Garden Lovers Invitation – Digging Deep & Getting Rooted To Expand Our Sanctuary Whistling Gardens l Botanical Gardens & Garden Centre 2019 REVEAL! Dear Garden Friends,

2019 REVEAL! We’ve been …. DIGGING DEEP & GETTING ROOTED TO EXPAND OUR SANCTUARY

Experience Flora, Fauna, Respite, Rejuvenation... WOW, take our breath away! Spring 2019 introduced our 10th award, recognizing our “creation of gardens that meet a wide standard set by the North American Rock Garden Society and reflects well on society.” As the recipient of the 2019 Millstream Garden Award managed by the North American Rock Garden Society, owner Darren Heimbecker’s courageous botanical endeavour is well on its way and creating an international buzz! Our nature conservation efforts are well documented in this year’s 2019 Founder’s Message We are planting for every gardener, nature enthusiast, and our next generation... NEW highlights include, our Peony Collection expansion, which now surpasses 1,200 varieties! Over 100 new

varieties were added into the collection from Our Peony Donors David Maltby, the Cook family and Whistling Gardens. This required the making of new beds and shifting existing plants from one garden to another. Our Itoh Hybrid peonies are now making their way to the main conifer garden. Our formal Peony Garden dedicated to our Peony Donors offers additional shade seating to take in the breathtaking views. This season, Best Bloom Time…last few days of May throughout June – watch for our social media updates! To our surprise, we are now receiving private donor offers by several growers, businesses and garden supporters as great care is taken to acknowledge each gift of kindness – Thank You! Finishing touches continue on our garden centre, polyhouse expansion, garden gift boutique and “soon to open” café, offering self serve, light prepackaged meals. New bench seating continues to be added due to the generosity of so many Garden Legacy Donors. On the horizon, the fountain amphitheatre is about to get a major renovation over the next 2 years. This exciting project will add more water, and expand the number of nozzles to at least 200 while tripling the number of computer controlled pumps to give us more flexibility with the choreography of the shows.

Fine Gardening Magazine invited Darren Heimbecker to return in 2020 to share his expertise for a special guest editorial article! Thank you to our national media, garden societies and clubs and Garden Making Magazine for sharing our garden events and your support. Listen to our Down The Garden Path Podcast – What’s New In 2019 with landscape designers, Joanne Shaw and Matthew Dressing! Our dedicated circle of garden friends are keeping us inspired by their kind support, this includes over 4,000+ gardeners, members, organizations and the Canadian Garden Council lending their written support to restore 5 year permissions which are functions of botanical gardens due to a staff policy review. Progress continues with our elected officials, as policy reviews are underway while our

entertainment partnership with the Waterford Old Town Hall is now restored. As a result we introduce this year’s Summer Garden Festival ‘Blossom’ presenting 3x time JUNO Award nominees and Billboard charting band Sultans Of String “genre-hopping passport of Celtic reels, flamenco, gypsy-jazz, Arabic, Cuban and South Asian rhythms, the group celebrates musical fusion and human creativity with warmth and virtuosity”

Garden Centre – NEW Arrivals! “Create your own paradise, become inspired”

Spring - May 25th – June 29th 2019 Garden Centre Special “Peony Sale” Save 10% Ornamental trees, shrubs, rare varieties also fully stocked

Summer August 1st - August 31st Sunny Sweet Deals “Super Summer Perennial Sale”

Fall - September 1st – October 14th “Fall & Labour Day Sale”

Great deals on ornamental trees, shrubs, specialty flowering plants & rare varieties Looking for a specific plant? We may have it in stock or help you find it. Ask About Our Landscape Design Services!

Calendar of Events & Contests SPRING, SUMMER & FALL ...

CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR 2019 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

“BLOOM” Whistling Gardens Peony Festival May 25th – June 30th “Celebrating North America's Largest Public Peony Collection 1,200+ Varieties”

BOTANICAL GARDENS: ● Book A Group Education Tour ● Book Garden Experiences Nature’s Wellness, Beekeeper ● Father’s Day 50% OFF 2nd Admission ● Rejuvenate – Musical Fountain Show & Bird Aviary ● “Best Peony Photo Contest” GARDEN CENTRE: ● “Peony Sale” ● Ornamental trees, shrubs, rare varieties fully stocked ● Free Horticulture Advice ● Give The Gift Of A Garden ● New Gift Shop Boutique & Café ‘opening soon’ ● MEET THE ARTIST EXHIBIT & SALE - BARB TRAVALE June 22, 2019 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

June 16th 2019 Happy Father's Day - Happy Garden Day Admission Rate Special! SPECIAL ADMISSION DAY! Receive A 50% Discount On Your 2nd Admission Discover our floral magic! Bring a friend, camera, picnic lunch and spend the day! Our special “Garden Days” Admission Specials applies to individual Botanical Gardens Admissions, Purchase 1 Garden Admission & Receive A 50% Discount On Your 2nd Admission.

MEET THE ARTIST EXHIBIT & SALE - BARB TRAVALE June 22, 2019 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Barb is a self-taught artist who started painting in October 2015. Her first medium of choice was acrylic, but has since discovered the magic and versatility of water soluble oil. She often refers to her work as "Memories of a misspent Youth". Her works are snapshots of her discovery of, and relationship with nature, from flowering gardens, to birds and sandy beaches, to northern landscapes. Barb is inspired by strong light and shadow and enjoys capturing memories of her lifelong journey. She is an eclectic painter not bound by any school or style of painting and is only bound by her imagination. Barb's works have been accepted to and won Juried events, and she presently has pieces on display at the Capital Arts Market in Simcoe. Many of her paintings have found their forever homes across Canada, in the USA and as far away as New Zealand. Facebook page @BarbTravaleArtist Learn more visit http://www.whistlinggardens.ca/garden-art-exhibits.php

“BLOSSOM” Whistling Gardens Summer Festival July 1st – August 31st

Summer - July, Mid August... 1,000's of summer blooms reveal their beauty, with Red Hot Poker, Foxtail Lily, Blanket Flower, Echinacea, Aruncus, Lilies, Day Lilies and more... Pop Up Garden Showcases! Meet Sean James Canadian Garden Council Ontario Provincial Spokesperson, Eco-landscaper, Horticulture Educator/Speaker July 6th at 11:00 am with a complimentary tour BOTANICAL GARDENS: ● Book A Group Education Tour, MEET THE ARTIST EXHIBIT & SALE - MURIEL PUTMAN ● SULTANS OF STRING live at the Amphitheatre Presented by Waterford Old Town Hall July 20th ● Book Garden Experiences Wellness, Beekeeper, BOTANICAL DRAWING,

Perfect Pollinators in the Garden ● CARE Day 50% Admission Donated ● Rejuvenate – Musical Fountain Show & Bird Aviary ● “Celebrate Summer Photo Contest” GARDEN CENTRE: ● “Perennial Sale” ● Ornamental trees, shrubs, rare varieties in stock ● Free horticulture advice ● Honey Sampling ● Give The Gift Of A Garden

SEAN JAMES Garden Tour, Meet & Greet Q & A Date: July 6th 2019 11:00 am

What a treat to spend time with one of our horticulture industry’s finest! Join us for a complimentary botanical gardens walking tour with Sean and don’t be shy to ask your garden/landscape design questions too. – botanical gardens admission rates apply. Sean James is the owner of Sean James Consulting & Design - Canadian Garden Council Ontario Provincial Spokesperson, Eco-landscaper, Horticulture Speaker, Teacher, Master Gardener & Niagara Parks Graduate http://www.whistlinggardens.ca/horticulture-workshops.php http://www.whistlinggardens.ca/announcements.php

Whistling Gardens “Blossom” Summer Garden Festival Introduces world-fusion powerhouse SULTANS OF STRING live at the Amphitheatre Presented by Waterford Old Town Hall

Saturday, July 20, 2019 9:30 am Botanical Gardens Open – Ticket Holders All Day Pass 5:30-6:30pm VIP Hospitality Ticket Holders 7:00pm Concert The Waterford Old Town Hall (OTH) is pleased to present internationally acclaimed, multi-award winning Canadian band Sultans Of String as a highlight to the WG Summer Garden Festival “Blossom”. This family-friendly musical treat will be available to all festival pass holders, and tickets that offer a unique VIP experience which includes premium seating, local libation tastings, and gourmet appetizers will also be on sale.

Festival passes are $45 GA/ $30 Students, and VIP passes are $79 each (limited availability). All tickets include an all day botanical gardens access pass, gardens open at 9:30am for guests to arrive

throughout the day, enjoy lunch onsite and experience complimentary nature conservation education tours and exhibits. Botanical collections include 1,000's of summer blossoms as they reveal their beauty, with Red Hot Poker, Foxtail Lily, Blanket Flower, Echinacea, Aruncus, Lilies, Day Lilies and more... The VIP hour is scheduled from 5:30-6:30pm., with the concert beginning at 7:00pm. Local wine, beer & a crafted festival menu will be

available for purchase. Festival passes go on sale Monday May 27, and will be available at The Old Town Hall box office, Whistling Gardens Welcome Centre, and at oldtownhall.org/tickets

MEET THE ARTIST EXHIBIT & SALE - MURIEL PUTMAN July 20, 2019 10:00 am – 12:00noon August 10, 2019 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Muriel is a watercolour artist with a keen interest in realism. She enjoys painting nature subjects, birds, flowers, animals, and landscapes. Muriel discovered her talent as a watercolour and acrylic artist just 2 short years ago. She is a member of The Simcoe Artist Workshop and sits on their Board of Directors. Learn more visit http://www.whistlinggardens.ca/garden-art-exhibits.php

THE ART OF BOTANICAL DRAWING - With Michael Spillane August 11th 2019 10:00 am – 4:00pm This workshop is ideal for those wishing to learn a range of skills relating to drawing magnificent plants and flowers. Participants will be given step-by-step instructions on how to establish realistic botanical drawings in graphite. Cost: $65:00 $60:00 Seniors (60+) To register or for more information contact Michael Spillane 905-891-8422 Email: michael@spillane-arts.com This event includes an all-day botanical gardens pass. http://www.whistlinggardens.ca/arts-in-the-gardens-workshops.php

PHOTO CONTESTS! Best Peony Photo Contest May 28th – June 30th 2019 Celebrate Summer Photo Contest June 21st - September 21st 2019

Fall Kaleidoscope Photo Contest – September 22nd - October 1st 2019 Send us your "Best Photo" taken at Whistling Gardens with Photo Credit for a chance to win two garden day passes! Multiple images are encouraged and please name photo content if possible. Please email photos to info@whistlinggardens.ca in a jpg format, no size restrictions apply. http://www.whistlinggardens.ca/garden-photography.php

POPUP SHOWCASES & DRAWS! Follow us on our Social Media Channels for A Chance To WIN! FACEBOOK: Whistling.Gardens TWITTER: WhistlingG Instagram: WhistlingGardens

Book A NATURE GARDEN EXPERIENCE – Groups are always welcomed! Adult, Family & Kids Programs – Beekeeper For A Day Tour & Birds, Pollinators, Felting Workshops & More & Horticulture Gardens - Feng Shui & Garden Design & Nature's Wellness - Mindfulness, Meditation Yoga, Labyrinth

July 21st 2019

Whistling Gardens CARE DAY Plan a visit and show you care about healthcare! 50% Garden Admissions Donated - Norfolk General Hospital Foundation We continue our annual tradition of gifting funds each year as 50% of our individual botanical garden admissions are donated in support of the gift of heath. Whistling Gardens is proud to support over 20+ local and regional charities each year since our inception.

Group Tours, Season Memberships & Gift Certificates PLAN AHEAD! Visit our website to learn about our reduced Group Garden Admission Rates for your group booking of 10 or more guests which includes a complimentary 45 minute prescheduled garden tour. All tours must be scheduled in advance to ensure guide availability!

SEASON MEMBERSHIPS & GIFT CERTIFICATES! Garden centre and botanical gardens gift certificates make a unique gift. Season Memberships offer a savings for visitors wishing to visit throughout the season while saving 10% on their garden centre purchases. LOOKING FOR A GUEST SPEAKER? Conference, Awards or Meeting, custom presentations available. Dates already booking!

Musical Fountains, Gardens & Birds Over 20 acres of streams, ponds, cascades, as well as cottage garden strolls, magnificent formal gardens and European influenced architecture all await you at our National Award winning botanical gardens. Thousands of perennials, annuals and flowering trees will be blooming throughout the season and Whistling Gardens is home to the world’s largest public conifer collection with some 2,000 different plants on display. Check out our living tree fountain in the Marsh Garden and make new friends at our Aviary exhibit, featuring our bird fountain along with over 50 exotic birds of every imaginable colour! A must see is Ontario’s largest computer run musical fountain display, with 90 jets to dazzle guests of all ages!

GARDEN BLISS & Celebration Events - NOW RESERVING! As we book weekends to capacity each season, couples, families and groups are encouraged to plan ahead to reserve their garden wedding ceremony, or celebration with our awarding winning events management team. Packages include a musical fountain show, complimentary temple garden wedding display flowers, garden tour upon request, complimentary use of tables, chairs and more… DRESS IT UP! Our new décor rentals, table linens, chair covers and sashes are offered at preferred pricing just for our garden guests The “PERFECT PROPOSAL” Awaits You! Your 20 acre private botanical gardens rental awaits you…Can you imagine the surprise? Our exclusive, 3 hour garden rental is a customized dining, décor, entertainment and tour experience personalized to fulfill your

romantic vision. Let’s explore how we may best fulfill your vision and romantic wish list. WHAT ELSE? Visit Our Website to learn about…

BIRDING – Join our Garden Birdwatchers! Meet Our Team of dedicated staff, volunteers, suppliers. Contact us to join our garden journey!

GARDEN ART EXHIBITS Cole - Talbot, Marguerite Larmand & Local Garden Art Creation Now Available for purchase!

Learn about our Wheel Chair Accessibility SPECIAL DEALS & SNEAK PEEKS & ANNOUNCEMENTS – Connect With Us On Social Media

The Botanical Gardens & Retail Garden Centre Spring Hours 9:30am to 5:00pm 7 days a week including holidays Check our Spring, Summer & Fall Seasonal Hours first before you plan a visit www.whistlinggardens.ca/admission.php

While You Visit, Meet Our Gardens Friends & Their Festivals Lavender Festival – July www.bonnieheathestate.com & https://applehilllavender.ca/

Jazz Festival - August https://www.southcoastjazz.com

Finally, we are planting in perpetuity, reinvesting profits to fulfill our botanical vision. As land stewards the gardens reflect our life’s work and purpose. Guests should feel as if we are inviting them to experience an extension of their own private garden. Whistling Gardens wouldn't be here at least in this form if it wasn't for our valued garden centre customers, botanical gardens season members and visitors from around the globe who share our passion and purpose. As many guests know, besides British Columbia you can probably count on one hand the number of private botanical gardens (not receiving government funding like us) that are in Canada. Yes, it’s unique, not common and you’re right it’s not easy. Your genuine interest and continued support makes this all possible. So, THANK YOU for recognizing the value of our work, artistry and merits of our collections and gardens which continue to expand. Your genuine exchanges of encouragement are truly heartfelt as we share our private story of transforming our "corn field into a botanical garden". With calloused hands and happy hearts…. Happy Gardening! Darren & Wanda Heimbecker & Our Sunny Garden Team Whistling Gardens...Imagine Whistling Gardens 698 Concession 3 RR #1 Wilsonville ON N0E 1Z0 E: info@whistlinggardens.ca P: 519.443.5773 F: 519.443.4141 www.whistlinggardens.ca

Join us on FACEBOOK: Whistling.Gardens TWITTER: WhistlingG Instagram: WhistlingGardens Located in Norfolk County "Ontario's Garden" GARDEN AWARDS & Recognition: 2019 Millstream Garden Award - North American Rock Garden Society 2017 Best Gardening Event of The Year “Whistling Gardens Peony Festival” Toronto Star, Sonia Day National Canadian Garden Columnist

2017 Canada 150 for 150 Awards Federal Medal Recipient - MP Diane Finley 2017 Recognized as 1 of 20 Canadians Shaping Our Future Gardens - Garden Making Magazine 2017 Canada 150 Garden Experience Designation - North American Garden Tourism Conference 2016 Best Botanical Gardens of The Year – Toronto Star, Sonia Day National Canadian Garden Columnist/Multi Award Winning Author Canada’s Best New Garden Experience – Canadian and International Garden Tourism Awards Sustainable Tourism Ambassador of The Year Award – Long Point World Biosphere Reserve Foundation in partnership with Norfolk County VOTED: Top 10 Amazing Places of Norfolk County Readers Choice Award: Best Local Tourist Attraction/Best Wedding Facility "Home to North America's Largest Public Peony & Conifer Collections"