Planning is underway by the Powell River Spring Garden Tour committee for next year’s tour and a revamp of the standard format is coming. In 2013 the committee will be responding to many requests over the years to move the tour into June to capture the beauty of roses and other garden favourites such as fuchsias, delphiniums, peonies, lilies and more.
The 16-year tradition has put the tour on Victoria Day long weekend in May which is usually just right for rhododendrons, azaleas, wisteria, late tulips and early iris. “Next year will be different,” said organizers Diana Wood and Mary Lou MacMillan. “Often we hear from homeowners: ‘What about all those terrific hanging baskets that many avid gardeners prepare that take longer to achieve the colour blast of summer?’ And some folks have their garden favourites in the range of annuals which carpet flower beds with petunias, marigolds and snapdragons.”
A date has not been set yet by the committee, but late June is the likely period for next year’s annual garden tour. “Now that the word is out, we are seeking candidates for 2013 which will showcase the aforementioned garden types,” said MacMillan. “A mix of gardens from small to large in size is a standard aim and so is a range of locations. The committee always likes the waterfront setting, but any city lot or country woodland is welcomed and appreciated.”
Alongside Wood and MacMillan, Donna Lloyd, Vicki Sanzalone, Lin Morrison, Juliet Potter, Lorraine Cushing and Sherry Worthen make up the committee.
“We would like to hear from the gardening community to find up to 10 fresh-to-the-tour home gardens from people who love those summer colours of geraniums and begonias,” said Wood. Anyone who has, or knows somebody with, a great collection of roses or hydrangeas or other flowers that bloom best in June can contact Wood at 604.485.2860 or by email [email protected].
A couple of garden tour traditions will not change next year. Tasty homemade treats will be served in a garden setting with a backdrop of live music and the funds raised by the ticket sales will support a horticultural scholarship award and the non-profit project to establish a public Powell River Botanical Garden.
