The following guest blog was written by Bev MacPhail, chief horticulturist at the Halifax Public Gardens. 

The Halifax Public Gardens has a long history with the original garden started by the Nova Scotia Horticulture Society in 1837. The City of Halifax joined several gardens together in 1872 to form a free public garden for the enjoyment of its citizens. In 2010 over 850,000 local citizens and visitors from throughout the world enjoyed the Halifax Public Gardens.

The last two week of June 1000's of high school graduates and their families use the Halifax Public Gardens for prom and graduation photos. For some visitors the Halifax Public Gardens is their backyard, and they walk the gardens every day. People from around the world travelling on cruise ships visit for a short time and are amazed at the diversity of plant material.

During the summer of 2010 we conducted a visitor survey and I would like to share a few of the visitor comments when we asked "What do you value about the Halifax Public Gardens?" Here are a few responses.

"To me, being able to visit the Halifax Public Gardens means 'I'm Home.' I spent a lot of time growing up visiting the gardens with my parents and grandparents, having picnics and enjoying the flowers. It became a refuge and pleasant place to study when I moved to Halifax to attend university. Now that I have lived in northern B.C. for 11 years, the Public Gardens have become that much more special to me, and it's one of my first stops when I am able to come home to Nova Scotia on holidays."

"Well manicured Victorian Gardens located in the core area of the municipality where residents and visitors can enjoy a unique horticultural experience or just relax and enjoy the comforts of nature. Great location for family time together."

"Parks are very valuable in an urban landscape. One as nice as this, in my experience, is very rare and much be cherished. I very much value and cherish every tree."

"historical significance and the fact that it is for the common people to enjoy and appreciate."

I hope you will take an opportunity to visit the Halifax Public Gardens.

Bev MacPhail

Chief Horticulturist