Gardens of Toronto

I promised pix of two Toronto gardens, and forgot that I actually visited three. First up: the Toronto Botanical Garden, which is located in the northeast corner of Edwards Gardens.

We lucked out with the weather when we visited–not a cloud in the sky.

The TBG’s centerpiece: a cityscape made up of plants.

A different view of the CN Tower.

A box full of flora and citrus, although the faded pictures in the windows also caught my eye. Below, a sampling of the garden’s more striking flora:

Just as striking: rhubarb in the vegetable garden.

A winding path suggests the TBG is just as notable for its fauna.

It wasn’t even Autumn yet, and I could not ask for a lovelier burst of colors.

A Japanese-influenced bridge accompanies a peaceful afternoon.

Another TBG centerpiece.

A trip to Toronto is not complete without at least one black squirrel sighting.

Later in the week, we returned to Casa Loma, an enormous early 20th century castle smack dab in the middle of the city.

For Steve and I, Casa Loma’s primary attraction is its backyard garden.

Above and below: a sampling of what one can find in Casa Loma’s gardens.

Casa Loma’s interior is worth a look as well, especially this stained glass dome.

Right down the street from Casa Loma is the Spadina Museum…

…which also has an extensive garden. Below, a few colorful close-ups:

Black squirrels love it here too. This one frivolously leapt across the lawn as I sat on a bench, taking in some fresh air and a little respite from the busy, sprawling metropolis that is Greater Toronto.