- The Recognition Garden honours the many individuals, families and organizations who have supported and shaped the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and School of Horticulture since its founding in 1936
- For more information, visit niagaraparks.com/recognition-garden
Niagara Falls, ON – In celebration of the legacy and bright future of the world-renowned Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and School of Horticulture, a special event was held on Saturday, September 13, to unveil a new Recognition Garden that has taken root at the site.
The Recognition Garden pays tribute to the many individuals, families and organizations who have supported and shaped the School of Horticulture since its founding in 1936, as well as the Botanical Gardens, which include 85 acres of manicured gardens and natural areas. Located just outside the School’s residence building, the Recognition Garden is a living tribute to the perseverance, determination and passion of those who built and sustained this renowned site.
Niagara Parks School of Horticulture alumni, current students, donors, community partners and the public gathered at the Botanical Gardens to witness the unveiling of the garden. The program included remarks from Niagara Parks Chair Bob Gale, Charles Hunter, Niagara Parks Director of Horticulture and Education and Art Coles, President of the Alumni Association, as well as tree dedications to the numerous supporters who helped bring the garden to life. This special event was held as part of the Alumni Association of the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture’s Home Coming Day Celebrations.
The unveiling comes at a time of significant growth for the School of Horticulture. This September marked the largest intake of students in the school’s history, a testament to its global reputation and quality of education.
Niagara Parks continues to invest in the School, with recent upgrades including: new classroom furnishings and upgraded smart boards in the Lecture Hall; improved residence amenities, including a new lower-level classroom, new washrooms and redesigned student courtyard; expansion of hands-on learning programs, such as the vegetable garden that is harvested weekly for Niagara Parks restaurants and recently introducing hydroponic vegetable production towers for growing microgreens.
Looking ahead, 2026 will be a milestone year. Both the School of Horticulture and Botanical Gardens will celebrate their 90th anniversary, while the Butterfly Conservatory marks its 30th anniversary. Also in 2026, Niagara Parks will break ground on a new four-acre, interactive Children’s Garden, representing the next generation of growth for the site.
The Recognition Garden and future Children’s Garden highlight what is possible through the passion and commitment of a dedicated community of alumni, donors, volunteers and advocates who believe in the power of nature to shape lives. For more information, visit niagaraparks.com/recognition-garden.
Media assets are available here.
About Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens & School of Horticulture
Spanning 85 acres of award-winning landscapes, the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens are designed and maintained by students of the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture. Explore the grounds and discover the parterre, rose, vegetable and herb gardens, featuring over 80,000 annuals grown on-site.
Originally established in 1936 to meet the growing need to tend to Niagara Parks’ expanding parkland, the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture has since grown to become one of the world’s top horticultural institutes. The programming offered at the school is rooted in three core principles: academic excellence, practical experience and professional development.
Close and