Memorial University of Newfoundland Botanical Garden
The Memorial University of Newfoundland Botanical Garden is operated by Memorial University of Newfoundland in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. It is located on Mount Scio Road in the suburbs of St. John's, and was founded in 1971 under the supervision of Bernard Jackson. It became a not-for-profit organization in 1994. The current director is Dr. K. Wilf Nicholls, host of NTV's Homegrown. The garden and nature trails were developed to provide a place where people of all ages and depths of interest can learn about the plants and natural environment of Newfoundland. The park's emblem is the Twinflower (Linnaea borealis).
Site
The headquarters building is located on a 3-acre (12,000 m2) site on Mount Scio Road. The Butterfly Garden is located here, along with a rock garden, peat beds, and an area of 'old Newfoundland' flowers. A system of trails is provided within the larger portion of the park, the Naturalistic Area. Small rough meadows have been created for meadow and roadside flowers.
Butterflies
Plants producing nectar have been developed to maintain the two species of Swallowtail butterflies, three species of White's and Sulphur butterflies, five species of Woodnymphs, ten species of Brush-footed butterflies, four Gossamer, and two Skipper species that are found within the park.
Friends of the Garden
The Friends of the Garden, also known as FOG, has assisted with the garden since 1976. The president, Howard Clase, has been an active participant in the garden since the 1970's and heads the Sunday Morning birdwatch.
Staff
MUN Botanical Garden is run and held together by a small, yet strong staff along with the help from the Friends of the Garden. The Garden has a wonderful Visitor Services desk with friendly help and constant smiles. There is also a beautiful gift shop perfect for any occasion. Complete with children's toys, clothing, jewellery, and many ornamental objects. Along with grounds maintenace to maintain the many beautiful gardens, MUN Botanical Garden is well known for not only for its beauty but its education. The education staff is constantly preparing children's programs (along with adult programs) to educate children and adult's alike about the beautiful flora of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
See also
List of botanical gardens in Canada