There is nothing quite as special as the look of wonder on a child's face!
Today's Bloom Report is an abbreviated one,
with some news about hours, an update on highlights,
and of course, a few tantalizing photos!
Below is a summary of our current highlights.
Things are changing every day, so best to come often!
Currently in bloom:
• Peonies will be a highlight for the next week or two
• Perennial Borders are lovely - lots in bloom
• Shrubs & Trees: the Fringe Tree near grass collection is in full bloom. Nearby are two types of Tulip Tree in bloom. The various Kalmias (Mountain Laurels) in the rhodo area are becoming a highlight. The Satomi Dogwood (pink) on the way to the Acadian Cottage, and the white Kousa Dogwoods near the Cottage, and one down between the ponds, are in bloom and will be highlights for the next couple weeks. The water lilies are also a highlight.
• In the Courtyard area, the Japanese Tree Lilacs are just coming into bloom, and note the Climbing Hydrangea on the fence by the Innovative Garden. Also of note is Magnolia sieboldii in the parking lot.
• Roses: many roses are in bloom, more coming each day. The "best" bloom period for the Rose Collection is likely the end of June or early July.
• The Victorian Garden is filling in nicely and will be a highlight all season.
• Special:
○ Fringe Tree (Middle path, near Grass Collection) - lovely bloom and sweet scent
○ Kousa Dogwood trees - both pink and white
Highlight times ahead:
• Roses - last week of June or early July will be biggest highlight, but they bloom all summer
• Daylilies & Hydrangeas - usually later July
• Heather Collection - early August
The Gardens are open every day 9am-5pm.
New - We are also open Saturday evenings until 8pm for the summer.
Check our website for daily admission fees.
And remember - no charge for kids under 18.
A note about our operating hours:
We do our best to ensure the Gardens are here for you. We are open 7 days a week, and a minimum of 56 hours each week. In July & August we extend those hours if we can.
In return, we ask everyone to respect our hours of operation - there is no admittance outside of our posted hours (no entry before we open, no entry after we close).
This applies to members and visitors alike.
Unfortunately, we are still experiencing people who ignore our signs and come into the Gardens when we are closed... thus the reminder.
Thanks!
Visitor Washrooms are open daily 9am-5pm
We are also open Saturday evenings until 8pm for the summer.
The Gardens Shop is also open 7 days a week, 9am-5pm
We are also open Saturday evenings until 8pm for the summer.
Visitor Information services are available daily 9am-5pm
We are also open Saturday evenings until 8pm for the summer.
(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
Tidbits of Garden News!
As noted above, we are offering extended hours
by opening for you on Saturday evenings until late August.
Evening is a magical time in the Gardens... lovely light, cooler air, peace and tranquility.
It is also one of the better times to enjoy the bird life around the Gardens.
We were grateful to receive a donation from the Champlain Garden Club this week - thanks to Susan for delivering a cheque in person and being willing to pose for a photo!
We really appreciate the various forms of support we receive
from garden clubs and societies across the province.
This month saw the retirement of one of our long term Board members, Laura Sherman,
shown here with Board Chair Stu Jamieson.
Laura has volunteered on the Gardens Board of Directors since 2017,
but is moving to another province and feels the commute might be a bit much!
We'll miss Laura's dedication and enthusiasm, and thank her so much for all her contributions to the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens Society.
A Taste of our Roses...
'By the Oak' - a Nova Scotian rose bred by George MacPhail of Elmsdale.
'Campfire' - from the Canadian Artists Series.
Rose moyessi - a species rose native to China
'John Cabot' - from the Canadian Explorer Series.
The roses are already a highlight, with more popping every day.
They will be at their peak in the end of June and early July.
Plan your visit soon!
2026 Memberships
Drop in soon to renew,
or to get your first-ever Gardens Membership!
To purchase online: Buy Now
Critter Corner
The bees love our roses too!
Other highlights...
We've had several weddings this spring. We are honoured to be part of their special day!
Mediterranean Bells...
The Victorian Garden appreciated the recent rain!
Peony beauty...
The Fringe Tree is amazing!
We love the variegated leaves on the hardy kiwi.
The climbing hydrangea is a highlight.
Don't miss the magnolia in the parking lot - Magnolia sieboldii.
The lovely pink Satomi Dogwood...
Unique flowers on the Tulip Tree...
Mountain Laurel - this is 'Freckles'...
Kids are loving the Faerie Houses!
(Thanks to photographer Andrew Tolson for capturing the magic so well)
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.
The laying of the slate flagstone is always a fun photo!
The look of the Courtyard has definitely changed over the years,
but the iconic flagstone remains.
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.
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!
And to close...
Everyone loves the water lilies!
0 comments