Where has the summer gone? Seems to me I ask that question every year about this time. Somehow I never have the same regrets when winter melts in a last flurry of snowflakes.

September can be kind to Canadians, usually enabling summer to die in a blaze of glory. As it celebrates its 40th anniversary, the Wilmot Horticultural Society is giving us a chance to enjoy a rare fall garden tour on Sept. 7 from 12 to 4:30 p.m., featuring gardens in Shingletown and Haysville. Tickets ($10) and additional information on the tour are available at Meadow Acres, Upper Case Books and New Hamburg Office Pro.

My husband, an avid gardener, always claimed that his garden was at its peak in the fall and could never understand why tours were held in June.

The society has 170 volunteers who maintain more than 70 gardens in Wilmot Township, such as Castle Kilbride, New Hamburg Square and entrances to the villages. One listed on the tour is the Oasis in the Centre which was created to celebrate the millennium year and Wilmot Township's 150th anniversary. The Leap of Faith statue by Wilmot resident Ruth Abernathy overlooks a fieldstone foundation that marks the original 1850 town hall site.

Cecil Gardner, 95, started gardening in his half-acre property on Bleams Road at a young age. He has a greenhouse to get him off to an early start in the spring and dry out his bulbs in the fall. With this summer's ample rainfall, he has had no trouble filling the 15 barrels he uses to water his produce and flowers, some of which he sells on an honour basis by the roadside.

Nearby is a creative tree carving that has become a point of interest to motorists visiting Shingletown.

A small pond and stream has become the focal point for shade-loving plants like hosta and astilbe, as well as iris, lilies and others that prefer sun in the garden of Ed and Ann Dupe. Late bloomers such as monkshood, sedum and asters, as well as tall grasses and a large purple smoke bush, enhance its attraction in the fall.

When John and Kathie Jordan moved in 2005 into the farm that belonged to the Zoeller family for four generations, they began extending the gardens in an English country style. Kathie says that by the time she is 125, they should be just the way she wants them.

With the help of a friend from Niagara School of Horticulture, Ken and Marie McNabb began in 2006 to landscape the farm they bought three years ago. It is a never-ending project but good therapy as well, said Marie.

A brilliant red burning bush and bright perennials highlight the greenery in Lisa Glifford's tree-lined yard which is also home to a large vegetable garden.

For a change of pace, you will enjoy the formal gardens of Carl and Joan Koenig, with its walkways, gazebo, arbour, bird bath and Greek-style statues.

The home that Gary and Linda Bender built in Haysville 25 years ago has five sitting areas. One is an outdoor room constructed for their daughter's wedding last year. Gary also built two cedar arbours for grapevines and clematis that attract a wide variety of birds and butterflies.

You can also enjoy a glass of lemonade and browse through Meadow Acres.

The garden tour committee, chaired by president Theresa Dietrich, includes Ruth Jones, Gwynedd Brundrett and Dorothy Shantz.

As well as informative meetings, guest speakers and garden centre discounts, the society sponsors a youth program and garden show. Membership costs $10 (call Judy Rivers at 519-696-3180).

Jackie Hayes is a Kitchener writer who looks at personalities, events and seniors' issues each Wednesday. Contact her at jackieh@golden.net.