Luigi Bedin is a seasoned gardener, and talented by anyone’s standards.
With such a variety of fruits, vegetables and flowers, it’s hard to believe Bedin has been able to fit so much onto his property on Highway Drive.
But it’s that type of talent that earned Bedin the LaFace Historical Garden Award.
This is the third time Bedin has taken home a prize for his efforts. He still insists that is comes as a surprise.
“It was surprising, but I’m very grateful,” says Bedin.
Trees and flowers cover just about every inch of the yard.
“I grow quite a large variety of things,” noted Bedin, which is an understatement.
From tried and true lettuce and tomatoes to exotic apricots and nectarines, he grows it all.
Raised in Treviso, Italy to a farming family, Bedin grew up with gardening in his blood. Thankfully, he brought his talents with him to Trail.
When he and his wife purchased their house in 1964, the yard was nothing more than a sandy hill.
Over the years, Bedin has added rows upon rows of vegetables, fruit trees and flowers.
Before retiring as a millwright with Teck in 1994, Bedin was an experienced stone mason. He used his skills and created a beautiful stretch of stone wall across the back of the yard.
One of Bedin’s most impressive talents is his grafting skill. Most of his apple trees are now able to grow two types of apples on the same tree.
He isn’t sure if he will be entering the contest again next year, but will certainly continue his gardening. “It is my passion, and it helps to keep me busy year round.”