Gardens of the World: Canada – Reader Rock Garden, Alberta, Calgary

Very close to downtown Calgary, the largest city of Canadian province of Alberta, you can find a unique garden from the first half of twentieth century, which makes it the oldest still operating garden in western Canada. This is no exaggeration as the longest existing botanical garden in Canada, in Vancouver, was founded only in 1916. Present area of Reader Rock Garden is 1.5 ha and it was started by the superintendent of Calgary parks, William Roland Reader, who kept constructing it in years 1913 to 1943. It is located just south of Stampede Grounds, on the northern slope of the Cemetery hill.

Although Calgary lies in the prairie, right from its western edge it can be considered foothills of the Rocky Mountains. That is the area where Mr. Reader collected plants for his new garden. During 30 years of his endeavour, he planted some 4500 various plants, mostly from mountainous areas of Alberta but of course also from the prairie. His garden served not only as a showcase but also as a research area for cultivation of south Alberta plants in city parks and gardens. His results were often publicized in the pages of Calgary press. Therefore, his activities deserve high merit for use of local wild flowers in public recreation areas, planting of trees along avenues and streets, for creating more city parks, child playgrounds, design of golf courses and tennis courts. But the lasting achievement, still carrying his name, is this particular garden.

Some of the local plants like Pink Pussytoes (Antennaria rosea), Shooting Star (Dodecatheon pulchellum) or Western Wood Lily (Lilium philadelphicum) were brought to cultivation by him. He even sent seeds of the mentioned lily to British Royal Court. Reader was introducing into cultivation plants from other parts of the world of which the best example is introduction of Blue Poppy (Meconopsis betonicifolia) from eastern Himalaya, cooperated and traded plants with Frank Skinner in Manitoba and for the same reasons he was in contact with arboretum of Harvard University in US and Kew Gardens in London, UK.

After a period of neglect, the garden had been reconstructed at the beginning of 21st century and in 2006 it was re-opened to public, and it is still in care of City of Calgary Parks department. It still features constructed pools, a stream with a bridge and a bog garden. Besides a large rockery featuring alpine plants, flowering perennials and shrubs, some areas are densely planted with trees and shade loving plants. Reader’s original house has been restored and houses Reader’s Garden Cafe open to public.
Presently the garden is favourite target for relaxation of Calgarians and visitors of Calgary. Its role is also in education of the young generation as the courses for the local schools are available here. Special programs like Solstice picnic are available for adults. Botany buffs and birders come here all then time to quench their passion.

The whole garden is a real testimonial to a person whose main concern was to create excellent human environment in a fast growing city by creating green spaces and protecting natural areas. Use of our local wild plants is only a bonus we should be protecting.