donated by Hamilton’s Mayor in 1993. 

The McMaster Grounds department remains committed to the maintenance of this site, ensuring that life here is able to thrive and continue to stand as a symbol of respect and peace for everyone.