Garden Tour

A popular summer event, Metro Moncton’s Garden Tour returns on Saturday, July 10th 2010, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The YWCA plays host to a self-guided tour of eight select private gardens, the YMCA’s community garden and an information session on composting at the Greater Moncton Sewer Commission. The day will inspire avid and emerging gardeners, as well as visitors who will enjoy a walk in the splendor of some of Metro Moncton’s most notable gardens. NEW THIS YEAR: Seminars will also be held at the YWCA Resource Centre on “Attracting Bees and Butterflies and Organic Landscaping starting at 9am. Presented by the YWCA and MacArthur’s Nurseries Inc., local gardeners and professionals share their knowledge to raise funds for the YWCA of Moncton Women’s Resource Center – dedicated to providing opportunities, resources and support to women and our community. Please help us continue our important work by supporting Moncton’s Garden Tour.

Nicole & Louis Bourgeois, Dieppe
When landscaping this back yard, the goal was to utilize as much of the existing natural beauty of the property as possible. The landscaping was started even before the house was constructed. A natural brook that existed when the lot was purchased was incorporated into the garden with ponds and waterfalls. The back yard was then transformed with the addition of many perennials, shrubs and stepping stones, as well as a cedar pergola. The ambience was completed with garden lighting and rock-shaped speakers for outdoor music. The end result is a natural setting which blends seamlessly with the area’s surroundings.

Claudette & Charles LeBlanc, Moncton
Visitors will be surprised to find a beautiful country garden tucked behind the Leblanc’s city home. Over the past 17 years Claudette has created an immaculate space filled with a great variety of plants, 6 fountains, and plenty of baskets and urns overflowing with blooms. Framed by a wooded area there are many peaceful areas visitors will want to sit and enjoy this garden.

Alma & Wendell Maxwell, Moncton
The focal point of this large charming garden is a covered bridge that crosses a dry river bed. The garden backs on a wooded area and contains beautiful sitting areas and a vine covered pergola. Vibrant plants are surrounded by many antiques and curios that have been collected over the years by Alma and Wendell. Each item has a special meaning to them and they will be delighted to tell you their stories.

Debbie Lessard, Moncton
Debbie has been on the tour several times however after 34 years of gardening she invites visitors back. She feels her garden is now what she always dreamed it would be. However she reserves the right to have more dreams for the future. Visitors will appreciate the amazing variety of perennials in large curving beds, the ornamental trees and shrubs, a gravel garden with water feature, a pergola covered with kiwi and grapes, and over 50 named day lilies. Don’t forget to check out “Hawthorne Hollow” created to enthrall Debbie’s grandson.

Diana & Floyd Osmond, Moncton
When the Osmond’s purchased this city property 5 years ago, they inherited several of the perennials in their garden and each year have added more. They have also expanded the flower beds so that the garden now surrounds the entire house. It contains a mixture of perennials, including peonies, hostas, coneflowers, astible, and dozen of different types of lilies. Dianna loves to work in her garden and it truly is her solace and peace!

Laura & Walter Bawol, Moncton
Laura started with an empty slate in her back yard 9 years ago. She started by building a gazebo followed by a pond, privacy fence and pergola. The structures were surrounded by many flower beds brimming with color. Laura selects plants she loves and with her artistic eye places them to achieve the best affect. She considers her garden a work in progress but visitors will be delighted by the progress made to date.

Susan Morton & Donald Casey, Riverview
Susan has returned to her childhood home to create a fabulous garden that her father started with a few rose bushes. Flower beds surround the perimeter and are filled with numerous hostas, lilies, and colorful perennials. A birdbath, fountain, arbor and benches help to create a park-like setting on this large treed lot.

Price Landscaping Services, Moncton
Price Landscaping Services moved their business to Lutes Mountain 4 years ago and have been adding gardens to their property every year since. The gardens feature a pond-less waterfall, a large pond with an island and stream, stone work, lush trees, shrubs and perennials in a beautiful, natural setting.

In addition to Co-Presenter MacArthur’s Nurseries Inc., other local businesses are giving their support including our sponsors Eastern Fence Ltd, Price Landscaping Services, and Larry Estabrooks of ecom Agents and our supporters and Crystal Clear Water.
Tickets are $12 in advance and are available at MacArthur’s Nurseries Inc. located at 232 McLaughlin Dr. and at the YWCA, 35 Highfield Street; or $15 on the day of the event. The tickets include directions to the properties and guidelines for visiting gardens on the tour. For further information, call the YWCA at 855-4349 or e-mail ywcamctn@nbnet.nb.ca

Finalist Images from 2010 Garden Tour