About the Garden

The Fredericton Botanic Garden

The Fredericton Botanic Garden is open to the public from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year, free of charge. The Garden can be accessed from Prospect Street (by the ball fields) or Cameron Court (off Hanwell Road), with parking available at both entrances. There are also two areas for foot access from Odell Park, one near each of the official entrances.
In addition to the Central Corridor, which runs from the bottom to the top of the Garden, there are numerous trails of varying lengths and challenges available for your enjoyment. Consult the map for more information on specific trails.

Enjoy the almost 20 individual gardens located throughout the property, designed to provide something new to see each week during the growing season. Please take nothing but photographs.

Leashed dogs, with well-trained owners, are welcome.

The Garden’s office is in the Resource Centre, at 10 Cameron Court. The Garden’s greenhouses, maintenance yard and holding beds are in immediate vicinity to the Resource Centre. Office hours vary, so check the Contact Us page for updates.

The Resource Centre can be booked for small meetings and events. Areas of the Garden can be reserved for special occasions such as weddings, family reunions, and photography sessions. Please contact the office for information and pricing.

Our History

In 1989, inspired by their common passion for botany and horticulture, a group of residents formed the Fredericton Botanic Garden Association (FBGA), dedicated to establishing a Botanic Garden in Fredericton. One year later, in 1990, the City of Fredericton dedicated a 21-hectare (53-acre) property at the west end of Odell Park, and the Fredericton Botanic Garden was born.
Since its establishment, the Garden has evolved through the joint efforts of the members, volunteers, and donors of the FBGA and the City. The Local Improvement Association (LIA) is a partnership between the Garden and the City that consolidates the interests of the parties in the ongoing success of the site.

The FBGA is a registered non-profit charitable organization overseen by a voluntary Board of Directors and managed by a professional staff. Board Committees engage in a variety of activities including site development, membership and volunteer services, and community outreach.  Committee membership is drawn from the Board and volunteers of the Garden.

Vision

Welcoming all to enjoy and to learn about the beauty and diversity of plants, gardening, and nature.

Mission

The Fredericton Botanic Garden welcomes all visitors and residents to enjoy and learn from an ever-improving collection of plantings, trails, and other displays. The Garden celebrates beauty, biodiversity, gardening practices and styles.

goals

The Garden is a community project carried out by volunteers in partnership with the City of Fredericton.  Like all gardens, it is not a static display and will never be “finished”. New plantings and other elements are added as funding is available.  The Garden will:
  • Provide recreational opportunities for the public through garden displays of foliage and flowers, walks, interpretive trails, talks and workshops, and other events;
  • Provide a contemplative space offering serenity;\
  • Educate visitors about gardening, plants, nature, and conservation;
  • Provide demonstrations of, and advice on, gardening techniques;
  • Complement other City and regional attractions in drawing visitors to the area; and
  • Contribute to making Fredericton an inclusive, sustainable, and livable community

The Garden’s Design Principles

Development of the Garden is based on the following principles:
  • The Garden is on unceded Wolastoqey land and works towards reconciliation.
  • Access to the Garden is open and free to all.
  • Accessibility to senior citizens and to persons with disabilities is considered in Garden design.
  • The Garden balances the ornamental, educational, recreational, and conservation functions of a botanic garden.
  • The Garden does not knowingly plant or distribute invasive alien species.
  • The Garden recognizes that our climate is changing and considers the sustainability of plantings under future climate scenarios.
  • The Garden celebrates its relationship with neighbouring Odell Park and seeks synergies between the two public spaces.
  • The Garden seeks cooperation with community groups and institutions holding complementary goals.

The Gardens

Welcoming all to enjoy and to learn about the beauty and diversity of plants, gardening, and nature.
The Upper Entrance Garden

This Entrance Garden with its oval lawn, circling pathway, sugar maples and benches provides a place for relaxation and contemplation as well as an introduction to the rest of the Garden. It is also a multi-use open space for community outdoor functions.

The Entrance Garden was officially opened on June 23, 2007 by the Honourable Herménégilde Chiasson, Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick at the time, and honourary patron of the Fredericton Botanic Garden, and Cindy Sheppard, Executive Director of the Fredericton Community Foundation.

The Fredericton Botanic Garden Association is grateful to the Fredericton Community Foundation whose major grant, awarded to mark the Foundations 50th anniversary, made the Entrance Garden possible. The Association also recognizes support received from the City of Fredericton and Association members in creating the garden.

Le Jardin Botanique de Fredericton Botanic Garden