Memorial University of Newfoundland Botanical Garden

The Memorial University of Newfoundland Botanical Garden is operated by Memorial University of Newfoundland in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. It is located on Mount Scio Road in the suburbs of St. John's, and was founded in 1971 under the supervision of Bernard Jackson. Originally named the Oxen Pond Botanic Park, the gardens were opened to the public in 1977 and became a not-for-profit organization in 1994. The garden and nature trails were developed to provide a place where people of all ages and depths of interest can learn about the plants and natural environment of Newfoundland. The official emblem of the garden is the Twinflower (Linnaea borealis).^[1]

Site

The botanical garden property encloses an area of 110 acres (0.45 km²), including part of Oxen Pond (for which the garden was originally named). The headquarters building is located on a 3-acre (12,000 m²) site on Mount Scio Road. The main garden area includes a greenhouse, an alpine house featuring high latitude plants, rock gardens, peat gardens, a heritage garden and a coy pond. The Garden is also a nature reserve, featuring 3.5 km of trails in the surrounding boreal forest. Moose, snowshoe hare, ruffed grouse and other wildlife are frequently observed inside the park boundaries.

Butterflies

Plants producing nectar have been developed to maintain the two species of Swallowtail butterflies, three species of Whites and Sulphur butterflies, five species of Woodnymphs, ten species of Brush-footed butterflies, four Gossamer, and two Skipper species that are found within the park. Three known overwintering butterflies stay as adults during the winter in the Garden's man-made butterfly houses. The concept of the buttefly house was designed by The Garden's original director, Bernard Jackson, who currently resides in England. The three species are known as the Green Comma, the Mourning Cloak, and Milbert's Tortoiseshell. These butterflies are three of the very few butterflies that hibernate as adults during the winter.

The Friends of MUN Botanical Garden

Members of the Friends of the Garden (FOG) are individuals and families who support the objectives of the Memorial University Botanical Garden. Volunteers have assisted the Garden since its creation in 1971; the FOG organization formed in 1976 and became a charitable organization in 1977. In August 2011, the FOG had approximately 500 members. FOG volunteers provide time and expertise, help to maintain the garden and trails within the park, and support fundraising and other special events.^[2]

Staff

MUN Botanical Garden is run and held together by a small, yet strong staff along with the help from the Friends of the Garden. The Garden has a wonderful Visitor Services desk with friendly help and constant smiles. There is also a beautiful gift shop perfect for any occasion. Complete with children's toys, clothing, jewellery, and many ornamental objects. Along with grounds maintenace to maintain the many beautiful gardens, MUN Botanical Garden is well known for not only for its beauty but its education. The education staff is constantly preparing children's programs (along with adult programs) to educate children and adult's alike about the beautiful flora of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The beautiful flora and scenery of MUN Botanical Garden would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of the gardeners that put all their time and effort into making the garden as beautiful as possible.

See also

List of botanical gardens in Canada

References

1. ^ "MUN Botanical Garden". Memorial University of Newfoundland Botanical Garden Inc. http://www.mun.ca/botgarden/home.php. Retrieved 31 August 2011. 
2. ^ "THE FRIENDS OF MUN BOTANICAL GARDEN". Memorial University of Newfoundland Botanical Garden Inc. http://www.mun.ca/botgarden/fog/. Retrieved 31 August 2011. 

External links

• M.U.N. Botanical Garden
• http://www.mun.ca Memorial University of Newfoundland

Coordinates: 47°34′15″N 52°45′25″W / 47.57083°N 52.75694°W / 47.57083; -52.75694