RARE FLOWERS AND FERNS OF THE BRUCE PENINSULA

Spring on the Bruce Peninsula lets you relax in beautiful natural surroundings, just 3.5 hours northwest of Toronto. Hike on the famous Bruce Trail, enjoy spectacular sunsets, watch birds and admire an abundance of wildflowers. When your day is done, the warm and friendly atmosphere of your B&B accommodation welcomes you!

Numerous varieties of plants are welcoming the sun, beginning with Indian Paintbrush, Marsh Marigolds, Trilliums, Marsh Iris and many more.
A walk on the famous Bruce Trail in spring is a feast for your eyes – white and red Trilliums, different coloured Violas and an enormous number of other flowers in all colours are covering the forest grounds!

 

 

 

RARE FLOWERS AND FERNS OF THE BRUCE PENINSULA
Some of the rarest flowers and ferns in Ontario can be found growing in the Bruce Peninsula:

Lakeside Daisy (Hymenoxys acaulis var. glabra)
This is one Ontario's rarest plants.  This showy member of the sun flower or daisy family grows at five sites on the Bruce Peninsula, in a destinctive and unusual habitat, alvar.  Lakeside Daisy (or Rubberweed, as it is sometimes called) is a showy, spring blooming, perennial which arises from a short, thick taproot.  It has dark green leaves and bright yellow flowers on stalks which reach a maximum height of about 40cm.  In Ontario its habitat is alkaline, seasonally wet in spring and fall and moderately to extemely drougthy in summer.

Dwarf Lake Iris (iris lacustris)
The Dwarf Lake Iris  only grows in very special sites, one being the northern shores of Lake Huron on the Bruce Peninsula. This wildflower is appreciated for its beauty, extreme rarity and for its genetic potential.The Dwarf Lake Iris thrives on the shorelines in the cool air that flows off the lake, enjoys moist, sandy or rocky soil with the right amount of sun penetrating to the forest floor.  It has deep blue to purple blossoms enhanced by bright-yellow crests.  Bloom  period is late May and early June.

Northern Holly Fern (Polypodium Lonchitis)
An evergreen fern of the north, to be looked for on the cliffs of the Bruce Peninsula.  The leaf stalk is densely scaly and gradually diminishing in size toward the tip.  The roots are short, stout and very scaly.  No other fern in the north country has both  once-cut fronds and spiny edges.  The Northern Holly Fern is found in rock crevices or at the base of  boulders, mostly in boreal and subalpine coniferous forests.

 

 

NATIVE ORCHIDS OF THE BRUCE PENINSULA

Located only a little over 3 hours drive from the metropolis of Toronto is a world where wild orchids are thriving. The Bruce Peninsula is located between Georgian Bay and Lake Huron, creating an environment where these beautiful flowers flourish. 44 species of orchids live in the Bruce Peninsula giving the Bruce Peninsula the distinction of having one of the greatest varieties of natural orchids in North America - especially for such a small area.

Globally - there are more than 30 000 orchid species. Canada is home to 77 species of these orchids. Ontario has 61 varieties of orchids - and of these - 44 can be found in the Bruce Peninsula

 

The orchids of the Bruce Peninsula bloom throughout spring and summer. Their exact bloom dates depends on the weather. The Bruce Peninsula's unique locationprovides these delicate flowers with the perfect enviroment for their survival. Wild orchids depend on a specific habitat to sustain them and the Bruce Peninsula has an unusually rich diversity of habitats, from the rugged cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment, to flat, dry rock plains called alvars, to various types of swampy wetlands.

Some orchids flourish more than others in the Bruce Peninsula. The Yellow Ladies Slipper can be seen growing on the sides of the roads in the Bruce like dandelions! On the other hand - the Calypso orchid is found only on Flower Pot Island within Fathom Five National Marine Park. Some orchids grow very slow. The Showy Ladies Slipper orchid take years to come to bloom.

Removing these precious flowers from the Bruce peninsula is usually a death sentence to them. Orchids generally grow utilizing the medium that surrounds them. They require this medium to grow and survive. They can not live in a garden in Toronto for this reason.

A selection of the most interesting orchids on the Bruce Peninsula:

Yellow Lady's Slipper - Cypripedium parviflorum
-   Common, native orchid, classified 'secure'
-   Blooms May to June
-   Prefers drier soil than other Lady's slippers
-   Easy to find along roadsides as Johnston Harbour Road
-   Remarkable: produces the smallest seeds by any group of flowers!
-   Link: www.osrbg.ca

Nodding Ladies' Tresses - Spiranthes cernua
-   Common, native orchid, classified 'secure'
-   Blooms late August and September, or until a heavy frost
-   Prefers moist and sandy soil
-   Link: www.osrbg.ca

Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchid - Platanthera leucophaea
-   Very uncommon orchid, grows only in Ontario,
classified as 'special concern' since 1986
-   Blooms late June to early August
-   Prefers wettest parts of fens
-   To find at the fens at Singing Sands
-   Link: www.osrbg.ca

Ram's Head Lady Slipper - Cypripedium arietinum
-   Quite common, native orchid, classified 'sensitive'
-   Blooms the last 10 days of May to mid. June
-   Prefers woodland environment
-   To find at Singing Sands
-   Link: www.osrbg.ca

European Common Twayblade - Listera ovata
-   Very unusual, not native orchid, grows only in Ontario,
classified as 'exotic'
-   Blooms June and July
-   Prefers wet soil, over dolomite area, cedar woodlands
-   Link: www.osrbg.ca/files/

Helleborine - Epipactis helleborine
-   Relative usual, not native orchid, classified as 'exotic'
-   Blooms late July to August; rarely, into October
-   Prefers swamps and stream edges, gravelly roadsides, sheltered sandy beaches, open woodlands
-   To find at Singing Sands
-   Link: www.osrbg.ca

 

ANCIENT CEDARS OF THE BRUCE PENINSULA

The Northern Bruce Peninsula features towering cliffs of limestone overlooking Georgian Bay. These cliffs difficult to access and as a result its ancient cedar trees are older. Growing on these vertical cliffs, at the sluggish pace of about an inch every 15 years, are the gnarled and twisted specimens of this ancient forest. You will see these cedars clinging to the edges of cliffs, and cliff faces. They have survived fires, logging and nature. In the mid-1980s was it discovered that some of the stunted white cedars growing out of escarpment cliff faces are more than 1,000 years old.

These vertical forests on the Niagara Escarpment were a recent find by a group of botanists from the University of Guelph in Ontario. Before they discovered the forests, the massive 1,000-year-old trees grow 350 feet or taller of the Pacific Northwest to the stage as our idea of old growth. These trees have many things to offer botanist and scientist - Locked in the tree rings are clues to climate changes long before the birth of our country.

For more information on the ancient cedars and their discovery by Doug Larson and the team from Guelph University please visit the article "Vertically Inclined" here

For more information please view A review of the Ancient Tree Atlas Project

University of Guelph on Ancient Cedars

EXPERIENCE THE RURAL GARDENS OF THE BRUCE PENINSULA

Bruce and Grey county is known for its brilliant array of rural gardens.  There is much diversity in the types of gardens to be found in the region, each encompassing its own unique beauty, vibrant flower varieties and distinctive landscaping.  Many of the gardens offer the option to make plant purchases. See why we are known as beautiful - naturally.

GARDENS

1. BURY ROAD GARDENS -  SERENDIPIDY - Joni and Pete Regan
Corner of Nicholas and Brock Streets Tobermory N0H 2R0
Nestled in the cedars, you will find a tranquil, mostly shaded garden, a sanctuary for birds and butterflies. Garden decor for sale.

WEDNESDAY - SATURDAY Open 10 am
$ 2.00

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2. LARKWHISTLE - Patrick Lima and John Scanlan

191 Lindsay Road 40 Dyers Bay N0H 1Z0
(519) 795 7763
larkwhistle@amtelecom.net
Larkwhistle inspires and educates. Lush one-acre organic garden filled with perennials, herbs and edibles. Gardeners Patrick and John greet visitors, answer questions and sign their books.
  Mother's Day until Thanksgiving
SATURDAY, SUNDAY & WEDNESDAY HOLIDAY MONDAYS
10-4 and Seeds
$ 3.00 adults
$ 1.00 16 and under

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3. VIRGINIA'S GARDEN - Virginia Dolliver

1015 Dyers Bay Road Dyer's Bay, Miller Lake, N0H 1Z0 (519) 795-7396
virginiasgarden@amtelecom.net
Cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment form a backdrop for raised beds. Includes rock gardens, large perennial beds and roses.

Open
Mother's Day until Thanksgiving
and by chance
MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY-SUNDAY 10-5
Donation

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4. THE FROG AND NIGHTGOWN GARDENS - Pat Poucher
24 Water Street Hope Bay, Wiarton N0H 2T0
(519) 534 1060 - (519) 534 5568 Fax
Waterfront English rock gardens with a spectacular view of Georgian Bay; uncommon perennial plantings, shade and sun, natural stream garden and picnic tables.

Open
Victoria Day to Thanksgiving
Spring and Fall - weekends only
TUESDAY - SUNDAY 10-5 closed Mon
Donation

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5. LIVING CARPET - Joerg and Franzis Leiss
937 Bruce Road 9, Wiarton, N0H 2T0 (519) 534-3476 (Tele/Fax)
joerg.leiss@sympatico.ca
Plant collectors' garden with alpines, bulbs, ferns, hostas, peonies, and grasses. Native woodland and groundcover plantings, natural rockery, large pond with wildflowers. Greenhouses.
TUESDAY, THURSDAY CALL OR BY CHANCE 2-5
Donation

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6. PATRICK'S PARADISE - Pat Tucker
126 Crawford Drive Purple Valley, Wiarton N0H 2T0 519 534 4037
New garden with extensive older groundcovers, traditional perennial borders. Natural rock garden with comprehensive collections of cyclamen and ramondas.

CALL OR BY CHANCE   9-5

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7. WINDSONG GARDENS - Jim and Betty Boyes
268 Whiskey Harbour Rd. Mar N0H 1X0 (519) 793-4970
jbboyes@amtelecom.net
A peaceful, tranquil developing garden. Perennials; unusual log, tufa and grapevine structures; tables for picnics, seats for dreaming and paths for strolling.

 CALL OR BY CHANCE 10-Sunset Donation

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8. EARTHBOUND PERENNIALS AND GARDEN - Brenda Sutherland, John Close and Judy Larkin
14 Hea Road Mar, Red Bay, Wiarton N0H 1X0 (519) 534-2483; FAX (519) 534-5548;
email - Website
Evolving 5 acre xeriscape project in sun and shade, featuring whole root roses, herbs, heirloom veggies. Our passion is lilies and daylilies, potted, blooming June-August.
Open daily
July-August, 9 - 5
Nursery and tours.
CLOSED TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY in Spring and Fall

Donation

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9. RURAL ROOTS - Dee Cherrie & Tom Ashman
645 Northacres Road Wiarton, N0H 2T0 (519) 534-2522 email website

The heart of our hundred acre Nature Reserve holds
three distinctive types of perennial gardens providing
plants for sale, seven Nature Trails and 30 years of
gardening adventures.
MONDAY, WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY 10-5 TUESDAY BY CHANCE Donation

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10. KEPPEL CROFT FARM AND GARDENS - Dawn and Bill Loney
504156 Island View Drive Grey Rd 1 Big Bay, Wiarton, N0H 2T0 (519) 534-1090
keppelcroft@bmts.com - www.keppelcroft.com

Prize winning four acres of perennial, shade and rock gardens created on gravel ridge; art installations, nature trails, Highland cattle and Keppel Henge. It was Canada's Grand Prize winning Garden of the Year for 1996 and has been featured in magazines as far away
as New Zealand
FRIDAY - SUNDAY + HOLIDAY MONDAYS
BY CHANCE WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY
10-5 CLOSED MONDAY & TUESDAY
Group and bus tours by arrangement any day
$ 3.00

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11. THE CEDAR ROSE GARDEN - Annette & Ted Tenbergen 
Just east of Sauble Beach  296 Municipal Rd.  RR #1 Hepworth N0H 1P0  (519)935-2433
cedarose@log.on.ca
www.cedarose.ca

The Cedar Rose: a garden / gift / floral shop located just 3 km from beautiful Lake Huron on the outskirts of Sauble Beach, Ontario. This peaceful rural location sets the tone for a wonderful shopping experience. Constantly evolving display gardens feature the perennials, vines and aquatic plants which are for sale here from April until late Fall.
APRIL 1 - CHRISTMAS
MONDAY, WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY 10-5
CLOSED TUESDAY
Donation