Secret Garden Tour: back by popular demand

MapleLine Magazine ENEWS: May 7, 2010

Colour photocopies at the MapleLine Business Centre >>

by Mary P. Brooke

It's not much of a secret that people grow fabulous gardens in Sooke. But the allure of seeing 'secret gardens' (limited access by invitation only) works like a charm for one of the Sooke Philharmonic Society's (SPS) primary annual fundraisers, the Sooke Secret Garden Tour.

This year on Sunday, June 6 (from 10 am to 4 pm), the tour of 11 gardens will take place rain or shine.

"The volunteer committee attracts many volunteers who come on board for this event," says Helen Lochore, one of the SPS directors for 2009-2010. "The garden tour was held for several years and then reintroduced last year," she said. "It was extremely well received and attended by garden enthusiasts from this area, Victoria, upisland and perhaps further afield. The secret part is that we see so many beautiful properties that are hidden from view on roads that you would normally not go down and forested areas that they hide behind."

The gardens have a wonderful blend of ornamental, natural and oceanfront gardens. Creative water features and garden structures provide interesting and contrasting elements that share the focus with a wide variety of shrubs, trees, perennials, fruits and vegetables. Many of the vegetable gardens and small farm properties are maintained solely by their owners, some of whom create sustainable food sources for their families.

For $20 per person (children up to age 10 may come along free when accompanied by adult) can chat on-site with master gardeners, enjoy music played by members of the Sooke Philharmonic, view Classic Cars, place a bid at the Silent Auction and make a purchase at the plant sale. Children are invited to learn more and participate with members of the Sooke Children’s Garden Club.

This event is a self-guided tour with detailed map. Ticket/Map: $20 per person available in Sooke at Shoppers Drug Mart, Evergreen Mall; Westburn Garden Centre, 2036D Idlemore Rd.; and Double D Gardens, 1958 Maple Rd. In Victoria tickets are available at GardenWorks stores (1859 Island Hwy, 1916 Oak Bay Ave., 4290 Blenkinsop Rd.) and Art Knapp at Matticks Farm, 5325 Cordova Bay Rd. as well as Dig This, 128¬560 Johnson St.

For more information call Sue Hyslop (one of the Principal members of the SPS) at 250-642-7323 or 250-642-1397 | www.sookephil.ca

MapleLine Business Centre - For colour photocopies (of scans) of your favourite flower and garden photos come to the MapleLine Business Centre. Open Monday through Friday (9 am to 5 pm) and Saturdays (10 am to 2 pm). We're at 6707 West Coast Road, Sooke, BC. Phone: 250-642-7729 or toll-free 1-877-595-6925. info@maplelinebusinesscentre.com

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