2009 Brampton’sBrampton’s FloralFloral UPDATE Self-GuidedSelf-Guided TourTour

As a national and international winner in the prestigious Communities in Bloom competitions, Brampton takes great pride in our floral heritage. Once known as the “Flowertown of ” in recognition of our once flourishing floral and acres upon acres of , we are delighted to share some of our many hidden floral treasures with this floral self-guided tour. Whether you are cycling, walking or driving, we invite you to stop and smell the . *Motor Coaches – watch for the Bus Friendly Parking Symbol in this publication DRIVING ROUTES Spring Bulb Route The City of Brampton has brightened up its’ landscape throughout the City with over 1 million spring flowers. Watch for the blooms to start sprouting up in April and May. Follow the Blue Rose on our Map. 1. The east and west side s of the Highway 10 (Hurontario Street) Brampton gateway entrance, just north of Highway 407, have beautiful displays of flowering spring bulbs. 2. You will also find clusters of daffodils and tulips along the north side of Bovaird Drive between Bramalea and Dixie Road. Bed Route Brampton’s talented gardeners have created wonderful showpiece features showcasing their own personal tastes. The following are just a few of the over 400 roadside gardens you will find throughout Brampton. Garden Locations: The following gardens are just a few of the over 400 roadside gardens you will find throughout Brampton. These locations are of particular significance. They are spectacular sights to see. *Follow the Pink Roses on our Map. 1.Gardens at Highway 10 (Hurontario Street) Brampton Gateway Entrance – Centre Islands & East side of Highway 10 2.Gardens at Highway 10 (Hurontario Street) & Steeles Avenue – North/East, South/East and North/West corners (future South/West corner) 3.Gardens at Dixie Road & Bovaird Drive - all four corners 4.Gardens at Sandalwood Parkway & Dixie Road – North/East, South/East and South/West corners.

For information on our Green & Fall Colour or Lakes & Rivers Self-Guided Tours, please contact Brampton at 905-874-3601, or visit www.tourismbrampton.ca DESTINATION GARDENS Brampton showcases some of the most interesting and beautiful flowerbeds and floral displays in the province. Through our beautification program, the City has planted millions of bulbs and flowers to beautify our streets, parks, open spaces and public facilities. We invite you to explore these featured gardens.

1. Charles F. Watson Family Gardens This beautiful showpiece garden is an oasis of colour. Situated along the Etobicoke Creek Trail the gardens are below street level, so it is not easy to see when driving by on Highway 10. Located along Highway 10, on the east side at Peel Village Parkway. Park at Shoppers World and cross at the traffic lights. 1 2. Gage Park The most popular place in downtown Brampton to enjoy the fresh air, Gage Park is Brampton’s oldest municipal park and a very beautiful one. Pretty floral gardens, large trees, gazebo and fountain provide a wonderful setting popular with both local residents and visitors from far and wide. Gage Park is located on the southwest corner of Main Street South and Wellington Street West. Parking is available underneath City Hall just across the street or at metered on- street spots. The parking entrance for City Hall is l ocated off of George Street South. Parking in downtown’s public garages is FREE on weekends, after 7pm weekdays and for the first hour weekdays before 7pm.

3. Donald M. Gordon Chinguacousy Park & Gardens Escape from the winter weather in our greenhouse oasis and bask in our gardens during the summer sun. You will find our gardens and greenhouse at the south end of the park fronting Queen Street East. 9050 Bramalea Road, just north of Queen Street East. 2 There is plenty of parking on site. 905-458-6555

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For information on our Green & Fall Colour or Lakes & Rivers Self-Guided Tours, please contact Tourism Brampton at 905-874-3601, or visit www.tourismbrampton.ca 4. Historic Bovaird House Historic Bovaird House is a significant Brampton heritage landmark. Friends of Bovaird House and the City of Brampton have developed this wonderful Georgian-type farmhouse into a popular tourism attraction. The property boasts heritage gardens typical of 19th century plantings including a pretty , herb garden and . You will want to take a tour of the hous e while you are there. Hours of operation: Mid-February to Mid-December Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday – Noon to 4pm 905-874-2804 563 Bovaird Drive, just east of Kennedy Road on Bovaird Drive (West of Highway 410) Motor Coaches & Buses - Use Bovaird Drive entrance if going east on Bovaird. If travelling west on Bovaird, turn left onto Langston Drive (traffic lights) and right onto Simmons Boulevard (Historic Bovaird House entrance on right).

5. Brampton Soccer Centre A beautifully landscaped courtyard plaza has been constructed at the north east corner 4 of the new Brampton Soccer Centre, as well as a nine-bed floral display on the west side of the . The Brampton Soccer Centre aims to meet the needs of Brampton’s diverse mix of , offering community meeting space, indoor soccer and cricket for all residents.

1495 Sandalwood Pkwy E., southwest corner of Dixie & Sandalwood There are public washroom facilities here and parking on site.

6. Toronto Ontario Temple The Toronto Ontario Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brampton offers some of the most beautiful grounds in the Greater Toronto Area. With its spectacular flowers and impressive fountains, the gardens of the temple are open to the public and are a welcome place of peace and refuge. Located on 10 acres of land, the site includes hundreds of trees, almost 8,000 annuals and a wide assortment of perennials. The Temple respectfully requests that there be no smoking, sports activities 5 or picnicking on the grounds.

Hours of operation: Open during the growing season on Sunday and Tuesday to Friday from noon till 8 pm, Saturday 8 am till 8 pm. Closed Mondays.

10060 Bramalea Road, at Bovaird Drive.

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For information on our Green & Fall Colour or Lakes & Rivers Self-Guided Tours, please contact Tourism Brampton at 905-874-3601, or visit www.tourismbrampton.ca For information on our Green & Fall Colour or Lakes & Rivers Self-Guided Tours, please contact Tourism Brampton at 905-874-3601, or visit www.tourismbrampton.ca