Jo-Ann Fraser
Special to The Lake Report
The NOTL Horticultural Society’s 30th annual Gardener’s Garden Tour is this Saturday, July 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Great weather and spectacular colour await as you explore seven exquisite gardens showcasing the talents of area gardeners.
The self-guided tour lets you discover diverse gardens at your own pace and chat with homeowners, learning about their successes and challenges.
The tour also features a Bonsai Showcase, plein air artists and musical entertainment.
And a guided tour of the pollinator gardens at Southbrook Organic Vineyards is not to be missed.
A ticket includes a stamp and a guide with a map of the gardens. Start at any location, including the tour headquarters at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre.
You can take advantage of early-bird pricing and pay just $25 for your tickets up to July 5. Cost is $30 on the day of the tour. Children under 12 are free.
Tickets can be bought on the day of the tour with cash at any participating garden location.
To purchase online, visit the NOTL Horticultural Society website or at each location scan the “Garden Tour” QR code using your smartphone to buy a ticket via Eventbrite.
You can also attend the society’s Grill and Chill featuring gardening expert Joanne Young (a Lake Report columnist) on Sunday, July 21, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Kent Heritage Farms in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
This summer barbecue promises delicious food, great company, live music and a unique Pollinator Fashion Show where Young will showcase plants that attract beneficial insects.
Proceeds from these fundraisers will help support two horticultural scholarships for students at Niagara College and Niagara Parks School of Horticulture in addition to a variety of other community-based projects that enhance our town’s natural beauty and promote environmental stewardship.
Looking ahead to 2025, the society is seeking beautiful gardens for next year’s tour. If you’d like to showcase your garden or nominate a neighbour’s, contact us at notlhortsociety.com.
Jo-Ann Fraser is vice-president of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Horticultural Society.
