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OFFICIAL BLOG OF NIAGARA FALLS TOURISM |
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EARLY SPRING IN NIAGARA: OUT OF THE WOODS AND INTO THE (BOTANICAL) GARDENS
By George Bailey
2009-05-07 10:35:47
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Looking for things to do in Niagara Falls this Spring? I asked Lorne Fast, instructor at The Niagara Parks School of Horticulture at the Botanical Gardens to tell me what's happening in the ground. Here’s what he had to say:
“As early May is upon us, the Niagara area is out of the woods as far as the risk of winter-like weather. Weather stats give the following temperatures for May 1st in Niagara Falls: average high a pleasant 17C (62F), average low 6C (42F), (yes, it did once fall to -3C (27F), but that was back in 1881). As spring hits its stride, the pace of unfurling the season’s new colours quickens as plants are warmed by the sun. This is most evident in the spectacular array of plants at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens.
In early May, the early and mid-season tulip buds in the rose garden are just beginning to show some colour. Their hardier cousins on the south side of the student residence, having been emboldened by the warmth of the sun, are confident enough to go all the way, splaying open their petals for all the world to see. But the real action is in the woodland garden behind the student residence. The ephemeral woodland plants beneath the trees are in a hurry – they need to get their flowering done before the warm sun is blocked by the canopy’s emerging leaves. Here the white Dutchman’s breeches are out in full bloom(ers), hanging upside down from the plant’s newly created temporary laundry line. The fumewort (corydalis) has also opened its flowers to create a smoky purple haze over the leaf strewn forest floor. The forget-me-not flowers of the Siberian bugloss emerge in a hazy light blue cloud above tender new foliage.
As you move out of the woods into the rock garden, you'll find the dwarf mat and cushion-forming plants from high alpine meadows happily blooming in the cool mid-spring air. Blue & purple aubrietas, bright yellow basket-of-gold, dwarf narcissus and hardy dwarf species tulips show off their ephemeral colours against the grey pitted limestone rocks. Across the drive, the large pink saucer magnolia flowers bloom against the clear blue sky. Further down the drive the clear soft yellow ‘Elizabeth’ and ‘Yellow Bird’ magnolias are just beginning to open. As you explore the Gardens further, other shrubs also are at the front of the line to show off their wares before the foliage takes over: Corylopsis, with pendulous clusters of pale yellow, early pink Korean rhododendrons, the aptly named ‘Big Dude’ magnolia with its huge rose purple & white tepals.
All of these can be explored at your leisure, now that we're out of the woods and into the Botanical Gardens.”
Comments
rina
we plan to visit the niagra falls in august 2009, we are religius jews and we want to know if it's possible to get kosher breakfast and lunch in on of the hotel around the falls sincerely yours, rina
George
Rina, I'm not sure, but I will check it out today.
George
Rina, I haven't forgotten about your question as to whether there are any kosher restaurants in Niagara Falls. I have checked with severl sources and no one is aware of any of these restauarnts. Sorry.
George
Rina, Just after I sent you the blog I had someone call me with the name of a Kosker restaurant. It is called King Davids and is found on Centre Street at the top of Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls. Their number is 905-357-1010
linda
Hi george, I am planning a trip to Toronto from the US and thought I might stop by Niagra falls. What are the differences for the tourist if experienced from the Canadian verses US side of the border? Thanks.
george
Linda, The biggest difference is the view you get. From the Canadian side of the border you look directly into both falls. From the United States side the view is a side view. Both are spectacular. The Canadian side also has a large 3500 acre park with lots of gardens and attractions-restaurants-golf courses-gift shops etc. Hope this helps.
Amy Wagner | Camping
Spring has to be most beautiful time of the year and let me tell you I just can't wait for it to arrive here in South Africa, winter seems to feel as though it has been here all year round.
Mendy
purchases”??? or should I make 2 items “fries sales”, and “fries bulk”? Please be advised that we are providing Kosher food in Niagara Falls - Canada. see our webpage for details.. Also 'Chabad Niagara' is a Jewish outreach org in town who provides Jewish services to the Jewish community in the Niagara region... and in the tourist seasons all the Jewish needs for visitors.. All the best George.
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Photos by George Bailey...
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