Welcome August!
We've sent you a couple quick news bulletins,
but I promised you a bloomier Bloom Report, so... here it is!
As the first order of business, we’d like to remind you that the Historic Gardens remains OPEN for visitors (the province-wide ban on travel in the woods does not apply to a place like the Gardens). Please spread the word!
Now, a list of some of the current highlights:
• Roses: Partial bloom - still a highlight. (The "peak" bloom period is early July so most of the older varieties have passed. But many of our roses will continue to bloom throughout the season.)
• Perennial Borders are lovely - lots in bloom. Also perennials in various places around the Gardens. The scent of the various oriental lilies is heavenly…
• Shrubs & Trees: The Sourwood (oxydendrum) at the top of the first pond is in bloom (look up). Hydrangeas of various colours and shapes throughout the Gardens. Our Albizia (Silk Tree) is blooming for the first time ever, and the Seven Sons beside it will soon open (both to the right of the main path towards the rose garden).
• The Lower Pond area is a highlight with lots of hydrangeas and some later daylilies - and the hardy hibiscus are starting to bloom as well. Also the water lilies in the ponds - and watch for frogs and dragonflies! The Gunnera below the ponds looks prehistoric!
• The Knot Garden is a always a highlight with two "knots" along with topiary and a sundial. Various colours of dahlias are blooming.
• The Victorian Garden is looks terrific and will be a highlight until October. The ginormous Castor Bean plants are wowing our visitors.
• Courtyard - the crocosmia 'Lucifer' (bright red funky flowers) is still blooming (hummingbirds love it). Also note the various types of clematis in bloom and the giant red flowers of the hibiscus near the Shop windows. The funky potted papyrus plants are also capturing the attention of visitors.
• Lower path - the Heather Collection is in bloom and birds, bees and butterflies are enjoying the Butterfly Gardens and the Native Plant Garden.
• The Innovative Garden has colour and interest with lots of produce! And check out the banana plants by the greenhouse.
The Gardens are open every day (holidays included)
Extended operating hours: 9am-6pm until August 21 (Last entry at 6pm)
Thereafter our regular operating hours will be 9am-5pm daily.
And remember: no charge for kids under 18.
Be sure to pick up a scavenger hunt activity for them to work on during your walk!
The Gardens Shop is also open 7 days a week, 9am-5pm.
The Elm Tree Cafe is open daily, 11am - 4pm.
For detailed visitor information, hours and rates, please visit www.historicgardens.com
Seasonal Selections - Part 1
The Heather Collection is stunning.
The scent of the lilies is heavenly!
There are still lots of rose blossoms to admire.
The potted papyrus in the Courtyard is super funky!
The globe thistles are always interesting.
The Sourwood (oxydendrum) in the pond area is in bloom.
Have you ever seen the fruit of a medlar?
This is in the Governor's Garden, espaliered along the lattice.
The Victorian Garden is wowing our visitors.
Recent Fun in the Gardens
Natal Day Weekend would not be the same without a Noelle concert!
Lots of familes and children in the Gardens,
enjoying the music and also painting some plant pots to take home!
We host many tour groups in the course of a season, and these folks from all over the United States were kind enough to pose for us after their guided tour.
Seasonal Selections - Part 2
The Ornamental Grass Collection is a highlight.
Still some bright and cheery daylilies doing their thing!
Hardy hibiscus by the bridge...
A globe thistle partly in bloom, and nearby, some gayfeather.
A stroller in the Perennial Garden.
All the Garden's a Stage
The Measure of a Woman
Rehearsals continue for our August 22-23 Shakespeare in the Gardens event... it's always very interesting to watch how a production like this comes together!
And a hearty congrats to the members of the Annapolis District Drama Group for their award winning float in the Annapolis Royal Natal Day Parade representing the upcoming Shakespeare in the Gardens event!
Great job!
Do you have YOUR tickets yet?
If not, be sure to drop in to the Gardens Shop,
or order online following the Buy Now link below.
For more information on this event, please visit the link below:
Shakespeare Returns to the Gardens
In the spirit of magical woodland creatures, and our Fairie House scavenger hunt,
we have a number of themed books, fairy doors
and other magical items in the Gardens Shop.
The Gardens Shop is open 7 days a week for your convenience,
from 9am-5pm. Drop by soon!
And if you can't get here in person,
you can explore our online shop for gift ideas, and have items shipped.
Explore now!
In addition to some great luncheon items,
the Elm Tree Cafe is well known for its homemade sweets and treats.
And oh, what a view!
The Cafe is open to Garden visitors and members, daily 11am-4pm.
We love our Critters!
This hummingbird is loving our yellow crocosmia...
Donations to the Gardens
The Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens Society is a registered charity whose purpose is stewardship of these Seventeen Acres of Paradise. Without the charitable donations we receive every year, the Gardens could simply not exist. We encourage you to support the Society in this important work to help to ensure the Gardens continue to blossom for future generations.
Please consider a donation today!
And to close... Something Special!
We always get excited when one of our plants flowers for the first time ever, so we are thrilled to tell you about our Albizia julibrissin (Silk Tree). It is located along the main path towards the rose garden, and is flowering!
Yaaaaayyyyy!
Hope to see you in the Gardens soon. Don't forget your camera!
Trish
“The earth laughs in flowers”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
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