If you’re looking to see green when it’s blizzarding outside, botanical gardens make for a wonderful visit with friends, family, or even by yourself. They are one of my favorite places to visit in the chilly Canadian winter. I find it extremely serene and peaceful to take a walk in some of the botanical gardens in my city. They hold a lot of beauty and can give you a glimpse of tropical or warmer climates. So, if you are an AU student on a budget and not looking to travel this winter, botanical gardens may be a great destination.
Here are reasons why you should consider visiting a botanical garden this winter:
Enjoy seasonal events and exhibitions
I recently had the opportunity to be part of a murder detective event at a local conservatory. This event was held inside an indoor botanical garden and took me away from the snowy winter. It felt as if I was transported into a different continent on the planet (South America or Asian jungle anyone?). Often the conservatory will host events that feature certain plant species from another continent or have unique experiences available for guests.
Therapeutic nature walk
Winter is an off-peak season for many botanical gardens which means fewer crowds and a more tranquil environment. The quietness of a winter garden creates a meditative experience, allowing you to connect more deeply with nature. It’s a perfect time for mindfulness, contemplation, or just escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life. For myself, I like going in the late evenings before closing as the entire garden is empty and a beautiful space for solitude and self-reflection. If you’re into photography, like me, going in the winter season also means fewer people and you can take photos of exhibits without distractions.
Great place to warm up
While conservatories and botanical gardens in Canada are mainly indoors, they almost feel as if you’re taking a stroll outside. The humidity and temperatures in these micro-environments are tightly controlled and make it the perfect escape to warm up in the dead of winter. My favorite are conservatories that have wildlife such as butterflies that are stunning to photograph and experience while it is in the negative degrees Celsius outside. Moreover, if you have SAD (seasonal affective disorder) like me, this could be a great way to get a fresh, warm stretch and combat the feeling of sadness or fatigue during the winter.
Engage in Winter gardening workshops and classes
Some of the activities in the botanical gardens include guided tours and explanations of the plants in the area. Some conservatories will host classes on growing your own indoor plants. For AU students who have a green thumb, this may be a great place to learn about easy-to-care-for plants at home and the process to get started on a home garden.
