JARDIN BOTANIQUE DE MONTREAL

The Botanical Gardens of Montreal

    When you think of Montreal, you may envision fine cuisine, great people, interesting architecture, and diverse culture.  But did you know about their spectacular botanical gardens?  The Jardin Botanique De Montreal is a plant lover's dream come true.  There are ten exhibition greenhouses to wander through, each with its own unique group of plants and thirty different outside gardens that all have different themes. 

 Some of Montreal's interesting architecture, just outside of the botanical gardens.

    Upon arrival at the main entrance, I was greeted by large baskets of Begonia 'Tom Ment'.  Once through the doors, I was immediately immersed in a tropical wonderland.  Begonias, Orchids, Bromeliads, bonsai, Gesnariads, Cacti, and much more promise to awaken your senses.

Baskets of B. 'Tom Ment'

    Huge tropical foliage plants dominate the foyer.  A little pond with turtles basking in the sun greets you.  A ceramic tiled floor leads the way to the various greenhouses.  Bromeliads and orchids one way, Cacti and bonsai another.  The question to ask yourself is: "Where do I start?"

  The tropical rainforest conservatory

Arid regions conservatory

    As a true "Begoniac" I was instantly drawn to the Begonia house where one hundred different cultivars and two hundred different species of Begonias are continuously rotated through the displays.  This greenhouse is full of rare gems like the orange berried B. salaziensis from Maurice Island and the towering giant B. valida.  Large cascading baskets of B. manii and B. jussiaeicarpa are also sure to impress.  The many shapes, textures, and colors of the Begonias at the botanical gardens create an enchanting visual experience.

     The Begonia house is also home to many plants of the Gesnariad family, which share the same requirements as Begonias.  Their beautiful and bright blooms were a joy to see!

A grouping of Begonias

 Colorful B. brevirimosa and lacy B. foliosa 

Aeschynanthus, a member of the Gesnariad family

Kohleria, a member of the Gesnariad family

    When entering the arid regions conservatory one can instantly feel the change in the air from humid to dry.  Otherworldly Cacti dot the 'landscape' and look as if they could get up and walk away!

Cacti from the 'Arid Regions' house

    In the "Garden of Weedlessness" you will find a collection of interesting bonsai trees.  An Asian inspired design throughout the house is simple and peaceful.  The meandering reflecting pool is the perfect place to pause and gather your thoughts.

"The Garden of Weedlessness"

Bonsai  

    My next stop through the greenhouses was the "Tropical Rainforests Conservatory".  Various Tillandsia, bright Bromeliads, and other epiphytes cling to trees.  Ferns, assorted Alocasia, and other foliage plants grow lushly at floor level.  There are many plants to observe and appreciate in this house!

Bromeliads growing on a tree limb

 Tillandsia hangs from a tree

A Bromeliad basking in the gloriously humid greenhouse!

    Running out of time, I decided to take a stroll to the outside gardens.  I visited in the late fall, but there was still plenty of interesting things to see.  In fact, the falling leaves revealed the garden 'structure'.  Pergolas, stone benches, perfectly maintained walkways, and even a wishing well make for a spectacular walk on a fine afternoon.

 The outdoor gardens in the fall

 A peaceful place to rest

    I unfortunately did not get to see everything that I had wanted to see in the time I was there.  Time flies when you enter this wonderland.  I would have loved to have seen the orchids and spent more time in the outdoor gardens, but there was not enough daylight!  This only means that I'll have to plan another visit!

    My experience at the Montreal Botanical Gardens was nothing short of exceptional.  A fabulous place to visit, no matter what time of year, I highly recommend you make it a destination of yours soon.