I was at the opening of the 1000 Islands and Rideau Canal Garden Trail at Fulford Place in Brockville this morning. This is a wonderful garden trail that features 14 breath taking gardens. Only thing missing???? A Westport garden on the trail! Here is the link: www.gardentrail.1000islandsandrideaucanal.comwww.gardentrail.1000islandsandrideaucanal.com
BROCKVILLE – The 1000 Islands and Rideau Canal Garden Trail is entering its third year and adds Fulford Place National Historic Site to its line-up. The Garden Trail links private and public gardens and garden centre displays throughout Leeds Grenville. This year, Fulford Place National Historic Site and its Olmsted Gardens have officially become part of trail.
Originally designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Olmsted, the Italianate-style gardens include an elaborate triton fountain and statuary with stone walls and gates surrounding the 20,000 square-foot mansion. Self-guided tour pamphlets will be available at the visitor entrance during hours of operation. Olmstead’s fame is connected to the design of Central Park in New York City. Restoration of the Fulford gardens was one of the Ontario Heritage Trust’s most exciting heritage garden conservancy projects.
The launch highlighted the 1000 Islands and Rideau Canal Garden Trail as the only trail in the country to be honoured with the ‘Canada 150 Garden Experience’ Designation. Awarded in March from the Canadian Garden Council in collaboration with the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association, it recognized the trail’s garden experience as an activity of choice for garden lovers from near and far. “The designation speaks to the calibre of the trail and quality of the gardens,” says Robin Jones, Warden of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.
The Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office launched the trail in 2015 with 9 gardens that has now grown to 14 unique gardens with added experiences including native butterflies, honeybees and birds, a monarch butterfly Way Station, fountains, ponds, contemporary art exhibits, statuary and so much more.
MPP Steve Clark joined Mayors Doug Malanka, David Nash and Pat Sayeau and me tonight in Merrickville. Minister of Education Mitzie Hunter was hosting the first of ten public consultations on “Strengthening Education in Ontario’s Rural and Remote communities.”. The message was loud and clear from the participants. This consultation is too little too late after the school closings announced last month and the Minister was urged to put a 1 year moratorium on school closings while this consultation occurs and recommendations are prepared and considered by the government.
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