 Blooms Along the Canal
by Pauline Armstrong
Blooms Along the Canal; Smiths Falls Horticultural Society 2007 Garden Tour
On July 7th 2007 the Smiths Falls Horticultural Society joined the town of Smiths Falls to celebrate the 175 Anniversary of the Rideau Canal. Our contribution to a long list of activities scheduled for the weekend was a self guided Garden Tour, showcasing eleven of our members gardens and drawing attention to our town garden at Centennial Park. We chose “Blooms Along the Canal” as our official title.
This was our societies first Garden Tour and we had a large learning curve! However, looking back on that day and remembering the comments and the expressions on the faces of the visitors, the enthusiasm of the garden hosts and the energy of all our volunteers, we have to conclude it was a success!
Our eye catching tickets were designed and printed by Hope Bell. The ticket provided a map and description of each garden, so participants could plan their route based on personal interest and locations. Gardens to explore were grouped into three areas Smiths Falls South, Smiths Falls West and In Town helping visitors organize their travelling time. Each site was marked with a potted sunflower and number to assist visitors in finding their way.
The eleven gardens were all unique in style, design and content and each was able to inspire and impress our visitors.
In town Nancy Finn offered visitors a wonderful display of Asiatic/oriental and day lilies. Around the corner Carol Reid welcomed people to her front yard garden which contained lots of perennials in a dry river bed setting. As Stan Kochanczyk’s guests toured this immaculate space they learned that “great” gardens can be found in small spaces. Francis and Rick Cole inspired people with their “zen” garden which allowed a true escape into another world. Across town Rick and Marg Sauder greeted people in period costume and dazzled them with their rose collection and knowledge.
South of town Barb Delisle large property gave guests a chance to stretch their legs and tour a variety of garden spaces and a pond . Angie and Poul Jorgenson are turning their passion for gardening into a business and after touring their extensive perennial gardens, guests could browse through their greenhouse. Hope Bell’s country garden boasted informal flower beds of perennials and roses which blended with the natural countryside.
Turning to the west of Smiths Falls, visitors found more great spaces. Pauline and Larry Armstrong’s enthusiasm was contagious, this expansive property featured a large pond with waterfall and collections of day lilies, hosta and iris. Larry was on site to answer any questions about his organically grown vegetables. Clark and Judy Lavender’s rural property offered different sections to explore dedicated to perennials, vegetables and cut flowers. Chris Boisvert’s passion for gardening was evident as visitors toured her garden spaces which were a mass of vibrant color.
Thank You to everyone whose efforts made this event a success.
(2008-01-13) |
