Another fabulous Georgian Bay Garden Tour has come and gone. August 10th, 2024, saw over 310 people visit 11 gardens in the general area of Penetanguishene and Midland. There were a few rain showers that day but nothing could dampen the spirits of the gardeners or the participants as they explored gardens of all sorts, shapes and styles. From formal gardens to whimsical gardens and even a stumpery, on hillsides and level grounds, new and well-established, there was something to inspire and appeal to each of the garden tour participants. A cheque for $13,500 was recently presented to Hospice Huronia, our chosen charity for the 2024 tour.
Former GBGT committee Chair, Kay Hawkins, shared her thoughts. "We are so proud of what the Tour raised this year and it's thanks to our generous sponsors, the artisans, and most especially the dedication and commitment of the gardeners. They very generously offered up their properties for viewing by the public and worked hard to give participants something special to view."
"As a recipient of the Garden Tour proceeds and having been one of the gardens on the Tour this year, we are doubly grateful," says Debbie Kesheshian, Executive Director at Hospice Huronia — Tomkins House. "We were pleased to have had so many visitors to our garden and participate 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. Proceeds form 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 in a big way."
Next year's Tour is scheduled for Saturday, July 26th, and is already setting up to be a great one with some truly spectacular gardens signed up. This date corresponds with the new regular date for the Georgian Bay Garden Tour: the fourth Saturday of each July, during the peak of the gardening season.
For 2025, we are excited to be partnering with an additional organization, The Wye Marsh, while maintaining our longstanding commitment to Hospice Huronia. All funds raised in 2025 will be divided between these two partner charities.
While the list of feature gardens for the 2025 Tour is pretty much complete, we remain in the process of curating the 2026 tour route. If you're interested in hosting a feature garden, please email: gbgardentour@gmail.com.
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