As we head into August, we enjoy a continuing parade of colour and an endless array of interesting plants and trees... all in an unparalleled setting overlooking the Allain's River Valley.
Below is a summary of our current highlights.
Things are changing every day, so best to come often!
Currently in bloom:
• Roses: Partial bloom - still a highlight. (The "peak" bloom period is early July so many of the older varieties have passed. But many of our roses will continue to bloom throughout the season.)
• Perennial Borders are lovely - lots in bloom. Also daylilies around the Gardens.
• Shrubs & Trees: The Bottlebrush Buckeye below the ponds is in bloom, and the Sourwood (oxydendrum) at the top of the first pond (look waaaay up!). Hydrangeas of various colours and shapes throughout the Gardens - Note: Sargent Hydrangea just across from the Booth is a special one.
• The Lower Pond daylilies are blooming. Also the water lilies in the ponds - and watch for frogs and dragonflies! The Gunnera below the ponds looks prehistoric! The oriental lilies are blooming around the Gardens.
• The Knot Garden is always a highlight with two "knots" along with topiary and a sundial. Various colours of dahlias are starting to bloom and the Koelreuteria (Golden Rain Tree) is flowering.
• The Victorian Garden is growing fast and will be a highlight until October.
• Courtyard - the crocosmia 'Lucifer' (bright red funky flowers) is blooming (hummingbirds love it). Also note the various types of clematis in bloom.
• Lower path - the Butterfly Garden is flowering nicely and the heathers are starting.
• The Innovative Garden has colour and interest with lots of produce, and the Acadian potager is lovely!
The Gardens are open every day 9am-5pm
AND until 8pm on Saturdays!
Check our website for daily admission fees.
And remember - no charge for kids under 18.
Visitor Washrooms are open daily 9am-5pm
AND until 8pm on Saturdays!
The Gardens Shop is also open 7 days a week, 9am-5pm
AND until 8pm on Saturdays!
Visitor Information services are available daily 9am-5pm
AND until 8pm on Saturdays!
(with self serve information available 24/7)
The Elm Tree Cafe is open daily 11am-4pm
(Note the Cafe is available exclusively for members and Garden visitors)
For detailed visitor information, hours and rates, please visit www.historicgardens.com
Join us this holiday weekend for some added fun!
Some views around the Gardens..
And some close-ups too...
Day lilies...
Oriental lilies...
And water lilies too!
Borage
Shades of purple
Zinnia
Bottlebrush Buckeye and Gooseneck Loosestrife
Dahlia
Rose
Queen Anne's Lace
2026 Memberships
Drop in soon to renew,
or to get your first-ever Gardens Membership!
To purchase online: Buy Now
Critter Corner
There is something very special about spending some quiet time in the Gardens
in the company of all our feathered friends!
"Mourning Dove Contemplates Water Lilies"
This Fan Foto was submitted recently by Rick Whitman.
Thanks Rick!
Odds & Sods...
A blast from the past!
Royden & Heather (Rushton) Campbell had their wedding photos taken in the Gardens on July 11, 1987. This year, on their 39th Anniversary, they once again had their photo taken in the Gardens - this time with their daughter and grandkids! Fun fact - Heather had a summer job at the Gardens in 1982, our first full year of operation. We love that there are so many people with deep connections to the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens over the years!
The faerie houses continue to create magical moments for the kids,
along with our other scavenger hunt activities.
Memory Lane
The Gardens officially opened to the public on August 15, 1981.
Save the Date: for our 45th birthday party on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
Today we look back at the Courtyard Pond through the years...
Do you have photos or memories from the "early days" as we call them?
If so, we'd love to hear from you!
Keep an eye on our Facebook Page for frequent posts,
and we'll make them a regular feature in our Bloom Report as well.
In the Gardens Shop
The Shop is open daily, year round, from 9am-5pm. Drop in to browse.
And if you can't get here in person,
you can explore our online shop for gift ideas, and have items shipped.
And in the Elm Tree Cafe...
The Elm Tree Cafe is open daily from 11am-4pm.
Our menu offering varies from day to day,
so be sure to pop in often to see what treats await you!
Around Town...
It is Natal Day Weekend in Annapolis Royal,
with lots of community events and activities.
Always a great time!
Check out the Schedule of Events
Donations to the Gardens
The Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens Society is a registered charity whose purpose is stewardship of these Seventeen Acres of Paradise. Without the charitable donations we receive every year, the Gardens could simply not exist. We encourage you to support the Society in this important work to help to ensure the Gardens continue to blossom for future generations.
Please consider a donation today!
Random shots...
Dahlia 'Lindsay Michelle'...
On our Corkscrew Hazel...
Strawflower...
One of our lacecap hydrangeas...
And to close...
Next time you are in the Gardens,check out the blooming Persian Silk Tree (Albizia julibrissin)
located on the path going towards the rose colleciton.
A very interesting small tree, and the silky pink blossoms are putting on a show!
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