Magical Garden

I recently had the opportunity to visit an amazing garden hidden behind a quiet residential street right here in Prince Albert. Joni Hladun has created a truly whimsical and magical world of plants, colourful flowers and unique decorations and ornaments. As a result, she has a little bit of paradise right at her doorstep.

 Since visiting Joni’s garden, I have been told there was a time when Prince Albert had a garden tour and that this garden was a favorite stop. Several others have told me they have visited her garden many times over the years. It would appear that I was one of the very few who were not aware of this beautiful yard.

 The magic begins as soon as you park your vehicle and walk onto the driveway. Plants, planters, decorations, stones and even a door transformed into a plant holder greet you as you walk toward the house. One hardly knows where to look first, there is so much beauty to take in. And that is only the beginning.

 When Joni opens the gate to the back yard, the scene is breath taking. Again you do not know where to look first. I found that when walking through the yard several times, something different caught my eye each time. You can find everything from angels to antique farm implements, mirrors to bird houses, ornaments of every kind, wonderful little hide-a-ways to sit and relax in and, oh yes, hundreds of plants. The greenery throughout the landscape represents every type of plant, shade-loving or sun-kissed depending on their location. Delightful flowers of every colour seem to smile up at you.

 This creative woman has taken every day objects and turned them into planters and unusual decorations. She has hung mirrors and paintings throughout her yard. The paintings are bright and cheerful images of flowers, which blend perfectly into the rest of the yard. There is a hammock under her one-hundred-and-twelve-year old tree. She has one-of-a-kind, commissioned iron-work birds resting among one of her flower beds. As well, there are fountains of bubbling water which add to the peaceful atmoshphere.

 This is a quiet and serene home. The garden is a peaceful and wonderful place. It feels like it is a world away from the busy street only half a block away. Joni has used her imagination to create a wonderful and unusual green space.

 I can only imagine how many hours and years have gone into the creation and upkeep of this yard and how much work it has taken, but for those of us who get to enjoy its beauty, we are very grateful.  Discovering a magical, whimsical garden . . .  it’s a good thing!