When we first moved into our new home here in 2021, we didn't really know anyone in town; the tail end of Covid restrictions certainly didn't help in that endeavor.
In 2022, we decided to get to know more about our neighborhood, our city, and our fellow residents. Sarnia is a town of approx. 71k residents, but it feels smaller (?) to me. We can get across town, pretty much anywhere we need to be, in a max 10 mins.
As our 2022 plans for the gardens began to take shape, we started watching for local plant sales, usually in the spring. We were amazed, and continue to be amazed, at many of the private yards we were shown by the plant sellers.
One such yard, a large pie shape corner lot in the middle of the suburbs, totally blew us away. There are two huge Koi ponds, thousands of pounds of hardscape, and very cool, unique plants.
Another backs on to a large pond, and feels like you are in the middle of the country.
During these, and subsequent visits, and FB chats, we came to know our city neighbors a little more.
Last year we joined the local Sarnia Horticultural Society (SHS), to further expand our circle.
The SHS holds open garden tours in July and August, and usually feature 5-6 gardens per night.
Ker and I only made it to 4 of the gardens on the first night, since we spent our time, noticing as many details as possible, and trying to speak to the owners and other SHS members.
It was a great, beautiful July night and we met so many great people. The following pics are only a slice of what we saw, but I tried to be careful about capturing too many unsuspecting members in the pics, and I also wanted to spend time looking with my eyes, and not through a phone screen.
We were so inspired by our neighbors' hospitality and friendliness that we signed up to have the tour stop by our place next year...because, you know, more stress...
We are really looking forward to August's gardens.
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| House 1: This pollinator strip on the outside of the fence gave us even more ideas for our plans to do the same on our boulevard. |
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| House 1: Nice side yard, and great ivy |
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| House 1: So many cool things tucked around corners. This was one of several water features. |
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| House 1: Garden shed beds |
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| House 1: Super cool repurposing of colorful plates |
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| House 1: Another small water feature perfectly tucked into a lush corner |
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| House 1: Front beds under a magnificent tree |
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| House 1: Front corner beds |
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House 1: Really cool façade leading to the back from the other side of the yard. This kind of reminded me of an old movie set you might see.
 | | House 2: This house showed great pride of ownership and garden creation. Lots of unique garden art throughout. |
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| House 2:L Entrance to the backyard |
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| House 2: Really did feel like a country home :) |
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| House 2: Garden art can come from anywhere...literally |
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| House 2: Nice old variety hosta with a pot of pansies |
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| House 2: Little water feature full of color |
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| House 2: White gooseneck loosestrife. I had never seen this in a garden before, and I really like the form and color...putting it on the list ;) |
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| House 2: A perfect riot of lilies were on display this night |
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House 2: More lilies
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| House 3: When we pulled up to this house, we immediately recognized it as in 'our lane' of design tastes. That is not say the other gardens were any less magnificent, but this one spoke to us. We met the owners, Darryl and Lisa, and they were so open, and offered a lot of good advice, on plants and water features. |
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| House 3: Tufted hair grass (?) around front island bed |
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| House 3: Front island bed (full view). Really nice weeping Hemlock. |
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| House 3: Walk to the back yard lined with hostas (this is from the back looking towards the street) |
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| House 3: This 'shed' (and that feels disrespectful) was uh-mazing, and a great sign of what was to come in the backyard |
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| House 3: This is about the time my jaw became a little unhinged. This pondless waterfall and stream is exactly what we are imagining for our backyard (once half the old deck is removed). We probably spent the most time here talking to Darryl about what he learned through the process. |
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| House 3: Another view of the water feature, with the rain chain. I think that's a Bristlecone pine in the back, but I forgot to ask...I had one of these in a past life |
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| House 3: Really liked this rebar cattail trellis |
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| House 3: Nice sized burning bush with mini hostas all around. We really enjoyed the use of several types of groundcovers and rocks. |
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| House 3: Classic color combo here, and maybe the most stunning Hinoki Cypress we've seen |
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| House 3: Oh look, more hosta pics :) |
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House 3: It was at this point I felt a bit stalker-ish with all my picture taking...
This is one of a few really beautiful garden art pieces throughout the backyard...I didn't take pics of the others |
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House 3: For some reason, I struggle growing Clematis, so I am always amazed when I see a big beautiful plant that someone else has grown. I love the idea of using this in the middle of the bed, instead of up against a fence or wall trellis. I guess I need to try Clematis again.
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| House 3: Another inspiring pondless water feature |
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House 3: All I can say is 'Amen'
We did not take pictures of the 4th house, since I could not find the owners to ask permission.
All in all, a great night, spent with new garden loving acquaintances.
Now, the work for our yard begins in even MORE earnest, in preparation for next year. |
Listening to: "Bad Reputation" by Freedy Johnston
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