17th annual fundraiser presented by Friends of the Library, Spencerville Branch
Gorgeous Gardens … with musical highlights and strawberry delights
Saturday, June 21 − 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
House and Garden Tour featuring two exceptional historic properties
Ø Live music in the gardens
Ø Strawberry dessert and sparkling refreshment in one garden
Ø Flower Arranging Demonstration courtesy of Cardinal Flowers and Gift Gallery
Ø Country Ramble with art and market stops, an organic farm, garden furniture and Open Churches with special displays
All for $20
Advance tickets the week before at Spencerville Public Library (613 658-5575) Tues. & Thurs: 2:00-5:00 pm, 7:00-9:00 pm, Sat. 9:30 am-1:00 pm and ArtScene Gallery Thurs., Fri. & Sat. 10:00-am-5:00 pm. Tickets at Library, Gallery and the Spencerville Mill on day of tour.
Woodland’s BBQ chicken lunch with two salads in the Malcomson garden − $10 extra. ______
Tour Stops
Spencerville Mill ─ 10:00 to 11:00 am, 11 Water Street
Start your day at the scenic, 200-year old grist Mill on the banks of the South Nation River with a Flower Arranging Demonstration by Mike O’Brien and Frank Fralic, owners of the Cardinal Flower and Gift Gallery, who are known for their elegant and innovative floral displays. Using a variety of shop and garden flowers and decorative accents, participants will learn the finer points of flower arranging in an informal way. The finished arrangement will be offered in a silent auction at the end of the session.
Pam and Dave Malcomson garden – 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, 3609 County Road 21
Now one of the most elegant country mansions you will ever experience, your visit to this impeccably restored stone and clapboard home and large-scale, beautifully landscaped gardens will not be forgotten. Start with a walk through the ground floor where Pam will share architectural and aesthetic details of the antique colours, woodwork replicated to mirror original doors and trim plus their own embellishments such as stencilling, customized period furniture and appliances, unique lighting and large stone fireplace which respect the 1875 heritage of the house.
Then stroll around the extensive gardens while savouring musical interludes by pianist Abraham TeGrotenhuis and the panoramic view. You will discover a property that combines historic appeal with contemporary expansion amidst the peaceful beauty of a country setting. For those who wish to purchase a BBQ lunch, seating will be available in the stone gazebo and on the grounds. Woodland’s famous BBQ sauce will also be for sale.
Doug Hall and Gordon MacDonald – 2:00 to 4:00 pm, 6 South Street
Moving into town, a second course of harmony and perfection begins as you experience a symphony of colourful blooms, shadowy shrubbery, soothing waterworks and decorative features in Spencerville’s most amazing hand-crafted garden covering about two acres. Equally attractive is the tour through the lovingly restored1855 stone house which features numerous paintings by Doug as well as an eclectic mix of collectibles, furnishings and antiques all of which contribute to an ambience of comfort and charm.
Outside in the garden, music by the Jazz Latte Trio with talented singer Mary Moore and your choice of a delicious home-made strawberry dessert with a sparkling drink add to the feeling that you have arrived in gourmet garden heaven on summer solstice day.
Country Ramble ─ 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Aubin Farm – 3015 County Road 21
This 70-acre organic farm is opening up its greenhouse and a market stall for visitors to select from a range of fresh and tasty food products all grown using the best organic practices. Free-range chickens also provide the best tasting eggs around.
Dutchhill Gallery – 2914 County Road 21
Master teachers Thecla and Herman Kluck will use the unique paverpol fabric hardener to demonstrate how to decorate a flowerpot. Visitors will enjoy the visual appeal of the Gallery in a renovated 150-year old barn as well as its lovely countryside setting and the Klucks intricately created paverpol sculptures among other works of fine art by more than 20 artists.
416 Art & Mart – 2415 County Rd. 21, at the Blue Barn
Artisans and crafters will be selling original, one-of-a-kind fine arts and crafts in a Garden Market setting. Artists associated with the ArtScene Gallery will be doing some painting en plein air. Also visit the Codgers' Garden, a fun filled gardening experience created by five retired friends, and admire some of the outdoor Steampunk and Fabric art.
ArtScene Fine Art Gallery and Gifts – 11 Spencer Street
This pretty Gallery on Spencerville’s main street features an interesting variety of paintings, drawings, fabric art, photography, pottery, sculpture, jewellery and farm fresh preserves all well priced. A special group show called “Flowers” will be highlighted in June.
Hubbard & Co.–15 Spencer St.
Known for building and restoring fine homes as well as a line of beautiful hand-crafted rustic furniture, the company has now created a selection of classic, wooden garden furnishings and creative accents for fine outdoor living.
Open Churches ─10:00 am to 4:00 pm
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church – 23 Bennett Street
Looks forward to showing visitors a pictorial history of their church including the devastating fire of 1974. This historic church was built in 1837.
St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church – 48 Centre Street
Welcomes visitors to a wedding display in their beautiful building. Bouquets of flowers will be for sale.
Spencerville United Church – 16 Spencer Street
Invites visitors to enjoy the architecture of the church interior with its splendid stained glass windows, old wood and balustrades.
The Friends of the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Public Library, Spencerville Branch, thank our tour hosts for their community generosity in opening up their homes and gardens to visitors. Special thanks as well to Mike O’Brien and Frank Fralic, owners of the Cardinal and Morrisburg Flower and Gift Galleries. We also greatly appreciate the special efforts of Art Gallery owners and artists as well as church volunteers who created special displays and presentations. All tour proceeds benefit the Spencerville Public Library.