Memorial University’s Botanical Garden Mystery Garden Tour was a blooming success recently, with approximately 250 people touring 12 magnificent private gardens around the city. The first tour of its kind in St. John’s, organized in partnership with the Friends of the Garden, Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador and the Newfoundland Horticultural Society, the two-day event gave gardening enthusiasts a sneak-peek at some of the region’s most elaborate and mature gardens.

“On behalf of Memorial, I commend the Botanical Garden for reaching out and collaborating with partners to engage the gardening community in this initiative,” said Kent Decker, Memorial University’s vice-president (administration and finance). “My family and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and applaud the homeowners for showcasing their gardens and the work they do to beautify our environment.”

The event was officially opened at a gala reception held at the MUN Botanical Garden on Friday, Aug. 2. Participants then toured the 12 designated gardens at their leisure over the weekend.

“All the garden tour hosts were so gracious in featuring their gardens for the delight and enjoyment of the gardening enthusiasts in our community,” said Liz Klose, director of the MUN Botanical Garden. “The positive feedback has been overwhelming. We have already started planning for next year’s event.”