
Garden Makingโs coast-to-coast tour of the Canada Garden Route began in mid-May on British Columbiaโs Vancouver Island and ended a month and a half later in St. Johnโs, Newfoundland. And what an exciting, whirlwind trip it was! People ask me, โWhat was the best part of the trip?โ And honestly, there were so many โbestsโ I thought the only way to answer the question was to jot them down here. I hope you enjoy my reminiscences as much as I loved the experience.
Best display of art in the garden
Best display of peonies
ย Best display of rhododendrons
ย Best gardens along bicycling routes
- Domaine de Maizerets, Parc linear de la Rivรจre-Saint-Charles, Promenade Samuel de Champlain
- St. Albert Botanic Park and Art Walk
Best hands-on experience
Best media coverage
- The Butchart Gardens, CTV Victoria
- Charlie Dobbinโs Garden and Home Show, Zoomer Radio
- Niki Jabbourโs The Weekend Gardener, News 95.7 FM
Best online conversation
Best rainy day experiences
- Sampling food and honey, Toronto Botanical Gardens Farmers Market
- Reaching the most easterly point in Canada, Cape Spear
Best teaching gardens
Best gardening tips
- Taking flower photos, Devonian Botanical Garden
- Ladder planting, Halifax Public Gardens
- Trying my handย at calligraphy, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Exhibition that most took my breath away
Garden most worthy of reaching by a midnight ferry ride
Moment of greatest zonal envy
- Banana trees that overwinter outdoors, The Hatley Gardens at Royal Roads University
Most breathtaking display of blue poppies
Are you serious? They all were!
Most breathtaking natural landscape
Most breathtaking native plantscape
- Prairie crocuses, Devonian Botanic Garden
Most breathtaking trees
- Handkerchief tree (Davidia involucrata), The Butchart Gardens
Most heartwarming welcome
- Junior gardenย campers, MUN Botanical Garden
Most impressive rock gardens
- Alpine Garden, Devonian Botanic Garden
- Bernard Jackson Rock Garden, MUN Botanical Garden
Most interesting garden design element
- Broderie, Halifax Public Gardens
Most interesting research project
- Indigena Skin Care native plant products, MUN Botanical Garden
Most childlike experience
- Walking barefoot in Philosopherโs Court, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Most exciting new projects
- Rock Garden renovation, Royal Botanical Garden
- Islamic Garden, Devonian Botanic Garden
Most forward-thinking landscape
Most spiritual sites
- MacKenzie King Estate
- Chris Booth’s Earth Art exhibit, VanDusen Gardens
Most surprising experience
- Handling bees, Toronto Botanical Garden
Most unusual (and fun!)ย experience
- Grand Estate Gardener Workshop, Parkwood Estate
What I most regret not having a chance to do
- Climb to the treetops and walk above the Asian Garden, UBC Botanical Garden
What I want to learn more about
- Making compost tea, The Butchart Gardens
What I most wanted to bring home with me that wouldnโt fit into my suitcase
- Glassware sun catchers, MUN Botanical Garden
What I was most thrilled at receiving
- Souโwester rain gear Halifax Public Garden
What Iโll never forget
The many wonderful people I met along Canadaโs Garden Route.
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