Notes From The Farmer’s Daughter – Beyond The Arbour offers Garden Inspired Workshops, Local Art & A Greenhouse Car Rally!
Spring is here, and with it comes the desire to get out of the house and visit nearby shops and greenhouses.
Beyond The Arbour, a local Lansdowne shop worth the short drive is located at 1389 Blue Mountain Rd. There is something for everyone with stunning wreaths, beautiful gift items from area artisans, creative garden-inspired workshops, and an upcoming greenhouse car rally to sign up for.
The inviting store that doubles as her workshop is housed in owner Connie Zeran’s lovingly repurposed garage. There is a cozy fireplace to take the chill off, nestled amongst the local art offerings. Bright chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and puffs of dried pink hydrangea weave themselves around the railings above.
The quaint shop provides a lovely setting with each item caringly selected and placed by Connie, who thinks of herself more as an inspirational guide than a retailer, leading you to delightful garden-focused finds and meaningful gifts.
Shelves displaying golden honey and natural beeswax candles from Sara Earl’s Forestland Beekeeping collection, spa creations by Cabin Fever Essentials of Rideau Lakes, whimsical upcycled art from Artist Laurie Sponagle, gorgeous pieces from Shards of Time Glass, comfy hats Knit by Hayley, handmade greeting cards from Jots by Jean Henderson and perfect gift size jugs of fresh maple syrup from Horton Homestead Farm make it easy to treat yourself and a friend.
Connie, a retired teacher, specialized in helping deaf and hard of hearing children for thirty-five years, has continued to educate and teach by offering workshops using everlasting flowers, herbs and plants. Coincidentally, my recent visit to Beyond The Arbour coincided with workshop participants Tracie Webster and Dorothy Webster, who were just finishing their pretty pussy willow wreaths. Daughter Tracie noted that she likes to balance her stressful job as a Nurse with fun things to do on her off time. An avid follower of Connie’s Facebook page, Tracie noticed the wreath workshop and invited her mother Dorothy along for some quality time together.
Both ladies seemed delighted with their lovely spring wreaths and were excited about finding the perfect location for them. The two already discussed plans to return for a fall wreathmaking workshop when Tracie’s sister could join them.
Workshops, gifts, wreaths and flowers are only some of the products and services available from Beyond The Arbour.
Connie, a passionate gardener, has offered gardening assistance services in Leeds and Grenville and beyond for the past twelve years. She has also been organizing the much enjoyed and highly anticipated Greenhouse Car Rallies that allow participants an advance peek into local greenhouses to see what’s new.
This year’s “Sneak a Peek Greenhouse Car Rally” is set for Sunday, May 1st, from 10 am to 4 pm. Those interested must register in advance www.beyondthearbour.com/products/sneak-a-peak-greenhouse-car-rally or by calling 613-531-1681. Your ticket will include the passport to seven local greenhouses and farms, a meal ticket to be turned in at Furnace Falls Farm for your lunch, a gardening goodie bag, a chance to win door prizes, and opportunities to purchase or place orders; finally lots of fun and gardening inspiration.
Be sure to put Beyond The Arbour and the Greenhouse Car Rally on your must-do list this Spring!
Article previously printed in The Review Mirror.
