Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Private gardens go public: Self-guided tour of gardens in Huron and Perth counties

(News Release)

More than 20 private gardens in Huron and Perth will be open to the public this summer, with the touring program beginning on June 1. The selection of gardens will be open at various times throughout June, July and August.
   Shade and sunny gardens, featuring old-fashioned perennials and native trees, can be viewed at Rhea Hamilton Seeger and Klaus Seeger’s home in Auburn.
 This is a rare opportunity to see over fences and hedges at gardens that are lovingly tended. Some are located on the property of a business and visitors can enjoy both new ideas in landscaping and plant choices while taking advantage of the materials offered for sale. Riverbend Gardens and Nursery features nearly 1000 varieties of hostas.


Some Huron County residents have opened up their home gardens for viewing. Some of the gardens featured are the gardens of the Purple Rooster at RR 1, Gorrie, where you will see an eclectic mix of sun and shade, old and new shrubs and perennials. 
Karen Redmond in Auburn uses ornamental grasses to create a double garden, one you see from the street and a hidden one in behind. Vicky and Doug Culbert have designed and created a monument garden dedicated to Surveyors’ monuments that have been collected from all over Ontario and displayed in a reflective shade garden, surrounded by Explorer roses.

Many of the gardens featured also include vegetable and herbs, raised beds and functional gardens.   Others incorporate environmental improvements, such as rain barrels, rain gardens, and wildlife habitat.

The colourful brochure contains information on available times and the map provides an opportunity to plan a day’s event!  Look for the colourful green map, which may be picked up at local tourism offices and library branches in Huron County, or from area Horticultural societies.  You can find out more about Undiscovered Gardens at: www.gardensofhuronperth.com here or find us on Facebook!

Whether you are a new gardener or just looking for new ideas, Undiscovered Gardens has something for you!

The non-profit group fashioned their idea after the Discover Rural Gardens of Grey Bruce Counties. They are always looking for more gardeners to join them as it is a ongoing project. Last year was their first full season and it was a wonderful success.

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