Gardens

Riverview Park and Zoo has many gardens and naturalized areas to explore.

Summer flowers and shrubs and tress along the pathway to the train bright pink and light purple flowering ground cover Coral Bells shapes flowers in garden

Butterfly Garden

These gardens were planted to promote native butterflies and monarchs. Located near the playground, these gardens of host plant species attract and promote pollinator species to help them flourish and do their important work.

Welcome to the butterfly garden sign

Naturalized Areas

Planted to prevent erosion, provide goose control and provide shelter and food for local wildlife. Meadows, grassy areas, urban forest and naturalized areas, especially along the shoreline are a big part of the Park and Zoo. Shoreline restoration projects in partnership with the local Otonabee Region Conservation Authority and with the help of many volunteers have helped to protect against erosion and invasive species.

Shoreline with new plants and signs about erosion

Low water techniques

Over the years different gardens have been used as xeriscape or low water demonstration gardens. The main office garden was once planted with water saving features like drought tolerant species, ground cover and rain barrels. A Water Wise garden was planted near the Dobbin Building featuring native species that require little water to thrive.

Office garden in bloom with inukshuk structure

Floral Garden

Beautiful flower gardens adorn the Park and Zoo for visitor enjoyment. Our grounds team works hard to plant and maintain these many gardens. Generous community groups like the Peterborough Horticultural Society have donated the plants and seeds each season to grow and blossom.

Front gate gardens with lavender and ground cover

Browse Garden

Browse gardens grow foliage, shrubs and trees that supply essential vegetation for the zoo animals. The animals benefit from nourishment as well as natural behaviour enrichment like stimulating scent glands and foraging for food. Our horticultural staff work closely with the animal care team to provide this key component of health for the animals. Browse gardens grown on the property can be cut and given to the animals in their exhibits.

Trees and shrubs, purple apple blossoms

Sundial Garden

At the heart of the Park and Zoo is the main office that hosts beautiful flowers and shrubs and at the centre of it all you will find the Sundial. Come and explore all the garden has to offer.

Sun shining through trees and shrubs along a path that leads to the sundial