Summerland Ornamental Gardens
The 6-ha (15-ac) Summerland Ornamental Gardens overlook beautiful Okanagan Lake, Trout Creek Canyon, the Kettle Valley Railway Bridge and Giant's Head Mountain. They feature tree-lined walks, manicured lawns, meadows, a rose garden plus a xeriscape demonstration garden where visitors can learn about water-efficient gardening techniques.
There is also a museum dedicated to the agricultural and horticultural history of the Summerland Research Station, which established the gardens in 1916. If you enjoy picnicking, by all means bring a basket and enjoy a meal at a table or on the lawn of the gardens' sunny and serene picnic area.
Summerland Ornamental Gardens is a 15-minute drive south from Summerland via Highway 97.
A word or two on your visit:
- Admission by donation
- Approximate time required: 2 hours
Elysium Gardens
The 1.2-ha (3-ac) Elysium Gardens in
Kelowna have been called "a Shangri-La for butterflies." They do indeed contain a dazzling array of flowering plants.
While the beauty and serenity of the place will appeal to everybody, gardeners are sure to be inspired by the staff's commitment to organic and water-efficient gardening practices. There are formal and informal perennial display gardens, an herb garden, a Japanese-inspired garden and a perennial nursery where you can buy many of the plant varieties growing in the gardens.