2016 Lioness Garden & Art Tour should be one of the best
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Seven gardens and four local artists are featured in this year's Tillsonburg Lioness Garden and Art Tour on Saturday, June 25.
From 12-4:30 p.m. on the 25th, you will be able to visit some very special gardens in the Tillsonburg area - rain or shine. Tickets are available at Station Arts Centre, Coward PharmaChoice, and Tillsonburg Garden Gate at $10 each. Free draw prize for each garden on the tour. All proceeds go towards Lioness scholarships at Glendale High School.
"I have organized the Lioness Garden Tour since 2010 and I feel this is one of the best tours ever," said Lioness Judy Witczak. "The gardens are extra beautiful this year, and adding the artwork this time makes it a little more special, a little different. It really is outstanding."
The seven gardens, which can be enjoyed in any order, are located at 625 Jackson Side Road (Courtland), 481 Plank Road South (Hwy 19), 34 Demeyere Ave., 126 Lisgar Avenue, 24 Glenridge Road, 44 Clear Valley Drive, and 19 Whispering Pines Lane.
Showing their art are Valerie Zadow, Linda Hawken, Cathy Barzo and Emily Faw.
Frank and Bobbi Moore love their ravine lot backyard garden, which features a fish pond, fountain and putting greens.
"Bobbi was the big planner," said Frank. "First of all, you've got two water features. This one has pillars and cascading water, and the falls over there have a little fish pond."
"The pond is my favourite," said Bobbi. "Lots of frogs and little tadpoles in there."
"And the bullfrogs go off at night," said Frank.
Stocked with goldfish, they often have a 'visitor.'
"The heron know where this pond is - we've seen it fished out more than once. The heron is a beautiful bird, but when it's taking the fish out of your pond..."
The four-hole putting green - with artificial turf - was built 8-9 years ago, and just refreshed this year.
"Reconfigured," he said. "Does it help the putting? Nah."
But was he actually using it?
"I'm going to use it now!" Frank laughed. "The one that was in before was too 'crowned.'"
"That was his excuse," Bobbi smiled.
"The privacy of this lot is what we like," said Frank, noting John Pound Road in the distance. "The neighbours are back. We love our neighbours, they're great, but it's so quiet back here."
A big tulip tree is another backyard feature, he noted.
"The tulips are starting to come out, so I don't know if they'll be around on the 25th."
625 Jackson Side Road, Courtland
Take a short drive in the country to 'Lone Wind Acres.' This country collector garden has well-established beds with an incredible depth of perennial material. There are many familiar and unusual plant choices showcased in the softly sculptured beds that wrap all around the house.
ARTIST: Valerie Zadow
481 Plank Road South (Hwy 19)
Walk through the archway into a whimsical English Garden where there is time enough for a moment of contemplation as you appreciate the natural beauty of harmonious colours and plant growth. This garden encourages a more relaxed approach to a planned garden. You will observe some rare trees and unusual shaped shrubbery, balanced by soft forms of grasses and perennials.
34 Demeyere Ave.
Through the large gate you will enter a small paradise. This lovely creation is said to be a work in progress. Look how pruning and creation of form enhance the space. A tri-coloured beech tree is a back drop on the fence beside the water garden. Trees include weeping cut-leaf Japanese maple, weeping willow and lilacs. There is always something blooming!
ARTIST: Linda Hawken
126 Lisgar Ave.
Welcome to a beautiful oasis. This garden has been four years in the making. Stand back and look at the design lines. You will want to get out your gardener's notebook and make lists of 'must have' options because there is a great deal that will tempt you and feed your gardening addictions.
ARTIST: Cathy Barzo
24 Glenridge Road
This garden begins with the miracle of a large inukshuk. The property is an invitation for entertaining, or an opportunity to just sit and savour life. Many clever pieces actively integrate with the plants and a pergola to create the sense of magic and whimsy that identify a passionate gardener. Nature lovers will appreciate this year, which is surrounded by woodland.
44 Clear Valley Drive
Hidden away at the end of the cul de sac is Nana's Garden. An amazing garden which has aged gracefully, including 7-8 year old geraniums and an 80-year-old Christmas cactus. Effective plant choices include morning glories, cranesbill geranium, primrose, periwinkle flowers, hollyhocks, lungwort, clematis and more.
ARTIST: Emily Faw
19 Whispering Pines Lane
Nature at its finest with lots of birds in the trees and feeders. Two beautiful water features to enjoy, and an arched bridge. A short walk on the flagstone path takes you over to the pergola.