Last spring I was asked if I would show my garden for the Open Garden Day that is held in July by the Cranbrook Garden Club. At first I was flattered and honoured that the committee would consider my teeny tiny garden as worthy of the tour, but then I fretted as spring progressed.

Some trees and shrubs did not make it over the winter and some plants did not grow as they should have, and of course, the endless weeding. I certainly had second thoughts about this commitment.

But then the big day arrived. There were so many people and it was such a huge success that I knew I had done the right thing.

To the 373 people who came through my garden, I thank you for the many compliments, positive feedback, questions and all the photos that were taken. It took me a week to come down from that high pedestal everyone put me on.

So I would encourage any gardener who is proud of their yard and not too sure if it can be shown just to come forward and commit for next year or the following year. It really was so worth the effort.

Lina Fiorentino

Cranbrook