Excursion 2006

GREATER TORONTO WATER GARDEN & HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

WEEKEND EXCURSION TO SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO
AUGUST 12^TH AND 13^TH2006

Twenty members spent the weekend touring a few private gardens in the Amherstburg area, viewing a marsh filled with native yellow lotus (an incredible sight), socializing and dining together, visiting Keith McLean's amazing lotus ponds and later ending up at Moore's Water Gardens in Port Stanley. The weather was perfect, the camaraderie great and although only a short weekend, it truly felt like a holiday. We want to extend a huge thank you to Mary Anne and Joe Vanden Steen for their hospitality and for hosting our group at their lovely property and guiding us around the Amherstburg area. Thank you also to Mary Anne and John, neighbours of the Vanden Steen's who added to the enjoyment. Visiting Keith McLean on Sunday was a special experience, when you think how much this 84 year old gentleman has created on his own. He is still farming to this day, has over 2 acres of lotus ponds, and has planted 7 acres of prairie wildflowers and 17 acres of native trees on his 300 acre property. Keith advised us that he lives in the original home where he was born. We thank him for giving us his time and the opportunity to see his many lotus ponds. Lastly, we must thank Sue Moore from Moore Water Gardens for opening the property just for us. She guided us around their different growing ponds, let us taste the green lotus seeds - totally edible when you remove the bitter green coat, and answered all our many questions, the plants were at their peak. After a stop for dinner at G.T.'s on the beach in Port Stanley, we all went our separate ways.

Click on a picture to go to the page

Mary Anne and Joe Vanden Steen

Bonnoy House

Native Lotus in the marsh

Keith McLean

Dinner at Ducks on the Roof

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	GREATER TORONTO WATER GARDEN & HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
	WEEKEND EXCURSION TO SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO AUGUST 12^TH AND 13^TH2006

Twenty members spent the weekend touring a few private gardens in the Amherstburg area, viewing a marsh filled with native yellow lotus (an incredible sight), socializing and dining together, visiting Keith McLean's amazing lotus ponds and later ending up at Moore's Water Gardens in Port Stanley. The weather was perfect, the camaraderie great and although only a short weekend, it truly felt like a holiday. We want to extend a huge thank you to Mary Anne and Joe Vanden Steen for their hospitality and for hosting our group at their lovely property and guiding us around the Amherstburg area. Thank you also to Mary Anne and John, neighbours of the Vanden Steen's who added to the enjoyment. Visiting Keith McLean on Sunday was a special experience, when you think how much this 84 year old gentleman has created on his own. He is still farming to this day, has over 2 acres of lotus ponds, and has planted 7 acres of prairie wildflowers and 17 acres of native trees on his 300 acre property. Keith advised us that he lives in the original home where he was born. We thank him for giving us his time and the opportunity to see his many lotus ponds. Lastly, we must thank Sue Moore from Moore Water Gardens for opening the property just for us. She guided us around their different growing ponds, let us taste the green lotus seeds - totally edible when you remove the bitter green coat, and answered all our many questions, the plants were at their peak. After a stop for dinner at G.T.'s on the beach in Port Stanley, we all went our separate ways.

	Click on a picture to go to the page


Mary Anne and Joe Vanden Steen	Bonnoy House

Native Lotus in the marsh	Keith McLean

Dinner at Ducks on the Roof