Gardens
The Peony Garden
The Peony Garden: The Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens is made up of several linked specialty gardens. The Peony Garden is the first OVBG Specialty Garden to be completed. Located at 155 Arena Street, it is conveniently situated in close proximity to both Parkwood Estate and the Oshawa Creek trail. See a map of the area.
In 2001, the Canadian Peony Society donated 100 plants from the Wally Gilbert Collection to the project. This contribution led to the official launch of the OVBG. Further donations from peony breeders and suppliers across North America have led to the entire collection flourishing into the largest contemporary collection of peonies in North America. With more than 300 varieties in cultivation, the collection is truly impressive!
The succession of blooms begins in late May and continues through to the last week of June. The Annual Peony Festival coincides with the climax of the bloom cycle in June. For details about this year's Peony Festival, click here.
The peony collection contains a balanced selection of flower forms and colours including singles, semi-doubles, doubles and Japanese. A sumptuous planting of annuals, a water feature garden as well as a full collection of lilacs, lilies and hostas ensure the garden is stunning well into the autumn season.
Future Plans
In the coming years, garden design and development will focus on a new autumn garden. Extending the season of the botanical garden, the fall garden will feature substantial late summer and fall plants and grasses complemented by scenic walkways and seating areas. Long-term plans also include a Butterfly Garden and a Memory Garden where residents can honour and remember loved ones.
Architectural Elements
To create a unified feel between each garden in the series, signature architectural elements have been adopted. Adding distinction to the gardens, two stunning new features were added in 2006: an ornamental gazebo and a new pedestrian footbridge.
Rotary Bridge, which was opened in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Rotary International in 2006, was commissioned by the City of Oshawa for the enjoyment of all visitors and citizens.
The stunning gazebo commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Oshawa Garden Club and creates a delightful focal point in the Peony Garden entrance.
Corporations or community groups celebrating major milestones are invited to sponsor future additions to the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens. To learn about upcoming naming opportunities, contact us.
The gardens are stunning throughout the summer, with each week revealing a new treasure to be enjoyed. Photographs and plans of new garden developments will be posted on this website as they are confirmed, so visit both the gardens and this website frequently to stay up-to-date!
