joe

I am plannind a trip to Toronto in a couple of weeks.I have heard that there are some really lovely gardens in Ontario. Is now a good time of the year to visit them? Which would be my best choice to see? thanks

Judy

There are many lovely gardens around Toronto, Royal Botanic gardens ( the argest) in Burlington have many gardens for different types of flowers, In July or Auguast,the rose garden and woodland garden are lovely.It is about 50 minutes drive from downtown Toronto, or you could take Gotrain and change to local bus. On the way to Burlington, you could stop by Oakville, there are several small gardens by the lake, which are lovely too.If you happen to go during weekend, there will be some concerts or plays at outdoor theatre around. North of Toronto, Koright center(30 minutes drive from downtown) is a must for nature lover,there are many woodland area to walk around,Next to it, the Mcmichael art gallery(setting on a lovely ground) has the best of group of seven paintings,with a nice restaurant for lunch. <BR>In downtown Toronto, Edward garden is very nice too, it is the most popular spot for weenkend wedding picture-taking. A nice greenhouse garden on Shelburne street is worth visitng, but don't go there in the night. A 15 minutes ferry ride from downtown will take you to Central Island, there are some nice flowers also. On the west end, High Park is interesting too. All the gardens in Ontario are at their best during late May and early June, Late July is a bit late, but there will be still quite enjoyable.

Susan

There are also some interesting tours of private gardens. There's one next week (on July 15), that we're planning to do. It's called Secret Gardens of Riverdale and it focuses on small city gardens. It's a walking tour (self-guided). Those kinds of tours are nice because you also get to see a Toronto neighbourhood. There are probably others on as well over the summer. <BR> <BR>I know my garden is amazing right now!

Judy

There is a tiny garden right in downtown at the foot of Spadina Avenue near the lake, it is a theme garden co-designed by well-known cellist YoYo Ma inspired by Bach's music.

Brian Kilgore

From an earlier message, there's reference to gardens on Shelburne St. <BR> <BR>In fact, it is Allen Gardens, in a park bounded by Carleton, Jarvis, Sherbourne, and Gerrard. Easy to reach on the Carleton Streetcar, running east from the College subway station. <BR> <BR>BAK