News & Media
Private Gardens Go Public: Self-guided Tour of Gardens in Huron and Perth Counties
MEDIA RELEASE for week of May 20
Private Gardens Go Public:
Self-guided Tour of Gardens in Huron and Perth Counties
Over 20 private gardens in Huron and Perth will be open to the public this summer, with the touring program beginning on June 1 The selection of gardens will be open at various times throughout June, July and August and complete information of locations and times are included in the colourful brochure with map as well as posted on the website at: www.gardensofhuronperth.com here.
This is a rare opportunity to see over fences and hedges at gardens that are lovingly tended. Some are located on the property of a business and visitors can enjoy both new ideas in landscaping and plant choices while taking advantage of the materials offered for sale.
The non-profit group fashioned their idea after the Discover Rural Gardens of Grey Bruce Counties and hosted a one-day garden tour last year to get a taste of what to expect. It was a wonderful success and this spurred the group to move forward to a full season of visitors. They have printed maps, invited everyone to facebook and developed a website: www.gardensofhuronperth.com
Some of the gardens featured are the private gardens of the Purple Rooster at RR 1, Gorrie, where you will see an eclectic mix of sun and shade, old and new shrubs and perennials. Nearby is Perennial Paradise at Gowanstown. They started with a blank canvas in 2005 and now feature a pond, and arbours on half an acre. Riverbend Gardens and Nursery in the Wroxeter area features nearly 1000 varieties of hostas. The Pergola Garden in Stratford and both the St. Marys Horticultural Society Garden and their Peace Garden are included.
The map may be picked up at local tourism offices or your local library branches in Huron County. Horticultural societies all have access to the maps which can also be downloaded from the website www.gardensofhuronperth.com
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For further media information contact
Rhea Hamilton Seeger
519-529-7238
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POSTED ON 2013-05-16
Doors Open Heritage Weekend June 1, 2013
Stratford’s River and Rail History Explored during Doors Open Heritage Weekend
May 9, 2013
For Immediate Release
(Stratford, ON) Celebrate a century of river and railway history, June 1- 2 during Stratford’s Spring Heritage Weekend. Doors Open Stratford presents twelve notable heritage landmarks, including 3 historic homes, open for public touring free of charge on Saturday June 1. Heritage walks, talks, displays and exhibitions take place throughout the weekend along with free horse-drawn carriage rides and a Classic Car Show in Market Square on Sunday.
This year’s theme, River and Rail heritage, celebrates a vote made 100 years ago by Stratford citizens to retain parkland along the Avon rather than lay additional railway tracks. In 1913 the community established the largest parkland per capita in Canada for all to enjoy.
Free heritage talks highlight Stratford’s river and rail history in the City Hall auditorium on Saturday. Take a 1913 Postcard Tour of Stratford presented by local author and historian, Lutzen Riedstra at 1:00 pm. At 2:30 pm Dean Robinson, historian and author of Stratford’s Railway Revisited will share stories from his most recent book.
Explore some of the finest 19th century architecture in Ontario in private homes, historic churches and civic buildings during Doors Open. Some of the best examples of terra cotta (clay architectural embellishments) in Canada can be found at the Perth County Court House. Starting at the ‘Queen of the Square’, Stratford’s City Hall in the heart of Stratford’s heritage district, view heritage photos and architectural details and pick up a Doors Open map to participating sites open free from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm on June 1.
Transport yourself to ‘Life along the Avon River in 1913” on a narrated heritage boat tour led by costumed heritage guides or stay on dry ground for a Riverwalk guided heritage tour and Railway heritage walk. At dusk connect with Stratford’s haunting past as costumed actors from Playmakers! Theatre School lead you on the Haunted Hallows Ghost Walk. Free horse-drawn carriage rides and a Sunday Classic Car Show are presented by the businesses of downtown Stratford. For tour tickets and all the events taking place during Heritage Weekend go to www.visitstratford.ca/doorsopen.
Heritage Weekend activities are presented by the Stratford Tourism Alliance, the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario-Stratford Perth County branch, Heritage Stratford, Perth County Historical Foundation and the Stratford Perth Archives along with dedicated volunteers.
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For more information, visuals or to arrange and interview, please contact Cathy Rehberg, Marketing Manager, Stratford Tourism Alliance, 47 Downie Street Stratford, ON N5A 1W7. Tel: (519) 271- 5410 x 2223 or (800) 561-7926, email: crehberg@visitstratford.ca.
POSTED ON 2013-05-14
IPM 2013 Upcoming Events May 25-26 2013!
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POSTED ON 2013-05-10
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