Garden tour raising funds

The soggy weather that has characterized the summer hasn’t dampened the spirits of the Beaconsfield Garden Club, which is organizing its eighth annual fundraising tour of some of the West Island’s most exquisite gardens Aug. 9.

“All proceeds are donated to NOVA West Island and the West Island Palliative Care Residence,” said co-ordinator Gloria Timmons, adding, “the 2008 tour was the best in the series so far; we raised close to $7,000.”

The six properties on the tour span most of the West Island, “and all have unique features,” said Timmons, a home palliative care nurse with NOVA.

One garden in Pierrefonds is accented by an alpine section and fish pool. Another stop in Dollard des Ormeaux is an intriguing example of front-yard gardening, with a path that leads to the back yard with its waterfall and pond.

Highlights of a Kirkland property include a small Koi pond which has evolved into three interconnecting ponds with bridges; lush displays of perennials are among features of a Beaconsfield garden on the old Drummond estate which was once owned by the Jesuits.

In Dorval, tour participants can visit an oasis that borders the Bouchard River, where flowering vines are interspersed with tropical plants and other flora. A focal point is a working Dutch windmill – the largest in the city.

A multi-tiered property in Pointe Claire is home to a luxuriant assortment of perennials and shrubs, accentuated by many stately trees.

At this juncture of the season – the weather notwithstanding – hydrangeas and lilies should still be in full bloom, “as well as the hostas and wild grasses,” Timmons said.

“The hosts are always so delighted to answer people’s questions. There is a lot of interest in water gardens, which have become very popular in recent years.”

Maps included with each ticket help visitors navigate the tour, which they can do at their own pace.

Tickets, at $15, are limited, and should be purchased in advance to avoid disappointment. They’re available at Thrift Shops for NOVA in Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Beaurepaire, and Kirkland, and at the Lakeshore General Hospital gift shop. For more information about the eight annual Palliative Care and NOVA Garden Tour, call 514-695-8335 ext. 104.

Chronicle, Jacques Pharand