Magnificent Gardens of Halifax, Nova Scotia

Garden Design's self-guided day trip to 3 unique Halifax gardens.

Written and produced by Karen Chapman as recommended by local garden expert Niki Jabbour

Known for its lobster fishing and picturesque seaside villages, Halifax is a delightful place to visit. As the capital of Nova Scotia, it has a population of approximately 400,000; but rather than feeling crowded, the bustling wharfs, shops, and plentiful restaurants simply feel vibrant.

There are many woodland trails to explore within the city itself, but local gardening celebrity Niki Jabbour has some great ideas for three public gardens to visit in the area. While she admits it is possible to see the highlights in a single day, Niki strongly recommends making this a two-day trip since they are some distance apart. She also has a great recommendation for somewhere to stay overnight.

Begin the tour in the crown jewel of Halifax and the oldest Victorian garden in North America, the Halifax Public Garden, where she shares her personal favorite spot. From here, drive north to Truro and visit the Dalhousie Agricultural Campus, Niki’s alma mater, although the Rock Garden she wants you to visit has been added since her days as a student here.

If time allows, rather than rushing to the next garden, Niki recommends staying overnight in the Annapolis Valley, the warmest spot in the province. It’s a delightful area with quaint inns, hundreds of orchards, and the highest tides which are exciting to watch. Wolfville is an especially charming town to stay in overnight. Doing so will leave you well placed to make a quick breakfast stop at the whimsical Tangled Garden before continuing on to your next stop.

Annapolis Royale , a seaside town on the west side of the province was settled in 1605 and is one of the oldest settlements in North America. It is also the site of the award-winning Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens, where history and horticulture are perfectly melded through five themed gardens.

1. Halifax Public Garden

Opened for Queen Victoria in 1867, this is the oldest Victorian garden in North America. The entrance is marked by a pair of wrought iron gates embellished with the city’s coat of arms that was forged in Scotland. The garden is undeniably English in style, with 16 manicured acres of bedding plants, winding pathways, and a traditional bandstand dating back to 1887. The bandstand is the centerpiece to 32 geometric beds planted with colorful annuals, occasionally including a clock, a classic Victorian bedding scheme.

Within the garden, there is a lake along with a model of the Titanic, to commemorate the victims of that ill-fated ship who were brought to Halifax to be laid to rest.

Niki loves to sit on one of the benches tucked beneath an ancient weeping beech tree, said to be over 200 years old. From here, she can enjoy the view of the nearby fountain and a ring of Camperdown elms that survived the blight that was so devastating elsewhere. “It’s an amazing place to sit,” she reflects.

Niki suggests allowing a leisurely 2 hours here, perhaps taking a one-hour guided tour which covers both the historical and botanical highlights, before enjoying a coffee or ice cream as you meander a little farther.

Amenities

Drink

Wheelchair Access

Information

Halifax, NS, Canada GET DIRECTIONS

Visit Website

2. Dalhousie Agricultural Campus - Rock Garden

The rock garden is devoted to the study of alpine and saxatile plants and how to create effective habitats for them. This amazing half-acre garden was created with 450 tons of red Colchester County stone that was brought in. The garden includes dwarf conifers, gentian, bellflowers, and cacti that are hardy to USDA zone 5b. Here, in addition to the rock face, you will find dry stream beds, scree beds, and even a boggy area with two cedar bridges that were made by students as part of their educational program.

Niki suggests allowing 1 to 1-1/2 hours here, but adds that there are many other interesting displays on the campus if you have more time to explore.

Visitors should note that the campus and garden features have some, but not complete, wheelchair accessibility. And while there is a cafeteria on campus, open hours may be limited to the school year.

Information

62 Cumming Dr, Truro,
NS B2N 5E3, Canada GET DIRECTIONS

+1 902-893-6600

Visit Website

3. Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens

These award-winning gardens commemorate the settlement and early history of Nova Scotia. Seventeen acres of historically themed areas demonstrate the gardening methods, designs, and materials used since the first permanent Europeans settled here in 1605. Pathways link these areas and also afford westward views over dykelands.

Niki especially recommends you see the Rose Collection. It is the largest collection in the Maritime region, where over 270 cultivars, including heirloom varieties such as the Apothecary Rose through to modern hybrids, can be enjoyed.

The iconic Laburnum Arbor is beautiful in spring. “People come from all over to see it in bloom,” comments Niki.

Perhaps Niki’s favorite garden is the Innovation Garden. This area showcases modern horticultural methods that teach visitors how to design a compact and sustainable vegetable garden in an urban or suburban setting, a subject close to Niki’s heart and expertise.

Allow 1 to 2 hours here so that you can also visit the Governor’s Garden with its 18th Century apple trees, and the potager within the Acadian Garden, based on a design from 1671.

Visitors should note that the café is only open mid-June through mid-September

Amenities

Drink

Wheelchair Access

Information

441 St George St,
Annapolis Royal, NS B0S 1A0, Canada GET DIRECTIONS

+1 902-532-7018

Visit Website

About Your Local Garden Expert Niki Jabbour

Growing food is my passion. I started with a small plot about twenty years ago, and my little food garden has grown to include twenty raised beds, several cold frames, and a large polytunnel. I harvest year round, even though I live in zone 5 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In fact, my winter vegetable garden was the subject of my first award-winning book, The Year-Round Vegetable Gardener. That book was followed by Groundbreaking Food Gardens and Veggie Garden Remix, which was also the recipient of a 2019 American Horticultural Society Book Award. I’ve hosted The Weekend Gardener radio show for the past 14 years and speak widely at events and gardens across North America. I’m also a founder of SavvyGardening.com and share my garden adventures on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

www.savvygardening.com

Halifax Public Garden

Dalhousie Agricultural Campus - Rock Garden

Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens

Magnificent Gardens of Halifax, Nova Scotia

1. Halifax Public Garden

Amenities

2. Dalhousie Agricultural Campus - Rock Garden

3. Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens

Amenities

United States

International

About Your Local Garden Expert Niki Jabbour