Ernie and Ena Parker have created magnificent gardens at their farm on the Southline

If you've travelled the Southline, east of Highway 21, you have driven right past the farm of Ernie and Ena Parker. And you probably don't know that they have some magnificent gardens on that property which are well worth a look.

The Parkers welcome patrons of the Kincardine and District Horticultural Society's "Through the Garden Gate" tour, to visit their farm and enjoy this small piece of heaven they have created.

Twelve years ago, Ena and Ernie moved to the Southline from their home on Saratoga Road, east of Highway 21. They like the open space of this property which is now a home, a hobby farm and a place of business.

The new farm had an older house on it, so 10 years ago, the Parkers decided to tear it down to one original wall and then build their new home around it. Once the house was built, they began designing the landscaping and gardens.

"We loved the mature trees, but little by little we discovered that we needed a flower bed here, a few rocks there, a pool would be nice, and it has developed into an oasis of tranquility," says Ena. "Ernie helps cut the grass and do the heavy work, and I love the gardening; it helps take my mind off things."

The back yard is amazing with a pool as the centrepiece, and stone steps that lead up to the pumphouse with ivy cascading over the rocky ledge. A stroll through the gardens turns up water features, and terraced gardens with assorted perennials, shrubs and small trees.

"I like moving things around and splitting up plants, such as the hostas," says Ena. "We like the western theme, with our entrance gate at the end of the driveway, and the wagon at the road."

There are carved statues throughout, including a plumber which is a characterization of Ernie.

The summer after her son, Clint, died, Ena felt like doing nothing in the garden. However, the house was full with their eldest son, Ryan and his fiancee Tori; and their second eldest son, Sheldon.

"Then Sheldon went away to school, and Ryan and Tori moved out, and I was working with Ernie in the plumbing business," says Ena.

This year, the Parkers hosted Ryan and Tori's wedding so a few weeks prior, they added a gazebo and a fence, along with a few more flower beds.

The farm has a bit of everything, including two horses, several cats, and a duck.

When she isn't working in the gardens and helping with the plumbing business, Ena enjoys caring for her grandson, Finn.

She and Ernie welcome you to stop in during the garden tour, slated for Sunday, July 9, from Noon to 4:30 p.m., rain or shine.

Other local people who have opened their gardens for the tour include:
 

• Roger and Lynda Cracknell on Olde Victoria Street
• Bob and Lynn Bradley on Troon Court
• John and Helen Boardman on Penetangore Row
• Dan and Nola Collins on Boardwalk (Heritage Heights)
• Allan and Eleanor (Campbell) Rutledge on Snobelen Trail (Heritage Heights)
• Allen and Cristina Barac on Scott Crescent (Heritage Heights)
• Dan and Rhetha Roy on Snobelen Trail (Heritage Heights)

Admission is $12 in advance or $15 on the day of the event at the Walker House. Advance tickets are available at Jerome Flowers, and Quinn Florist.