The tour, which included six highly interesting gardens which have been developed by home owners in Capreol and Valley East. Each garden was unique in style and each offered visitors a different look at just what can be done with the use of a bit of creativity, recycled products and organic methods.

In addition to the Langis’ garden, Fran and Bob Michelutti showed guests how they have converted their entire back yard into a wealth of plants centered around a fish-filled pond in the middle. It is a secluded piece of paradise.

Romaine Chappell has created a peaceful enchanted garden where she can sit and enjoy the birds and sounds of nature.

Heather Larson’s corner house is bordered with a wide variety of colourful flowers adding a touch of beauty to the neighbourhood.

Bertilla and John Rodriguez invited visitors to see why they spend so much time relaxing in their secluded back yard gazebo amid the pond and garden. The many potted containers are often moved around to create different settings during the summer.

Patti and Bernie Desjardins of Beaver Creek Herb Farm demonstrated the many varieties of herb plants and flowers which can be grown at home to enhance local gardens.

Valerie and Bob Kirwan brought guests into Valerie’s "Evergreen Gardens" where they discovered a world of simple creative designs and water fountain displays. The "park-like setting" had many people thinking about new projects for their own back yards. If you wish to take the full tour of Valerie’s garden, log on to and select the Evergreen Gardens prompt.

Over 100 visitors attended each of the sites on the tour and then enjoyed blueberry shortcake and tea in the Victorian Tea Room at the Northern Ontario Railroad Museum and Heritage Centre on Bloor Street in Capreol.

The Sud-Berry Bear was on hand to greet everyone, as were Miss Capreol, Stephanie Lachance, and Miss Valley East, Kara Cormier. While refreshments were being served, everyone was entertained by the music of the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra’s Student Quartet. The Quartet consisted of Jeff Ruest, Leah Hurtubise, Laura Heino and Cathy Burns.

At 4 p.m., William Bradley, a journalist with Northern Life conducted a free workshop on organic gardening. Also during the day, free Ph soil testing was done at the museum and several alternative recipes for gardening care were handed out.

According to Romaine, "The day was excellent. Everyone has such good things to say about the gardens and about how much they learned from the tour. We are already looking forward to next year and are hoping to expand the number of gardens that are on the list."

In fact, if anyone is interested in putting their name forward to be on next year’s garden tour, they are asked to contact the Museum as soon as possible at 858-5050.

Romaine expressed her tremendous gratitude to everyone who helped out with the organization and planning of the tour, especially the people who helped sell tickets for the event.