Stop and smell the flowers in Rideau Lakes! Summer is the best time for viewing seasonal gardens with that burst of bright colours and sweet-smelling blooms. Discover award-winning gardens, parks and nurseries to get your flower fix in Rideau Lakes.
Gardens
The Rideau Lakes Horticultural Society actively hosts events that are all things garden throughout the growing season. In summer and fall 2025, look for events highlighting floral arranging, preserving trees, a field trip to Montreal Botanical Gardens, and forcing spring bulbs. Explore upcoming events on Instagram @rideaulakeshort.
Harlem Stonegate Bed & Breakfast
This historic 1850s stone farmhouse is a past winner of accolades for its culinary offerings and unforgettable hospitality. However, guests also enjoy the gardens and peaceful fields complete with wildlife and wildflowers. To get a closer look, book a reservation for breakfast, dinner or treat yourself to an overnight stay. (Please contact by telephone at (613) 272-9110 to make your reservation 48 hours in advance.) Also look for the glamping experience, offering an unforgettable chance to combine the charm of the outdoors with the comforts of a cozy retreat.
Harlem Stonegate, photo by Matthew Liteplo
The Opinicon
With carefully curated gardens, colourful buildings with heritage stories, and beautiful waterfront views there is always something new to see at The Opinicon. Walking up the stone path to the main restaurant, guests are surrounded by an interesting mix of perennials in eye-catching colours. Stop by the ice cream shop or reserve a spot for lunch or dinner overlooking the lake in the dining room, or the landscaped lawns from the pub and patio. Discover more – and a great backstory. This property is also featured on the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Garden Adventures Tour.
No. 9 Gardens
Look here for all things growing! No. 9 Gardens workshops cover topics on ecological garden design, Indigenous agriculture, garden-to-table cooking, soil health, clay-making, children's art, plant walks and so much more.
No. 9 Gardens, photo by Tim Forbes | RTO 9
Parks
Lower Beverley Lake Park
Did you know that it’s free to walk into the park? Spend an afternoon seeing mini-gardens and award-winning blooms at Lower Beverley Lake Park where many campers cultivate flowers at their seasonal sites. Explore the beach, trails, canteen (the pizza here is top notch!) and playground while walking around to admire the flowers.
Lower Beverly Lake Park Website
Hanna Park
Sit in the gazebo or on the bench under the leafy canopy to take in the beauty of the Big Rideau Lakes. Hanna Park is located in Portland on the shores of the Rideau Canal and boasts a pollinator garden. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic, too, so bring your blanket, your bestie and some snacks! Learn more about other parks in Rideau Lakes on the Beaches and Parks page.
Garden Nurseries and Growers
Rideau Lakes and growers go hand-in-hand! With a rich agricultural history and bountiful harvests, summertime is the right time to check out producers in the township that enable local food from farm to fork.
Luna Moth Blooms and Bounty
This small-scale hobby farm in Rideau Lakes specializes in seasonal blooms and garden veggies. The roadside stand is located at 4775 Briton Houghton Bay Road, Portland.
Luna Moth Blooms and Bounty Facebook page
Newboro Farm Gate Gardens
Open seasonally, mark this on your list for spring next year before the end of June. You will see colourful blooms and delicious herbs! Get ready to grow with help from the greenhouse at Newboro Farm Gate Gardens. This garden centre near Newboro specializes in plants, flowers and herbs. Check out their annuals, perennials, herbs, vines, hanging baskets, potted containers, garden features, top soil, garden mix, black loam, and container mix. Typically open in spring and again in the fall.
Newboro Farm Gate Facebook Page
The Garden Shop
Dreaming of beautiful gardens? Fuel your obsession at Ridgecraft near Newboro, with beautiful garden products and planters at the garden shop. This space will have what you need to plan an epic flower or vegetable garden this sunny season – or landscaping products to take your green thumb to the next level. The backbone of Ridgecraft's garden shop is in garden centre supplies, carrying over 2500 products.
Lost Woods Farm
Hanging Baskets, plants and more! Located on County Road 8.
Lost Woods Farm Facebook Page
Wendy’s Country Market
Local food, greenhouses, showcasing nature’s beauty! Look for markets and music events on site, alongside beautifully thought out gardens accenting the property. A place to slow down, enjoy an ice cream cone, marvel at the blooms and visit some animals!
Seeds
Heritage Seed and Produce
Still on the hunt for seeds? Dreaming of next year’s garden already? It’s always a good time to order seeds. Check out the heirloom beauties at Heritage Seed and Produce. They specialize in rare heirloom vegetable seeds without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
Heritage Seed and Produce Website
Heritage Walking Tours
Did you know that many of the historical sites in the villages of Rideau Lakes have pretty accompanying gardens? Stroll through our communities to see for yourself:
- Walking Tour of Delta
- Walking Tour of Chaffeys Lock
- Walking Tour of Portland
- Walking Tour of Elgin
- Walking Tour of Newboro
Explore the villages with a peek into the past – learn about the history hiding in plain sight! See all five heritage walking tours and enjoy the flowers along the way.
Did you know? Rideau Lakes is the Daffodil Capital of Ontario! In early spring, you will find happy little clusters of bright yellow daffodils along roadsides and in private gardens all over the Township! Daffodil Days run from mid-April to mid-May each year.
Rideau Lakes Grow For it Garden Contest
Get out your shovel and take your garden to the next level! The Township of Rideau Lakes, in partnership with the Rideau Lakes Horticultural Society, invites the public to participate in the annual Grow for It! Garden contest by nominating yourself, your neighbour or a local business for residential, edible or commercial categories. This year, there is a new online nomination form, too! The deadline for nominations is July 31, 2025 and a Garden Picnic is planned for August 27 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Lower Beverley Lake Park.
No matter where you turn in Rideau Lakes, there’s a garden waiting to be discovered!
