Summer wouldn’t be summer without the Fergus Horticultural Society’s annual garden tour. This year’s event is set for June 23.
The tour is self-guided and runs 12:30 to 4:30pm, rain or shine.
As part of the society’s mandate, the annual garden tour promotes “Gardening is for everyone”.
Gardeners from the most experienced horticulturalists to those with a small backyard plot will find lots of ideas in this year’s tour.
The tour will allow visitors to explore the beauty and tranquility of country settings and residential gardens. This year offers extensive collections of annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees, in diverse settings.
Five unique gardens will be open to receive visitors, free of charge.
Because of its strong educational commitment, the society does not sell tickets for the tour.
In lieu of admission, the society will accept food and money donations for the Centre Wellington Food Bank.
Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture this year’s stunning treatments.
This year’s tour includes:
#0472 South River Road, Fergus
This property was purchased in 1972, a dream home was built and an all-encompassing garden created. The owners were determined to keep the front of the garden as natural as possible.
Over time a cedar forest has grown considerably and needs the care of an arborist. The sunny spot at the roadway was a natural choice for a cultivated rose garden.
The owners also designed a private oasis overlooking the Grand River. Throughout the years, shade from two 25-year- old beech trees has increased. An additional garden was created showcasing shade tolerant perennials, shrubs and ferns.
609 Perry Street, Fergus
The back garden of this property is located on a former railway allowance. The owners spent four years turning the elevated bed into a remarkable garden.
The pergola and pond were built, which make the area appear flat. A towering stand of Norway spruce lines the left side of the property.
A rock garden completes the property’s visual impact. The owners have turned what most would consider unusable space into a tranquil retreat.
490 Elgin Street, Fergus
The property owner’s objective was to create an oasis incorporating a living privacy wall. A stone footpath leads visitors to sweeping perennial beds, shrubs and evergreens. An idyllic waterfall tumbles through the rock garden into a fish pond.
Numerous hostas make for a very pleasing collection of various colours and textures. The visually pleasing assortment of glazed pots, adorns the front garden and patio areas. Exquisite garden art is visible throughout.
#8231 Wellington Road 18, Fergus
The owners have spent much time rejuvenating the gardens surrounding their country home. Visitors are greeted with an extensive collection of hostas and other shade tolerant plants. A minute pine forest affords a welcomed “café in the woods” retreat.
An extensive collection of daylilies and unusual perennials provide a focus for the garden pond.
Templin Gardens, Fergus
Fergus’ celebrated landmark, Templin Gardens was awarded “Favourite Civic Space, Garden” by Doors Open Ontario in 2011.
This extensive garden is maintained by the Fergus Horticultural Society. Templin Gardens offers a tranquil setting where visitors can truly appreciate nature’s beauty. Visitors are invited to take in the spectacular views while enjoying complimentary refreshments.
Property owners and members of the Horticultural Society will be present to answer inquiries at all locations.
This year’s tour coordinators are Helen Lacroix, Julie Kron and Claire McKay. Call 519-843-3131 for further information.
Brochures and maps for tour are available at LittleTree Horticultural Ltd. (Hwy#6 North, Fergus), Cedar Spring Nursery (South River Road, Elora), Fergus Information Centre (Albert & Tower St. S.) and Elora Information Centre (Mill St., Elora).
A printable brochure and location map is available on the society’s website http://www.gardenontario.org/site.php/fergushs.
Ron Stevenson is a member of the Fergus Horticultural Society.
