Ordinary People - Extraordinary Gardens

Today's garden tour took us over hill and dale between the village of Warkworth and almost to Campbellford.

I could have spent all day in the first garden, one created by Kat Kinch and Aaron Eddie. These are kindred spirits. Their use of native plants was impressive, starting with the bold butterfly weed out front.

Theirs was a happy jungle of colourful native plants and the bees....

... were loving it.

Around two corners, the next garden was about as opposite as you can get from Kat's garden - precision to no end.

The timing of this tour is perfect - right in the middle of lily season. The next garden was further into the countryside and was a treasure trove of very tall lilies.

These ones were a foot or two taller than I am.

Also, amongst the farm fields, the next garden was a beautiful balance of shaded and non-shaded areas. Perfect to show off the light coming through these bright day lilies.

I love these boldly coloured varieties.

There was a real sense of peace in this garden.

Poppy heads were being good examples of how shadows bend around round objects.

The second last garden was just west of Campbellford. These red hot pokers were living up to their name. Don't they look hot to you? Drawing them would be a good lesson in perspective.

I was hoping that the final garden would "finish with a bang". It's always nice to end a road trip with positive images in your head. Well, it did not disappoint. This garden was on Faux Road, just west of Campbellford. Just in case you are not paying attention: there's a bit of a birdhouse theme to this garden.

What fun!

You never know what creativity you'll find down dusty country roads and up long driveways. I think we will be back next year. I can't wait.