Annual Tillsonburg Lioness Garden Tour expands to two days -- July 19-20
Article content
Take a leisurely drive in Tillsonburg Saturday, July 19 or Sunday, July 20 to enjoy the annual Tillsonburg Lioness Garden Tour.
The 15th annual garden tour was expanded to two days this year. Stop by the seven gardens from 1-4:30 p.m. both days. Tickets are $10, available at Sears, Station Arts Centre, Annandale National Historic Site, and Garden Gate, or from the Lioness, who will be stationed at the Town Centre mall this Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., and Wednesday, July 16, from 2-6 p.m. to extend friendly invitations to participate.
"People like to get ideas for their own yards," said Lioness member Judy Witczak, co-coordinator of the garden tour committee. "You get such a variety of gardens, from a very small to a large rural property, and it gives them examples of what's possible to do in their own yard."
"They like to get different ideas for their own gardens," agreed Lioness member Ruby Fleming, co-coordinator of the garden tour committee. "And a lot of people not able to have a garden, if they've gone into an apartment or if they don't have space, they enjoy seeing other people's gardens."
"A lot of the horticultural people are interested," said Witczak. "Anybody interested in plants of any kind, they also come out."
"It's a nice outing for people," said Fleming, adding the tour is also enjoyed by garden owners. "Most people are proud of their gardens – they put a lot of work into them, and it's nice to see them appreciated."
The $10 tickets provide addresses for tour participants.
Bonnie and Bill Brown's garden in Hickory Hills is one of the stops on the tour.
"The oldest portion of our garden is five years, so this is all two to five years – it's a young garden," said Bonnie, a member of the Tillsonburg Horticulture Club. "There was nothing here when we bought the property, so we took the sod off and planted all this. The only thing here in the back were these pines, this redbud, and that..."
Her favourites are the hostas, she said, and day lilies.
"I have a lot of day lilies too," she noted. "Because there's a fair amount of shade."
Her garden serves a dual purpose – not only providing a picturesque backyard, but also privacy.
"I call this 'my secret garden.'"
All of the gardens are new to the Lioness tour this year.
"We try not to repeat too often," said Witczak, who drives around town every year looking for potential gardens. "This year the seven locations are all new, they've never on the tour before. Everything changes from year to year. I keep track – I have an ongoing list of which homes' gardens have been shown. Last year, I believe three of the homes were repeated, but repeats from about five or six years ago.
"There are so many, beautiful, beautiful spots. Basically I take the tour of Tillsonburg and when I spot something, I get out and knock on their door. I see people working in their yards and I jump out and talk to them. We get referrals, too."
On average, about 100 people usually purchase tickets, said Witczak, but some years they had up to 300. They hope expanding the tour to two days helps attendance.
"We had so many requests to have it on a Sunday. It's a nice, quiet, relaxing day to tour the gardens."
2014 Tillsonburg Lioness Club Tour of Gardens
DAYS: July 19 and July 20
TIME: 1-4:30 p.m.
TICKETS: $10, available at Sears, Annandale National Historic Site, Garden Gate, Station Arts Centre
1 – At Shirley and Lawrence Brown's home you immediately see the weeping mulberry, mountain ash trees and a variety of evergreens at the front. Take a close look at the lovely water feature. The water runs from a large pottery vase with a light to help show off the gardens at night. Very well maintained flower beds with coral bells, low growing foliage, and nicely trimmed bushes amongst all the hostas. Under the large shade trees that surround the property there is a garden seat to relax and enjoy the view.
2 – The home of Hilda DeCloet blends in very nicely with the next door neighbour's garden. In between the pillars at the front door are large containers full of colourful annuals. The evergreens are accented by the black mulch that surrounds them. You see large hostas, caladium, day lilies, some newly planted trees and lots of colourful flower containers. A bird bath and garden angel keep watch over the area, adding a special touch.
3 – When you approach the home of Kelly and Dan Robillard you will see the well maintained gardens with colourful Begonias. Butterfly bushes make a lovely backdrop along the fence. There are a variety of interesting features that complete the yard including a lighthouse with solar lighting, an old-fashioned water pump and outdoor fire burning chimney. Additionally, an above-ground vegetable garden with wind chimes to scare critters. Looking through the magnificent green arbour, you will find an outdoor bench swing nestled deep in a shady oasis.
4 – Bonnie and Bill Brown's garden welcomes you with a small flag and bird house. An assortment of shrubs and trees line the side yard. The mixed perennial garden is full of colour all season long. Enter the private, 'secret garden' through a metal abour with a large heron on watch. Along with a few annuals are several hostas, day lilies, heuchera of different shades and sizes. Notice the beautiful clematis climbing on patio lattice and the family of ducks.
5 – At the home of Sharon and Jim Jakes, you will be amazed at what they have accomplished in just five years. You will immediately be attracted by the Japanese maple and red maple trees. Rose bushes, shrubs, and a deep purple lilac tree are found at the side of the house. The huge maple trees provide a lovely shaded back yard. A variety of hostas and a splash of colour are added to the flower beds with begonias and imptiens. A vibrant and well maintained garden!
6 – The Community Garden is a beautiful plot of land to see. The garden is made for members of the public that don't live in a house or they don't have access to a garden, but they want to learn about gardening and grow their own vegetables. People rent garden plots and plant vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers of their choice. There are a few plots which are reserved for the Salvation Army and the Food Bank. Enter through the gate and take a walk along the chip wood pathways. Take a close look, but please do not touch any of the plants.
7 – Pat and Wayne Rooke have a large rural property with neatly trimmed shrubbery around. You will see an unusual water fountain that flows into a rock garden which was formerly a small pond. There are a variety of low ground covers including snow in summer. There is a pergola with a gorgeous wisteria growing around it for shade, several irises and rose bushes dot the property. The red mulch that is used in the garden makes a nice contract against the greenery. This garden is a delight to see, don't miss it.