Maria Diamantis-LJI Journalist
The Town of Rosemère is excited to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Rosemère in Bloom with a series of events on July 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This year’s festivities will include a Gardening Bazaar and a community-wide Secret Gardens Tour, both promising a day full of activities and exploration, fostering environmental awareness and community engagement.
Gardening Bazaar: A Hub for Sustainability and Creativity
The Gardening Bazaar at Hamilton House will offer a variety of activities suitable for all ages. Attendees can shop for plants, tree saplings, second-hand gardening tools, accessories, planters, and antiques. This year’s bazaar will also feature reasonably priced holiday decorations and furniture, providing an opportunity to repurpose donated items and support a charitable cause. Donations for the bazaar will be accepted at the Ecocentre until July 13.
Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds of Hamilton House. They can explore the theme gardens and take a leisurely walk along the boardwalk at the Bouthillier Marsh. Local artists will display their work, and live music will enhance the festive atmosphere, making it a delightful celebration of art and nature. This event promotes sustainable practices by encouraging the reuse and repurposing of items, thus reducing waste and fostering a culture of sustainability.
Secret Gardens Tour: Discovering Hidden Gems and Green Spaces
The Secret Gardens Tour offers a rare chance to visit some of Rosemère’s most beautiful private gardens. For $10, participants will receive a map outlining the tour locations. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the event at Hamilton House, located at 106 Grande-Côte Road. The tour is self-guided, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace.
This tour not only showcases the beauty of private gardens but also inspires residents to cultivate their green spaces, promoting biodiversity and enhancing the town’s overall aesthetic appeal. It highlights the importance of green spaces in urban environments, contributing to better air quality, mental well-being, and a stronger sense of community.
All proceeds from the tour and the Gardening Bazaar will benefit Les Petits Plaisirs, a respite care organization, thus reinforcing the community’s commitment to social responsibility and support for local charitable causes.
Photography Contest: Celebrating Local Talent and Natural Beauty
In addition to the events on July 14, Rosemère in Bloom includes a photography contest. Residents are invited to submit their best photos of their gardens by August 30. There are multiple categories and nearly 25 prizes available. Details about the contest can be found on the Rosemère in Bloom page on the Town’s website. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in the fall.
This contest encourages residents to engage with their natural surroundings creatively, fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment. It also provides a platform for local photographers to showcase their talents, further strengthening community bonds.
A Message from Mayor Eric Westram
Mayor Eric Westram encouraged all residents to participate in the festivities: “I invite all Rosemerites to join us on July 14. They’re bound to make some great finds at the bazaar and succumb to the charms of the Hamilton House gardens. During the Secret Gardens Tour, they’ll discover how talented our amateur gardeners are at creating spaces that are truly original. And local shutterbugs are encouraged to enter our photo contest. There’s no doubt about it: we owe our status as a ‘Community in Bloom’ to the green thumb and the imagination of our residents.”