"Dance of the Blue Heron"
The heron sculpture on the Gardens' front lawn (created by the late Gerald Jank)
is a showstopper in every season.
Happy January everyone!
It's been a lovely one, with lots of beautiful snowfalls,
so we're happy to share some photos with you!
First of all,
a reminder about our winter hours.
The Gardens are open for walking every day 9am-5pm
through the winter as long as conditions permit. The Gardens and paths are not maintained from November to April, so you visit at your own risk.
Entry is gained through the Gardens Shop
and admission is by free will offering - suggested donation $5 per adult.
(If you have a Garden Membership, there is no expectation of an entry offering,
although donations are always gratefully accepted.)
Visitor Washrooms – Closed for the winter.
(Public washrooms are available nearby at the Town’s Comfort Station on Drury Lane.)
The Gardens Shop is also open 7 days a week, 9am-5pm.
For detailed visitor information, hours and rates, please visit www.historicgardens.com
Some seasonal shots...
The Victorian Garden landscape is quite different in January!
The willow peony cages are at the ready, waiting for spring!
The classic arbour shapes are accentuated by snow...
Laburnum Arbour on the left, Wisteria Arbour on the right.
One can only begin to imagine what winter was like for the early Acadians...
Or for the Mi'kmaq for thousands of years before that!
This majestic elm is incredible in every season...
And nearby, the Elm Tree Cafe is resting until spring.
The pond areas are especially serene in the quiet winter months.
It always feels special to be able to see the Gardens after a fresh snowfall.
Time to get your Garden Membership for 2025!
Did you know?
Everyone's memberships expire on December 31 annually,
no matter when they are purchased.
In addition to our popular options for Adult/Senior/Student Memberships and our elevated Gold Membership, this year we are introducing a new option of special interest for those who may live alone and would love to have a friend or family member to walk with or join them for lunch at the Elm Tree Cafe. Our PLUS ONE Membership allows you to bring along a friend, family member or support worker to accompany you when you visit the Gardens. It is very flexible so you can bring a different person each time you visit if you wish.
For more about Garden Memberships, visit our website HERE.
To purchase by mail
just print the following form and pop it into the mail with a cheque or credit card information and we'll send your memberships to you:
Donation & Membership Form
To purchase online: Buy Now
OR
Phone us at 902-532-7018
Winter Blossoms
Isn't it great to see the days getting longer?
And what a treat that witch hazel season is starting!
Shown here are 'Pallida', on the front lawn, and 'Jelena", adjacent to the rose garden.
These lovely winter blossoms (and their other Witch Hazel friends) will be a highlight in the coming weeks and through until early March. They are easy to miss, so please ask for directions in the Gardens Shop if you want to be sure to see them!
The Gardens Shop
A reminder that the Gardens Shop has a great selection of gift ideas all year long!
And... this just in...
It's never too early to shop for seeds!
With that in mind, we are happy to announce our 2025 selection of seeds from Hope Seeds has just arrived! With more than 60 types of vegetable, herb and flower seeds, many of them quite unique, there's lots to get you excited for the gardening season ahead!
And yes, we have milkweed seeds too!
A reminder that the Gardens Shop is open 7 days a week for your convenience, from 9am-5pm. Drop by soon!
And if you can't get here in person,
you can explore our online shop for gift ideas, and have items shipped.
Explore now!
Fluffy Snow Decor...
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!
What a difference a couple days makes!
Same views - different days,
showing a winter wonderland on Friday Jan 17
as compared to Sunday Jan 19 after the big meltdown.
Which just goes to show...
snow doesn't take long to disappear, and spring will be upon us before we know it!
The Community Around Us!
While we love sharing photos of the Gardens,
we also love sharing the beauty of our community.
One of the iconic heritage buildings in Annapolis Royal is this, the Queen Anne Inn.
It was picture perfect the morning of January 17! The Queen Anne Inn was built in 1865 as a private residence for William Ritchie and Fanny Foster.
Another of the great heritage buildings in Annapolis Royal is the Runciman House. It looks especially lovely after a fresh snowfall. Built in 1817 for the Rector of St. Luke’s Anglican Church, it has a lovely setting and once had a formal garden area in the back, where the Runcimans entertained.
And for a fun photo...
As I was wandering Fort Anne for a few pics one morning, these steps caught my eye.
The closer I got, the more I realized that from this angle it looked like a Stairway to Heaven.
(You will now have the song "Stairway to Heaven" in your head all day... you're welcome!)
And a few closing shots...
Your response to our Bloom Report is always heartwarming.
We know how much the Gardens means to so many people, and we are thrilled to hear how often you hit "forward" on our Bloom Reports and share them with friends and family all over the world.
You make a great team of Garden Ambassadors!
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