Bloom Report - October 24 2026

October 24, 2026

Bloom Report - October 24, 2026

Autumn blossoms and fall foliage combine to create a magical atmosphere.

And to add to the fun, today we launch our annual Garden Skelebration with some seasonal decor as well as some fun activities.

The Gardens are open every day 9am-5pm (holidays included).

We are currently offering an October special of $15 per person.

And remember - no charge for kids under 18.

Be sure to pick up a scavenger hunt activity for them to work on during your walk!

Visitor Washrooms are open daily 9am-5pm

The Gardens Shop is also open 7 days a week, 9am-5pm

Visitor Information services are available daily 9am-5pm

(with self serve information available 24/7)

The Elm Tree Cafe is closed for the season.

For detailed visitor information, hours and rates, please visit www.historicgardens.com

2026 North American Conker Champion Crowned!

The 2026 North American Conker Championship was held Saturday October 17 in Annapolis Royal at the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens. Fierce (but friendly) competition was the order of the day as 32 contestants vied for the coveted Crofton Chalice. Round after round, with smashed chestnuts littering the ground, the field eventually narrowed to a final match between Hants County resident Reuben Gilbert and visiting Australian Desly Alsleben. A final battle ensued, with Gilbert reigning victorious to become the 2026 North American Conker Champion.

The Crofton Chalice, named for tournament founder Peter Crofton Davies, was presented by co-founder Simon Bonnington and Town Crier Christine Connolly.

Adding to the excitement this year was the presence of Zoe d'Amato and the film crew from Eastlink TV's "No Ordinary Life" who came to learn about Conkers and the Historic Gardens. They spent the day filming here for a future episode and had loads of fun in the process.

Autumn Leaves

The Lower Pond area has been truly stunning this fall!

Don't sit under the Tupelo Tree
with anyone else but me...

Garden Skelebration

Mr & Mrs Bones invite you to some family-friendly Halloween fun in the Gardens.

Seasonal Décor, Scavenger Hunts, BrainSqueezers and more... and watch for our Little Monster Mash (costume parade & dance) on Saturday October 31.

Decor to delight young and old...

Humerus & Patella, the Gardens Spokeskeletons,
are exhausted after spending the week decorating the Courtyard.

A traditional favourite - the Big Giant Heads.

Among the highlights of our Garden Skelebration are the special scavenger hunts we offer to add a little extra fun. Good for everyone from 9 months to 99 years - be sure to ask for one when you visit!

Casper's Beanbag Toss is a favourite activity.

Garden Skelebration starts today and runs through to October 31.
Admission for adults is $15, and no charge for kids under 18.
Proceeds support the work of the Historic Gardens.

More fall highlights...

The Seven Sons outside the Innovative Garden gate is stunning!

A bit further along that path, the Montauk Daisies are blooming.

And another few steps brings you to our rare Franklinia, still wowing visitors!

Beautiful colour, and a few ghosts too!

In the Gardens Shop

In addition to our Garden Skelebration, today we launch our annual "Make Way Sale" on jams, jellies, hot sauces and preserves. While supplies last!
A great opportunity to try some of these unique flavours and find your favourite!

New in the Gardens Shop: "Canada's Swedish dishcloths", featuring winter scenes from the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens, have now been added to our summer collection.
If you have not used this type of dishcloth before, try one... you will be hooked!
Plus you can admire the Gardens every time you do the dishes. How cool is that?

From away? You can also order these online: Gardens Dishcloths

Also new in the Shop, the creative work of Dorothy Henson, a local artist who enjoys making magic with recycled materials and found objects.

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.

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...

An early morning photo of the magnolia in the parking lot... magical!

See you soon!

Trish

The Gardens would not be here without lots of amazing community support. Please consider a donation to the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens Society (Charitable # 106714736 RR0001).