The Shakespearean Gardens.

‘I know a bank where the wild thyme blows, Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows, Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine, With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine.’

A Midsummer Night's Dream (1595-6) act 2, sc. 1, l. 249

The Shakespearean Gardens are located on the west side of Huron St., downstream from the Orr Dam, adjacent to the current Huron St. bridge. They were inaugurated in 1936, predating the Shakespearean festival by almost two decades. Their original objective was to honour the floral actors in Shakespeare’s collective works. All of the flowers mentioned in the above quote are present in the gardens.

The gardens were opened by Lord and Lady Tweedsmere with floral gifts and seeds from King George VI and later Queen Mary. Today, the gardens include a bust of Shakespeare, created by Cleeve Horne, a surviving chimney from the Duffton Woollen Mill (previously on the site) and a gazebo. The local businessman, Thomas Orr, was a passionate advocate for establishing parklands along the length of the river, beginning with the gardens. Their beauty and serenity inspires us to further beautify the gardens and parks along the Avon. The gardens received a historical designation in perpetuity on their 90th anniversary in 2026, ensuring their protection well into the future.

The River Above the River Below is a vision inspired by the Provocations Ideas Festival. 

Introduction | Shakespearean Gardens  | Orr Dam | Allward Monument | The Tom | Festival Theatre | The Lookout | Healing Waters | Island  | Gallery Pathways | North Shore | TJ Dolan Pathway | Conclusion