Last month's Georgian Bay Garden Tour raised $13,500 for Hospice Huronia (Tomkins House).
“As a recipient of the Garden Tour proceeds and having been one of the gardens on the tour this year, we are doubly grateful,” Hospice executive director Debbie Kesheshian said.
“We were pleased to have had so many visitors to our garden and participating in the silent auction that was hosted here during the tour. It gives us a chance to show off the hard work and efforts of our gardening volunteers and raises awareness of what we do.”
During the tour on August 10, more than 300 area residents visited 11 gardens in the Penetanguishene and Midland area.
While there were a few showers, the weather couldn't dampen the spirits of the gardeners or the participants as they explored gardens of all sorts, shapes and styles. From formal gardens to stump and whimsical gardens on hillsides and level grounds, there was something to appeal to and inspire everyone.
Garden tour committee chair Kay Hawkins said they were extremely proud of what the tour raised this year.
"It’s thanks to our generous sponsors, the artisans and most especially the dedication and commitment of the gardeners," she said. "They very generously offered up their properties for viewing by the public and worked hard to give participants something special to view."
Hospice Huronia board chair Brian Scott also expressed his gratitude.
“Proceeds from the Georgian Bay Garden Tour this year will support our rapidly expanding bereavement support program. The need in the community is so great for this service; this donation will help it in a big way.”
Next year's Georgian Bay Garden Tour is scheduled for July 26, 2025 and the committee is already actively seeking new gardens for 2025 and 2026.
If you're interested in being a host garden, email the committee at [email protected]. Check out their website or follow them on Facebook for information on next year's tour.
