Mid September...
feeling like summer one minute and autumn the next!
As the first order of business, a couple quick updates:
Woods Ban: the Historic Gardens is not considered woodland so remains OPEN for visitors. Our region is still in a severe drought, but you wouldn't know it in the Gardens - our gardeners have done an amazing job of watering and keeping the Gardens lush.
Wildfire: Thanks to the amazing effort of so many people, the fire is "being held" and is not growing, which is great news. Because Annapolis Royal is generally upwind from the fire area, we thankfully have not had much impact in terms of smoke. And in terms of travelways, the main roads remain open.
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.
• 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 is open (both to the right of the main path towards the rose garden). A little further along, watch for our Franklinia to start blooming soon...
• The Lower Pond area is always a highlight, and the foliage is already starting to give it an autumn look!
• The Knot Garden has a lovely collection of dahlias along with two "knots", topiary and a sundial.
• The Victorian Garden is a showstopper and will be a highlight until October. The ginormous Castor Bean plants are wowing our visitors.
• Courtyard - The giant red flowers of the hibiscus near the Shop windows are incredible and the funky potted papyrus plants are also capturing the attention of visitors.
• Lower path - the Heather Collection is still showy and birds, bees and butterflies are enjoying the Butterfly Garden and the Native Plant Garden.
• The Innovative Garden has colour and interest with lots of produce!
A note about September Hours:
The Gardens are open every day (holidays included)
Operating hours: 9am-5pm (Last entry at 5pm)
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 Friday through Tuesday, 11am - 4pm.
(Closed Wed/Thurs))
For detailed visitor information, hours and rates, please visit www.historicgardens.com
Seasonal Selections - Part 1
It's beginning to look a bit like fall...
Hydrangeas of various shapes and sizes are blooming throughout the Gardens.
The leaves of our Redbud Hazel.
You can still enjoy some roses...
The view of Allain's River Marsh is always stunning, especially in the morning fog.
What a Weekend THAT was!
We had a fantstic weekend of Shakespeare in the Gardens in late August,
and we're happy to share some photos and results now that the dust has settled.
Guests were first greeted by Caesar...
And then shown a Shakespearean version of the Garden Map...
...after which they meandered around the various Garden Stages to see six performances:
The Therapy Session
Coriolanus
Hamlet
Macbeth
Antony & Cleopatra
King Lear
Another important stop along the way was at Mistress Quickly's Alehouse...
where guests were the first to try a new product brewed by the Annapolis Brewing Company to honour the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens.
This beer, called "Walled Garden Barley Wine", was a hit with our guests and is now available for purchase at the Annapolis Brewing Company, in the prettiest beer can you ever did see.
A portion of the sales will be donated to the Gardens.
Special thanks to the Annapolis District Drama Group for this tremendous effort, led by Simon Bonnington and Linda Hulme Leahy. This was their brainchild, and their production, in support of the Gardens. The cast did an amazing job, as did those who supported them with sets, costumes and all the behind the scenes work.
Thanks as well to Danny McClair and his staff at the Annapolis Brewing Company, for partnering with us as a sponsor. From sponsoring the liquid refreshment at Miss Quickly's Alehouse, to the creation of a new beer honouring the Historic Gardens, to providing a costumed server at the event and of course, the ongoing commitment to support the Gardens through the proceeds of the sale of Walled Garden.
And thanks to the many guests who joined us for this edition of Shakespeare in the Gardens. Your energy and enthusaism was wonderful, and we thank you for your support of the Drama Group and the Historic Gardens.
Thanks to the efforts of so many,
more than $7000 was raised for the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens!
When can you anticipate another Shakespeare in the Gardens event?
We all agree there will be more... possibly in 2027. Stay tuned!
Seasonal Selections - Part 2
The pond area is stunning in all seasons
Dewy mums
Puffin Pier (Artist Paul Bolland)
The Heather Collection is still showy.
The flower of the Seven Sons.
Potted papyrus in the Courtyard.
The Victorian Gardens - A Showstopper!
Visitors are gobsmacked by the Victorian Garden, with its lush display. Amazing to see, in this drought, thanks to our incredible gardeners! The enormous castor bean plants are particularly fascinating, with their giant leaves.
The Innovative Garden - Super Interesting!
Visitors are really fascinated by the Innovative Garden and all that grows therein.
The hot peppers in the greenhouse are of particular interest. (Note that you will hear about these peppers in another month or so when they become part of the fall line of hot sauces created by the folks at our Elm Tree Cafe!)
The staff at our Elm Tree Cafe have been busily creating some unique jams, jellies and other preserves. Drop into the Gardens Shop to check out the latest selection!
The Gardens Shop is open 7 days a week for your convenience,
from 9am-5pm. Drop by soon!
Remember, you can always explore our online shop for gift ideas from the comfort of your arm chair!
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.
September hours: Friday through Tuesday 11am-4pm.
We love our Critters!
We have lots of feathered friends in the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens.
This American Woodcock was seen recently digging for worms... what an interesting bird!
From the All About Birds website:
"Wouldn’t it be useful to have eyes in the back of your head? American Woodcocks come close—their large eyes are positioned high and near the back of their skull. This arrangement lets them keep watch for danger in the sky while they have their heads down probing in the soil for food."
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... some new views
After decades of taking photos of these Gardens, I often am drawn back to the same scenes... so yesterday I tried to capture some new views and angles.
The lawn above the Courtyard Pond...
A different take on the Rose Arbour...
The Governor's Garden, showing an obelisk in the foreground...
Layers of colour and shades of green, beside the Driftwood Sculpture...
Looking down towards the Native Plant Garden on a foggy morning...
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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