Gardens can be an oasis of peace and tranquility

Leaves are unfurling, birds are singing, seeds are sprouting and yes, the black flies are biting. After a harsh winter, all are welcome signs that spring has taken a firm hold.

Each May, just before the long weekend, we like to celebrate the arrival of spring with The Echo’s annual Home and Garden edition. It is an exploration of the ecological and artistic drive behind gardening, the flavours of the season, and the expert knowledge thatexists in the community.

In towns where people stroll the sidewalks they may be very familiar with the houses’ front gardens but every once in a while we discover a back yard garden that has been transformed into an oasis of peace and tranquility. Aside from the buzz of a distant lawnmower, and the odd disembodied voice, one could easily forget the garden is nestled in a busy little town with neighbours on all sides.

In this edition we feature two such gardens located in Creemore, only a block apart but with distinctly different styles. Bev Stableforth’s winding pathways make her backyard feel bigger than it is, and the whimsical flamingo habitat at John Smart’s gardenputs The Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino to shame.

In this edition we have also explored food and drink options, ranging from the high-end rye whiskey from Harris Beach Spirits made from grains grown at Cashtown Corners, to the food truck cheekily branded Lez Eats, set up at Steer Enterprises this summer.

Turning to youth, this edition of The Echo also features the green industries program at Stayner Collegiate Institute and a young jeweller.

We hope the stories in this edition inspire creativity in the garden, land stewardship, and above all, excitement for the upcoming summer season. There are many wonderful outdoor events planned for the next few months throughout Clearview Township and surrounding area. We live in a vibrant community rich with opportunities to enjoy live music en plein air, dine on good food and enjoy locally made beer, wine and spirits. Keep an eye on creemore.com/events.

Another sure sign of spring is opening day of the Creemore Farmers’ and Craft Market, which will be this Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Creemore Echo crew will be there for the launch of our annual subscription drive. Please stop by to see us on May 17, 24 and 31.

The Echo relies on community support and we accept volunteer subscriptions at many different levels. As is reflected in this year’s campaign, we believe that local independent news and information is ‘worth holding on to’ and that means we need a large portion of the community to give even just a little bit so that The Echo is never in danger of being reliant on one single source of funding. We are more resilient if everyone pitches in.