Rural Gardens & Botanicals
Grey County is known for its brilliant array of rural gardens. There is much diversity in the types of gardens to be found in the region, each one encompassing its own unique beauty, flower variety and distinctive landscaping.
Five years ago some of the many gardeners who live in the region began sharing their masterpieces with the public. For some of them gardening is a hobby; for others it is a passion. A self guided tour has been developed, including over 27 rural gardens throughout Grey and Bruce Counties. They range from small, manicured, extensively planned plots to large, natural, near wilderness areas, some including trails. Most of them are constantly evolving, and some have taken 10 years or more to create. Some locations offer plant sales and the sale of organic products, while others have art pieces. All gardens promote serenity and peacefulness. Reservations must be made prior to visitation and nominal fees may apply.
The Rural Garden Tour has been put together as a form of membership with a brochure of the listed members produced to conduct the regional tour, entitled Rural Gardens Grey Bruce. Members who are a part of the rural gardens tour are identified by their blue sign with a yellow daisy on location. New members are always welcome to join.
To learn more about RGGB or for information on becoming a member visit their website. www.ruralgardens.ca/
Click to order your free copy of the 2009 Rural Gardens brochure.
Botanicals
Grey County is a natural splendor with rare and unique species of wild habitat. The topography, ecosystems and geology of the area make Grey County a suitable home.
Ferns
There are 46 species of ferns in our region out of 75 recorded for Ontario. The American Hart's Tonque Fern is a very common species of fern in Grey County but on a global and provincial level very rare. (Best seen in the summer seasons, June-September)
Orchids
The region has 35 species of orchids out of 59 recorded for Ontario. Grey County has two provincially rare orchids, the Large Round Leaved Orchid and the Eastern Prairie White Fringed Orchid. The best time to view orchids is mid June to mid July.
Trilliums
There are 4 main types of trilliums found in Grey County, the White Trilliums and Red Trilliums which blanket the forest floor in spring. A rarity to Southern Ontario is the Nodding Trillium which is found in Grey County and the Painted Trillium. The best season to view these types of trilliums is Spring.
Spring Wild Flowers
From May to June these beautiful wild flowers can be seen throughout Grey County, Hepaticas, Anemones, Spring Beauty, Bellwort, twelve species of Violets, Bloodroot, Wood Sorrel, Squirrel Corn and Dutchman's Breeches.
Fall Wild Flowers
From late July through to October there are various wild flowers found in Grey County. Fifteen native species of Aster and fourteen native species of goldenrods.
We ask when visiting Grey County that you respect and help us preserve our natural beauty,
Naturalist's Code:(Bruce Grey Plant Committee)
Move nothing ...
Step on nothing but the path...
Take nothing but photographs...
Leave nothing but your thanks .
