July 5, 2016
1784
Walk into the gardens at the home of April and Dan Finney on Birchwood, and it's like a peaceful piece of paradise.
Located in the Kinhuron subdivision, the gardens are one of eight on the Kincardine and District Horticultural Society's "Through the Garden Gate" tour, set for this Sunday, July 10.
The Finneys' gardens were developed only three years ago, but they appear as if they have been there for decades. About four years ago, there was nothing there but an overgrown lot, not even a house.
It took about three truckloads of topsoil and hundreds of plants to create the wonderful atmosphere of an established backyard garden.
The gardens were actually in place before the house was built, says April, who designed the three-story, multi-generational home from information she acquired on the Internet. Besides the Finneys and their family, April's mother, Gloria Lloyd, also lives there. It took 10 years to get Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority approval to build, and the house was constructed by Ruetz of Mildmay.
"We had extensive gardens at our former home on North Cedar Lane," April says. "So, we just brought a lot of it here. We moved here to be beside the lake."
The gardens closest to the lake were completed first. Then, the plants were moved three times to accommodate the house and the driveway.
"I'm not a planner," says April. "I just put plants in and see if I like them, and then move them around, and fill in with other plants - flowers are very forgiving. We have lots of meandering pathways here; you can walk from full sun to full shade in the gardens." She also has a vegetable garden on the north side.
"I love peonies and hostas," she says, "and I love Smeltzer's Garden Centre where I can get lots of good deals. I work mainly with perennials, and have just a few annuals in containers."
The Finneys have a view of the lake, but their property ends at the Old Coach Road. Growing along many of the paths on the west side, are undisturbed trilliums, lilies, lady's slippers and jack-in-the-pulpits.
Featured throughout the gardens, are three generations of artwork, with designs by Gloria, April and her daughter, Amber. And just south of the house, is a lovely garden made up of plants that the neighbours didn't want anymore. "So, we took them and planted there here," says April.
Her favourite garden is at the front of the house where everything works together - the colours, the plants and the layout.
April says she tries to stage the flowers so there is always something in bloom from spring to fall.
"We love it back here," she says, "with the sparkle of the sun on the lake, the sound of the waves, the birds and the wildlife, and the ever-changing colours and shapes of the perennial gardens."
The garden tour runs July 10 from Noon to 4:30 p.m., rain or shine. Admission is $12 in advance or $15 on the day of the event at the Walker House. Advance tickets can be purchased at Quinn Florist or Jerome Flowers and Gifts.
Written ByLiz Dadson is the founder and editor of the Kincardine Record and has been in the news business since 1986.
Related Stories
No related stories.