Explore Toronto: Finding Magic in Allan Gardens!

Allan Gardens Conservatory and Park Review

There is a place downtown Toronto that is full of magic and wonder. It contains flowers that bloom all year, plants from across the globe, and is home to turtles, fish, and waterfalls. This magical place is called Allan Gardens Conservatory.

The Allan Gardens Conservatory is over 100 years old, making it one of the oldest parks in Toronto. It contains six greenhouses which are open all year long, and is surrounded by a large green space containing a new playground and an off-leash dog area.

Some of the trees are over 100 years old and if squirrels are your thing, there are three varieties of squirrels including the Red-Tailed Black Squirrel which is unique to this park. Also near the south-west corner of the park is one of Canada's largest outdoor murals, painted by First Nations artists, covering plywood fencing surrounding a construction site.

Palm House

Many varieties of beautiful flowers and plants can be found all year in the different greenhouses. The two Tropical Houses contain varieties of orchids, begonia and more. It also houses one of the ponds containing several turtles and fish. The Cool Temperate House contains flowers that are more familiar to Canadians, as well as plants from Australia and the Mediterranean. It is also home to a large turtle, ponds, and a waterfall. The iconic glass dome is the Palm House which contains a large variety of palms, bananas, and tropical vines. Fruit trees and lush exotics can be found in the Tropical Landscape House and an amazing collection of Cacti and succulents are displayed in the Arid House.

Palm House

Palm House

Tropical Landscape House

Tropical Landscape House

Tropical House

Tropical House

There are five seasonal flower shows that run throughout the year at Allan Gardens. Throughout the month of February until Easter, the Cool Temperate House transitions from Winter to Spring with thousands of spring flowers like tulips and daffodils. The Easter show normally starts around Palm Sunday and ends after Easter. The Summer Show runs from June until September and features new varieties of annual plants. From October to mid November the Fall Chrysanthemum Exhibition is on display followed by the fabulous Christmas Show. The Christmas Flower Show opens on the first Sunday of December with wagon rides, carolers, and features over 30 varieties of poinsettias and thousands of flowering plants and displays throughout the entire conservatory. It was named the "Garden Event of the Year" by the Canadian Garden Tourism Awards in 2015. I visited at the beginning of March during the Spring Flower Show.

Cool Temperate House & Spring Flower Show

Cool Temperate House & Spring Flower Show

Cool Temperate House & Spring Flower Show

Cool Temperate House & Spring Flower Show

Cool Temperate House & Spring Flower Show

Cool Temperate House & Spring Flower Show

Cool Temperate House & Spring Flower Show

No matter what the weather is like outside, Allan Gardens is always a great place to get away from the craziness of city life. There are several benches throughout the conservatory and it's a great place to just sit and read or draw. If you have never visited Allan Gardens, I definitely suggest a trip to this magical place and if you have already been, visit again. There is always some new plant or flower to see that has just bloomed and will disappear in a few weeks. Allan Gardens Conservatory is open 365 days a year from 10am - 5pm and you can usually find a worker that is more than happy to answer questions about the amazing flowers and plants.

P.s!: The Easter show is on right now! It started on March 29, 2015 and runs until April 26, 2015 and is free! Allan Gardens is also a unique place to go on a date!

Happy Easter!

P.s,

Melanie!