Since they can’t open their gardens to the public this year, the Advertiser has invited local horticultural societies to write about what’s going on in their gardens. For questions or to submit articles, email jshuttleworth@wellingtonadvertiser.com
FERGUS – This year was a banner year for gardens. My wife and I recognized this early when we went to our favourite garden centre after the May 24th holiday.
We always wait until then to purchase plants and flowers to avoid any possibility of frost. This year most of their stock was already sold.
We ventured to six or seven more garden centres and discovered all of them were practically sold out.
This was great to see because it meant homeowners were spending more time in their gardens and our town would be getting more beautiful as a result.
Last year the Fergus and District Horticultural Society launched the “Grand Gardens” program to recognize homes with beautiful gardens.
The plan is to recognize up to six homes each year, identified with a sign in each garden, however due to COVID-19 the program was put on hold this year.
“I wish we could’ve recognized the great work homeowners put into their gardens this year,” said Doreen Broome, a Grand Garden committee member.
“There were so many great examples of creativity in design, colour balance, overall visual impact and curb appeal. I would like to recognize all of them for their great work.”
Last year the Grand Gardens Committee recognized six homeowners: Lynn Bachinski on Maiden Lane; Steve and Sandra Beckett, St. David St. South; Irini Karapanos, Hill Street; Lloyd Lougheed, Harvey St.; Molly and Bob Myers, Robertson St.; and Richard and Beth Mathew, Tower St. North.
They received a number of prizes in addition to the “Grand Gardens” signage in their garden. The plan is to build on this every year.
“We are very careful in the selection process,” said Joan Cuming, another committee member. “It is not necessary to have a large property full of grand gardens.
“We also look at gardens in townhomes, apartment buildings, even shade gardens. We want to make it as inclusive as possible. The aim is to recognize beauty in design, overall balance, creativity, colour interest, unique features and use of space.”
The horticultural society encourages people to get creative with their gardens. Creating beautiful gardens does not necessarily take a lot of money and with the right knowledge it does not necessarily mean a lot of work.
You can’t make a mistake. If something doesn’t work one year, change it. If you didn’t like something, pull it out or move it and try something else. That’s how we learn.
Gardens that you admire have taken many, many years to get where they are today.
Gardening is about the journey. It’s about enjoying each step.
Anyone that wants to learn more is welcome to come to our monthly meetings when they finally start up again. We have speakers every month on every subject.
The Fergus and District Horticultural Society would like to thank all the homeowners in Fergus and the surrounding area for making their gardens so beautiful this year.
There is such value to our community when everyone takes pride in their homes. We are so lucky to live in a community that cares and works hard to create beautiful gardens. It makes a better community for all of us.
It just feels better and says so much about us.
And who knows, next year you may get a knock on your door recognizing you for having one of the “Grand Gardens” in our area.
Ken Johnston has been a member of the Fergus and District Horticutural Society for four years.