Royal Botanical Gardens
680 Plains Rd. W. L7T 4H4 Burlington, ON, Canada

Did you hear? A new batch of courses & workshops is now available for registration! Yoga, birding, painting, floral arranging, gardening, plant ID, and more! Many courses are already filling up fast; take a look at everything coming up and register for your favourites at RBG.ca/publicprograms

If you're joining us with your household for a #FamilyDay hike, please remember to keep it safe! While our nature trails remain open to the public, please note that all use is at your own risk. Most of our trails are hilly and the trail surfaces are natural soil. Consider your footwear as during winter surfaces can be icy or muddy depending on the weather. High numbers of visitors will be encountered at times and our trails are narrow; please bring a mask to wear when you can...not physically distance from others. Please stay on the marked trails to avoid trampling regenerating shrubs and trees or buried roots of understory plants such as trilliums. The nature trail system is considered closed during extreme weather event notifications from Environment Canada. Cross country skiing and mountain bikes/fat bikes are not allowed as our trails are not designed to accommodate these activities. Skating is available at Princess Point when ice conditions of Cootes Paradise Marsh permit. Conditions can change rapidly and will be posted onsite and on social media. View latest update. : Lindsay B.

Its Valentine's Day and we have some PUNNY messages to share with your fellow plant-lover... You have me in the PALM of your hand I'm PINING for you You had me at ALOE... You're the apple of my CACTI You're my best BUD Give us your best botanical Valentine's Day puns!

Shop @ the Gardens Feature: Loops & Lattes The Loops and Lattes series of hiking books include over 140 routes PLUS suggestions for places to follow up your hike with lunch, ice cream or a frothy latte. The Hamilton edition even includes some of RBG's trails! To place a curbside pickup order, give us a call at 905-527-1158, ext. 224. (Pickup available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Payment accepted via Credit Card)... rbg.ca/shop

This Valentine’s Day we are celebrating our Bald Eagles! These magnificent birds returned to Cootes Paradise Marsh to nest in 2013 and have been here ever since. Bald Eagles typically mate for life and often return to the same nesting area each year. Around Valentine’s Day each year, our breeding pair starts to show nesting behaviours. Bald Eagles are very vulnerable to disturbance. Be sure to show them some love by always staying on designated trails and respecting the privacy of these beautiful creatures.

Our nature sanctuary areas are not pristine wilderness but they are a Canadian biodiversity hotspot home to more species of wild plants than any other place in Canada. Safeguarding this natural legacy is a key part of our mandate but balancing an ever-growing number of trail users with the needs of thousands of species of plants and wildlife can be challenging. The good news is that every hiker can help protect the biodiversity of these significant areas for generations to come. https://www.rbg.ca/winter-hiking-on-the-trails/

Women In Philanthropy: Today and Tomorrow March 4, 12 p.m. Don't miss this RBG sponsored event celebrating 'Women In Philanthropy' hosted by CAGP Niagara Golden Horseshoe! Get inspired by the panelist. Stories of local change-makers, mentors, and donors. Learn how philanthropic giving amplifies impact.... https://lnkd.in/eGb9pJi

Tonight would have been the final evening for Winter Wonders. The community interest in this event was incredible, far surpassing any experience offered at RBG before it. With popularity comes challenges, only made more complicated with ever shifting capacities and social distancing requirements, and the final complication of the last 6 dates cancelled due to the current provincial-wide shutdown. Though we were unable to bring Winter Wonders to the incredible number of famili...es who were interested in attending, we're proud of our little team for working through the many challenges of such an event during a pantemic, and for putting together an incredible experience that drew such interest. Thank you to those who joined us in 2020, and we hope to bring Winter Wonders to even more families next holiday season!

New Year, new bird count challenge! Are you a regular hiker at RBG? Do you own a pair of binoculars? Challenge your self to a 2021 birding challenge! Get a little notebook or start a new note on your phone, and see how many different species you can spot throughout the year in the RBG nature sanctuaries Did you participate in 2020? How many species did you see?

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s aseed? Join Interpreter Lauren to learn more about seeds that fly. Download accompanying activity: https://bit.ly/2KiWj9n Part of RBG at home rbg.ca/athome

UPCOMING PROGRAM: Restorative Yoga (virtual) December 1, 10 a.m. Find calm amidst the chaos while soothing your nervous system and finding deep rest and healing from the challenges and changes of life. Restorative Yoga is a gentle practice, requiring little to no physical effort as you move through supported poses to find stillness and relaxation. This practice reduces the physical and emotional impact of stress and anxiety, promotes deep sleep, calms the sympathetic nervous ...system, supports healing and overall wellness. Fee: $15 + Service Fee https://www.rbg.ca/events/restorative-yoga-virtual/

The ice is still too thin for skating at Princess Point, but it still makes for an incredible view! Ice conditions are updated at the sign on site, and once safe will also be posted at rbg.ca/onthetrails. Please DO NOT skate or stand on the ice until it is marked safe. Photo courtesy of RBG biotechnician Olga.

The Kentucky Coffee-Tree (Gymocladus dioicus) is a species at risk in Ontario, not endangered but likely to become so due to factors like poor habitat, and the clearing of land for industrial and agricultural uses. These trees spend up to nine months of the year without any leaves, before growing large, twice compounded leaves, as big as 60 to 90 cm. Though the beans in these large pods can technically be roasted for a beverage, the result is far from the coffee you're famili...ar with (a pungent, bitter brew), and if not roasted correctly, can be toxic. You can find this specific tree (a memorial tree for Orville M. Walsh) next to the Turner Pavilion Teahouse in Hendrie Park!

"What an astounding career, a remarkable contribution to our local community and a gift to all of Canada! As Mark’s last day on the job will be December 31, 2020, it is now time to say thank you." Learn more about the Mark Runciman Tribute Fund at: https://www.rbg.ca/ceo-mark-runciman-retires-from-rbg/

Come and enjoy an evening with two of life’s greatest pleasures: tea and chocolate! We will walk through how to do a tea & chocolate tasting, learn about how chocolate is made and learn how to develop our palate and suggestions for future pairings. Tea & Chocolate - Friday Nov 27, 7 p.m. rbg.ca/teafestival... Join THAC Tea Sommelier and owner of The Monarch Tea Co.., Katie Cyr, in an educational and interactive evening involving the art of pairing tea with chocolate! Read more and register at rbg.ca/teafestival

Join us for OPENING NIGHT of Winter Wonders! Starting tonight at 5 p.m., experience the magic of the holiday season under the stars as historic Hendrie Park transforms into a winter wonderland of nature and light. Included in your General Admission or Membership. See rbg.ca/winter-wonders for more details.

Plants are such a common feature in the world around us that we rarely stop to consider the profound impact they have on our daily lives. Botany & Horticulture of the Tea Plant - Wednesday Nov 25, 12:15 p.m. Part of our Virtual Tea Festival! rbg.ca/teafestival... Join Nadia Cavallin and Alex Henderson for a tea-riffic discussion about Camellia sinensis, the plant from which tea is harvested and which is considered to be one of the 50 plants that changed the course of history. In this presentation you will lean about the botany of this versatile plant and also some of the ways in which it has culturally and economically impacted upon our civilization. We hope you are able to come oolong and join the par-tea! Nadia Cavallin is a Field Botanist at Royal Botanical Gardens and Alex Henderson is RBG’s Curator of Living Collections Get your tickets and learn more at rbg.ca/teafestival

NEW Recipe: Black Tea and Mushroom Risotto Bring a little tea into your dinner routine, but perhaps not in a way you'd expect... Download full pdf: https://bit.ly/3f1r9Pr Are you a tea lover? Sign up for RBG's Virtual Tea Festival to learn all about this beloved beverage! rbg.ca/teafestival

Registration for next Tuesday's FREE session for families closes Friday at 2 p.m. November 3: Animals At Home What makes a good animal home? Join us as we learn about different animal habitats and create one together!... Join us for this fun and interactive program every Tuesday! https://www.rbg.ca/events/rbg-at-home-virtual-learning-live/

Kid-friendly recipe: Spooky Rice Crispy Squares Looking for a fun, simple, and safe way to bring some Halloween goodness home? Check out the newest recipe from the chef's at the Greenhouse Cafe! Download pdf / printable version: https://bit.ly/3kFrOYO

Join Andrea of Teas and Toasts in taking count of all you need with current public health measures and beyond to plan an afternoon tea at home that’s just as delightful and lifting as going out for tea! Topics will touch-on traditional and modern takes on etiquette, menu to table setting and decor. Planning an Afternoon Tea Party, Chez Vous - Saturday Nov 28, 12:15 p.m. rbg.ca/teafestival Part of RBG's Virtual Tea Festival! Register and learn more at rbg.ca/teafestival

"All over the world, people celebrate many different festivals with various traditions and customs. By following the lunar, lunisolar or the Gregorian calendar, the date of these celebrations is calculated." Read more with this guest blog from Lana Lowe of Children's International Learning Centre! https://www.rbg.ca/festivals-of-light/

To start the month most forest areas are nearing the end of fall colour, while the traditional late fall flower is in full bloom and migratory birds continue to be numerous. https://www.rbg.ca/on-the-trails-november-2020/

Upcoming Program: Holiday Magic, Table Arrangements December 1 at 7 p.m. Make your own fresh evergreen table centerpiece this holiday season! This year’s asymmetric design features candles, beautiful cinnamon-backed magnolia leaves and accents of berries and pinecones.... Not comfortable with joining us on Zoom? We’ve got you covered! We have also pre-recorded the workshop for you to watch at your own pace. https://www.rbg.ca//holiday-magic-table-arrangements-virt/

What comes to mind when you hear the word bat? Unfortunately, bats tend to get a bad reputation, but in reality these small, harmless and hard-working mammals are very beneficial for the environment. Learn more about the different bats found at RBG and their calls with our newest blog! https://www.rbg.ca/bats-at-rbg/

Botanical Quiz Do you recognize my serrated and alternating leaves? I can grow up to 35m tall, with smooth, silver-gray bark. I also produce distinctive triangular nuts that are eaten by people as well as wildlife. What am I?

We are undertaking an ambitious restoration and preservation project, so Princess Point remains the natural retreat you value. Over the past few months, a record number of visitors have flocked to Princess Point to stroll the trails and to bask in a view across the water to the Niagara Escarpment. But Princess Point is hurting. Unfortunately, the desire to seek refuge and restoration is destroying the fragile ecosystem of Princess Point. With your support, we will build a new..., accessible observation platform and replant native species to protect and restore this fragile environment. The new platform combined with trail upgrades will allow visitors to appreciate one of the top five lookouts in Cootes Paradise without trampling plants and eroding the shoreline. https://www.rbg.ca/princess-point-restoration-project/

Learn how to make tea part of your everyday life and how it can improve your health in the long term! Tea and Your Health - Tuesday Nov 24, 7 p.m. James Cadeau of Sweets and Swirls Cafe delivers a discussion about tea and its many varying health benefits.... Part of the Virtual Tea Festival. Tickets and more at rbg.ca/teafestival

Brrr, it’s cold outside! Join us for an interactive experiment as we learn how animals keep warm as the temperature drops. Join next week's FREE virtual learning session for families! Tuesday November 24, 1 p.m. Register today!... https://www.rbg.ca/events/rbg-at-home-virtual-learning-live/

Have you seen the new display in the breezeway? Our horticulture team has done another fabulous job bringing some seasonal joy to this little space in RBG Centre! The Breezeway and Mediterranean Garden are open to the public (masks required), though there is a capacity in place. Check with the attendant at the entrance to this space, and you may be asked to wait for space to free up before entering.

NEW kids activity: Make Your Own Herbarium Specimen Create your very own herbarium specimen like a true botanist! Specimens are plants collected and recorded with precise information that helps botanists and scientists research the plant and its environment for years to come. For this activity, you can either collect and press a plant specimen or draw your own. Note: It is very important to only collect plants that you know and from places you are allowed to, such as your own... backyard. Do not collect any plant if you aren’t sure what it is, or if it is on protected property like in a nature sanctuary. Download instructions and template: https://bit.ly/2IdWYIP

Looking for a way to spend some time outdoors and learning with your little one? Join us for a morning at the Arboretum! RBG offers outdoor education programs for little explorers! Join us with your 2 to 5 year old throughout the year for fun and games as we explore and learn about our natural world. Available Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Pre-registration required.... https://www.rbg.ca/events/oaks-and-acorns-nature-play/

Mr. David Braley was not only an incredible supporter of hospitals, universities and colleges but also of arts and culture. A long time supporter of Royal Botanical Gardens, he and his wife Nancy had a significant role in the transformation of Royal Botanical Gardens and in particular RBG’s beloved Rock Garden. His philanthropic leadership in the local community that he grew up in and did business in will live on to impact many future generations. He will be greatly missed by... many at RBG. We extend our deepest condolences to his family during this very difficult time. Photo: David and his wife Nancy at a charity dinner to benefit the David Braley & Nancy Gordon Rock Garden in 2015.

Make a golden milk latte and discover the many other ways of incorporating tumeric into your diet! Making a Golden (Turmeric) Tea Latte - Friday Nov 27, 12:15 p.m. Part of RBG's Virtual Tea Festival - rbg.ca/teafestival... Join Richa Gupta, founder of Turmeric Teas to learn about the amazing health benefits of turmeric and how to optimize the absorption of curcumin. Register for this session and 9 more at rbg.ca/teafestival!

UPCOMING PROGRAM: Holiday Magic: Table Arrangements (virtual) December 1, 7 p.m. Make your own fresh evergreen table centrepiece this holiday season with Beth Carver and Sandy Bailey, at home! This year’s asymmetric design features candles, beautiful cinnamon-backed magnolia leaves and accents of berries, pinecones and twigs.... Kit pick up: Sunday, November 29 A timeslot for kit pick-up is emailed to you after registration. Space is limited! Learn more and register the link below. https://www.rbg.ca//holiday-magic-table-arrangements-virt/

When it comes to teas, the skies are the limit for the different flavour profiles and ingredients one can use for making a blend. Sure, you can use anything to flavour a tea, but what is it that’s needed to make a really effective blend? The Art of the Ingredient; Blending Teas and Tisanes Tuesday Nov 24, 12:15 p.m. rbg.ca/teafestival... Join Tea Sommelier and Community Herbalist Amy Taylor (The Art of Tea and Tasseomancy and Mystic Tearoom) for a fun and informative talk about blending teas and tisanes for flavour, enjoyment and health. Part of our Virtual Tea Festival! Pre-registration required. Learn more and get your tickets at rbg.ca/teafestival

Both our Birds of Paradise are putting on a wonderful show in the Mediterranean Garden! These plants can be found across from each other on the second level, though you'll have to look up and look close to spot the white blooms as the Giant Bird of Paradise stretches towards the sun.

Now available for pickup! Our Hot Chocolate Bombs, made in-house by Chef Matthew, are heavenly balls of chocolate goodness filled with mini marshmallows and cocoa powder. Simply place the decadent chocolate bomb at the bottom of your favorite mug and pour steaming milk or hot water over top. Pack of 4: $24 (+HST)... Orders can be picked up at the Greenhouse Café 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Walk-in pickups are available, though quantities each day are limited so we highly recommend reserving your kit in advance. Full pdf: https://bit.ly/3kFP0oX

Shop @ The Gardens Feature: Crono Jewelry Find unique pieces from Quebec artist Christphe Poly, made from top quality materials including brass, stainless steel, acrylic rubber and leather. Shop @ the Gardens is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.! rbg.ca/shop

Time for a spooky #BotanicalQuiz! I am native to Western Europe, where, (according to myth) Werewolves once roamed the mountains. Some legends say I was the cure to lycanthropy, while others claim the sap in my stem would ward off, or even kill these creatures. In modern gardens, this sap can still prove dangerous to mammals, and while this makes me resistant to deer and rabbits, it means I should only be admired while in the ground, and never cut to bring indoors. I can be q...uite difficult to grow, but successful plantings can be rewarded with a beautiful show of blooms in the fall (blooming now in Hendrie Park!) What am I?

A big thank you to everyone who has joined us so far this fall! We're so grateful that despite a tough year, we're able to share our garden spaces with you and provide a respite from the stresses of daily life. It has been a tough year for all of us, but if you're able here are a few ways you can support the gardens: Purchase or renew your RBG membership for unlimited visits all year long... Make a Donation to support our COVID sustainability fund, or other charitable initiatives Visit Shop @ the Gardens for a jump-start on holiday shopping while also supporting a local non-profit Sign up for our courses, workshops, and other programming (new batch of programs coming soon, stay tuned!) Consider hosting your next event with us (we accomodate weddings, private rentals, corporate, and more) Share your experiences! Word of mouth does wonders for local tourism Learn about all of these objectives and how to make the most of your visit at rbg.ca

Upcoming Program: Family Fun Days! November 15, 2 to 4pm Spend an afternoon hiking the trails and learning some physical adaptations animals use to prepare for winter.... Pre-registration required https://www.rbg.ca//family-fun-day-survival-of-the-fittest/

The Hendrie Park Gates were commissioned in the 1930's in recognition of the Hendrie Family who previously owned the lands on which the garden now sits. They were constructed by Frederick J. Flatman, a master of his craft, and are said to be the largest ever made by one man in North America. Today, they bound one side of the newly rejuvenated Scented Garden, and provide a stunning spot for visitors to enjoy the gardens, and perhaps snap a photo. If you're interested in the history of this piece and others like it, we recommend looking up the 2019 piece "Prime pieces of Frederick Flatman's hammered history still survive," by Paul Wilson https://www.thespec.com//paul-wilson-prime-pieces-of-frede

There's nothing like fall at the gardens! Reminder that we're now open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Here are our top suggestions for how to make the most out of your fall visit: Fall Blooms in the Rose Garden (find it in Hendrie Park, enter at RBG Centre) Lunch at the Greenhouse Café (garden-inspired menus for sit in or take out) The Mediterranean Garden (greenhouse at RBG Centre)... The historic Rock Garden (some of the most amazing garden lookouts at RBG) Hit the trails! (RBG is home to 27km of nature trails between Hamilton and Burlington) The following spaces are closed for the season: - Laking Garden - Turner Pavilion Teahouse - Rock Garden Café Enjoy your visit!

If you have never heard of a tree museum before, you are probably not alone. One of the regions best kept secrets happens to be located between York (Boulevard) and York (Road) and just under the Highway 403: the RBG Arboretum! https://www.rbg.ca/5-reasons-to-visit-the-arboretum/

NEW worksheet for families: Squashes and Pumpkins https://bit.ly/3dPZ4Kj Squashes are amazing fruits with a wide variety of colours, textures, and shapes including the round orange pumpkin that we know and love! Colour each of the different squashes below a different colour, then count how many there are of each. Find more free activities at rbg.ca/athome-families