On Sunday, September 29, 2013 an enthusiastic and cheerful group from our Chapter went to visit fellow MG Laverne de Yaeger's ½ acre garden in Lake Country. We'd last seen it in the spring during our Open Garden Tour event. We returned to see all the progress Laverne made in just one season to his lawn of thyme. Amazing! Laverne shared with us how his gardens looked originally when he purchased the property, how he developed each area and what plans he has for the future. We also learned how he maintains and winterizes his various gardens. His property truly is a treat to see in any season and was profiled in the Gardens West magazine. Most of the materials were recovered, reused and recycled into his pathways, greenhouse, adornments, etc. We found inspiration everywhere we looked!
We also were hosted by Laverne's menagerie of pets, including his two spirited corgis, pheasants, pigeons, doves, chickens and his two alpacas! His beehive, koi ponds, tree house, totem and various farm antiques dazzled us. We were even visited by a kokanee making his way up the meandering stream. What luck!
This event was intended to be a learning experience, but judging by the amount of laughter around every corner, fun was likely the victor of the day. We thank Laverne for opening up his beautiful garden to us yet again and being such a wonderful host. We all learned a great deal as he answered all our questions in detail. Getting together with our gardening compatriots made for an excellent afternoon. We can't wait to do this again!
Submitted by Brenda Sleeper, Event Planner
Pictures of Laverne’s garden were taken September 29, 2013 by Darlene Cross, Okanagan MG.
