Garden tour highlights local expertise, passion for gardening

CENTRE WELLINGTON – The pond in the back corner of the garden at 380 Brock Ave. in Fergus was the main event at Helen and Claude Lacroix’s garden, and the most desirable spot on a very hot afternoon. This garden was one of four private and one public garden on the Fergus Horticultural Society’s garden tour on June 22.

There wasn’t much on the lot when Helen and Claude Lacroix bought their home on Brock Street some 10 years ago. Now it is dappled with shade, has a pond on the back corner, and delightful vignettes wherever you look.

Homeowners Jennifer and Patrick Otto opened their garden gate for the Fergus Horticultural Society’s garden tour on June 22. Jennifer, shown here, says she battles black walnut trees, that add toxins to the soil, but it appears she’s winning the battle with raised beds and clever self-watering techniques.

The home owned by Jennifer and Patrick Otto on historic St. George St. West in Fergus is only five years old but it has nestled nicely into the neighbourhood.