Summerland Ornamental Gardens

Established in 1916 as part of the Dominion Experimental Farm, now the Summerland Research and Development Centre, the 6 hectare, Summerland Ornamental Gardens was designed to help residents, choose ornamental plants for their gardens that would be suitable for the dry Okanagan climate. In collaboration with Agriculture Canada, the site is maintained by the non-profit society, the Friends of Summerland Ornamental Gardens. As you stroll through the Gardens you will have views of Okanagan Lake, Giant's Head Mountain and the Trout Creek Trestle railroad bridge, an outstanding engineering feat constructed for the Kettle Valley Railway. Visit the demonstration garden beds and learn principles of water-smart gardening with the diverse Welcome Garden, Xeriscape Garden, Butterfly Garden, Vegetable garden, Canadian Heritage Rose garden, Fairy Garden and more. The gardens are open year-round. Our society gratefully requests a minimum donation $5.00 per person to “keep us growing”.