Grey County’s Rural Gardens
Grey County’s rural gardens offer a serene escape and a delightful journey into nature’s beauty. Nestled in the heart of Ontario, these gardens are an oasis of tranquility and a haven for plant enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll explore five of the most captivating rural garden centers in Grey County: Blossom Hills Gallery & Gardens, Fiddlehead Nursery, Ginkgo Footprints – Among the Peonies, Morland Place, and Willow Farm Grasses.
Blossom Hills Gallery & Gardens
797318 East Back Line, Holland Centre
Owned by Marilyn & David Hammer
519-794-0945 | blossomhills01@gmail.com | Open Most Days or by Appointment ~ Groups Tours Welcome ($3 Fee)
After retiring and settling in Chatsworth Township, Grey County, in 2002, Marilyn & David Hammer fulfilled their dream of country living surrounded by woods, trails, and unique birdlife. Since purchasing the property in 2000, they’ve nurtured their gardens, successfully transplanting city-grown roses and peonies and adding native trees like Ash, Maple, and Cedars. With a greenhouse built by David and contributions from family and friends, their gardens now boast three seasons of vibrant colour and a textured winter landscape. Committed to nature, they are proud members of the Backyard Habitat Certification Program, striving to maintain a welcoming environment for all creatures.
Fiddlehead Nursery
235599 Grey County Rd 13, Kimberley
Owned by Ben Caesar
705-441-1217 | fiddleheadnursery@gmail.com | Re-opening May 11th, 2024
Founded in 2012 by Ben Caesar, Fiddlehead Nursery embraces permaculture and forest gardening principles. After transforming his urban yard with edible perennials in Guelph, Ben moved to Beaver Valley and launched the nursery. At Fiddlehead, Ben collaborates with WWOOF-ers, international farm workers exchanging labour for room, board, and education. Guided by idealism, the nursery propagates its herbaceous plants and most bushes, using only natural ingredients in their soil mixes and fertilizers. Committed to sustainability, Fiddlehead avoids pesticides, relying on compost, nitrogen-fixing plants, mulch, and perennial ground covers to maintain low-maintenance, eco-friendly gardens.
Ginkgo Footprints – Among the Peonies
Owned by Emily Bi
519-387-2428 | ginkgofootprints@gmail.com | 10th Annual Garden Festival ~ Sat, June 15th, 2024, 9AM-5PM | Pay What You Can ($5 Suggested Donation)
Emily Bi and her husband Dennis are members of the Rural Gardens of Grey and Bruce Counties (RGGB). They have invested over 12 years of their quality time in their gardens just outside of Owen Sound. Inspired by the cherished memories of her father and her grandmother’s plant-filled windowsills, Emily and Dennis transformed their rural Grey County property into Ginkgo Footprints, home to over 300 varieties of peonies, 200 types of hostas, and a rich collection of local native plants. Their passion shines through in June when the gardens burst into bloom, welcoming the community to explore a unique blend of exotic and native flora. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned gardener, Ginkgo Footprints offers a delightful experience, complete with beautiful plant displays, fluttering birds and butterflies, and artistic garden structures.
Morland Place
102645 Grey County Rd 18, Owen Sound
Owned by Barry Moore
519-376-4617 | Open Daily | Self-Tour with Site Map Provided
In 1920 the south part of the home was built as a small country cottage-style home by the McCallum family. The addition represents a Regency Georgian villa seen in the 1860s and ’70s. Barry More the most recent owner spent over 40 years designing and working on the gardens, as well as making additions to the buildings. The various gardens are designed in French, Italian, perennial, and contemplation styles. Most of the gardens include benches, concrete curbs, birdbaths, or figurines which he cast himself from molds. The family also donated 20 acres to the Grey Roots Museum so they could erect a heritage village that they call Moreston.
Willow Farm Grasses
597326 Grey Road 29, Bognor
Owned by Karen Young
519-375-6976 | willowfarmgrasses@gmail.com | May – Thanksgiving, Fr-Sun, 9AM-5PM or by Appointment
Located in the quaint village of Bognor, Ontario, along the scenic Big Head River and nestled between Owen Sound and Meaford, Willow Farm Grasses spans nearly 50 acres of picturesque countryside. Since 2002, their labour of love has transformed the property from hayfields to a thriving haven for ornamental grasses, native plants, and eco-friendly gardens. With over 125 varieties of ornamental grasses and a growing selection of native perennials, shrubs, and prairie plants, their farm is a testament to sustainable horticulture. As a master gardener with 30+ years of experience, Karen and her team are dedicated to providing high-quality plants grown sustainably. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along groomed trails, past lush garden beds, through shady woods, and along the tranquil river. Experience the beauty of nature and extraordinary plants at Willow Farm Grasses.
Grey County’s rural gardens are a testament to the region’s natural beauty and horticultural diversity. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, these garden centers offer a unique and enriching experience. From the vibrant blooms of Blossom Hills to the eco-friendly ethos of Fiddlehead Nursery, each destination has something special to offer. Visit https://www.ruralgardens.ca/ to learn more about these rural garden centers and explore even more rural gardens in the surrounding area.
Ready to explore more of Grey County’s springtime treasures? Check out our other article to learn about the best hiking trails, fishing spots, and local events to make the most of your visit.
https://www.seaandskirealty.ca/blog/nature-in-spring-why-baby-boomers-choose-grey-county/