BRAMPTON - Brampton gardens are flourishing and those wanting a closer look at some of the best blooms in the city are welcome to take part this Sunday in the fifth annual Garden Tour. The fundraising event will see 11 gardens across the city open their gates, rain or shine, in support of the Brampton Horticultural Society. One of those gardens belongs to 70-year-old, retired hairdresser Joe Covello. “I figure if I can style a woman’s hair, I can style a tree,” said Covello as he walked through his extensively landscaped back yard. His prize-winning garden, located at 65 Austin Dr., offers a wide selection of perennials, lilies, roses and hostas all surrounding a swimming pool and hand-built waterfall. “For me it’s about being closer to nature.” Covello spends seven days a week in his garden, often waking up before dawn to get outside. “Joe’s is a garden of passion,” said past-president of the Horticultural Society Carole Spraggett. “But not all gardens need to be as extensive. You can start small and watch it grow.” According to Spraggett, gardens on the tour will offer an eclectic mix to satisfy everyone’s plant palette. “There will be vegetable gardens along with flower gardens. Some of these gardens cost half a million dollars to landscape.” The tour runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will be guided by a team of volunteers. Residents can start at any garden and independently make their way across the map. “There is a certain etiquette people must follow,” said Spraggett. The Society asks that no dogs, food, strollers, bikes or toys be brought into the garden. People are asked to wear flat shoes and not take cuttings or samples of the plant material. After the tour, residents are invited to Bovaird House and for a donation can enjoy a cup of tea and sweet snack. Plant sales will take place at some gardens. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. For more information on the event and how you can purchase tickets visit www.geocities.com/bramhort.
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