The back pond in Valerie Kirwan’s yard demonstrates what people on the 2nd Annual Environmentally Friendly Garden Tour, sponsored by the Northern Ontario Railroad Museum and Heritage Centre, will be seeing. The pond features an Angel water fountain among pieces of driftwood, an old wagon wheel and several other recycled articles , including an old steel bath tub. The tour, which includes eight beautiful gardens which have been developed by home owners in Capreol and Valley East, is designed to show visitors just what can be done with the use of a bit of creativity, recycled products and organic methods.  Each of the gardeners have been able to create their piece of heaven without the use of pesticides.

There are five homes in Capreol:
The Michelutti’s on Balsam Street;
The Chappell’s on Ferguson Street;
The Langis’ on Chapman Street;
The Larson’s on Hanna Avenue;
The Rodriguez’s on Willow Crescent.

There are three homes in Valley East:
The Desjardin’s on Dominion Drive;
The Kirwan’s on Noel Crescent;
The Sikora’s on Noel Crescent.

The tour of gardens will take place between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday,  July 21. Between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., blueberry shortcake and tea will be served in the Victorian Tea Room at the Northern Ontario Railroad Museum and Heritage Centre on Bloor Street in Capreol. During the refreshment period, visitors will be entertained by the music of the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra’s Student Quartet. At 4 p.m., William Bradley, a journalist with Northern Life, will conduct a free workshop on organic gardening. Also during the day, free Ph soil testing will be done if you bring a cup of soil from your garden. Alternative recipes for gardening care will also be available. The day promises to be a very rewarding experience for gardeners who are concerned about protecting the environment and birds from the overuse of pesticide.

Tickets for the Garden Tour Activities are only $10 per person (proceeds to support the Museum and Heritage Centre) are available at Adam & Eve Garden Centre in Sudbury; Valley Schrubs & Trees on Hwy 69 South in Hanmer; Freskiw Farms on Skead Road in Garson; Beaver Creek Herb Farm on Dominion Drive in Hanmer; Holla’s Nursery on Martin Road in Blezard Valley; the Older Adult Centre in Sudbury, Eco-Action Sudbury (674-5208) or from the Northern Ontario Railroad Museum and Heritage Centre in Capreol. A map showing the exact locations of the gardens on the tour will be provided when you purchase your ticket.