The Public Gardens

Halifax has been the scene of many “firsts” in Canada.  These eighteen acres, comprising one of Canada’s most attractive Victorian public gardens, derived from an earlier site, part of the original Common, chosen for the Gardens in1841, the year of corporation as a city.  It was the fashion of the time to be seen walking in the Gardens and enjoying the music supplied by military hands.  About 1859, a further attraction was added: the first indoor skating rink in Canada was erected where the pavilion now stands.

A public lawn tennis court, again the first of its kind in Canada, was established in the Public Gardens, and the first of many public concerts was held, as they are  still held today.  Deer, which were then numerous, were relocated and the handsome wrought iron gates at the main entrances, bearing Halifax’s original coat of arms, were installed in 1890.

Trees are treasured in Halifax.  The Public Gardens have been the supply source for many trees that now beautify public spaces in Halifax.  Some trees planted by the earliest settlers are still thriving today, to the city’s joy.

The Halifax Foundation and the Halifax Regional Municipality Millennium Committee are pleased to present the “Markers of Distinction” program as a cooperative project to celebrate 250 years of Halifax-Dartmouth history and the arrival of a new millennium, in 1999-2000.

The Halifax Foundation ~ Plaque

Going to share a few pretty flowers in this entry for you from the gardens and then in a few days I will share some images of the gardens.