There is no time better than summer than getting out of my own garden and checking out what’s growing on in Ontario. It’s really a tribute to my friends in Sweden who know how to celebrate summer. Midsummer is one of Sweden’s most popular holidays. It typically falls in late June and it’s a time when Swedes flock to the countryside to take in nature and celebrate summer! This festivity originates from the late Middle Ages where Swedes began dancing and decorating a Midsummer pole with flowers and greenery calling it “maja” or the maypole. In the agrarian society, a Midsummer night was seen as a time of magic and mystery when plants acquired healing powers and could predict the future. As legend goes, if you pick seven different kinds of flowers and tuck them under your pillows you can dream of your future spouse.

Stop 1:  Burlington Ontario Royal Botanical Garden

ADDRESS: 680 Plains Road West, Burlington Ontario

Just under 60 km away from Toronto or about a full charge of my XC90 Recharge, Canada’s largest botanical garden can be found and the Royal Botanical Garden is a sight that must be seen. This isn’t just a display garden, in fact there are 1100 hectares of nature sanctuary, over 27 km of walking trails and of course gardens!  Four distinct formal gardens and Arboretum are contained within this vast property. On this day, I just focused on the Rose Collection at Hendrie Park.  A two-acre garden with a vast collection of roses from around the world, grandiflora, floribunda, hybrid tea, shrub roses, and even those bred for garden performance here in Ontario can be enjoyed.  Easily a full day could be spent here if I had more time I would have channeled my inner Bridgerton and had high tea at the Turner Pavilion Tea House! https://www.opentable.ca/r/turner-pavilion-at-royal-botanical-gardens-teahouse-burlington

PS EV charging is available with paid admission

Stop 2: The Watering Can Flower Market

ADDRESS: Vineland 3725 King St, Vineland, ON L0R 2C0

Just under 50 km and about 40 mins away from RBG The Watering Can Flower Market is truly one of a kind.  A plant store, flower shop, cafe, restaurant but above all the best instagrammable vignettes I’ve ever seen! Set in Niagara’s beautiful wine country, The Watering Can Flower Market calls themselves “a European inspired shop with plants and flowers with new discoveries at every turn.” I’ve been to a load of garden centres in my life and this is one that must be seen not only for their collection of plants but also the way they display the plants in a unique and memorable style.  

The Watering Can is known for their seasonal workshops as well as the perfect location to savour a beverage while walking around or staying for lunch. After checking out the displays and taking a few pics for social media I was back in the XC90 and off to one of my favourite Ontario Towns Niagara On the Lake.

Stop 3 Final Stop:  The Gardens at Pillar and Post

ADDRESS: 48 John Street West, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, LOS 1J0

Under 40 km from Vineland, the Watering Can is one of Canada’s newest and fabulous private gardens that is open to the public!  Located across the street from Vintage Hotels Pillar and Post, the gardens have been designed to mimic Monet gardens in France. With 7,500 different types of species, several are similar to those in Monet’s garden with others native to gardens in Niagara this 6 acre facility was opened in 2020. The garden includes a replica of Monet’s classic lily pond including the iconic green bridge and main promenade line with classic rose archways.  I’ve been to this garden several times since opening and it seems that no matter the season or year there is always something growing on! 

Niagara-on-the-Lake is the perfect destination to end the Midsummer road trip, if you have more time you can visit the downtown street plantings, visit a winery, grab a dinner, take in a play at the Shaw Festival or even stay.  But my garden needs weeding so back home I go!!  

PS EV charging available at Pillar and Post too!