Black Walnut Gardens

Tranquil oasis offers programs for youths and seniors

For the past quarter century, Carolyn Lecker has been transforming what was once a hayfield into a series of delightful gardens, surrounded by maturing trees that offer welcome shade in the summertime. She now has over 250 trees and shrubs, grown from saplings and a wide variety of flowers, most grown from seed, providing habitat for an astonishing variety of birds and butterflies. In addition, there are four acres of gardens with an abundance of flowers, herbs and vegetables on her 17-acre property situated along the banks of the Black River near Milford. Shortly after Lecker and her husband, Mark Guslits, moved to the County 28 years ago, she made a film about a seniors residence. “I was saddened by the plight of the seniors,” she says. “In their last chapter they were in an environment that was not inspiring for them. It was oftentimes a lonely place. I felt that if I could do an occasional thing that would genuinely switch it up for an individual, that alone would be profound and worthwhile.”

(L-R): Meg Hill and Carolyn Lecker welcome seniors to Black Walnut Gardens.

With that sentiment, and using her background as an educational specialist with horticultural training, Carolyn endeavoured to create a place where seniors could feel welcomed and valued. “Part of the philosophy of Black Walnut Gardens is with an eye to the fragile population,” she says. “We bring these people together using the gardens as a backdrop for working, studying and also for just enjoying. Here we hope at-risk youth are inspired and encouraged in this environment, and that seniors can share their experiences and find positive enrichment.”. Black Walnut Gardens provides a number of no-cost activities for seniors to enjoy. The Seniors’ Garden Library is a new initiative, with a cozy sitting area and a choice of books where a few seniors can visit for the morning or afternoon. One morning of the week, little children will be invited to listen to stories read by the seniors. An annual event is a special seniors benefit concert. Last Thursday about 60 seniors from local residences listened to a selection of music played by students of the summer music school at Port Milford. Natalie Philp came with her mother, Nancy, who is a resident at the McFarland Home in Picton.

“My mum had a big garden when I was growing up, so it’s a nice thing to be able to come out here,” says Natalie. “My mum appreciates live music anywhere she can get it. It’s great to be outside on a sunny day and listen to music with my mum.”

One of the biggest gardens at the site is the Fragrant Tactile Garden, specially designed for the visually impaired. Covering almost an acre, the garden has very carefully curated sections where the plants can be enjoyed for their scent or for their texture, and it is fully accessible. It is not unusual for people to spend an hour or more enjoying what this garden has to offer. There are different themed gardens, including a Mediterranean garden, a kitchen garden and a children’s garden—which is a haven for birds and butterflies, as well as frogs and toads and all manner of insects. There are always ongoing activities at the gardens, including art shows, jazz concerts, seminars and a children’s s u m m e r camp. Much of this is at no cost, or very nominal cost. “As much as possible, the idea is that no one can never be here or make use of it because of money,” says Carolyn. “We’re thrilled to have people participate here. It’s a special place and we have people come from all over the world. It has now for a long time been a backdrop for people to be inspired and to share and to learn. I feel we are giving back by sharing these lands we are the stewards of.”

For more information about Black Walnut Gardens, please visit blackwalnutgardens.ca. Since the gardens have a number of ongoing programs, it is recommended that visitors call or email first.