Civic Garden Complex

If you are looking for a quiet corner of nature amidst the city bustle, the Civic Garden Complex will be a real discovery for you. Located in the picturesque city of London, this site is one of the gems of the province of Ontario in Canada. The complex is a harmonious blend of modern greenhouses and cozy gardens, open to visitors year-round.

The main attraction of the complex is the Manness Conservatory. Within an area of nearly two thousand square feet, lush tropical jungles in miniature unfold. Here you can see exotic plants, trees, and a picturesque pond inhabited by fish and turtles. The architecture of the building, designed by Richard Hammond, emphasizes the beauty of nature, providing a comfortable microclimate even during cold Canadian winters.

In addition to aesthetic pleasure, the complex fulfills an important social mission. Flowers and herbs are grown here to decorate city spaces, and food aid programs are supported. This is a place where the work of volunteers and professional gardeners turns into living art, accessible to every guest of the city.

If you have any questions regarding your visit or are planning to host an event here, you can contact the administration using the details below.

At the Civic Garden Complex, everyone will find something to their liking. The highlight of the program is a walk through the greenhouses and the Manness Conservatory. Visitors can admire rare tropical plants, breathe in the scents of exotic flowers, and watch turtles in the cozy pond. It is an ideal place for relaxation on comfortable benches surrounded by greenery.

For curious tourists, educational tours are available. You can learn about the multi-functional use of the greenhouses, the secrets of growing plants for city needs, and biological insect control methods. Photographers will appreciate the complex for its abundance of natural light and magnificent backdrops for portraits and nature macro photography.

The surrounding area also deserves attention: restored forest zones and well-maintained trails invite you for a breath of fresh air. The Birch Room frequently hosts gardening enthusiast meetings, and the complex itself is a popular venue for wedding ceremonies and workshops, offering guests scenic views of the gardens.

The Civic Garden Complex is located in the eastern part of the expansive Springbank Park, near the intersection of Wonderland Road and Springbank Drive. This is a convenient location in the western part of the city with excellent transport accessibility. For visitors arriving by car, free parking is provided on the complex grounds.

If you prefer public transport, use the London Transit services. It is best to check routes and current schedules on the carrier's official website before your trip. Bus stops are within walking distance of the garden area entrance.

The complex is also easily accessible by taxi from the city center or the train station. The journey takes about 10–15 minutes, making a walk among tropical plants accessible even for those with limited time.

The history of this green oasis dates back to the early 20th century. As early as 1913, landscape architect William Dilger suggested using the eastern part of Springbank Park for horticultural purposes. The first official city greenhouse was erected here in 1922, and the modern greenhouse facilities began operation in 1985, replacing outdated structures.

The current Civic Garden Complex in its modern form opened in September 1996. The $1.4 million project was made possible through productive collaboration between the city and private individuals. A significant portion of the funds was donated by Keith Manness in memory of his father, Samuel, a former city alderman. This is why the famous conservatory bears the name Manness Conservatory. Another important partner was the Garden Club of London, whose contribution helped create the Birch Room for community meetings.

Interestingly, the famous Wonderland Gardens, featuring a bandshell and dance floor, were previously located on this site, having opened in the 1930s. Unfortunately, the historic dance floor was destroyed by fire in 2005. Today, the garden complex continues the traditions of hospitality and aesthetics established over a century ago.

The building's design was developed by architect Richard Hammond. Today, the complex serves not only as a place for relaxation but also as an important production center: thousands of plants are grown here annually to decorate city streets, schools, and social facilities, maintaining the city's "Forest City" status.

To fully experience the Civic Garden Complex, including touring the greenhouses and relaxing in the Manness Conservatory, you usually need 1 to 2 hours. This is plenty of time to leisurely stroll along the paths and admire the tropical flora.

If you plan to take a guided tour, participate in one of the Garden Club events, or simply want to enjoy the silence by the turtle pond for longer, set aside about 2–3 hours for your visit. You should also consider time for a walk through the adjacent areas of Springbank Park.

For general public visits, the Manness Conservatory is typically open Monday through Friday from 12:00 PM to 2:40 PM. Between April and December, the conservatory often welcomes guests on Sundays and holidays as well, from 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM.

Please note that hours of operation are subject to change due to private events or educational programs held in Birch Hall. We recommend checking the current schedule on the official website before your visit to ensure your walk is as comfortable as possible.

Exploring the surroundings of Springbank Park can significantly enrich your trip experience. Nearby, you will find both entertainment facilities for the whole family and important historical landmarks reflecting the region's rich heritage.

Many of these attractions are just a few minutes' drive away, allowing you to create a full-day itinerary. Below is a list of interesting locations nearby: