The Gardens for 2011

This symbol used throughout this list of our gardens refers to locations with greater ease of access. Persons with mobility issues may wish to select from these gardens in designing their tour.   Most gardens will have "artisans and vendors" present to add to your enjoyment - many with interesting items for sale.     1.  In Penetanguishene, this garden has lovely stonework to set off the broad shrub and perennial borders at the front of the house.  Annual pots are used for colour emphasis.  In the rear only a tiny patch of lawn remains.  Instead, full perennial beds and shrubs frame the space and soften the corners.  A vegetable bed tucked against the greenbelt is the edible feature of this oasis.      2.  A second Penetanguishene garden is the home of enthusiastic plant collectors and growers of the interesting annuals that fill the beds.  Vine covered arbours invite you back to their secret backyard space.  Here you’ll find a large shady canopy in the lawn and sunny borders around the property.  The gardens are tucked full of perennials and there is also a well-tended vegetable plot.      3.  A short drive will take you to a garden between Midland and Penetanguishene.  These gardeners have a beautifully designed property that features a pond, waterfall, swimming pool and decks but the garden visitor will be impressed by the broad selection of well-chosen perennials and shrubs that add structure and definition to the large space so that the gardens have interest all season long.  This is a garden to wander and a place to make wish lists.      4.  Out on Highway 93 the tour features a large rural property which illustrates the options of open space.  There are forest pathways, a creek with a waterwheel, and a newer terraced garden.  The gardens are low maintenance and frame the home beautifully and they showcase the owner’s newest hobby - carving totem poles.  Please note - some parts of this large property are more access friendly than others.     5.  This 150 acre property is being developed as a Retreat Centre.  There is an interesting 2-year old round straw bale construction building framed with meadows and mowed areas, winding paths, lots of native plants and a new feature - a medicine wheel garden.  The intention of the gardens is to create a holistic environment for retreat activities.      6.  Another lovely country property sits atop a hill with panoramic views overlooking the valley.  The gardens blend colour, texture and the gardeners’ interests with the history of the property.  Much of this is conveyed by a pear tree and thirty wild apple trees planted long ago.  Please note - some parts of this large property are more access friendly than others.     7.  The tour also features a two acre organic garden planted behind a retirement complex in Tiny Township.  This community project is funded to encourage the process of local food production but it is also an educational tool for many groups in the area.  You will enjoy the visit to see the project in action.  You can purchase fresh produce, flowers and herbs as well as plan your end-of-summer canning orders.      8.  Near a well traveled county road you will discover an idyllic peaceful oasis.  This rural property is a plant lover’s paradise. You will get lots of ideas here.  Carefully chosen plant material is combined in effective design to create many exciting surprises and interest all season.  Take pleasure in all this plus wonderful views and occasionally cows.      9.  Huronia has wonderful shorelines and the tour features several waterfront properties.  This waterfront modern beach house in Tiny is home to a garden guerilla who has expanded his extensive perennial collection right out into the street courtyard where he has even installed a watering system.  The sunny beds around the house and gazebo include a wide variety of perennials chosen for good colour and long seasonal bloom.      10.  A second nearby waterfront property is a carefully executed study in contrasts.  A shady cottage entrance has been beautifully enhanced with an inviting curve of cedars and soft under-plantings of hosta and other shade material.  The beachfront, by contrast, has pots and planters that create masses of colour and sunny beds of low-lying, drought-tolerant shrubs that showcase magnificent sunsets.      11.  In Midland you’ll enjoy a visit to this property.  A challenging, sloping lot with several changing heights of land has been cleverly designed to showcase a collection of cottage garden plants.  By choosing a naturalized fluid style the garden provides great colour and texture from the deck and reduces the need for difficult weeding maintenance.  Please note - some parts of this large property are more access friendly than others.     12.  These enthusiastic Midland gardeners have used their oversized lot with a strong slope to showcase their feature plants and other collections.  The front beds and entrance are skillfully colour designed to frame the entry and invite the visitor to the back gardens.  Here tranquility reigns with both the meditation space and sunny seating areas overlooking the shady dell.  Please note - some parts of this large property are more access friendly than others.     13.  Are you a lover of Dahlias?  These gardens are showcases for a stunning collection of Dahlias as well as a bonsai interest and the gardener is happy to share his enthusiasms for both.  The other plant material is used to showcase these favourites but the design of the garden includes both sunny areas as well as a shady retreat for summer relaxation.      14.  Another waterfront oasis showcases woodland gardens and a winding stream that meander down to the water.  They are fluid constructions of colour and texture and feature interesting plants, tempting pathways and bridges.  Designed to be viewed from the house, the gardens become more naturalized and subdued as they flow down to the beachfront.      15.  And another waterfront property in Tay is the home of garden enthusiasts with a love for layered plant material and fragrance.  The front bank of the house is cleverly a low maintenance area designed with a variety of groundcovers.  However the owner’s enthusiasm for gardening and collecting has created a striking landscape in the back.  The trickling water sounds beckon the visitor down curving pathways, past gardens full of old-fashioned and unusual perennials and roses to Georgian Bay.     This symbol used throughout the above list of our gardens refers to locations with greater ease of access. Persons with mobility issues may wish to select from these gardens in designing their tour.

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