At the front of the house, you’ll see an arched row of boxwoods that are likely one of the few healthy plantings of this species in the region. This shrub succumbed to hungry and breeding Box Moths some years ago in Southern Ontario John works with his sighted gardener, Michael, to treat and carefully rescue any dying plants.

 

Along the side of the house, towards the back you’ll be tickled by the blues and purples of vinca, climbing clematis, and several Rose of Sharon bushes, observed regally by rose bushes at the end of this path. Watch for the delicate and shy coral bells with their merlot-stained leaves, which again add to the vision of blues and burgundies that urge you to stroll softly on.

 

The lordly Blue Spruce trees beckon you along your blue journey.  The Silver Leaf Dogwood will try to steal your eye away from the Peony, Hosta and a haughty Hydrangea that clearly has found its groove in this spectacular backyard.  The entire setting is framed with mature trees and a view of the golf course behind.

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You’ll hear the trickle of water coming as you gaze upon strong and free  Hosta’s that carpet the path towards the pond and a cherished statue of a girl in repose, carefully being watched by her pup.  This statue is a replica by the artist, commissioned by John, of his original work that lives on in an estate in Britain.

 

You may spot a Blue Heron soundlessly gliding around the pond beyond the property.  These shy giants, along with many other local and migrating birds can be seen daily enjoying the plenty hidden in the dry grasses and water.

 

Now see holly, azalea, and iris swaying to the sounds of the flowing water. Watch for the fairy John’s wife, Allison, placed on a lower bough of the Maple tree just beside the pond, enjoying her moment of peace from above.

 

Watching above the swale, is a mighty rose bush, blooming blue just in time for your visit.

 

Along the far side of the house, you’ll see a majestic Copper Beech tree, some Euonymus, a Black Lace Elder tree and some Astilbe. Don’t forget to spot the creamy pink Beauty Bush showing off its abundance. Now say au revoir to the globe cedars as you curve around to the front.

 

John’s secret to a healthy and resplendent garden?  “Mulching is a great stabilizer in the garden” he explains, “it protects from fluctuations in temperature and breaks down to produce nutrients that the soil needs”. 

 

Thank you John for sharing your ongoing vision for this garden. We understand that you keep watch despite your loss of sight and that you work with your sighted gardener to continue to nurture this beautiful space. You’ve shown us that a gardener’s heart cannot be suppressed. Bravo.