The four acres of Keppel Croft Gardens, fifty years in the making, are built on an ancient shingle beach. A pick axe is the tool of choice. Enjoy our rockeries and pebble beds, a xeriscape border and a zen garden, a circular thyme and lavender garden, peony borders and pond bank plantings.

Our pit greenhouse is of Victorian design, literally built in a pit. There’s no heating for the greenhouse in the winter but our olive, fig and persimmon trees, New Zealand flaxes, and agapanthus do well. Ambient heat from the earth and well insulated walls make this possible. We raise our seedlings here spring. Bill loves trees and has planted nearly every one of the trees in the gardens. He has planted an arboretum, which he maintains and extends each year.

The Nature Trail is a mown trail going through the fields of various grasses, and shrubs and trees to Painter’s Point where there is a picnic table and a view across the waters of Georgian Bay. There are interpretive signs, a birding bunkie and benches along the Nature Trail.

At the edge of the gardens the Nature Trail will lead you to several astronomical installations, including Keppel Henge where the Summer Solstice celebration is organised by the Bluewater Astronomical Society each June.

Visitors who bring picnics will find a selection of picnic spots throughout the gardens. On Wednesdays you will encounter Green Thumbers who are our wonderful volunteers. Their enthusiasm and encouragement make our garden endeavours possible. Read about our garden experiences on our website www.keppelcroft.com

Owners: Bill and Dawn Loney

May 16 – Thanksgiving

Hours 10-5, Wed-Sun, Holiday Mondays, closed Mon-Tues

Entry $5 per adult, children free