Montréal Space for Life Invites Everyone to the 18th Great Gardening Weekend and the Reopening of the Reception Gardens

MONTRÉAL, May 15, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Montréal Space for Life is continuing to focus on light this month, as the spring blooms put on their fabulous show at the Montréal Botanical Garden. On May 22, 23 and 24, the Great Gardening Weekend will be kicking off the gardening season with an emphasis on shade- and sun-loving plants, and welcoming over 80 specialized exhibitors. It's the perfect opportunity to pick up some attractive plants and accessories for your flowerbeds and vegetable gardens. In conjunction with this annual event so popular with avid gardeners and after several months of renovations, the Reception Gardens are reopening to nature lovers by offering them an immense bouquet of flowers.

The 18^th Great Gardening Weekend – the place to make #gardenfinds
If you're a gardener interested in seeing what's new this year and making some green finds, you won't want to miss the Great Gardening Weekend. Quebec's largest gardening fair brings together all kinds of growers of rare and traditional plants and designers of original garden accessories. You'll enjoy the festive atmosphere as you browse through the selection of plants, tools and ornaments to brighten up your garden this summer. Learn more about plants' light requirements and get some tips from the horticulturists, producers and biologists on hand to help you plan your garden in terms of its exposure.

All three days, speakers from the gardening world will be giving talks on growing herbs, container-free gardening, new and improved plants, edible gardens, growing cacti and succulents in containers, using ground covers and growing berries.

The Henry Teuscher Award, rewarding horticultural visionaries
On Friday, May 22, the Henry Teuscher Award will be presented to an individual who has distinguished him or herself in recent years with an exceptional contribution to the advancement of horticultural knowledge in Quebec. Who knows, you may even run into the winner while strolling through the Botanical Garden.

The Reception Gardens get a makeover
This was the first large-scale renewal of the Reception Gardens since they first opened in 1937. The Botanical Garden main entrance, at the corner of Pie-IX and Sherbrooke, is a stunning and fitting gateway to the Garden, a jewel in the city's crown and one of the most beautiful gardens anywhere in the world. Come stroll along its inviting paths and rediscover the cascading pools and majestic fountain, the flowerbeds and low walls, all superbly restored.
The restoration followed the original plans drawn up by Henry Teuscher, the Botanical Garden's designer, and complements the Art Deco style of the Administration Building as it showcases the site's rich heritage.

Tickets/Hours: montrealspaceforlife.ca
List of exhibitors: espacepourlavie.ca/exposants-au-rendez-vous-horticole-2015

IMPORTANT
As in previous years, the Botanical Garden and the Insectarium will not be participating in Montréal Museums Day on Sunday, May 24.

The Great Gardening Weekend is presented in co-operation with the Friends of the Montréal Botanical Garden. We also wish to thank Fleurs, Plantes et Jardins for their collaboration.

Montréal Space for Life is made up of four attractions on the same site: the Botanical Garden, Biodôme, Insectarium and Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium. These four prestigious municipal institutions form Canada's largest natural science museum complex. Together, they are launching a daring, creative urban movement, urging everyone to rethink the connection between humankind and nature and cultivate a new way of living.

SOURCE Ville de Montréal - Biodôme de Montréal

Karine Jalbert, Communications Co-ordinator, Telephone: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]