Oro-Medonte Horticultural Society

My Garden is Almost Perfect

—submitted by David St Amand, President

Dearest Gentle Gardener,

Not to be immodest, but my garden is almost perfect. I’m sure your garden is lovely, too. I don’t doubt that it brings you pleasure. It may even be the culmination of many hours of hard work. But my garden is different. My garden is almost perfect.

When we think of our gardens, we imagine how they will look, how they will smell, how they will soothe our souls, and how they will bring us peace. My garden does all of that.

My garden looks almost perfect. It has all the colours I want in just the right layout and proportions. And it covers the different levels on my property with a wonderful flowing grace. Of course, there are one or two flowers slightly out of place. And I do find weeds in the most awkward places. Oh, and sometimes a plant I have nurtured and cared for, and coaxed to no end, will just go ahead and die on me. Other than that, my garden is almost perfect.

My garden smells almost perfect. The bouquet of flowers on a soft summer breeze is most delightful. Very rarely does the fresh manure I had to spread to keep things growing overpower my gentle beauties. And the compost pile may be a little too close – especially right after I turn it over. Other than that, my garden is almost perfect.

My garden soothes my soul perfectly. As I stroll through it, or sit on my little garden bench, I can feel the weight of the world just roll off of me. Then I notice where the rabbits have been chewing on my favorite shrubs, and I am reminded of the small fortune I have spent on them, and think about the hours of back-breaking labour it took to keep them growing, and how much more lies ahead. Other than that, my garden is almost perfect.

My garden brings me perfect peace. The tranquil beauty of the sunlight playing across the flowers and the rippling of gentle leaves is like a meditation for my mind. Although at times a harsh summer rain will wash mud over the path, and many delicate little flowers will have to be saved from the eroding soil. And a late frost or early cold snap will send me scrambling to cover my plants and drag others indoors. Or somehow, an invasive monster will creep in from nowhere, and I’ll have to wage a battle against its constant resurgence. But other than that, my garden is almost perfect.

As they say, one of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it brings. I can’t wait for the day when my garden is finally perfect.

Yours in gardening,

—Lady Thistledown

Join us on Monday, June 22 at 7 p.m. at the Oro‑Medonte Community Centre for an evening with Patrick Jackson from the Severn Sound Environmental Association. Patrick will be speaking on Garden Invasives in Severn Sound, offering practical insight into identifying, managing, and preventing the spread of invasive plants in our local landscapes. It’s a timely topic for gardeners who want to protect their yards and our region from aggressive species that threaten native ecosystems.

This meeting also features our Spring Flower Show, with the Design Division theme Coast to Coast to Coast. Expect creative, Canada‑inspired designs alongside beautiful entries in the horticulture classes. Whether you’re a seasoned exhibitor or thinking about entering for the very first time, this is the perfect show to take part in. And mark your calendars, our Garden Tour returns on July 19, with full details coming soon.

Looking ahead, our August meeting will be held on Monday, August 10 at 7 p.m., featuring Trevor Hillis from Windmill Garden Centre. Trevor will be sharing fresh ideas and inspiration in his talk on Trends in Garden Design for Home Gardens, highlighting practical ways to update and elevate your outdoor spaces. For more information, visit our OMHS website.