Feasibility of a Garden Tourism Project at Abbey Gardens

Feasibility of a Garden Tourism Project at Abbey Gardens

Alex Schweinberger, Katie Hunter, Kohl Kuntz, Kyha Craig, Riley Piening

Abbey Gardens, Heather Reid

Tom Whillans,Trent School of the Environment

#4940

2020

online

Haliburton

Recreation & Tourism
Environmental Studies
Gardening

Abbey gardens is interested in exploring the potential for a garden tourism project on their property. Garden tourism is defined as a type of tourism that involves travelling away from one’s home to spend time/money in an area designated for horticulture by the property owner. Tourists visit gardens of cultural, historical, or educational significance, as well as gardens with events and programming (e.g. shows and festivals). A study from the mid-2000s found that over 3 million Canadians participated in garden tourism that year as part of a multi-day vacation. This report looks at other Canadian garden tourism operation that may be comparable to what Abbey Gardens is envisioning for their property, including: Plant Paradise Country Gardens in Caledon, Ontario; Landman Gardens and Bakery in Grand Valley, Ontario; Whistling Gardens in Wilsonville, Ontario; Redford Gardens in Grand Metis, Quebec; Edward Gardens in Toronto, Ontario; and, Coventry Gardens in Windsor, Ontario. The features deemed most suitable for consideration for Abbey Gardens to include in any tourism garden plans (besides plants of course!) include an outdoor venues space that could be used for live music and other events, and a rockery garden area.