Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/500391
20 g o i n g p l a c e s | s u m m e r 2 0 1 5 assiniboine park conservancy, the forks winnipeg, No oNe likes to be led dowN the gardeN path – unless, of course, it's summer in Manitoba and the path in question will take you through one of the province's most vibrant and exotic public gardens. Our picks for Manitoba's best gardens. 1 • Best overall garden assiniBoine Park gardens, WinniPeg Whether you're a horticulturalist, art lover, herbalist or just want to stop and smell the flowers, there's something at Assiniboine Park for everyone. ose who want a classic garden setting can take in the beautifully symmetrical Formal Gardens or the more natural English Garden, with its stunning displays of water lilies and irises. Visitors with limited mobility will appreciate the Abilities Garden, designed to reflect the healing power of plants. Volunteers from Transplant Manitoba maintain the striking Garden of Life – a tribute to the thousands of organ donors and their families – with flowers that depict the shape, colour and care of the body's vital organs. Guests can also learn more about culinary and medicinal herbs at the Herb Garden. Last, but certainly not least, the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden is home to hundreds of bronze statues and other works by the late world- renowned artist who once called Winnipeg home. www.assiniboinepark.ca/ attractions/gardens.php 2 • Best Prairie garden Prairie garden, the Forks, WinniPeg It's not the only prairie garden in Manitoba, but the Prairie Garden at e Forks is definitely the top pick in this category due to its variety and location. Instead of the usual public garden variety of tulips and roses, visitors will discover unique prairie crocuses, wild irises and 36 other prairie- specific plants. In fact, the half- acre retreat boasts a total of 10,000 different plant species. is herbal beauty is a vibrant oasis in the middle of the city and a living record of our local horticultural history. And as it overlooks the Red and Assiniboine rivers, Prairie Garden is also one of those top 5 the Forks' Prairie garden in downtown Winnipeg.