Fergus-Elora Rotary Heritage Gardens

Heritage Gardens

The original Heritage Gardens designed by artist Cecily Moon in 1990 and were made possible through the generous support of the Fergus-Elora Rotary Club as well as other community groups including the Elora Arts Council, Union Gas Ltd., Gallery Music Group and the Speedside Women's Institute.

Native Garden

When the first settlers arrived in this area, nature was chaotic and untamed. The Native Garden preserves this first view of the new land with a mixed hardwood community containing maple, oak, ash, and pine mixed with ferns, Solomon's seal, violets and a lush meadow. The woods edge community contains poplar, cedar and red osier dogwood dotted with touch-me-nots and columbines.

Victorian Garden

Go back in time as you walk through the arbours in this beautiful Victorian-style garden.

Late nineteenth century settlers introduced many popular flowers of Europe to Canada, many of which are incorporated into this garden. In the spring, nodding daffodils surround the garden, which later gives way to the shallow perennial borders of non-stop colour in summer and fall. Six types of Victorian roses, two of which climb the arbours, fill the garden with lush scents especially on humid days. Sit down and relax by the garden gate entrance and go back in time.
This garden is a popular site for outdoor weddings.

Cottage Garden

Reflecting man's new relationship with the surrounding landscape in the 1870s, this garden is entirely composed of the fruit bearing plants and herbs of this settlement that emphasize nature as provider.

An original lily pond has been returned to use and is surrounded with fruit bearing plants and shrubs such as currants, gooseberries, grapes, raspberries and rhubarb all planted in a garden style.

An herb bed is filled with edible plants such as sage, oregano and thyme; medicinal plants such as mint and horehound; scented comfort plants such as lavender and southerly wood; and plants for dye such as bedstraw and calendula. The Cottage Garden area is defined by a double row of flowering, fruit-bearing crab apples that artistically reflect the sense of a garden kitchen in a self-sustaining economy.

Butterfly Garden

Butterflies are some of nature's most exquisite and fascinating creatures. In order to attract butterflies to our garden, host plants were selected for butterfly larvae – caterpillars – as well as nectar plants for the adult butterflies.

Sited in a sunny area; flowers with hot colours like purple, pink, red and orange have been planted to attract butterflies when they are winging past.

Donations for the ongoing maintenance of the Heritage Gardens are greatly appreciated. If you would like to support us you can obtain a copy of our donation form by clicking here, or call the Museum & Archives a (519) 846-0916 ext. 221.