The Fergus Horticultural Society invites everyone to visit unique gardens that have been lovingly developed by local gardeners.
With our fickle climate, gardening can be a challenge, but when conquered these gardens are known for their individual differences and charm.
This year’s self-guided tour will introduce creative and colourful gardens. Be sure to bring a camera.
Fergus has enjoyed the society’s tours for a number of years. Visitors range from non-gardeners to those who are novice home gardeners, to those who are leading horticulturists. Enjoy a few hours seeing some of the best gardens in the area.
Garden tours are a great learning experience. The diverse gardens are designed and maintained by devoted gardeners, who will offer visitors motivation and gardening techniques.
This year’s gardens are chosen for easy access in the Fergus area. Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions and add to the educational experience.
Admission is free but a donation to the Centre Wellington Food Bank will be appreciated.
The tour will be held rain or shine on June 20 12:30 to 4:30pm. This year’s tour includes:
6685 5th Line, Belwood
In 1996, the owners cleared this 12-acre property. They positioned and built the house to give optimal sun exposure to the main gardens.
The original plan was to have five flowerbeds professionally designed. Like all good plans, the owners faced a huge challenge when 400 perennials arrived that first spring. Do ask them to elaborate on that story.
Once the original flowerbeds filled in, a wildflower garden was added. The gardens have continued to grow by the addition of structural elements built from cedars that originally grew on the property. Follow the exquisite looping path through the woods to the ever moving river. This certainly is a camera location.
440 Garafraxa Street East, Fergus
When these homeowners decided to downsize, the plan was to keep the gardens small. These gardens may be small in area, but they are huge on visual impact.
The front gardens were expanded dramatically. Crushed black granite forms the base of the garden and a serene seating area. This space has an all-season interest. The pond area is graced by a Japanese maple and grassy paths. The gardeners use mirrors to give glimpses of what is to come.
180 Garafraxa Street East, Fergus
This heritage home was lacking any horticultural interests when the homeowners purchased it 12 years ago. That proved to be a challenge that was conquered a little more each and every year.
Currently, flowering shrubs and clematis vines clamber up arbours, trellises, and handy tree trunks. The pond fills one corner of the back garden, while visual delights and fragrances fill the senses as the traffic noise fades.
These experienced gardeners have nurtured offspring from the many shrubs and perennials. The 90 hostas provide structure and continuity to the design. Other plants provide texture and contrast.
131 Parkside Drive West, Fergus
Once arriving, this property presents an elegant armillary sphere that serves as a focal point to the front gardens.
Further character is added with a Hoopsi Colorado spruce. It is adjacent to a shrub bed, while a Japanese maple stands proudly by the enclosed sun porch. The installation allows the homeowners to enjoy the view regardless of the weather.
Be sure to admire the Persian roses accented by ornamental grasses and groundcovers. The owners have placed unusual perennials throughout. Numerous benches provide comfortable vantage points to relax and enjoy the setting.
Terry Fox Park, St. Andrew Street West, Fergus
The Fergus Horticultural Society has long maintained the floral beds at Terry Fox Park. It is one of more than 20 gardens the society tends to.
The pergola was locally designed and built. Beds were dug to receive over 200 treasured peonies from the collections of the late Wally Gilbert and Billy Brown, both renowned Elora peony hybridizers.
Other collections have been added to include hybrid irises, day lilies, and hostas donated by the Kron family. Seating areas add to the enjoyment of the park. Light refreshments and society memberships will be available at this point on the tour.
Brochures for this year’s tour are available at LittleTree Horticultural Ltd. (on Highway 6, at the north end of Fergus), Cedar Spring Nursery (South River Road, Elora) and the Fergus Information Centre (Albert and Tower Street South)
Visit the Society’s website www.gardenontario.org/site.php/fergushs for a map to all of the gardens. For further information, call this year’s coordinator, Cheryl Yuill, at 519-843-4443.
The Society is always looking for gardens of distinction. Anyone who would like to be considered for next year’s tour should contact the Society at fergushortsociety@hotmail.com.
