The rain and chilly weather this spring may have put a damper on outdoor activities, but many gardens are blooming and thriving – and so are plans for garden tours.
Anniversary Garden Tour. The Schomberg Horticultural Society’s 20th Anniversary Garden Tour takes place Sunday, June 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – a self-directed tour of eight gardens, including several large estates normally closed to the public. The Horticultural Society has partnered with Art Society King, which will display original artwork in each garden, and with The Grackle Café, 208 Main St. in Schomberg. The Grackle is offering Garden Tour breakfasts or lunches; call 905-590-2069 to book. Lunch will also be available for purchase at one of the stops, Pine Farms Orchard; to RSVP call 905-833-5459. Tickets are $15 – available on Eventbrite in advance, or all day on June 23 at 325 Main St. in Schomberg. For a preview, visit the website.
Gardens of the Beach. Wasaga Beach Garden Club presents the Gardens of the Beach, a self-directed tour of 10 spectacular gardens, July 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 each ($5 for members), available at Wasaga Beach IDA, or the Chamber of Commerce. On the day of the tour, tickets can be purchased at 49 and 50 Savannah Cres. in Wasaga Beach.
Oro-Medonte Garden Tour. Oro-Medonte Horticultural Society offers a self-directed tour of eight inspiring gardens in the Horseshoe Valley and Craighurst areas, July 14 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. - rain or shine. Featuring master gardeners, artisans, music, and home-made treats, tickets are $10 in advance, available at Nicholyn Farms, Barrie’s Garden Centre, Hosta Fever, Kempenfelt Flowers, Robinson’s Hardware, Springwater Garden Centre, Wild Birds Unlimited (Barrie), or call 705-734-0976. Tickets go up to $15 on the day of the tour.
Gardens of Cookstown. The Innisfil Garden Club presents Gardens of Cookstown, in partnership with the Innisfil Seed Library and the Cookstown branch of the Innisfil ideaLAB and Library. Saturday, Sept. 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., enjoy a self-directed tour of gardens within the Victorian village of Cookstown, most within walking distance. Tickets are $15 in advance, at Halliday House in Cookstown, Lakeview Gardens in Lefroy, Barrie’s Garden Centre, Lavender Floral in Stroud, Spring Tree Farm on Innisfil Beach Rd. and Ferragine Greenhouses in Bradford. Cash only, please.
