Devonian Gardens
- A Haven for Plant Enthusiasts
- A Journey Through Diverse Ecosystems
- A Place to Relax and Unwind
- A History of Innovation
- The Tropical Gardens
- The Desert Gardens
- The Alpine Gardens
- The Mediterranean Gardens
- The Temperate Gardens
- The Children's Garden
- The Gift Shop and Cafe
- Special Events and Programs
- Sustainability and Conservation
- Accessibility
- Insider Tip
A Haven for Plant Enthusiasts
Nestled in the heart of downtown Calgary, the Devonian Gardens offer a tranquil oasis for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Spanning over 8 acres, these indoor botanical gardens showcase a diverse collection of plants from around the world, creating a vibrant and educational space for visitors of all ages.
To reach this urban sanctuary, simply head to the Core Shopping Centre in downtown Calgary. The Devonian Gardens are conveniently located within the complex, offering easy access for both locals and tourists.
Upon entering the gardens, visitors are greeted by a breathtaking display of lush greenery and vibrant colors. The warm and humid atmosphere envelops the senses, transporting visitors to a world of exotic flora and fauna. The gardens are meticulously maintained, with winding pathways leading visitors through various biomes, each showcasing a unique ecosystem.
The best time to visit the Devonian Gardens is during the spring or summer when the flowers are in full bloom. However, the gardens offer a unique experience throughout the year, with each season bringing its own charm. In the fall, the leaves change color, creating a picturesque display of warm hues. In the winter, the gardens transform into a winter wonderland, with snow-covered landscapes and twinkling lights.
A Journey Through Diverse Ecosystems
The Devonian Gardens are home to a diverse array of plants and wildlife from around the world. The gardens are divided into several biomes, each representing a different ecosystem.
The tropical biome is home to lush vegetation and vibrant colors. Visitors can see a variety of tropical plants, including orchids, bromeliads, and ferns. The cascading waterfalls and meandering streams create a sense of tranquility. Free-flying birds and butterflies add to the tropical atmosphere.
The desert biome is home to a unique and fascinating collection of plants that have adapted to extreme conditions. Visitors can learn about the role of deserts in the global ecosystem and the importance of water conservation.
The alpine biome features the rugged beauty of the mountains. Visitors can see a variety of alpine plants, including wildflowers, succulents, and evergreens. The challenges of growing plants in alpine conditions are explored.
The Mediterranean biome has a warm and inviting atmosphere. Visitors can see a variety of Mediterranean plants, including olive trees, citrus trees, and lavender. The use of water features and statuary creates a sense of tranquility.
The temperate biome showcases the four distinct seasons of the region. Visitors can see a variety of temperate plants, including flowering shrubs, trees, and perennials. The importance of temperate forests in the global ecosystem is explored.
Educational exhibits and displays are found throughout the gardens, providing visitors with information about the plants and ecosystems they are seeing. The gardens also offer a variety of educational programs, including guided tours, workshops, and lectures.
A Place to Relax and Unwind
Amidst the hustle and bustle of city life, the Devonian Gardens offer a tranquil oasis where visitors can escape the stresses of everyday life and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. The serene atmosphere of the gardens is perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. The gentle sound of water features, the fragrant aromas of flowers, and the vibrant colors of the plants create a sensory experience that is both calming and uplifting.
Throughout the gardens, there are numerous seating areas where visitors can sit and enjoy the scenery. Whether it's a bench tucked away in a secluded corner or a comfortable chair on the patio of the cafe, there are plenty of places to relax and take in the beauty of the gardens. The gift shop and cafe provide a welcome respite from the heat or cold, and offer a variety of snacks, beverages, and souvenirs.
The Devonian Gardens also host a variety of special events and programs throughout the year, such as concerts, art exhibitions, and gardening workshops. These events provide an opportunity for visitors to learn more about plants and gardening, meet other plant enthusiasts, and enjoy the gardens in a new way.
A History of Innovation
The Devonian Gardens are the brainchild of the Devonian Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to promoting the advancement of science and education. The foundation was established in 1948 by Eric Harvie, a successful oilman and philanthropist. Harvie's vision was to create a world-class botanical garden that would inspire and educate visitors of all ages.
The gardens were designed by a team of leading landscape architects and horticulturists. The design was inspired by the principles of sustainability and conservation. The gardens feature a variety of water-efficient landscaping techniques, as well as a number of green building features.
The Devonian Gardens are also home to a number of educational exhibits and displays. These exhibits provide visitors with information on the importance of biodiversity, the threats facing our planet, and the role that we can all play in protecting the environment.
The Devonian Gardens are a living testament to the power of innovation and the importance of giving back to the community. The gardens are a beautiful and inspiring place that has had a profound impact on the city of Calgary.
The Tropical Gardens
Step into a realm of vibrant hues and lush vegetation as you explore the tropical gardens of the Devonian Gardens. This captivating oasis transports you to a world of exotic beauty, where the air is thick with humidity and the gentle sound of cascading waterfalls fills the air.
Marvel at the diverse collection of tropical plants, including orchids in a kaleidoscope of colors, bromeliads with their striking foliage, and ferns that unfurl their delicate fronds. Wander along meandering streams and pause to admire the free-flying birds and butterflies that flutter among the plants, adding a touch of magic to the scene.
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the tropical gardens, where the lush vegetation creates a sense of seclusion and serenity. Let the cares of the world melt away as you soak in the beauty of this tropical paradise, a testament to the wonders of nature.
The Desert Gardens
In stark contrast to the lushness of the tropical gardens, the desert gardens offer a unique and fascinating glimpse into the world's driest ecosystems. Here, visitors can marvel at the incredible adaptations of desert plants, which have evolved to survive in harsh conditions with extreme temperatures, limited water, and poor soil.
The desert gardens feature a diverse collection of cacti, succulents, and other desert plants, each with its own unique strategies for survival. Visitors can learn about the intricate relationships between plants and animals in the desert, and the importance of deserts in the global ecosystem.
The desert gardens also serve as a reminder of the importance of water conservation. In a world where water resources are becoming increasingly scarce, the gardens demonstrate how plants can thrive with minimal water. Visitors can learn about the latest water-saving technologies and practices, and how they can reduce their own water consumption.
The Alpine Gardens
Nestled amidst the stunning Rocky Mountains, the alpine gardens at Devonian Gardens showcase the rugged beauty and resilience of plants that thrive in high-altitude environments. Visitors are greeted by a diverse array of wildflowers, succulents, and evergreens, each adapted to withstand the harsh conditions of alpine ecosystems.
The gardens' elevation, coupled with the well-draining soil and exposure to intense sunlight, creates a unique microclimate that mimics the natural habitats of alpine plants. As you wander through the gardens, you'll encounter vibrant carpets of wildflowers in shades of blue, purple, and yellow, contrasting against the backdrop of towering peaks and shimmering glaciers.
The gardeners at Devonian Gardens have carefully selected and arranged these plants to create a harmonious and visually stunning display. You'll find delicate alpine poppies swaying in the breeze, alongside hardy succulents that cling tenaciously to rocky outcrops. The gardens also feature a variety of evergreens, such as dwarf pines and spruces, which provide structure and winter interest.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the alpine gardens serve as an important educational tool, highlighting the challenges and adaptations of plants in extreme environments. Visitors can learn about the unique strategies that alpine plants employ to survive, such as their ability to tolerate cold temperatures, strong winds, and limited water availability.
By showcasing the beauty and resilience of alpine plants, the Devonian Gardens inspire visitors to appreciate the fragility and importance of these ecosystems. The gardens also serve as a reminder of the need to protect and conserve these unique habitats, which are increasingly threatened by climate change and human development.
The Mediterranean Gardens
The Mediterranean gardens transport visitors to a world of warm breezes and sun-drenched landscapes. The air is filled with the scent of lavender and the sound of trickling water. Olive trees, citrus trees, and cypress trees line the pathways, creating a sense of tranquility and serenity. Statues and water features add to the Mediterranean ambiance, evoking the ancient world of Greece and Rome.
The Mediterranean gardens are a celebration of the region's rich culture and history. They are a reminder of the importance of water conservation and the sustainable use of resources. They are also a place of beauty and relaxation, where visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the natural world.
The Temperate Gardens
The temperate gardens showcase the beauty and diversity of plants adapted to a moderate climate with distinct seasons. Visitors can stroll through a variety of habitats, each with its own unique charm.
In the spring, the gardens come alive with a riot of color as flowering shrubs, trees, and perennials burst into bloom. The air is filled with the sweet fragrance of lilacs, roses, and peonies.
As summer progresses, the gardens transition to a lush tapestry of greenery. The leaves of deciduous trees turn a vibrant green, while the foliage of evergreens provides a backdrop of deep hues.
In the fall, the gardens put on a spectacular show as the leaves of deciduous trees transform into a kaleidoscope of colors, from fiery reds and oranges to golden yellows and deep purples.
The temperate gardens also provide a glimpse into the importance of temperate forests in the global ecosystem. These forests play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate, providing habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals, and protecting watersheds.
The Devonian Gardens' temperate gardens are not only a place of beauty, but also a valuable educational resource. Visitors can learn about the different types of plants that thrive in temperate climates, the importance of biodiversity, and the challenges facing temperate forests in a changing world.
The Children's Garden
The Devonian Gardens feature a delightful children's garden, a vibrant and interactive space designed to ignite a passion for nature and gardening in young minds. This enchanting realm offers a variety of fun and educational activities tailored to spark curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning.
Children can embark on an adventurous journey through the garden, discovering hidden treasures among the plants, crawling through tunnels, and climbing on natural play structures. Interactive water features and sand pits provide opportunities for sensory exploration and imaginative play.
The children's garden also includes educational exhibits that teach kids about the importance of plants, the life cycle of plants, and the interdependence of living things. There are opportunities for children to plant their own seeds, nurture young plants, and learn about the role of insects in the garden ecosystem.
Through play and exploration in the children's garden, kids develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world and a lifelong love of gardening. It's a place where they can learn, grow, and connect with nature in a fun and engaging way.
The Gift Shop and Cafe
The Devonian Gardens gift shop offers a variety of gifts and souvenirs for visitors to remember their visit. From t-shirts and hats to books and gardening supplies, there is something for everyone. The cafe serves delicious food and beverages, including sandwiches, salads, soup, coffee, and tea. Visitors can enjoy their meal in the cafe or take it to go and enjoy it in the gardens. All proceeds from the gift shop and cafe support the Devonian Gardens, so visitors can feel good about making a purchase. The friendly and helpful staff is always on hand to answer any questions or provide recommendations.
Special Events and Programs
Throughout the year, the Devonian Gardens hosts a variety of special events and programs that are designed to educate and entertain visitors of all ages. These events include guided tours, workshops, lectures, and family-friendly activities.
One of the most popular events is the annual Gardens of Light festival, which takes place during the winter months. This magical event features illuminated displays, live music, and festive activities.
Another popular event is the Spring Flower Show, which showcases the beauty of the gardens in bloom. This event features a variety of flowers, plants, and gardening supplies, as well as educational exhibits and demonstrations.
The Devonian Gardens also offers a variety of educational programs for children and adults. These programs cover a wide range of topics, including plant science, gardening, and sustainability.
The gardens' special events and programs are a great way to learn more about plants and gardening, meet other plant enthusiasts, and create a sense of community.
Sustainability and Conservation
The Devonian Gardens are committed to sustainability and conservation. They use recycled materials and renewable energy sources throughout the gardens. They also have a number of water conservation practices in place, such as rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation. The gardens offer educational programs on sustainability and conservation to help visitors learn more about these important issues.
The gardens are a model of sustainability and conservation. They show how we can create beautiful and thriving spaces while also protecting the environment. By using recycled materials, renewable energy, and water conservation practices, the gardens are helping to reduce their environmental impact. The gardens' educational programs help to raise awareness about sustainability and encourage visitors to adopt more sustainable practices in their own lives.
Accessibility
The Devonian Gardens are committed to providing a welcoming and accessible environment for all visitors. The gardens feature wheelchair-accessible pathways and ramps, making it easy for visitors of all abilities to explore the grounds. Audio tours and Braille signage are available for visitors with visual impairments, and ASL-interpreted programs are offered for visitors with hearing impairments. The gardens' staff is also happy to provide assistance to visitors with any special needs.
Insider Tip
For the best experience at the Devonian Gardens, plan your visit during the spring or summer months when the gardens are in full bloom. The vibrant colors and lush vegetation create a stunning display that is sure to impress. The gardens are also beautiful in the fall when the leaves change color, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Although the Devonian Gardens are open year-round, some areas may be closed during the winter months due to weather conditions. To avoid disappointment, check the gardens' website before your visit to confirm that all areas are open.
Comfortable shoes are recommended for exploring the Devonian Gardens, as there is a lot of walking involved. The paths are well-maintained and mostly flat, making them accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities.
With its diverse ecosystems, educational exhibits, and peaceful atmosphere, the Devonian Gardens offer a unique and memorable experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you're a plant enthusiast, nature lover, or simply looking for a place to relax and unwind, the Devonian Gardens are sure to impress.
