University of Alberta Botanic Garden — Attraction in Alberta

The University of Alberta Botanic Garden, located just outside Edmonton, Alberta, is a significant and beautiful site for botanical research, education, and public enjoyment. Here are some details about the garden:

Overview: Location: The garden is situated approximately 15 kilometers southwest of Edmonton, near the town of Devon, Alberta. Establishment: Originally founded in 1959 as the Alberta Botanic Garden and later transferred to the University of Alberta in 1969, it has been an essential part of the university's focus on plant science and horticulture.

Features of the Garden: Collections: The garden hosts a wide variety of plant collections, including native plants, perennials, annuals, shrubs, and trees. It showcases over 110 different species of plants. Specialty gardens include a rock garden, a stunning peony collection, a herb garden, a rose garden, and a dazzling display of annuals and perennials.

Design: The garden encompasses about 240 acres of landscaped grounds, natural habitats, and walking trails. Man-made features include themed gardens, ponds, and pathways, providing an aesthetic experience suited for leisure walks, educational tours, and community events.

Butterfly House: The Arctic Alcertum Butterfly House is an enclosed tropical conservatory that is home to various butterfly species in a lush setting, attracting visitors with its vibrant colors and active inhabitants.

Educational Programs: The garden functions as an educational resource, offering workshops, guided tours, and programs for students, educators, and members of the public interested in botany, ecology, and horticulture.

Research and Conservation: The University of Alberta Botanic Garden supports plant research and conservation initiatives, promoting the importance of biodiversity and sustainable horticultural practices.

Events and Community Involvement: Throughout the year, the garden hosts various events like plant sales, seasonal celebrations, and educational programming, making it a community hub and a venue for instruction on horticultural practices.

Why It Is Famous: Diverse Botanical Collections: The garden is notable for its extensive collections that reflect both native and non-native plant species in Alberta, providing a comprehensive look at the region's ecology. Educational Role: Its strong ties with the University of Alberta emphasize education, research, and sustainability, making it a vital resource for studying plant sciences. Natural Beauty: The scenic landscapes and diverse horticulture attract visitors for leisure and inspiration, enhancing its reputation as a must-visit destination near Edmonton. Community Engagement: Its focus on community involvement and public education through events and tours contributes to its fame and accessibility for all.

Conclusion: The University of Alberta Botanic Garden is more than just a collection of plants; it is a vital center for education, research, and conservation in the region. Its beautiful landscapes and diverse plant offerings make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists, fulfilling its mission to educate and inspire a love of the...

I hosted my Hindu wedding ceremony at the gardens this summer and it was a mess.

To summarize my experience: I spent months communicating with disorganized staff and as a result, the execution of the event was a disaster. However this is not the end of my experience. After the event, I sent an email with my feedback and requested my damage deposit back. I got a phonecall saying that they are sorry about my experience and would like to offer me a refund of an amount that felt fair to me- how professional and unexpected, especially considering I did not ask for a refund. They told me to come back with a refund amount of my choosing that felt right to me. So I accepted their offer and shared a number that I felt was fair. I guess this must have been too high for them because they then made me wait for about 3 weeks, only to come back and tell me that not only are they NOT refunding me anything, but that I caused significant damage and they are being kind by refunding my damage deposit back to make up for their disorganization during the event, all while inferring that I did not deserve the damage deposit back. This feels like some weird form of manipulation at the most and unprofessional at the least. Way to kick a person while they are down. Thank you UofA Botanical Gardens.

P.S: Before I booked, I made sure to ask the staff if they can accommodate Hindu weddings (I.e special accommodation around fires, rice, petals as these elements are not typically allowed). I was assured I would be accommodated. And yet, I have now received an email saying that we used petals and rice which were not allowed. Make it make sense.

I really wanted to write this review because when I was researching this venue before I booked, I couldn't find much. Hopefully this helps...

Don't have your wedding here!! Worst service !! I'd give zero stars if I could. They called the couple the day before event at 4:30 pm and said there would be no tablecloths because they were all dirty. Wedding couple had to rent those from someone else the day of the wedding. Who needs that aggravation that close to the big event of their life.

Restrooms were a sauna, it was just horrible.

This place is not Elderly friendly. Very hard to get around if they use a walker. Lots of steep hills.

For the wedding venue, meh. They didn't have the place set up like they were suppose to. Wrong chairs. The wedding party had to set up the table and chairs and head table. I hope they give this couple a refund of some sort, for insufficient service that was agreed upon.

Yes, I came a little early, they were not going to let me in at 1st. But I wanted to get my gifts to the reception table at the wedding. They then said I would have to wait 30 - 45 minutes. Or I could drive myself using one of their golf carts and drop the gifts off and the drive back to the front. Like I knew where I was supposed to go. Shake my head. THEN Diane came by. And by the end of that conversation she promised she would personally have the gifts delivered to the venue. I didn't trust her but ended up shaking hands and trusted that she would do as she said. Well now it's 6pm, supper time and my gifts are no where in site. I went to the front and low and behold the gifts were still there. Yeah, Shake my head again, liars.

Honestly, don't book weddings here. Yeah it maybe somewhat pretty but venue services need a over haul. Bathrooms are to far for the elderly and to hard to get to with all the steep hills if they...