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The Gardens at a Glance

ABOUT US

Our Story

The idea of developing a series of gardens was sparked with the BirthPlace Forest initiative.  Trees were planted on a barren right-of-way, originally slated for what is now Stoney Trail.  

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Our founders conceived of the beautification of the Birth Place Forest forest with gardens, and by 2024 a total of 24 beautiful gardens make up the Botanical Gardens of Silver Springs.   

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To contribute to a welcoming outdoor space with unique gardens and forests that inspire, educate, and provide enjoyment for all within a multi-use environment;  guided by our core dynamic of botanical & horticultural practices that reciprocally inform, structure and focus our vision.

MISSION

Botanical Gardens of Silver Springs
Botanical Gardens of Silver Springs

A community gathering space, destination park and botanical gardens, demonstrating plants that grow in our climate.

VISION

  • Facilities
    Washroom Facilities - please be aware that washroom facilities are limited to two portable sani-cubicles, one at the main entrance, the other north of the Fruit Grove - see map.
  • Kiosks
    Kiosks are located at the Main and North Entrances, offer safety information, walking tour brochures, donation and suggestion boxes, educational information and learning events announcements. Brochures can also be found at the Labyrinth Garden. See map.
  • Hours
    We are open year round, dawn to dusk with no admission charge.
  • Accessibility
    There are a variety of path surfaces in the park; including wood chip, asphalt and crushed rock. Benches and picnic tables are situated throughout the gardens.
  • We are a multi-use park
    The gardens lie within a multi-use park within the community of Silver Springs in Calgary, Alberta. Dogs are allowed off leash in some parts of the park. Please observe posted signs and call 311 to report any infractions.
  • What amenities are located within the gardens?
    There are two porta potties in the gardens and a water fountain located at the mid-way point of the gardens.
  • How many bricks are in the Labyrinth?
    To establish the wild thyme in the Labyrinth, 700 plugs were planted. To complete the Labyrinth, volunteers laid 8000 donated bricks and another 1000 that were purchased
  • How big are the gardens?
    Total area of the Gardens and the Birthplace Forest Park is 20 acres or 871 200 square feet. Total area of cultivated gardens is 39,735 square feet.
  • Bringing a dog to the gardens?
    We love having your pets visit with you! Please use the doggie bags that are available at the main entrance while you are here.
  • Do you sell plants?
    No, we are unable to sell plants.
  • Why are dogs allowed in the gardens?
    The Botanical Gardens are situated within a multi-use park, which was in existence before the Botanical Gardens were built.
  • What is the furthest distance between two gardens?
    The total distance from the Half Moon Garden to the south end of the Forest is 1.4 km.
  • Ever wonder what happens to all the plant materials such as weeds, pruned plants and bushes, and autumn leaves?
    We use it to produce 2.5 tons of compost which is eventually spread on the various beds to keep them healthy and fertile. Five tons of compost (donated by Bluegrass Nurseries) are also spread on the beds.
  • How many volunteers are needed each year to maintain the gardens?
    Approximately 9000 volunteer hours/years are required to maintain the gardens.
  • What is the elevation of the Gardens at it's highest point?
    At the north end, by the Half Moon Garden, the elevation is 3,811 feet or a difference of 117 feet.
  • Are visitors allowed to pick the flowers?
    No. The flowers are for all visitors to enjoy and we kindly ask that you refrain from picking the flowers or collecting seed.

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