Devonian Botanic Garden Map
Location: Exit Edmonton on Whitemud Drive West, turn left at 215th Street/Winterburn Road NW, turn right at Hwy 627/Township Road 520, turn left at Hwy 60 South, and turn
left at Clymont Road/Township Road 514A.
Info: Open May 1 through Thanksgiving. Hours may fluctuate. Admission is charged. Tram tours may be limited or unavailable during special events. 780-987-3054; www.devonian.ualberta.ca.
Established in 1959 by the University of Alberta, the Devonian Botanic Garden is the northernmost botanic garden in Canada. Give yourself lots of time to visit its 32 hectares of gardens and 45 hectares of natural area, and ask the gate attendant what is special to see on the day you visit. The gardens are set in rolling landscape alongside pine trees and large ponds. Outdoor pathways lead through spectacular flower gardens, native and alpine plants, and ecological reserves. This is a great place to familiarize yourself with the names of flora that are local and introduced, especially if you visit several times throughout the spring, summer, and fall, when you can see how plants look during each stage of their growth.
Make sure you do not miss the tranquil Kurimoto Japanese Garden, a two-hectare space designed to encourage meditation and reflection. It is one of only a few Japanese gardens located in a northern latitude. You will also find the Arid Plant Showhouse and Bromeliad Showhouse. Discover herbs from around the world at the 0.3-hectare herb garden and learn about the trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants the First Peoples of Alberta used at the 1-hectare Native People’s Garden. The Patrick Seymour Alpine Garden reveals niche species and the kinds of plants that can survive this area’s climate, while the Peony Collection contains about 33 different cultivars. Primula Dell depicts traditional English-style landscaping with informal, herbaceous perennial beds and borders. Enter the Temperate Showhouse to discover plant species that that play important roles in human life, such as lavender, lemongrass, citrus, and many others.
Breathe deeply when you enter the Tropical Showhouse. The tropical rainforest environment characteristic of equatorial regions offers a wondrous experience, as colourful butterfly wings flutter and soar overheadsometimes alighting close enough to be photographed. Wear a loud Hawaiian shirt or something with a floral print if you want them to land on you!
The Devonian Botanic Garden offers horticulture, design, arts, and personal wellness workshops and hosts numerous events including Japanese tea ceremonies, the Perseids Pyjama Party, the Mother’s Day Tea, the Wild Mushroom Exposition, the Fruit Grower’s Festival, art shows, and date nights with dinner and drink specials at The Birch Patio.
PAUL SWANSON
Kurimoto Japanese Garden, Devonian Botanic Garden. This two-hectare contemplative strolling garden features a pagoda, stone lanterns, waterfalls, and big bronze bell made for ringing.
