What St. Albert tourist attraction brings in visitors from England, Australia, Ireland, South Africa, Japan, China, Brazil and virtually every country in Europe?
Would you believe it’s a garden right on your doorstep? To be exact, it’s the St. Albert Botanic Park on 265 Sturgeon Rd., sitting next to the St. Albert Minor Baseball Association diamonds.
The five-acre ribbon of parkland flanks the Sturgeon River. It is divided into 14 flower and tree gardens, an orchard, two greenhouses, a gazebo, a fountain, a gift shop, rock walls and a variety of decorative features.
“We’re also developing a habitat garden to attract bee and butterfly pollinators. We’ve ordered plants to attract butterflies and bees, and the scouts have provided bee houses,” said event organizer and gift shop manager Diane Goodall.
Another initiative the 75 active volunteers are working on is increased mobility for all visitors.
“We’re trying to pave all the walkways and improve the irrigation system. It’s very important to conserve water,” added Goodall, noting an underground system uses less than half the amount of an above ground mechanism.
Since the park was first established in 1990 on a patch of land leased from the city, it has steadily grown and developed a reputation as a major point of interest.
Not only are the summer months packed with visitors enjoying the park’s colours and fragrances, but virtually every Saturday is booked for weddings.
The first garden planted was a “cottage garden” reminiscent of an English country oasis displaying a profusion of blooms. The rose garden quickly followed and, as of this year, 300 fragrant plants draw the eye.
A dahlia bed has grown to 200 plants and Crabapple Lane, developed in 1996 with tree donations from Stewart and Brothers Nursery in Kelowna, is a one-of-a-kind flowering tree garden.
A Heritage Garden was planned in 2015 at the park’s 25th anniversary.
“It was exactly what the early pioneers grew in their gardens – shrubs, perennials and vegetables,” Goodall said.
“We also acquired an old plow from Wainwright that would have been used at the beginning of the 20th century. And there’s a pitchfork and water pump.”
With peony beds blooming in June and Asiatic lilies opening in July, there is always something new to see.
“It demonstrates what can be grown in a Zone 3 horticultural area. We’re always getting new plants. Sometimes you take a chance if they survive the winter, but it shows what can be grown in this area.”
Three major events are planned throughout the summer months. On Canada Day, Botanic Park volunteers serve a Strawberry Tea with cake, ice cream, tea and beverages for children.
“It is free, but we ask for donations to enter the tea tent.”
Garden Day is celebrated Sunday, July 28, where a show of flowers growing in the park takes place and volunteers make themselves available to answer questions.
Picnic in the Park takes place Sunday, Aug. 18, with the Old Tyme Fiddlers Association providing music. Ice cream, lemonade and popcorn will be available. A children’s activity tent includes a fishing well, face paint and assorted activities.
“Bring a blanket, a lawn chair and enjoy an old-fashioned picnic in the park.
All special events run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The St. Albert Botanic Park is free and open daily to the public from sunrise to sunset.
“It brings the community together and you get a feeling that you are part of something bigger. From the gift shop visitor book comments, I see how much it is appreciated."
From the St. Albert Botanic Park, visitors can hop on the Botanical Loop, a free St. Albert Transit bus that connects residents and tourists to the St. Albert Farmers’ Market and the Enjoy Centre. It runs every Saturday until Aug. 24.
For more information visit 780-458-7163, or email [email protected] or check the website at stalbertbotanicpark.com.
