The vast majority of plants in these gardens only bloom for three weeks, thus the secret to successive attraction is to learn what to plant for each season.
That's where Trish Fry's Bloom Report comes in handy. Fry, manager for the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens, began emailing the Bloom Report several years ago as a means of informing potential visitors what was blooming in the gardens each week.
Each email includes several of her spectacular photos and brief descriptions. The reports are a creative means of informing recipients what's happening at the Gardens, serve as tempting bait to visit, and are appreciated for the beauty of the photos.
Over the years Fry has received many emails from some of her 1300+ subscribers, thanking her for the labour that goes into each report.
"I get positive feedback from them all the time, and often visitors, especially at events, will read my nametag and say “are you the ‘Trish’ that sends the emails?” said Fry.
"They’ll go on to say how much they enjoy the photos and info, etc. Many will also add that they forward the email on to family and friends and they ‘hope it’s OK.’ (Which of course, it is… we encourage that!)"
Readers write:" I enjoy this bloom report so much – I’m glad I signed up for it and that it’s available. Thanks - It’s a little slice of heaven before I start my work week.”
“Your emails have brightened my entire winter here in New Hampshire. I've enjoyed them so much! Now, I have a chance to visit your gardens during the last week in April.”
The first report this year was on April 24 when fritillary in the rock garden, lenton rose at the head of the lower ponds and the early blooming yellow rhododendron 'Nancy Steele' were featured.
The latest, on July 9, highlighted the rose garden all aglow, hummingbird-attracting crocosmia, and the cool, calming blue of 'Endless Summer' hydrangea.
To sign up for the Bloom Report, visit the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens website. You can look back through Bloom Report archives as they are retained online in the “iContact” profile.
