Paris Horticultural Society Annual Garden Tour showcases beauty, creativity and inspiration

One of the properties featured in this weekend’s Annual Garden Tour hosted by the Paris Agricultural Society is Nettie and Ken Stevenson who have transformed a small garden into a lush paradise featuring over 20 peony varieties, multiple roses, and rare plants.

By Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

For more than 20 years, the Paris Horticultural Society has welcomed garden lovers to explore some of the area's most captivating landscapes — and this year’s annual Garden Tour promises another memorable experience.

Taking place this weekend, the tour will feature five unique gardens in the Paris area, each offering a distinct display of horticultural creativity, dedication and charm. The event is one of the Society’s two major fundraising initiatives, with proceeds supporting local public plantings, community gardens, guest speakers, and an annual bursary.

“This year’s gardens are all beautiful, different and interesting,” said Nancy Chipman, the event organizer, noting that three of the gardens are returning favourites, generously opening their gates once again to visitors.

Among the highlights is the cobblestone property of Janet Snaith at 22 Church Street. Built in 1845 on a challenging slope, the historic home is framed by expertly crafted stone retaining walls and an array of well-established beds bursting with plant life. 

Snaith, a horticulturist, says the tour motivated her to refresh her space. “I’m a big believer in natural mulch to keep things tidy and conserve water,” she said. Over the years, she’s eliminated invasive unwelcome plants like goat weed, vinca, and violets which was reduced her weeding efforts this spring. She now focuses on tried-and-true perennials.

At 18 Smith Street East, Nettie and Ken Stevenson have transformed a small garden into a lush paradise featuring over 20 peony varieties, multiple roses, and rare plants. Carefully curated planters, a peaceful pond, and trickling water add to the garden’s tranquil charm.

Karen and Sigmar Imgrund, at 20 Cardinal Lane, offer a mature, Zen-inspired garden filled with shrubs, ornamental grasses, and layered perennials. Annuals in large urns and a serene water feature create a calm, contemplative setting.

Aimee Smith’s garden at 66 Long Lane is the result of 13 years of creative landscaping. With nearly all grass eliminated, the property is now a wraparound oasis bursting with Asiatic lilies, hostas, clematis, hellebores and more. A pool and hot tub are seamlessly integrated into the lush surroundings.

Rounding out the tour is the expansive countryside garden of Elizabeth and Ron Norris at 272 West River Road. Nestled around two geodesic dome houses built in 1988, the landscape features wide perennial borders, an orchard, grape vines, and native shrubs and trees. Visitors can also explore a lilac garden room and edible plantings, including Haskap and currants.

The tour not only showcases the beauty of local gardens but also inspires gardeners of all experience levels to envision what’s possible — whether on a small-town lot or a larger rural property.

The gardens offer more than just plants, said Chipman. They spark ideas, show what can be done with creativity and care, and remind us how peaceful and restorative time in nature can be.

Adding to the atmosphere, local musicians and artists will perform in each garden throughout the tour, enhancing the experience with live music and visual art.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased in advance at Walter’s Greenhouse, John M Hall House of Linen, or Sobey’s Paris, or directly at any of the participating gardens during the tour weekend.

The Society is always looking for future gardens to feature. Anyone interested in participating is encouraged to reach out to the Paris Horticultural Society.