Snap happy days at Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens

The Vine

by Carla Allen



It may be November but it’s looking more like Spring at the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens. Manager Trish Fry says she had no intention of writing another bloom report for 2006 since the season is over, but then a member emailed her about some of the things she saw in the Gardens. “The Gardens right now are like a magical treasure hunt... if you keep your eyes open and really explore them carefully, you'll discover all sorts of flowers, berries or other interesting colours and textures,� she said.

Although the Gardens are technically closed for the season, visitors are welcomed throughout the off-season on an "admission by donation" basis.

One caveat - because the paths and grounds are not maintained in the off-season, visits are "at your own risk".

Access the bloom report via www.historicgardens.com/links/season.htm.">www.historicgardens.com

Fry says the Gardens are enjoyed by “many, many people all winter long� and that 2007 season passes, ornaments, books, and other gifts, are available for purchase at the office from Monday to Friday.

It’s been a photo-rich season for Fry, who’s roamed practically every nook and cranny in the Gardens to capture the beauty. Her efforts can be appreciated this year for the first time ever in the form of a Gardens calendar.

The price is $25 plus tax, with all funds raised in support of the Gardens. Call (532-7018) or email Fry at admin@historicgardens.com to order.

This year, the Gardens are holding a special New Year's Eve event. The Historic Gardens and the Annapolis Region Community Arts Council are partnering for a Silver Bells - New Year's Eve Gala.

December 31 marks the end of the Gardens 25th anniversary year, and the beginning of ARCAC's 25th.

“We felt it appropriate to have a joint celebration on New Year's Eve to ‘pass the torch’ from one organization to the next,� said Fry.

Music will be provided by the Annapolis Big Band. Carrying the 25th theme a little further, tickets are $25 per person. There will be hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, birthday cake, and the traditional New Year's Eve countdown. Tickets are available through the Historic Gardens or from ARCAC (532-7069). Fry advises booking early.

She says the 25th anniversary season was a success overall, with several events held in celebration.

“One of our legacy projects from our celebrations was the germination of an Annapolis Area Garden Tour, a soon-to-be annual event in support of the Historic Gardens.

“Our inaugural event in August went well and was a great learning experience on which to build an annual fundraiser,� said Fry.

The tour will be held on July 7 in 2007.

Another Legacy project was the creation of a Gardens Photo Contest & Exhibit in August. This is also expected to become an annual event and has spawned some photography workshops as well for 2007.

Other events in the works for 2007 include the annual Benefit Dinner & Auction on Sat., April 21; a ‘Gardening, Photography & Ghosts’ weekend, May 25-27; and a Photography Workshop weekend, July 28/29.

The Gardens are climbing slowly but steadily towards the 25th Anniversary Appeal goal of $1 million, with $300,000 banked to date

“While launched in our 25th Anniversary Season, the appeal will be a multi-year project, so donations and pledges are most welcome at any time,� said Fry.

A new website will be launched late in 2006 as well. It will have a fresh new look and lots more information and photos. Opening day for the 2007 season is Saturday, May 12.