Perennial passions

For outdoor gardeners peak season is here.

Once again some avid and best of natural green-thumbs are graciously waiting to show off botanical beauties. Rain or shine, the seven gardens in this year’s Thunder Bay Art Gallery Garden Tour await Sunday’s visitors with fresh air, vibrant colour, verdant scent and light.

Well, maybe not the seventh garden. Currently on display right inside the art gallery, Michele Coslett Goodwin’s night vision needs no improvement. Just prepare to adjust your own eyes, as you step into her Night Garden and stay awhile to absorb its spooky spell.

Back now to the self-guided and easily navigated outdoor gardens on the tour: assuredly this lovely horticulture-laden day isn’t only for those intending to enhance their own gardens, although those who are will benefit from the wisdom of Master Gardeners on site.

Weather permitting garden tourists will also enjoy the talents of musicians alongside all the visual harmony.

This year’s public garden offering comes by way of St. Paul’s Anglican Church on Ridgeway Street.

Sunny, shaded and serene with sitting areas near a water fountain, the focal point of this garden is a prayer labyrinth, 11 circles in a 50-foot diameter designed to resemble the Rose Labyrinth floor of the Chartres Cathedral in France. Bricks within the design “may be engraved by anyone wishing to record a name, an event, or a thought.”  

With its tall shade and circular design Marlene Fiorito and Mel Gillespie’s front yard has the immediate appeal of a quiet oasis. Something unusual here too: a curved walkway of a transplanted gift from her mother-in-law. In late afternoon the moon plant looks like a nondescript but determined weed akin to a spindly dandelion.

But wait ‘till dark. This lovely iridescent primrose look-alike blooms only once, at night, is gone by morning.

“In about three to four minutes; you can actually watch it pop open. I think these are perennials,” explained Marlene, “But they also re-seed very well so that’s how I’ve managed to adorn my driveway.”

As for the backyard, a lawn mower is out of the question as the entire space is filled (but not congested) with flowers, shrubs, vegetables, curved stone walkways enhanced by charming figurines. Along the back fence curious stern masks from these folks’ travels keep watch. Essential to this space is a chipper and composting bin.

What’s best about Marlene and Mel’s backyard, though, is the clever setup of spout, four giant barrels and extending hoses. Spring melt, then summer rain gets gathered: the whole garden space gets watered.

A further separation of one barrel’s water into separate plastic garbage cans is for diluted artificial fertilizers for certain plants. Always one remains filled with natural water and Marlene’s watering can: the care she takes of her garden.

Tickets ($15) for Garden Tour 2011 this Sunday, July 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. available from Landale Gardens, Vaillant Florists or the gallery.