- Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and School of Horticulture receive a 5 Blooms – Silver rating from Communities in Bloom
- Niagara Parks also receives special recognition for Growing the Next Generation of Horticultural Professionals
- The award recognizes the School of Horticulture’s unique combination of academic study, experiential learning and professional development
Niagara Falls, ON – The Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and School of Horticulture were recognized at the Communities in Bloom National and International Symposium and Awards Ceremonies in Montreal, Quebec, receiving a 5 Blooms – Silver rating and special recognition for Growing the Next Generation of Horticultural Professionals.
As part of Communities in Bloom’s Gardens and Attractions in Bloom Showcase, volunteer judges evaluate participants across areas including community appearance, environmental action, heritage conservation, tree management, landscaping, and plant and floral displays. Niagara Parks earned 5 Blooms – Silver, one of the program’s highest ratings, representing an overall score between 87 and 89.9 per cent.
Planting the Seeds for the Next Generation of Horticultural Professionals
In recognizing Niagara Parks for Growing the Next Generation of Horticultural Professionals, Communities in Bloom highlighted the School of Horticulture’s 90-year history of developing skilled horticultural professionals through a unique combination of academic study and experiential learning.
The three-year Professional Horticulture program transforms the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens into a living classroom, where students work alongside instructors and curators while maintaining gardens enjoyed by visitors. Students progressively develop expertise in plant identification and care, arboriculture, greenhouse production, plant health, landscape and planting design, public garden management, research, business and leadership.
Practical rotations and paid apprenticeship experience allow students to apply their knowledge throughout the gardens and plant collections under their care. By third year, internships, mentorship opportunities and leadership responsibilities further connect students with the broader horticultural profession.
Communities in Bloom also recognized the School of Horticulture’s commitment to continually evolving its curriculum, combining horticultural knowledge, practical experience and professional development to prepare versatile leaders for the future of the horticulture industry.
Celebrating 90 Years of Horticulture Excellence
As Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and School of Horticulture celebrate their 90th anniversary in 2026, the recognition from Communities in Bloom is a timely reflection of Niagara Parks’ longstanding reputation as a leader in horticulture, education and environmental stewardship.
Since1936, the Botanical Gardens and School of Horticulture have grown together as a centre for horticultural education and excellence. The gardens feature more than 80,000 annual plants grown in the on-site greenhouse, along with 150 student-designed hanging baskets displayed throughout the growing season.
That legacy continues to evolve. The site is also home to the Butterfly Conservatory, which marks its 30th anniversary this year and construction is now underway on a new four-acre Children’s Garden next to the Butterfly Conservatory, representing the next chapter for this important horticultural destination.
Media Assets are available here.
About Communities in Bloom
Communities in Bloom is a Canadian volunteer and partnership-driven non-profit organization that uses a multi-tiered competitive evaluation process to foster community strength, involvement and continuous improvement. This is accomplished by nurturing environmental sustainability, enhancements of green spaces, and heritage conservation, in cultural and natural environments encompassing municipal, residential, commercial, and institutional spaces. For more information about Communities in Bloom, visit www.communitiesinbloom.ca.
Close and