Painting Among the Peonies at Ginkgo Footprints

GARDEN MAVENS: Emily Bi + Dennis Zhang Ginkgo Footprints

Annan, Ontario / Zone 5B

This past Saturday May 30th, 2026 a group of artists (myself included!) gathered at Ginkgo Footprints, the extraordinary garden created by GARDEN MAVENS Emily Bi and her husband, Dennis Zhang over the past 17 years.

Nestled on the outskirts of Owen Sound, Ginkgo Footprints has been evolving since 2009 into what can only be described as a living work of art - a place where horticulture, wildlife, creativity, and community come together in remarkable harmony.

The day began with a guided tour of the gardens. Everywhere we looked there was evidence of years of devotion and careful stewardship: winding pathways, specimen trees, native plantings, woodland gardens, architectural features, and emerging peonies promising the spectacular display to come in June.

What Emily and Dennis have created is not simply a garden - it is a landscape shaped by thousands of decisions, countless hours of work, an enduring love of plants, art and a desire to share creativity with many people.

Following the tour, artists spread throughout the property to sketch, paint, and photograph whatever captured their imagination. Coffee and tea were generously provided, and lunch was available via a pop up by the very delicious Wild Rose Bakehouse. Throughout the afternoon, artists shared their work, exchanged ideas, and enjoyed the rare opportunity to create in such an inspiring setting.

As if the day had not already been generous enough, Emily and Dennis invited each participant to take home a peony—a thoughtful gesture that perfectly reflected the warmth and hospitality they extended all day long.

The gathering served as a beautiful prelude to Among the Peonies, Ginkgo Footprints' annual garden festival, taking place this year on June 12 and 13. This year marks their 12th annual garden festival which welcomes visitors to explore one of Grey Bruce's most celebrated private gardens.

Guests can wander among more than 350 varieties of peonies, thousands of perennials, native plants, artists, vendors, along with fellow garden enthusiasts from across the region.

For gardeners, artists, and anyone who appreciates beauty, Ginkgo Footprints is a destination worth discovering.

I encourage you to visit. I promise you will not be disappointed.

For festival details and visitor information, visit www.ginkgofootprints.com

Some gardens are planted. Others are created. Ginkgo Footprints is clearly the latter. Since the first shovel dug the first border, this is a garden shaped by vision, artistry, and an extraordinary generosity of spirit.