Edwards Gardens facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Edwards Botanical Gardens |
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The Edwards Gardens
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| Type | Public park, Botanical garden |
| Location | Toronto, Ontario |
| Created | 1956 |
| Operated by | Toronto city council |
Edwards Gardens is a beautiful public park and botanical garden located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It's a popular spot for families and nature lovers. You can find it at the corner of Leslie Street and Lawrence Avenue East. This lovely garden is also where the Toronto Botanical Garden is located, which is a separate group that teaches people all about plants.
What is Edwards Gardens?
Edwards Gardens used to be a private estate garden. Now, it's a public park that shows off many different kinds of plants. You can see bright annual flowers, beautiful roses, and native wildflowers. There's also a large rock garden, which is a special area with rocks and plants that grow well among them.
The park is built along Wilket Creek, which is a small stream that flows into the Don River West Branch. Many parks in Toronto are located along these natural streams and valleys, and they often connect to each other with walking and biking trails. These trails can even lead all the way to Lake Ontario!
A Look Back: History of the Gardens
The land where Edwards Gardens now stands has a long history. Long ago, in the early 1800s, a Scottish weaver named Alexander Milne lived here. He left the area in 1832, and for many years, the property was not well cared for.
Then, in 1944, a man named Rupert E. Edwards bought the land. He had a vision and worked hard to turn the neglected property into a truly amazing garden. His garden became famous for its beauty.
In 1955, Mr. Edwards sold his wonderful garden to the city of Metro Toronto. The city wanted to make it a public park so everyone could enjoy it. In 1956, it officially opened as Edwards Gardens. A few years later, in 1959, the Toronto Botanical Garden (which was then called the Civic Garden Centre) moved into the old Milne home on the property.
Why People Love Edwards Gardens
Edwards Gardens is a very popular place for people to visit. Its well-kept lawns and colorful flower beds make it a favorite spot for wedding parties to take beautiful photographs. It's a peaceful place to relax, go for a walk, or simply enjoy nature.
In 2013, Edwards Gardens received a special award! The Canadian Society of Landscape Architects gave them an Award of Excellence. This award was for their parking lot, which was designed in a "sustainable" way. This means it was built using methods that are good for the environment and help protect natural resources.
Botanical gardens like Edwards Gardens play an important role. They help us learn about different plants and why it's important to protect them. Many wild plant species are facing threats from climate change and losing their homes because of human development. Botanical gardens help keep these plants safe and educate people about their value.
