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School of Horticulture: Facilities | Niagara Parks Canada

GARDENS
The Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and School of Horticulture is located on the Niagara Parkway, 8 km (13 miles) north of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. The beautifully landscaped Botanical Gardens cover approximately 34 hectares (83 acres). The major areas include an arboretum, mature tree collection, shrub and perennial collections, water features, vegetable garden and herb garden, dwarf conifer collection, Victorian rose garden and greenhouse and nursery production areas. Also found throughout the Botanical Gardens are attractive seasonal floral displays and specimen tree plantings.

RESIDENCE
In the student Residence, the Commission provides room and board free of charge as a taxable benefit for first and second year students. If the student forfeits this, there is no offsetting benefit. Third year students are required to obtain off-campus accommodation at their own expense and have the option of meals in the Residence at the appropriate rate. The recreation wing of the Residence provides students with a place for relaxation, entertainment and social activities.

GREENHOUSES & BUTTERFLY CONSERVATORY
Within the Botanical Gardens, greenhouses are operated by the students under the direction of instructional staff, in order to gain an understanding of greenhouse management. The majority of plants used in bedding designs at the Gardens are propagated here. Students also study at the Niagara Parks Greenhouses and the Butterfly Conservatory. Laboratory facilities in the Butterfly Conservatory are used for tissue culture, soil testing and entomology.

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING & LECTURE HALL
Administrative and Instructors’ offices are located in these two buildings. The Library features an automated catalog, historical and current reference materials including books, periodicals, videos and electronic resources covering a wide range of horticultural topics.

OTHER FACILITIES
The Herbarium features plant specimens collected by first year students. Each specimen is pressed, dried and mounted on suitable cards that are grouped in their respective families. The collection permits students to become acquainted with plant species of cultivated and wild origins.

Also included on the grounds are tool barns, equipment sheds, a café and a gift shop. There is no public transit to the School. The Niagara Parks People Mover buses operate to the grounds from April to November, running along the Niagara River Parkway between the Floral Clock and Table Rock Center at the Horseshoe Falls. Students are responsible for their own transportation, including school activities and study tours. Free parking is provided.