The Recognition Garden: A Living Tribute
The Recognition Garden: A Living Tribute
The Recognition Garden is a living testament to the rich history of the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture and the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens.
This tranquil space, just outside the student residence building, honours the perseverance, determination and persistence of those who have shaped the gardens over the years, whether it be staff, students, alumni or mentors. It offers visitors a peaceful place to reflect and appreciate the beauty and history of this remarkable site.




The Importance of the Recognition Garden
Like a tree growing from solid rock, the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture and its alumni embody persistence, dedication and perseverance.
Established in 1936, the school has evolved into a globally respected institution and a leader in the horticultural industry. Just as the tree’s roots carve through rocky terrain in search of nourishment, the school’s journey has been defined by its determination to thrive, experiment and leave a lasting impact, contributing to the creation of some of the world’s most visited and iconic gardens and landscapes.
Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and School of Horticulture
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.
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.

Our Levels of Support
The Builders
Builders are recognized as incredible advocates for the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture and Botanical Gardens, distinguished by their substantial contributions. The Builder category includes four levels:
Level 1 – Visionary Benefactor
Honours extraordinary generosity of $100,000 or more, representing foundational support that has shaped the school’s success.
Gateman Milloy Inc.
Milloy, Donna & Mike*
Murch, Lezlie & Robert*
Schott, Seymour Emerittus*
Level 2 – Major Contributor
Acknowledges donations of $50,000 or more, celebrating a significant role in the development and enhancement of the Botanical Gardens.
Anonymous
Daglish Family Foundation
Level 3 – Key Supporter
Recognizes contributions of $25,000 or more, reflecting essential support for the Gardens’ growth and achievements.
Allan Family Foundation
Alumni Association
Garden Club of Niagara
Level 4 – Essential Friend
Marks donations of $5,000 or more, highlighting important contributions to the ongoing success and care of the Botanical Gardens.
Allen, M. Susan
Fowler, Kyra & Zeldon*
Lidkea, Randy*
Stratton, Barbara
Alumni Foundation
GC Duke
Master Gardeners of Niagara
Western Ontario Golf Superintendents Association
Beatrice Catharine Martin
Hunter, Charles*
Milne House Garden Club
Cohoe Family
Laviolette, Sharon & Tom*
Niagara Falls Horticultural Society
*Alumni of the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture
The Educators
Educators nurture the growth of future generations. Their gifts have had a lasting impact on the education and development of students at the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture.
Hook, Richard*
Snowden, William*
Van Nest, Anne Marie*
Schmahl, Darren*
*Alumni of the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture
The Supporters
All donations are celebrated for their role in supporting the ongoing endowment and growth of the Botanical Gardens.
Andres, Buddy*
Fowler, Kyra & Zeldon*
Cameron, James*
Coles, Art*
DiGiovanni, Tony
Garden Writers Association Foundation
Henning, Donald Bruce
King, David
Lohuis, John
NPC Class of 2003
Robinson, Gary*
Wright, John & Ruth*
Barnsley & Pierce Estates*
Boyce, Peter*
Clancy, Thomas*
Crawford, Harold*
District 9 O.H. A
Gorham, Frank*
Henning, Mark
Klose, Elizabeth
Manley F. and Sons Ltd.
Ontario Hosta Society
Snaith, Janet*
Gulf Oil Canada Ltd.
Baun, Claudia & Brian*
British American Oil Company Ltd.
Class of 82
Dalman, Bill “Edward J.Hill Estate NPD 48”
Fluher, Doug*
Hagey, James A. Estate*
Iammarino, Placido
Landscape Ontario
McCollum, Norman*
Reddon, Frank*
Standish, Richard*
Beattie, Kenneth*
Bryon, Essery*
Colautto, Mrs. Licia
(friend of Beatrice)
Dell, Melvin*
Garden Club of Ancaster
Haight, Scott & Melanie*
Julie, George*
Learn, Keith & Barbara
Niagara Falls Chamber of Commerce
Riley, John
Whitehouse, Deborah
*Alumni of the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture