Known for being an anticipated summer event, this year’s Fergus Horticultural Society’s garden tour was an outstanding success.
The June 23 affair encouraged inquisitive “guests” to have a close look-see at some of the area’s gardens.
This year’s tour directed participants to five very distinctive gardens that highlighted the area’s natural beauty.
Being permitted to leisurely wander beyond the garden gate was truly a treat for visitors. Many freely expressed their personal thoughts about the gardens.
Tour goers from as far away as Toronto praised the majestic ambience of the mature trees as they slowly strolled through the properties.
Others enviously relished the landscape that abutted the awesome panoramic views of the Grand River.
“I simply love this property with its house nestled in the woods. Even though the gardens were not very extensive, it did have a wonderful mix of plants and beech trees. The sitting area that overlooked the river made it incredibly serene and relaxed,” said a yearly visitor. “I just couldn’t resist a pit stop”.
In another garden, guests mentioned the wonderful collection of artistry that was intermingled within an abundance of unusual botanical specimens.
Still yet another garden had an extensive collection of shade dwelling plants that were expertly manicured.
“This gardener has made this unique property appear so much larger than it really is. They have created walking paths with an eclectic grouping of plants, that seem to make the garden very expansive,” said a neighbouring visitor.
Favourable comments were also expressed about the idyllic county property that was a good distance away from a busy road.
A mature stand of evergreens backing onto a corn field, gives a genuine feeling of being in a rural setting. The gardens had an appropriate collection of traditional plants and trees.
It is for these reasons that visitors find garden tours to be very advantageous. They have the opportunity to discuss with other gardeners or ask direct questions of the property owners.
Often the names of the specific plants are identified or recommended.
Many digitals of floral studies and whimsical displays were taken by amateur and professional photographers.
An underlining role of the society is to foster an appreciation and acquire knowledge of gardening and conservation; to aid in the protection of native plants and to encourage home gardening and civic beautification.
Because of the society’s strong educational mandate, an admission is not charged for the tour. It does request that visitors provide a donation for the local food bank.
This year $461.45 and 473 pounds of food was collected for the Centre Wellington Food Bank.
The society wishes to personally thank those property owners who availed their gardens for this year’s tour.
Tour coordinators Helen Lacroix, Julie Kron and Claire McKay wish to extend their gratitude to members who assisted with this year’s tour.
Tour visitors had many one-on-one personal chats with these dedicated homeowners who created some of the area’s most decorative gardens.
Participants spoke highly of homeowners, who devoted their time and efforts to create incredible gardens.
The tour coordinators also pointed out that the society is on the lookout for new gardens. All types of gardens are encouraged to be considered for the 2014 tour.
Often gardeners are urged by family, friends or neighbours, to allow their property to be on the Society’s tour.
Gardeners wishing to share their efforts with visitors should contact the tour coordinator at fergushortsociety@hotmail.com.
Ron Stevenson is a member of the Fergus Horticultural Society.
