Haughs pleased to have their backyard and flowers part of garden tour for the first time

Tom and Betty Haugh of Kincardine are looking forward to opening their beautiful backyard and flower gardens to the public as part of the Kincardine and District Horticultural Society’s “Through the Garden Gate” tour this year.

Their garden is one of eight on the tour which runs Sunday afternoon, July 14.

The Haughs moved to Wieck Boulevard in May, 2015, so this is their 10th summer here.

When they arrived, they had a new house, but no yard. The house is part of a three-townhouse unit, on the corner of Wieck Boulevard and Bruce Avenue, built by O’Malley Construction.

They began by putting up a fence and planted grass in the backyard, followed by the creation of flower beds. The shed was built in 2016, and the pergola was added in 2017.

“We built the flower beds all at the same time,” says Tom, “and then we’ve changed them a bit over the years.”

Their favourite spot in the backyard is under the pergola, with plenty of room for friends to visit, and lots of shade on a hot summer day.

“Basically, what we have is a yard with gardens around it,” says Tom. “We planted a lot of perennials and then each year we have annuals in planters to add colour.”

Several plants and items in the gardens have meaning to the owners. The rhubarb patch on the north side was brought here from Tom’s dad’s place in Wingham. The fountain was a gift for Father’s Day. And some of the shrubs were moved here from their home in Heritage Heights.

This is their first time having their property as part of the garden tour and they are looking forward to it.

The event runs rain or shine, Sunday, July 14, from Noon to 4 p.m. Tickets are $12 each; available as of July 6 at Wilder and Rain Flowers and at Accents in downtown Kincardine; or $15 each on the day of the tour. For those joining the tour at the last minute, they can purchase a ticket at the first garden they visit.

Enjoy refreshments while you browse at the plant sale, which is at one of the garden locations. All the tour information will be on your ticket.

The Kincardine Horticultural Society is always looking for new members. For more information, check the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/1380846551994886/.