Perennial Bed
Asiatic Lily
(Lillum Asiatica)
(Lillum Asiatica)
A popular group of hybrid lilies, these flowers are known for their vibrant colors, early blooming time and ease of growth. They are relatively short compared to other lily types, and flowers often face upwards, displaying a wide array of colors. While they lack fragrance, their striking blooms make them a favorite for adding early summer color to gardens and floral arrangements.
Clustered Bellflower
(Campanula Glomerata)
(Campanula Glomerata)
A herbaceous perennial known for its vibrant, clustered, bell-shaped purple flowers. It's a hardy and adaptable plant, thriving in full sun to partial shade and various soil conditions, though it prefers alkaline soil and well-drained conditions. The plant is relatively low-maintenance, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, and is deer and rabbit resistant.
John Davis Climbing Rose
Part of the Explorer series, this hardy rose is named after John Davis, who searched for the Northwest passage between the years 1585-87. This climbing rose is known for its abundant, light pink, double blooms and strong disease resistance, making it a popular choice for Canadian gardens. This rose can be trained on trellises, fences, or other structures, or grown as a free-standing shrub.
Liatris
Liatris is a native North American perennial known for its tall spikes of fluffy purple, pink, or white flowers. It blooms from top to bottom and attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Liatris thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s used ornamentally in borders and prairies, and dried flower spikes are popular in floral arrangements. It is also known as Blazing Star or Gayfeather.
Rhubarb
(Rheum x Hybridum)
(Rheum x Hybridum)
Rhubarb is a perennial vegetable known for its edible stalks and large leaves. While the stalks are safe to eat, the leaves contain oxalic acid, which is toxic and should not be consumed. Rhubarb is native to Asia and is commonly grown in cool, temperate regions. It's a hardy plant, often grown for decades, and can be harvested for extended periods, especially if the planting is to be abandoned. It is included in this garden as most pioneers would have access to it through cultivation.
Saskatoon
(Amelanchier Alnifolia)
(Amelanchier Alnifolia)
Saskatoon plants, also known as Juneberry, are native to North America and are known for their edible berries. They are deciduous shrubs or small trees, typically growing 1-4 meters tall, and are adaptable to various soil types. Saskatoon berries are valued for their nutritional content, including high levels of phenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins.It is also included in this garden as most pioneers would have cultivated the berries.
Strawberry
Strawberries are low-growing, herbaceous perennials best known for their sweet red fruits. They have toothed, trifoliate leaves and white flowers and spread via runners. Strawberries are best grown in full sun and moist, fertile, well-drained soil. Our variety is just ground cover, not edible.
White Nancy
(Lamium Maculatum)
(Lamium Maculatum)
This plant is a variety of spotted deadnettle known for its attractive silver foliage and white flowers. It's a popular ground cover plant, particularly in shady areas, due to its spreading habit and ability to suppress weeds. This plant is a great pollinator attractor, as well as deer and rabbit resistant.
Columbine
(Aquilegia)
Columbine is a genus of flowering plants that are known for their unique, spurred petals and fern-like foliage. They are popular as ornamental plants, and are often used in borders, rock gardens and woodland gardens.
This plant is attractive to pollinators, but all parts of the plant, especially the seeds and roots can be toxic if ingested.
In our gardens, we have many varieties of Columbine, such as Angel Dwarf.
This plant is attractive to pollinators, but all parts of the plant, especially the seeds and roots can be toxic if ingested.
In our gardens, we have many varieties of Columbine, such as Angel Dwarf.
Common Lungwort
(Pulmonaria officinalis)
The lungwort is a herbaceous perennial plant known for its spotted leaves and early spring blooms. Native to Europe, it is a clumping plant with pink flowers that mature to blue or purple. Historically used to treat respiratory issues and skin wounds, it is also a popular ornamental plant. Other common names of the Lungwort include: Jerusalem Sage, Mary’s tears, and Our Lady’s Milk Drops.
Rose Garden
Adelaide Hoodless Rose
(R. arkansana ‘J.W. Fargo’ x Assiniboine)
(R. arkansana ‘J.W. Fargo’ x Assiniboine)
A part of the Parkland Series, the Adelaide Hoodless rose is a hardy shrub rose, known for its vibrant red blooms and disease resistance. This rose is a member of the Parkland series and is named after the founder of the Women’s Institute, Adelaide Hunter. It is a hardy rose suitable for colder climates and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Blanc Double de Coubert
(Rosa rugosa ‘Blanc Double de Coubert’)
(Rosa rugosa ‘Blanc Double de Coubert’)
A highly fragrant, repeat blooming rose, the Blanc Double is quite hardy and low maintenance, thriving in various conditions. This heirloom variety prefers full sun and well drained soil, but can tolerate some shade and poor soils.
Frontenac Explorer Rose
Rosa ‘ Frontenac’
Rosa ‘ Frontenac’
The Frontenac Rose is part of the Explorer series, and is known for its ability to withstand winter conditions. It features clusters of fragrant, semi-double, deep pink flowers with yellow eyes, blooming from late spring through late summer. Frontenac has a compact, upright growth habit and is well-suited for mass plantings, hedges, or general garden use.
Modern Blush
Morden Blush is a hardy shrub rose developed in Canada, featuring soft blush pink flowers that fade to near-white. It blooms repeatedly from early summer to frost and has a compact, bushy form. This rose thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is used primarily for ornamental landscaping, with cut flowers suitable for arrangements thanks to its delicate beauty and mild fragrance.
Modern Ruby
Morden Ruby is a compact, disease-resistant shrub rose with deep ruby-red double blooms. Bred for cold hardiness, it flowers continuously throughout the season. Morden Ruby prefers full sun and moderately rich, well-drained soil. This rose is valued for landscape use and borders, with its vibrant color also making it an excellent cut flower.
Modern Snow Beauty
Morden Snowbeauty is a cold-hardy Canadian rose featuring pure white, slightly fragrant blooms on a bushy, compact shrub. It flowers in flushes from late spring to fall and is resistant to many common rose diseases. Best grown in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil, it is used for ornamental purposes in borders or mass plantings, with blooms suitable for cutting.
Simon Frazer Rose
Simon Fraser is a shrub rose with soft coral-pink flowers that bloom in clusters throughout the season. Part of the Explorer series, it is named after the Canadian explorer Simon Frazer, and was bred for cold climates and shows strong disease resistance. This rose grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s ideal for mass plantings, hedges, and as a colorful addition to rose gardens.
William Baffin Rose
(Rosa ‘William Baffin’)
(Rosa ‘William Baffin’)
William Baffin is a climbing shurb rose developed in Canada for extreme cold hardiness. Part of the Explorer series, it is named after the English navigator, William Baffin. It produces clusters of semi-double, deep pink blooms with golden centers that repeat through summer. It grows vigorously and can be trained along fences or trellises. William Baffin prefers full sun and well-drained soil and is disease-resistant. It’s used in landscapes for vertical color and is excellent for covering walls, arbors, or garden structures.
Winnipeg Park Rose
Also a part of the Parkland series, the Winnipeg park rose is a compact shrub rose, blooming from early June to early October. This rose prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and is resistant to mildew and blackspot. Its low and dense growing pattern makes it an excellent plant for borders as a foundation plant.
Other Plants
Baby’s Breath
(Gypsophila Paniculata)
(Gypsophila Paniculata)
Baby’s Breath is a perennial native to Europe and Asia, known for its airy clouds of tiny white or pale pink flowers on thin, branching stems. It blooms in summer and prefers full sun and well-drained, alkaline soil. Commonly used as a filler in floral arrangements, both fresh and dried, it’s popular in weddings and bouquets. In the garden, it adds a soft texture to borders and rock gardens. The variety in the Morgan garden is white, while the ones in the Station Gardens are pink.
Bloody Cranesbill
Bloody Cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum) is a hardy, low-growing perennial native to Europe and Asia. It features deeply lobed leaves and bright magenta or purple flowers from late spring through summer. The leaves turn red in fall, hence the name. It grows best in full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. It is used ornamentally as ground cover and in borders. Historically, parts of the plant were used in herbal medicine for their astringent properties.
Lady Bird Poppies
(Papaver Commutatum ‘Ladybird’)
(Papaver Commutatum ‘Ladybird’)
Lady Bird Poppies are striking annuals with bright red petals and bold black spots. Native to Asia, they thrive in full sun and well-drained soil and bloom in early summer. These eye-catching poppies are used in borders, wildflower gardens, and as pollinator plants. Though ornamental, all parts are toxic if ingested.
Sage
Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a woody perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region. It has gray-green, aromatic leaves and spikes of blue to purplish flowers. Sage thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Widely used in cooking, especially in poultry and stuffing dishes, sage also has traditional medicinal uses for sore throats and digestion. It attracts bees and is useful in herb gardens and pollinator plantings.
Virginia Creeper
Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a fast-growing deciduous vine native to North America. It features five-leaflet compound leaves that turn brilliant red in fall and produces small blue-black berries. It climbs via tendrils and adhesive disks, thriving in sun or shade and various soil types. Used ornamentally for wall and fence coverage, it also provides shelter and food for wildlife. Note: the berries are toxic to humans if ingested.
Chives
(Allium Schoenprasum)
(Allium Schoenprasum)
Chives are a perennial herb from the onion family, and are a popular choice for home gardens as they have many uses. They offer a delicate onion flavour to various dishes, as well as antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-flammatory properties.
Yarrow
Yarrow is a hardy perennial with feathery foliage and flat-topped clusters of small flowers that came in shades of white, yellow, pink or red. Native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, Yarrow is drought-tolerant and ideal for pollinator gardens. It thrives in full sun and poor to average soil. Traditionally used as medicinal herb for wounds and inflammation, it can also be used in teas and as a pest repellent.
Big Valley & Farm
Auricula Primrose
(Primula Auricula)
(Primula Auricula)
Auricula Primrose is a cold-hardy perennial native to mountainous regions of Europe. It has thick, leathery leaves and brightly colored, velvety flowers in rings of yellow, purple, white, or maroon. It prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Highly prized in alpine and collector gardens, auriculas are grown in pots or troughs for their ornamental value.
Cheddar Pink
(Dianthus Gratianopolitanus)
(Dianthus Gratianopolitanus)
Cheddar Pinks are mat-forming perennials with clove-scented, fringed flowers in shades of pink that bloom in late spring and early summer. Native to Europe, they thrive in full sun and well-drained, alkaline soil. Perfect for rock gardens and edging, they attract pollinators and provide long-lasting color. Their edible petals can be used to garnish salads or desserts.
Goldmoss Stonecrop
(Sedum Acre)
(Sedum Acre)
Also called Mossy Stonecrop, this plant is a hardy, drought-tolerant succulent native to Europe and parts of Asia. It forms dense mats of tiny, fleshy green leaves and produces bright yellow star-shaped flowers in early summer. It thrives in full sun and poor, well-drained soil. Used as ground cover in rock gardens and green roofs, it requires little care. Some traditional uses include treating wounds and burns, but it should be used cautiously due to potential toxicity in large quantities. In this garden it is found by the blue church on the hill, much like in the real location in Big Valley. We encourage you to visit this church and the historic Canadian Northern Station there.
Nest Spruce
(Picea Abies ‘Nidiformis’)
(Picea Abies ‘Nidiformis’)
The Dwarf Nest spruce is a compact, slow-growing evergreen shrub with a flat-topped, nest-like shape. A dwarf form of Norway spruce, it has dense, bright green needles and a tidy, rounded form ideal for small spaces. It prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Used primarily as an ornamental in foundation plantings and rock gardens, it provides year-round texture and form in landscapes.
Pussy Toes
(Antennaria Spp.)
(Antennaria Spp.)
Pussy Toes are low-growing, mat-forming perennials native to North America. Named for their fuzzy, silvery flower clusters resembling a kitten’s paw, they bloom in spring to early summer. They thrive in full sun and dry, rocky soils and are excellent ground covers for xeriscaping. Host plants for the American Painted Lady butterfly, Pussy Toes are also used for erosion control on slopes.
Columbine
(Aquilegia)
Columbine is a genus of flowering plants that are known for their unique, spurred petals and fern-like foliage. They are popular as ornamental plants, and are often used in borders, rock gardens and woodland gardens.
This plant is attractive to pollinators, but all parts of the plant, especially the seeds and roots can be toxic if ingested.
In our gardens, we have many varieties of Columbine, such as Angel Dwarf.
This plant is attractive to pollinators, but all parts of the plant, especially the seeds and roots can be toxic if ingested.
In our gardens, we have many varieties of Columbine, such as Angel Dwarf.
Harebell
(Campanula Rotundifolia)
(Campanula Rotundifolia)
The Harebell is a delicate perennial with thin stems and nodding, bell-shaped blue to violet flowers. Native to Europe, North America, and Asia, it blooms from summer to early fall and prefers full sun to light shade and dry, well-drained soil. It is used ornamentally in wildflower and rock gardens and is important for supporting bees and other native pollinators.
Asiatic Lily
(Lillum Asiatica)
(Lillum Asiatica)
A popular group of hybrid lilies, these flowers are known for their vibrant colors, early blooming time and ease of growth. They are relatively short compared to other lily types, and flowers often face upwards, displaying a wide array of colors. While they lack fragrance, their striking blooms make them a favorite for adding early summer color to gardens and floral arrangements.
North Side Pond
Candytuft
(Iberis Umbellata)
(Iberis Umbellata)
Candytuft is a fast-growing annual native to southern Europe, known for its fragrant clusters of pink, lavender, purple, or white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Candytuft is used ornamentally in borders and wildflower gardens, and its colorful blooms attract pollinators like butterflies. While not edible, it adds vibrant seasonal color to cottage-style plantings.
Fleece Flower
(Persicaria Affinis)
(Persicaria Affinis)
Fleece Flower is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial native to the Himalayas. It produces spikes of pink flowers that fade to red over time, blooming from summer into fall. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Primarily used as ground cover in borders and alpine gardens, it is non-invasive and provides long-lasting color and texture.
Ganzania
(Ganzania Linearis)
(Ganzania Linearis)
Gazania is a tender annual native to South Africa, known for its bright, daisy-like flowers in vivid hues of orange, yellow, pink, or red. The flowers close at night and on cloudy days. Gazanias thrive in full sun and dry, sandy soil. Used in containers and sunny borders, they are valued for drought tolerance and color. While not edible, their blooms attract butterflies and add cheerful color to landscapes.
South Fence
Japanese Spirea
(Spiraea Japonica)
(Spiraea Japonica)
Japanese Spirea is a small, deciduous shrub native to Japan and China. It features clusters of tiny pink, white, or red flowers that bloom in summer above attractive green or golden foliage. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and is commonly used in borders and mass plantings. Japanese Spirea is low-maintenance, deer-resistant, and suitable for pollinator gardens, though it can be invasive in some regions.
Allium
Alliums are ornamental or edible bulbous plants in the onion family. They produce spherical or starburst flower heads in purple, white, or pink, blooming in spring or early summer. Hardy and deer-resistant, they prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Edible types include onions, garlic, and chives, while ornamental alliums are used in perennial beds for vertical and architectural interest. Many also deter garden pests.
Meeting Creek
Hens & Chicks
(Sempervivum Spp.)
(Sempervivum Spp.)
Hens and Chicks are hardy, rosette-forming succulents native to Europe. They consist of a main rosette (“hen”) surrounded by smaller offsets (“chicks”) and produce starry pink or red flowers on tall stalks before dying. These plants thrive in full sun and gritty, well-drained soil. Popular in rock gardens, containers, and green roofs, they are used for their low maintenance, drought tolerance, and ornamental appeal. Historically, they were planted on roofs for protection from lightning and evil spirits.
Silver Sage
(Salvia Argentea)
(Salvia Argentea)
Silver Sage is a biennial or short-lived perennial valued for its large, soft, silvery-white leaves and tall flower spikes of white to pale pink. Native to southern Europe, it grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Often used for foliage contrast in ornamental plantings, it is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. Though not typically used medicinally like other Salvias, it is highly ornamental.
Creeping Juniper
(Juniperus Horizontalis)
(Juniperus Horizontalis)
A low-growing, evergreen shrub valued for its spreading habit and blue-green foliage that turns plum purple in the fall and winter. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade, and is adaptable to various soil types and pH levels. Junipers grow on the sides of coulees and cliffs throughout Alberta.
Goldenrod
(Solidago Spp.)
Goldenrod is a late-blooming North American perennial known for its golden-yellow flower spikes. It thrives in full sun and tolerates dry, poor soils. Often mistakenly blamed for allergies (the real culprit is ragweed), goldenrod is a vital late-season nectar source for bees and butterflies. It has been used in herbal medicine to treat inflammation and urinary issues and is excellent for naturalized plantings and meadows.
North East Corner by Raised Bed
Hops
(Humulus Lumpulus)
(Humulus Lumpulus)
Hops are vigorous, climbing perennials native to Europe, Asia, and North America. They produce cone-shaped flowers (called hop cones) used primarily in brewing beer for flavoring and preservation. The plant prefers full sun and rich, moist, well-drained soil and needs a trellis or support to climb. In addition to brewing, hops have been used in herbal medicine for their calming effects and are occasionally used in teas and sleep pillows.
Pasque Flower
(Pulsatilla Vulgaris)
(Pulsatilla Vulgaris)
Pasque Flower is a spring-blooming perennial with silky, bell-shaped flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white, followed by decorative seed heads. Native to Europe, it prefers full sun and well-drained, sandy soil. It’s valued for its early bloom and delicate, ferny foliage. Traditionally used in herbal medicine (though toxic if ingested raw), it is best appreciated as an ornamental in rock gardens and alpine beds.
Snow-in-summer
(Cerastium Tomentosum)
(Cerastium Tomentosum)
Snow-in-summer is a low-growing, silver-leaved perennial ground cover with masses of small, white flowers in late spring to early summer. Native to southern Europe, it thrives in full sun and well-drained, poor soil. Drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, it’s ideal for rock gardens, borders, and cascading over walls. It is used ornamentally for its striking contrast and soft, silvery texture.
Soapwort
(Saponaria Officinalis)
Soapwort is a spreading perennial with clusters of pale pink to white flowers and smooth, oval leaves. Native to Europe and western Asia, it thrives in full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. Historically, its roots and leaves were used to make natural soap due to their high saponin content. Soapwort is useful in cottage gardens and along borders but may spread aggressively if not managed.