Before time spring forward, on Saturday at the Central Library, I was able to attend the program Historical Gardens of Calgary presented by Janet Melrose.
I’ve noticed that I’m becoming a frequent attendant in Free Adult Programs of the CPL. It’s just the start. As the weather gets better so is my itinerary.
Janet Melrose is the owner of Calgary’s Cottage Gardener and a Master Gardener with the Calgary Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
Based in my Google search she has an extensive experience in gardening. Quite impressive, so is her presentation. As if the topic is not interesting enough, she livened it up further with her sense of humor.

Historical Gardens in Calgary
Arrange in alphabetical order, not based in vastness of the area, number of inhibiting flora, or degree of admiration expressed by oodles of sighs, picture after picture:
- Central Memorial Park
- Fort Calgary
- Beaulieu Gardens at Lougheed House
- Reader Rock Garden
- Riley Park
- Senator Patrick Burns Memorial Rock Garden
We all love the gardens. As the presentation moved from Powerpoint slide to slide, I’m already thinking of the best month to visit each garden filled with blooming flowers and teeming shrubs and trees.

In fact, I listed it in My Challenges in 2013. I’m going to visit all of the historical gardens in the presentation and probably even more. I’ve been to Central Memorial Park last summer. I kept on planning to visit the Reader Rock Garden till the snow came early in October. Abort the plan.
So this year is another chance. I’m really looking forward to visit the Reader Rock Garden and the Beaulieu Garden.
Who knows if my interest keeps on growing, I might find myself visiting some of the garden centers in Calgary and buying a beginner’s gardening kit.
Have you visited some of the gardens? Which one you loved the most and wouldn’t hesitate to visit again—and again? Are you up for the challenge?

Other Gardening Events
I keep on receiving garden events since I signed up for a newsletter of the Calgary Horticultural Society. The organization has various resources for enthusiasts and beginners.
Janet Melrose is also one of the speakers for the How To Clinics 2013 on April 13, Saturday.
That’s a bit too far from now; you’re quite lucky because you can learn about the great treasures—as there will be an encore presentation of Historical Gardens in Calgary. For details you may contact the Central Library or visit the area in downtown.
Every weekend the library has activities and programs for everybody—either with green thumb or with curious mind.
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