Memorial University Botanical Garden
The 2013 Calendar of Events will be updated in March, 2013. Events for 2012 are listed below. For more information, please email bgprograms[at]mun.ca
MUN Botanical Garden is home to various events for all ages, from young to old!
Whether you're a plant lover, gardener, or just want to learn more about nature, there is sure to be something to appeal to your interests.
Events range from annual to weekly, family-oriented to individual, and indoors to outdoors.
Please scroll past the calendar of events to find detailed descriptions, or click on the event name on the calendar.
All dates are tentative at this time.
2012 EVENTS
MAY
GARDEN OPENING
May 1
MUN Botanical Garden is open daily,
10 a.m. - 5 p.m., May - August
10 a.m. - 4 p.m., September - November
INTERNATIONAL COMPOST AWARENESS WEEK
May 6-12
MUN Botanical Garden will host a full week of free compost talks, demonstrations, exhibits, family activities and more.
THREE CHEERS FOR COMPOSTING FAMILY PROGRAM
May 6, 10am - 4pm
Bring the family along for a special family day program celebrating composting. In addition to exhibits and information there will be compost crafts, story time, discovery trail, garden tours, face painting and nature hikes to Oxen Pond with duck feeding.
NATIONAL PUBLIC GARDENS DAY
May 11
The fourth annual National Public Gardens Day, is a day of celebration that invites communities to explore the beauty of their local green spaces while raising awareness of the important role public gardens play in promoting conservation, education and environmental preservation. MUN Botanical Garden will be celebrating by offering free admission and programs that day including: a family nature program at 10 a.m., a gardening Q&A at noon and a nature hike at 2:30 p.m.
INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
May 22, 1 pm - 3 pm
This year's theme is "How much life is in the sea?". To celebrate this day, Danielle Nichols will be visiting us from the Ocean Sciences Centre, and will provide a public education program "Come and Explore the Ocean Creatures". There will be a touch tank and seal video presentation.
NEWFOUNDLAND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY SPRING FLOWER SHOW
May 26, noon - 5 pm; May 27, 10 am - 4 pm
Members of the society welcome spring with a beautiful display of spring flowers. This popular annual event takes place in the display room of the Garden's Field Centre. Free Admission.
SIGNS OF SPRING FAMILY PROGRAM
May 27, 10 am - 4 pm
Spring has arrived at MUN Botanical Garden! The snow has melted, flowers are blooming, and ducklings have made an appearance on Oxen Pond once again. A variety of crafts, stories, activities, nature hikes and excursions to Oxen Pond to feed the ducks will be provided throughout the day. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
JUNE
FRIENDS OF THE GARDEN PLANT SALE
June 2, 10 am - 12 pm
This popular annual fundraiser is sponsored by the Friends of MUN Botanical Garden. Come early for a good selection. A limited variety of garden or outdoor plants including heaths, heathers, rhododendrons and some perennials will be available. Help the Friends help support MUN Botanical Garden. Plant lists will not be available until Saturday, June 2.
Seniors' Day at MUN Botanical Garden
June 14, 10 am - 3 pm
Free Admission, transportation, refreshments and tours are available as part of the 12th Annual Seniors' Day at the Garden. Sponsored by the Friends of the Garden.
Rhododendron Festival
June 16 - 17
Everything's coming up rhodies this weekend at MUN Botanical Garden! Join us for special exhibits, presentation, garden walks and information, all about rhododendrons.
JULY
CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS FAMILY PROGRAM
July 1, 10 am - 4 pm
A variety of Canada Day crafts, stories, activities, nature hikes and excursions to Oxen Pond to feed the ducks will be provided throughout the day. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
SUMMER FAMILY PROGRAMS COMMENCE
July 2 - August 27
Beyond the Backyard: Fun Beyond Your Fence and Summer Safari: Take a Walk on the Wild Side are drop-in family programs offered weekday mornings and afternoons. Admission fees apply.
FLORAL ART SHOW
July 14 (Noon - 5 pm) and July 15 (10 am - 4 pm)
Floral arrangements will be on display at MUN Botanical Garden. Offered by the Floral Design Group of the Newfoundland Horticultural Society.
WADING INTO WETLANDS FAMILY PROGRAM
July 29, 10 am - 4 pm
Wetlands are home to our provincial floral emblem, the pitcher plant and a variety of fascinating critters. Get to know Newfoundland wetlands through a variety of crafts, stories, games, activities, and nature hikes. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
SIXTH ANNUAL ROSE SHOW AT THE GARDEN
August 4 (noon - 5 pm) and August 5 (10 am - 4 pm)
Members of the public are invited to enter their cut roses (vases provided) in the upcoming Annual Rose Show at the Garden. Bring exhibits from 10 a.m. to noon on August 4. Hosted by the John Cabot Rose Society. For information please contact Frank Smith, email fsmith[at]mun.ca
NEW PLANT SHOWCASE
August 26 (10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m.)
SEPTEMBER
CHILDREN'S TEA PARTY
September 2, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. For more information, please call the Garden Cafe at 753-0173.
FALL PLANT SALE
September 8, 10 am - noon
Sponsored by the Friends of MUN Botanical Garden.
Start time: 10 a.m. The sale will continue while quantities last.
Plant sale lists will be available the day of the sale. (The members-only sale will be held earlier in the week).
NURTURING NATURE IN PROGRAMS & PLAY WORKSHOPS SERIES
September - November
FALL FAMILY PROGRAMS
September 16 - November 25, 2012.
OCTOBER
HALLOWEEN HOWL
October 27 & 28, 10 am - 3 pm
A weekend of fun for young children and their families, including crafts, stories, special Halloween hikes and much more. Children in costumes admitted free.
NOVEMBER
35th ANNUAL GARDEN AND NATURE ART EXHIBITION
November 9 - 30
An annual event intended to encourage the photography and illustration of natural things. This multi-media show has featured Newfoundland artists of all ages for over 30 years. Submissions welcome.
REMEMBRANCE DAY CLOSURE
November 11
In observance of Remembrance Day, the Botanical Garden will be closed to the public.
WINTER WOODS WALK FAMILY PROGRAM
Sunday, November 18, walks start at 10 am or 1 pm
Come celebrate the arrival of winter. Late fall at the Garden is a beautiful time of year to stroll along the woodland trails, spot wildlife (or their tracks!) and enjoy the fresh air. After the hike, warm up and relax with some hot chocolate, story time and nature crafts. An enjoyable time will be had by all. Children must be accompanied by adults.
The Calendar of Events is subject to change. Please contact the Garden to confirm. Telephone: (709) 864-8590 / Email: bgprograms[at]mun.ca / Fax: (709) 864-8596
WEEKEND PROGRAMS 2012
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Junior Naturalist Camp Program
School Programs
Youth Group Programs
To book a tour, or inquire about the Botanical Garden's education programs, please telephone 864-8590, or email: bgprograms[at]mun.ca.
CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
For information on events scheduled by affiliated organizations please visit the links listed below:
Nature Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland Horticultural Society


