Rural Rootz . . . a Nature Reserve
2015 marked the 40th anniversary of the establishment of Rural Rootz by Dee and Tom Ashman. In 2000 as part of their millennium project, they put a conservation easement on the hundred acre escarpment property to protect it from the encroachment of the surrounding quarries. This covenant with the Federal Government rides on the deed of this land and runs in perpetuity.
Fungus on slab wood . . . beauty surrounds us!
2000 was also the year that Rural Rootz opened an official satellite trail to the Bruce Trail to the public. In the Bruce Trail guide book it is known as Rural Rocks Side Trail. It is a 4 k - 2 hour hike that goes through a wonderland of rocks, past crevice caves, around a 10 acre beaver pond, across a couple of board walks and through mixed forests.
Surrounding the house and outbuildings are extensive gardens, which have been open to the public since in 1992. You will also find a couple of labyrinths, and a gentle walk around the outside of the gardens called "Spirit Walk." One of the outbuildings is a Gift Shop that has Dee's Garden Spirit Catcher art work for sale. In the shop you will also find an eclectic array of Crystal Healing Stones, Rune Stones and whimsical tools for the modern Spiritual Warrior.
