Sunday July 14^th was Cranbrook B.C. ‘s Open Garden Day where six gardens were on display. Armed with my hat, water, sunscreen, a mop (cotton hankerchief) for my brow, I set off for the day in the year I look forward to so much.

This is a marathon to organize especially so when the temperature is 35C.  I know because twenty six years go I was heavily involved in getting it started with our local Garden Club. Thankfully, it is not my responsibility anymore but I know how hard and how many in the current Garden Club work to put this day on. My appreciation goes out to all those volunteers. The hardest thing is persuading some of our talented gardeners and there are many, to show their gardens. The goal of this day to demonstrate and appreciate the art and skill of gardening at every stage of development, is so rewarding for new gardeners and old alike especially so in our difficult climate. Enormous variations in temperatures, plentiful hungry ‘wild’ ungulates and unpredictable precipitation make this art intimidating for many. A day where we can all admire and commiserate at the same time makes our hobby so very worthwhile. It also encourages a skill that is only going to become more vital to our well-being in times of food insecurities and climate change.

An added feature of the day is the presence of some artisans, the Invasive Weed Council and Fire Smart program. I was impressed with the knowledge of the representatives and very useful materials being handed out.

My first stop was at Apple Quill Farm, an amazing small holding, more than a hobby farm but a livelihood that produces plants, produce, meat chickens and eggs. The whole family is involved and it was a joy to see the young daughters taking as much pride as their parents in the work they all do. As stewards of the land Marie Eve and Michael understand that healthy living soil is the treasure they use and respect to grow an array of fruit and vegetables as well as raising chickens. Their ducks and chickens provide natural pest control while also providing nutrients back into the soil. At one time mixed farming was the norm where livestock put back into the soil what was used up growing cereal crops. It is exciting to see this self-sustaining approach being used on a smaller but productive scale. Apple Quill Farm products can be found at our local Farmer’s Market and there is even a small farm shop on their property.  

Below: Herbs, succulents, the climate controlled greenhouse with tomatoes, figs and herbs, covered rows of squash, herb garden, root cellar and young workers.

Years ago Anita Peters founded our local Garden Club. She died this last year and in her honour, her daughter Kareen who inherited and now manages the garden, opened it for this year’s tour. It is a gem. Worthy of a place in any horticultural show garden, this small sanctuary houses Magnolias and Rhododendrons, Orchids, Himalyan Blue Poppies and many other exotic plants not known for growing in our climate zone. This micro climate has been created with ornamental conifers and a large pond which modifies temperatures. Kareen’s perfect raised vegetable beds tucked up by the house supply her with veggie treats that only home grown vegetables can supply. It was such a pleasure to see this garden again and to see how it has matured and lost a few old friends like the Apricot Tree. All plants have a life some longer than others. It was fun though, to see how Kareen has put the popular birdfeeder back up at the same height as it used to be in the tree. The birds are obviously happy about that as they sang the whole time I was in the garden.

Below: suculents growing on natural tufa rock, Astilbe, Clematis, pond, Brunnera, more Clematis, Thyme ground cover, vegetable garden and the pottery of Don Smith.

Petrichor (meaning scent after rain) Garden is a brand new garden on the edge of town being carved out of the hard rocky natural surface that is to be found in this area of the Rockies. They have their work cut out but their philosophy is the same as that of the owners of Apple Quill Farm. This is a part time enterprise unlike the income producing Apple Quill Farm. In their third year they are seeing the success of producing food for themselves already. I was interested in their unique potato boxes where, rather like a mini compost box, they build up the potatoes in layers, adding soil and another plank to the wall as the plants grow up and up while roots and tubers develop beneath. To harvest the potatoes, the planks and potatoes are slowly removed.

Below: mulched rows of vegetables, potato bin, cucumbers and tomatoes.

Grow Community garden was another garden focused on food. For a monetary sum (about$35) per year gardeners can rent a sizable raised bed area and grow their choice of usually, vegetables. I saw very healthy and immaculate plots of vegetables including broccoli, kohl rabi, corn and potatoes. This garden sits in full sun and is ideal for the apartment dweller or homeowner who does not have room for vegetables. It is well fenced to keep the deer out and a cooperative atmosphere ensures the grass is mowed and plots watered when necessary.

Below: Grow Community Garden with its splendid view, broccoli, kohl rabi, salad crops and more.

Sharing our gardens and ideas as well as just gardening is how we learn horticultural skills and my next visit was to another young garden where the young gardeners with a young family are learning as they go. As with many families it is impossible to go out and hire landscape designers so this lovely little garden was an example of what can be achieved when you start everything from seed yourselves and build the garden step by step by adding each year. It takes a long time to achieve that mature look to a garden but is so rewarding when you get there and this garden showed how quickly perennials can be established and how young children can enjoy the garden by using the fence as their easel.

Below: a developing young garden with evidence of plentiful young helpers.

My last garden vist in the center of town was a big surprise. From the steep front garden one would never know of the large park-like setting behind the house. A good -sized circular lawn was surrounded by some of the original large and healthy looking conifers.  Large mounding beds mulched with bark chips and cones were planted with shrubs and perennials selected for low maintenance and drought resistance. Curved gravel paths led to seating areas and reading nooks. This was a delightfully peaceful and shady garden, a real secret in the middle of the city.

Below: Cotinus and Galium odoratum, Sweet Woodruff, water feature surrounded with Lysimachia nummularia, Creeping Jenny, large lawn and mass planting of Lace Cap Hydrangea.