U of A Devonian Botanical Garden

The Scarboro Garden Scene

U of A Devonian Botanical Garden

OK, it’s a long way to go … 296 km … but if you fancy a trip to a very different scene, have a look at the Devonian Botanic Garden. Started in 1959, it remains an attractive and educational opportunity for all people of all ages and experience – and provides a photo op if you are into celebrations for any cause. This summer an umbrella was recommended as you can be far away from shelter when the thunderstorms roll in. The gardens cover 240 acres (equivalent to almost 40% of a section of land) in aspen parkland, 15 minutes southwest of Edmonton. The most tranquil and attractive area for me was the Kurimoto Japanese Garden – a frequent location for wedding photographs – which covers a surprisingly large area, and includes a pond surrounded by grass, flowers and boulder shore lines.

For Alberta gardeners the display of hardy perennials and useful annuals is well organized and most plants are clearly identified, which is really good for anyone enrolling in the Master Gardener program there – as well as enlightening for walkers who pass through our mountain areas. The rose garden smells wonderful, and the veggie plots are attractively laid out too. One place I did not have time to see was the tropical house with lots of exotic butterflies: other places included arid landscapes, native people’s garden and trial beds for the University of Alberta as part of the faculty of agriculture, life and environmental sciences: it was awarded the title of Botanical Garden of the Year in 2014.

The garden is open from May 1st until Thanksgiving – and their web address is http://devonian.ualberta.ca .On your return to Calgary you could break your journey at the Ellis Bird Farm or the Trochu Arboretum & Gardens.

Glynn Wright.

Word count = 294, August 17, 2016

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