Experience the Japanese tradition of enjoying flowering cherry trees and other spring flowers at the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG).
Magnolias at Royal Botanical Gardens
The Royal Botanical Gardens’ award-winning Magnolia collections are now blooming, displaying delicate pinkish flowers. Japanese Cherry Trees are expected to be in peak bloom this weekend.
The spring-flowering trees are located in the Arboretum (16 Old Guelph Road, Hamilton). You can currently enjoy Star magnolias (Magnolia stellata).
The gardens have a huge collection of magnolias. Varieties like the stunning Saucer Magnolia, Magnolia ‘Butterflies’ and Magnolia brooklynensis ‘Yellow Bird’ will also be in bloom in the next few days. Other varieties include Cornelian cherries, viburnums, maples, birches, winter hazels, forsythias, and more!
Magnolia brooklynensis ‘Yellow Bird’/Royal Botanical Gardens
If you are looking to see breathtaking buds and pink confetti-like petals of cherry blossoms, then the flowering Prunus tree collection can be found at the Arboretum and the David Braley & Nancy Gordon Rock Garden.
In addition to magnolias and cherry blossoms, you can also delight in plum, pear, and nectarine blooms and early-blooming irises at the Laking Garden.
Planning Your Trip:
What: Experience the magnificent colours and delicate fragrances of flowering trees at Canada’s most extensive gardens.
Where:
Magnolias: Magnolia collection at the Arboretum, individual magnolia trees can also be found at Rock Garden, Hendrie Park, and Laking Garden.
Cherry Trees: Arboretum and the David Braley & Nancy Gordon Rock Garden.
Early blooming irises: Laking Garden.
The Katie Osborne Lilac Garden: blooming in May in the Arboretum.
Royal Botanical Gardens:
Arboretum: 16 Old Guelph Road, Hamilton
RBG Centre and Hendrie Park: 680 Plains Road West, Burlington
David Braley and Nancy Gordon Rock Garden: 1185 York Boulevard, Hamilton
Laking Garden: 1221 Spring Garden Road, Burlington
When: Now until May mid. (Tree blooms will only last two weeks) Bloom Watch
- RBG Centre & Hendrie Park: open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Rock Garden: open Thursday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Laking Garden: May 2 to 18: open Friday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Arboretum and trails: open 8 a.m. to dusk
Cost: Varies: $10 to $19.50