Just outside Calgary’s downtown is a hidden park full of lush gardens, winding trails, and rich history.
Reader Rock Garden was created in 1913 as a tribute to Calgary Parks Superintendent William Roland Reader’s passion for plants and beauty.
A little slice of horticultural magic
Reader lived in a house that was constructed in 1912 for the private residence of Calgary’s Superintendent of Parks and Cemeteries. The creation of the garden began a year later and technically wrapped up in 1920, but Reader would continue to collect and experiment with plant material until his death in 1943. By that point, over 4500 species of plants had been cultivated in the three acres of land.
Reader’s plant collection was known internationally, and the quality of his plants and seeds was recognized by the most prestigious horticultural agencies in the world. At that time, it was common for horticulturists to collect plants on their journies to add to their gardens back home. It was sort of like a living souvenir. However, few of these gardens would reach the level of esteem that Reader achieved.
Reader’s work was revolutionary in that it challenged assumptions that the southern Alberta climate was too hostile for agriculture. And, of course, it was just plain beautiful.
The garden we know today
When Reader passed away, the garden was named in his honour and opened to the public as a city park. The park would fall in and out of disarray over the years, but would eventually be rehabilitated and reopened in 2006 according to a legacy of lists Reader left regarding his vision for the garden.
The Friends of the Reader Rock Garden Society describe the garden today as “not just a walk in the park, but a walk back in time.” In fact, some of the original plants still grow today. See if you can spot the nearly 40 of them — they’re labelled with tags throughout. Reader’s house has also been transformed into a seasonal garden cafe.
Reader Rock Garden was designated a national historic park in 2018. Check it out for yourself this spring to experience the wonder of Reader’s legacy.
Where: 325 25th Ave. SW
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