A Look Back at Far Niente Spring

Darn, where did those spring flowers go? What an amazing show we had this year in the Far Niente gardens—the best yet in my 11-year tenure as garden curator. Plant maturity has become quite apparent in many specimens throughout the property, and the spring display told the tale.

For those of you who witnessed this episode’s drama, I like to think of your enjoyment as an inherent part of our mission. Thank you for your participation, which brings the garden experience full circle.

Flowering began in early February with the giant camellia trees leading the way, followed by our signature azalea beds and on to the towering rhododendrons. We are now moving into the growth phase and keeping up is quite a challenge—feeding, pruning, sculpting, manicuring, and taming the wildness of this ancient Oakville knoll we call home. Working in unison with our partner, Mother Nature, we each have a hand in the balance of creation—growing together to perform on yet another season’s magical stage.