Spend an afternoon literally stopping and smelling the roses at one of the many breathtakingly fragrant gardens around Newfoundland.
Photo Credit: MUN Botanical Garden
The unique climate across the province allows 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, the 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.
Details
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.
Discover how you can support local pollinators by incorporating plants into your garden. The butterfly gardens are home to both native and imported butterflies and flora.
Details
2 Bonne Bay Rd, Reidville
Photo Credit: Newfoundland Insectarium
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 home to scattered wetlands, where the rare Leopard marsh orchid can be found. Along the trails, you can spot other native fauna and flora, including hawthorn and 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 expanded to 200 acres, making 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
Photo Credit: Bowring Park
NL Stone Gardens
Starting in 1992 as a part of the showroom of NL FlagStone, the NL Stone Gardens quickly became its own unique location.
The 5-acre 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 evolved from a neglected space to a beautiful and colourful oasis for everyone to enjoy.
Details
12 -14 Sweetland’s Hill, Bonavista
Gander Heritage Memorial Park
This beautiful, well-maintained garden and park, located on the corner of Lindbergh Road and Airport Boulevard, serves as a memorial to those who fought in World War II.
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.
Details
275 – 281 Seaforest Drive, Cupids
Photo Credit: Millbrook Garden
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 extremely helpful and knowledgeable, so please don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have. They also offer a farming day camp in the summer for children five and up.
Details
187 Goose Arm Road, Deer Lake
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