Stop and smell the flowers in Rideau Lakes! Summer is the best time for viewing seasonal gardens that burst with bright colours and sweet-smelling blooms. Discover award-winning gardens, parks and nurseries to get your flower fix in Rideau Lakes.

Gardens

The Rideau Lakes Horticultural Society actively hosts events that are all things garden throughout the growing season. In summer and fall 2024, look for events highlighting smart shorelines, a flower hammering workshop, indoor edible gardening, and much more. Explore upcoming events on Instagram @rideaulakeshort.

Harlem Stonegate Bed & Breakfast

This historic 1850s stone farmhouse is a past winner of accolades for its culinary offerings and unforgettable hospitality. However, guests also enjoy the gardens and peaceful fields complete with wildlife and wildflowers. To get a closer look, book a reservation for breakfast, dinner or treat yourself to an overnight stay. (Please contact by telephone at (613) 272-9110 to make your reservation 48 hours in advance.) Also new for 2024 is a glamping experience here, offering an unforgettable chance to combine the charm of the outdoors with the comforts of a cozy retreat.

Harlem Stonegate B and B Website 

The Opinicon

With carefully curated gardens, colourful buildings with heritage stories, and beautiful waterfront views there is always something new to see at The Opinicon. Walking up the stone path to the main restaurant, guests are surrounded by an interesting mix of perennials in eye-catching colours. Stop by the ice cream shop or reserve a spot for lunch or dinner overlooking the lake in the dining room, or the landscaped lawns from the pub and patio. Discover more – and a great backstory. This property is also featured on the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Garden Adventures Tour this year. Continue your blooming good time, by checking out Canada’s Garden Route Map.

 The Opinicon Facebook

No. 9 Gardens

Look here for all things growing! No. 9 Gardens workshops cover topics on ecological garden design, Indigenous agriculture, garden-to-table cooking, soil health, clay-making, children's art, plant walks and so much more.

Parks

Lower Beverley Lake Park

Did you know that it’s free to walk into the park? Spend an afternoon seeing mini-gardens and award-winning blooms at Lower Beverley Lake Park where many campers cultivate flowers at their seasonal sites. Explore the beach, trails, canteen and playground and take a walk around to admire the flowers.

Lower Beverly Lake Park Website  

Hanna Park

Sit in the gazebo or on the bench under the leafy canopy to take in the beauty of the Big Rideau Lakes. Hanna Park is located in Portland on the shores of the Rideau Canal and boasts a pollinator garden. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic, too, so bring your blanket, your bestie and some snacks! Learn more about other parks in Rideau Lakes on the Beaches and Parks page.

Garden Nurseries

Rideau Lakes and growers go hand-in-hand! With a rich agricultural history and bountiful harvests, summertime is the right time to check out producers in the township that enable local food from farm to fork.

Luna Moth Blooms and Bounty 

This small-scale hobby farm in Rideau Lakes specializes in seasonal blooms and garden veggies. The roadside stand is located at 4775 Briton Houghton Bay Road, Portland.

Luna Moth Blooms and Bounty Facebook page

Scotty's Garden Centre

Take time to smell the flowers! Across the road from Rideau Vista Public School near Westport, you will find a collection of red buildings including Scotty's Garden Centre offering bedding plants and hanging baskets. Lots of plantables!

The Garden Shop

Dreaming of beautiful gardens? Fuel your obsession at Ridgecraft near Newboro, with beautiful garden products and planters at the garden shop. This space will have what you need to plan an epic flower or vegetable garden this sunny season – or landscaping products to take your green thumb to the next level. The back bone of Ridgecraft's garden shop is in garden centre supplies, carrying over 2500 products. Check out their online store, too. 

Lost Woods Farm

Lost Woods Farm Facebook Page

Wendy’s Country Market

Local food, greenhouses, showcasing nature’s beauty! Look for markets, culinary and music events on site, alongside beautifully thought out gardens accenting the property.

Seeds

Heritage Seed and Produce

Still on the hunt for seeds? Dreaming of next year’s garden already? It’s always a good time to order seeds. Check out the heirloom beauties at Heritage Seed and Produce. They specialize in rare heirloom vegetable seed without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.

Heritage Seed and Produce Website 

Heritage Walking Tours

Did you know that many of the historical sites in the villages of Rideau Lakes have pretty accompanying gardens? Stroll through our communities to see for yourself:

• Walking Tour of Delta
• Walking Tour of Chaffeys Lock
• Walking Tour of Portland
• Walking Tour of Elgin
• Walking Tour of Newboro

Explore the villages with a peek into the past – learn about the history hiding in plain sight! See all five heritage walking tours and enjoy the flowers along the way. 

Did you know? Rideau Lakes is the Daffodil Capital of Ontario! In early spring, you will find happy little clusters of bright yellow daffodils along roadsides and in private gardens all over the Township! Daffodil Days run from mid-April to mid-May each year.

Rideau Lakes Grow For it Garden Contest

Get out your shovel and take your garden to the next level! The Township of Rideau Lakes, in partnership with the Rideau Lakes Horticultural Society, invites the public to participate in the annual Grow for It! Garden contest by nominating yourself, your neighbour or a local business for residential, edible or commercial categories. This year, there is a new online nomination form, too! The deadline for nominations is July 26 and judging will take place between July 26 to August 13, 2024.

No matter where you turn in Rideau Lakes, there’s a garden waiting to be discovered!