The Royal Manor B&B Garden in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake, located at the mouth of the Niagara River and overlooking Lake Ontario has a long and distinguished history. Site of a major battle during the War of 1812, the town was burnt to the ground by invading Americans forces and later rebuilt.

Today, Niagara-on-the-Lake is filled with tree-lined streets and beautiful century homes. Surrounded by fruit orchards and vineyards, it is often referred to as "one of the loveliest town in Ontario".

Certainly, you would be hard pressed to find another place in the Provence of Ontario that has dedicated as much public and private property to the art of gardening. "Gardening is a hobby and a passion here in Niagara-on-the-Lake, we are fortunate to have an abundance of wonderful gardens and gardeners too!", explains Vicky Downes, host of the Royal Manor B&B in the historic district of "Old Town".



The B&B is a handsome two story Georgian home that was built in the early 1800's as a tavern for the ships arriving at the docks at Navy Hall. In recent years, the house has been lovingly restored in a way that is faithful to its 19th century origins. The original pine floors still remain and are in amazingly good condition.

The B&B is surrounded by mature trees and has a lovely perennial garden complete with a small waterfall and pond. "The gardens have all been built over the last decade.", Vicky tells me, "They continue to evolve yearly, as the plants grow and need to be trimmed, separated or moved."

Let's take a peak around, shall we?

"Perennials are my passion and I have planted as many varieties as I can afford over the years. After a decade, I now have colour throughout the growing season and lots of textures and greenery too.", says Vicky.

Main border looking back towards the driveway.

A pretty hosta and Giant Fleece Flower, 'Persicaria polymorha' in the near background

Giant Fleece Flower, 'Persicaria polymorha' and Black-eyed Susan, 'Rudbeckia hirta'

Black-eyed Susan, 'Rudbeckia hirta'

Many of the perennials have a sentimental history for Vicky. "Plants that have been acquired from neighbours and friends are a constant reminder of that friendship whenever I'm working around them in the garden."

"I am always delighted when I am asked to share a cutting, because I know that that person will always remember where the original plant resided, and hopefully think of me too."

Toward the back of the property, is a large pond that was designed by Clearwater ponds to be low maintenance.

"The pond was built over a large hole that the previous owners had called a sunken garden (but was filled with weeds) and that I believe was the location of a former building/shed on the property. The pond plants were a new endeavour for me and I'm still learning how to get them to bloom and how best to locate them for maximum growth.", Vicky tells me.

The pond and the adjoining patio is a perfect spot to relax and recharge. "The fish are a delight for my Mom who watches them from her windows and calls them to feed daily in the spring and summer.", Vicky says.

Red Hollyhock

A pretty combination of several Hydrangea shrubs and a Japanese Maple.  

As well as a wide range of perennials, there is a nice selection of trees and shrubs. "I have many trees around the property, but always wanted a Japanese Maple and a Dogwood, both of which I now have."

Purple Smoke Bush, Cotinus coggygria 'puroureus'

A beautiful mixed of plants and shrubs welcomes guests at the front of the house.

Large container plantings flank either side of the front door. (Love this mix of Coleus, Sun-loving Impatiens and golden hued Creeping Jenny!)

"The hydrangeas at the front were planted in 2000 just as the 18 month renovation was being completed on the interior and now need some severe trimming yearly so that they don't cover the windows. I am not sure of the name of the variety, but they are an 'old' variety that bloom off the old branches, so they can't be trimmed too much or no flowers will appear the following year.", explains Vicky.

I found colours in these hydrangeas so pretty that I couldn't stop taking pictures of them. I think I must have over 20 shots!

"I scatter aluminium sulphate on the soil annually in the spring to create the colour variations.", Vicky tells me.

Many thanks to Vicky Downes for allowing me to show you her beautiful garden.

Further information and Links: 

Thinking of visiting Niagra-on-the-Lake this summer? You my just want to time your visit to include the Shaw Garden Tour. Visit: www.shawfest.com/gardentour for more details.

For general information on Niagra-on-the-Lake: http://www.niagaraonthelake.com  and http://visitniagaracanada.com/

For information on the Shaw Festival visit: http://www.shawfest.com

A bit more about Royal Manor Bed & Breakfast:

The B&B is located in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake and is a few minutes away from shops, theatres, and restaurants. The manor offers three spacious and beautifully appointed bedrooms, each with a private ensuite bath.

The B&B promises the visitor an array of gourmet breakfast options including "eggs benedict, omelettes & quiches, fluffy buttermilk pancakes with maple sausages, or apple french toast" which are served in a bright and airy breakfast room. 

Royal Manor has central air conditioning, is smoke-free, pet-free and adult-oriented. Manor House Photo gallery.

I have never had the pleasure of staying at Royal Manor, but did note an abundance of favourable online reviews that spoke of the B&B as a "true gem" and described the hospitality as "gracious" and "welcoming".  

Royal Manor Bed and Breakfast

905-468-9145

http://www.royalmanorbb.com/

Larkwhistle Part 2

There is a slick saying that I, as an artist, have always hated. "Do what you love and the money will follow." This sweeping statement suggests that acting on your passions in life will not only be self-fullilling, they will lead directly to that self-sustaining necessity called "money". 

But, there is not a hint of just how quick will that money follow if you, as an artist, quit your job and start painting away in your attic studio. The reality is that the money may never come. I can think of many an artist who died virtually penniless.

Everyone thinks they have talents. And they do more or less. The question is instead, is that gift for writing stories, taking photographs, painting pictures or singing songs exceptional?

Do really talented people know that they are truly gifted? 

I am not so sure confidence and talent necessarily go hand in hand. Certainly, there are many people who think they have talent where little or none exists. Just think of those sad creatures who turn up for auditions on shows like American Idol, fully believing that they are the next big singing sensation, when in reality they can barely carry a tune.

I believe that people who do great things, do so, not so because they believe acting on their passions will bring guaranteed rewards. They act on their passions because something inside compels them to take that huge leap of faith. The strength of their commitment is impervious to nagging doubts and the fear of failure that haunt the rest of us.

I know, you must be wondering what all this has to do with gardening? 

Well, years ago when Patrick Lima and John Scanlan decided to quietly follow their passion for gardening on vacant strip of land near the tip of the Bruce Peninsula, it was a tremendous leap of faith. Larkwhistle is quite literally in the middle of nowhere. Winters on the Bruce were going be long and harsh. Everything including their home would have to be built from scratch, with little very money on hand. Plants would have to be gifts from friends or grown from seed. 

There was absolutely no guarantee that they could make a go of it, much less that "money would follow." I have no doubt, it took amazing courage and conviction for Patrick and John to act on their love of gardening. And I am sure that there were plenty of lean years before the money from the sale of their books began to roll in the door. 

That is courage you just have to admire.

In this second post on Larkwhistle garden, we will head into the center of the garden.

We will pass by a small shed where onions are drying on a table.

These are grapes growing up the side of the shed.

Fancy hybrid roses, like this one, seem to be in the minority at Larkwhistle. I noted more use of 

old fashioned shrub roses instead.

An educated guess that this is Phlox panicilata 'Franz Schubert'

One of the intriguing things about the layout of the property is that the vegetable garden is not a separate entity, but is incorporated right into the main flower garden. In this shot, you can see vegetables growing just beyond the phlox.

An apple tree creates the shade for the phlox at its feet.

There is no water tap or hose at Larwhistle with which to water the garden. The 

watering can at the edge of the pond is not purely decorative either.

White Hollyhock

It is not a great picture, but I want to call your attention to the tall purple flower on the middle left.

It was hard to get a great picture with the tiny flowers shifting in the breeze, but isn't this pretty?

It is Meadow Rue or Thalictrum delavayi. I have tried myself to grow this unsuccessfully. It likes moist soil, which I don't have. After seeing it here, I may have to give Meadow Rue one more go.

Finally, we will take a quick look at the "Quite Garden" where the color palette has been limited to calming whites.

On the left there is Black Snakeroot, Cimicifuga racemosa and on the right Lily of the Nile (another example of zonal denial. Lily of the Nile is native to South Africa.)

If you are thinking of making a visit to this quintessential Canadain garden, the good news is that Larkwhistle is open to the public. Admission is a nominal charge of $3. There are also cards with John Scanlan's photography and seeds for sale at the front gate. 

Check out this link for further information: Larkwhistle Garden. While you are in the area, be sure to check out some of the many other beautiful gardens on the Grey-Bruce Peninsula. To get a more information and a map of these rural gardens chick here.

Have a great weekend!

Today, I am going to link up to Fertilizer Friday at Tootsie Time. On Monday, I will link to the Creative Exchange. To see other great posts please click the links.