Spend an afternoon literally stopping and smelling the roses at one of the many breathtakingly fragrant gardens around Newfoundland. The unique climates across the province allow gardeners to grow different flowers and plants in the summer and fall. Relax among the blooms while you learn about the fabulous flora and fauna that are native to Newfoundland.
MUN Botanical Garden
Possibly the best-known garden in Newfoundland, MUN Botanical Garden is a must-visit for every nature enthusiast. Explore the trails that take you around the gardens in the boreal forests. From traditional garden layouts to modern edible gardens, this Botanical Garden highlights what can grow in the unique climate of the island.
Make sure to stop to feed the ducks who call the park home. There is also a cafe where you can stop for lunch or a cup of coffee. During the month of December, the MUN Botanical Garden is lit up with millions of lights for the Merry & Bright Festival.
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306 Mt Scio Road, St. John’s
Newfoundland Insectarium
When you hear the word Insectarium, you probably don’t think of flowers or a garden. However, the Newfoundland Insectarium offers lovely gardens for the living insects like butterflies to feed on. Learn how you can help local pollinators with the plants in your garden. The butterfly gardens are home to both native and imported butterflies and flora. During your visit, you may get lucky and have one of the butterflies land on you.
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2 Bonne Bay Rd, Reidville
Pippy Park
A green oasis on the northern boundary of St. John’s, Pippy Park is a local favourite place for people to spend quality time outdoors. The southern section of the park is where you can find scattered wetlands where the rare Leopard marsh orchid grows. Along the trails, you can spot other native fauna and flora including hawthorn and Japanese larch.
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34 Nagles Place, St. John’s
Bowring Park
Gather the family together for a fun day in the sun at Bowring Park. The park, which was opened in 1914, was designed by Frederick Todd. Today, the park still has much of its original Victorian-style garden alongside native plants. Starting with just 50 acres, Bowing Park has grown to 200 acres, which makes it the largest park in St. John’s.
Around the park, you will find statues and art pieces exploring St. John’s history. There is also a man-made duck pond, where you can feed ducks and swans.
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305 Waterford Bridge Road, St. John’s
NL Stone Gardens
Starting in 1992 as a part of the showroom of nlFlagStone, the NL Stone Gardens quickly became its own unique location. The 5-acre large park is home to the largest collection of native and non-native trees in Western Newfoundland. Meander through the beautiful gardens on a self-guided tour. When in season, you can pick apples and other fruit straight from the trees.
You can also see displays of 340 million-year-old fossils found in the gardens, including Tetrapod tracks.
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35 Route 1, Pynn’s Brook
Bonavista Public Garden
This volunteer-run garden celebrates traditional 19th-century English-style gardening. The Bonavista Public Garden is located next to the Orange Hall in Bonavista. Over the last decade, the gardens have grown from an unused space to a beautiful and colourful garden for everyone to enjoy.
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12 -14 Sweetland’s Hill, Bonavista
Gander Heritage Memorial Park
This beautiful, well-kept garden and park on the corner of Lindbergh Road and Airport Boulevard is a memorial for those who fought in WWII. The park is home to a life-sized monument of the heroic NL dog Sgt Gander and his WWII handler.
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Corner of Lindbergh Road and Airport Boulevard, Gander
Millbrook Garden
Enjoy some time in the sun, surrounded by nature, at Millbrook Garden. The garden is a popular location for outdoor weddings and photo shoots. The heritage plants came from the MUN Botanical Gardens and were planted in a traditional garden style. Relax at the gazebo and take in the gorgeous views of the gardens.
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275 – 281 Seaforest Drive, Cupids
Robbins Family Farm & Gardens
For over 25 years, the Robbins Family Farm & Gardens has been ‘the place’ to get inspired to plant your garden and pick up everything you need to get started. Explore their greenhouses and outdoor gardens to learn more about what to plant and how to plant it. Along the way, you can make some farm animal friends. The staff is super helpful and knowledgeable, so feel free to ask any questions you have. They also offer a farming day camp in the summer for children five and up.
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187 Goose Arm Road, Deer Lake
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