Whistling Botanical Gardens

By Cathy Krar, Master Gardener In-Training, SCMG

The next instalment in our new series!

Whistling Gardens has the largest public peony and conifer collections in North America. It opened in 2012 and was founded by Darren and Wanda Heimbecker.  Together, they have transformed a cornfield into a “Magical Botanical World”.

These gardens can be found near Wilsonville, Ontario, nestled in Norfolk County just minutes south of Brantford and 20 minutes south of Hwy 403.

Whistling Gardens has over 2,000 species, hybrids and cultivars of conifer and what really tweaked my interest was the fact that they have one of the rarest plants on earth, the critically endangered Baishan Fir with only 3 wild specimens remaining.  Having seen Wollemi Pine and Monkey Puzzle Trees in British Columbia, I am excited by the prospect of seeing this conifer, along with their peony collections of over 1,200 varieties, and over 8,000 perennials.

Whistling Botanical Gardens is privately run, having won national and international awards and recognition for 20 acres of sculpted and cultivated excellence. There are 4 km of walking paths that are wheelchair accessible.  It has virtual and guided tours, as well as a Garden Centre that has a large selection of conifers, peonies and unique plants. The huge iris collection has 400 varieties in bloom during May, followed by peonies in June and lilies in July.

The spring brings the Peony season that opens May 15^th until about June 30^th. There are displays that offer 400 varieties of iris, along with magnolia, red bud, and other flowering trees. During the summer months from July to mid-August there are summer blooms of Lilies, Echinacea, Red Hot Pokers, Gaillardia and lots more. As the season changes to Autumn, fall perennials and Ornamental Grasses are features.

Whistling Gardens boast a Bird Aviary with many beautiful species of birds, some are rare and must be raised in captive breeding programs to prevent extinction. You can find Pheasants, Peacocks, Swans, Egyptian Geese, Serama (the smallest breed of chicken).

They have venues for Weddings, Birthdays, Group Tours, Concerts, and the open-air Fountain Amphitheatre. Water displays include 114 fountains set to music in the water theatre inspired by Andre Le Notre’s 1634 design at Versailles. Most programs last about 6 minutes, running twice daily at 11:15 a.m. and 1:45 pm., and three times on Saturday and Sunday at 11:15 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 2:45 p.m.

If your interest lends itself to relaxation, there are yoga and meditation classes in the Garden for $22.   Reflexology classes teach basic foot massage for $50 per couple.  Reiki level one classes help you develop an awareness of energy and how to use it for self-healing at $15 per person.

Labyrinth retreats for private group bookings promise an interactive program to provide participants with “life-changing” knowledge to lower blood pressure and breathing rates and reduce chronic pain and sleep problems.

There are several different programs that feature medicinal gardening, herbal detoxification, and skin-deep natural beauty. All are designed to provide horticultural therapy to help you relax.  Floral design workshops will teach you the principles of flower arranging using wreaths, garlands and more.  They offer a tea tasting experience where you learn about wild plants, drink tea and understand the medicinal value of each.  Beekeeping is taught at the bee apiary, and you can taste wonderful natural honey.  The Garden has wet felt wool workshop to learn felting techniques and create your own piece of artistry.

There are admission costs along with HST.

$13.50 for adults 18 and older; $6.50 for Children aged 5 – 17.  Ages 4 & under are free.

There are special rates for Seniors over 60 on Wednesday with $2.00 off regular admission.

Groups rates with 20 or more are $12.50, and if you wish a

Tour guide for a 45-minute tour, it is an addition $50.

No pets allowed unless they are trained service dogs. These options must be prearranged due to other reservations and

Requirements.  A 2-hour stay is suggested to view the grounds properly and there is a picnic area available to allow for bagged lunches.

The Garden Centre opens around May 1^st for in-person shopping and the Botanical Gardens open around June 2^nd for use of the 4 km of trails and 22 acres of gardens.

Since Whistling Gardens are not government funded, they rely on plant sales and admissions to keep them operational. Memberships are available for $35.00 for Seniors, and this allows you to receive 10% off all Garden Centre plants.  It also allows you to bring a one guest free of charge to see the gardens.

Bring your camera along and enter the Peony Photo Contest, Summer Photo Contest and the Fall Photo Contest online for a chance to win two garden passes.

You can reserve a spot for a Family Photo Day in the Garden with professional photographers.  They offer 30-minute sessions and 10 images for $99 + HST.

They are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m, Wednesday to Friday, and open on Holiday Mondays.

Loads of information can be found on their website: