By Cecilia Nasmith
Just in time for a new gardening season, you are invited to celebrate the Year of the Garden June 18 at Barnum House Museum.
The museum at 10568 County Road 2 just west of Grafton will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a celebration that Grafton Green Thumbs President Edith Kift said is the result of a four-way partnership – Grafton Green Thumbs, Cobourg-East Northumberland Architectural Conservancy of Ontario, Alnwick-Haldimand Township, and the township's public libraries.
Grafton Green Thumbs prepared for the big day by having the township declare 2022 the Year of the Garden. Town crier Liam Cragg will make the official proclamation to kick things off.
The Green Thumbs are bringing plenty of native plants, along with information on their importance to pollinators and water-wise gardens. Both plants and information will be given away free for all.
The township and the libraries will set up a wildflower give-away and various flower crafts to enjoy.
And for the ACO, this occasion is an opportunity to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Barnum House, built in 1819 by entrepreneur Eliakim Barnum. With COVID, they didn't get the chance for proper observances before but, for this occasion, they are opening the house again for tours conducted by three of the ACO's knowledgeable experts on the half-hour (starting at 1 p.m.).
The ACO is also your host for a Strawberry Tea from 1 to 4 p.m., serving up shortcake with cream and local strawberries. It's a cash-only event – adults $10, children under the age of 10 $5.
“It's a nice event for residents, as well – a lot of different things happening for a lot of different interests,” Kift said.
