Virginia Langis spends a lot of time in
her back yard garden with her grandson Nick. To people like Virginia,
and Romaine Chappell, Coordinator of the event, that is what the 3rd
Annual Environmentally Friendly Garden Tour, sponsored by the Northern
Ontario Railroad Museum and Heritage Centre was all about. Developing an
interest in gardening, naturally, without the use of pesticides and
chemicals.
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.
Full colour photos of the tour are available in an article which can
be found at under the local articles section.