Sensory delights at the Royal Botanical Gardens

After our yummy lunch at Easterbrooks, we and our friends headed to the Rock Gardens, one of the several gardens of the Royal Botanical Gardens. Tulips and azaleas were still in bloom but were almost coming to the end of their season. Too bad we missed the cherry blossoms. Nevertheless, the flowers were lovely and the garden was so picturesque, it felt like being inside a postcard. The kids enjoyed running about among the varying terrains, around the trees and flower beds.

Rock Garden

After, we went to the Arboretum to check out the lilacs. Bursts of pink and lavender in varying shades greeted us. So many different varieties were sprinkled throughout the Lilac Dell. As well, when the winds blew, sweet scents wafted to our noses. How lovely! That day, they also had some entertainment going. The arboretum was filled with colour, scents and music! 

Lilacs at Arboretum

Our last stop was at the RBG centre. They had a tunnel leading to the Hendrie park which we checked out as well. However, it was too early for roses to be in bloom so we headed back to the centre.

Hendrie Park

We went to the Shop @ The Gardens which was filled with some very interesting items from local artisans. I have made a list of what I wanted to buy when we finally have a garden! Then, the kids played for a bit at the playground before going to the Mediterranean garden.

Playground

This two-level greenhouse contained many varieties of plants from the Mediterranean. I expect this to be a popular spot during winter when it will be cold everywhere but here.

Then, it was time to call it a day. If you cannot allocate a full day for the Royal Botanical Gardens, at least reserve an afternoon to visit 2 gardens. We saved the other gardens for next time. It was a wonderful, relaxing day filled with delicious food, beautiful sights, sweet scents and the great company of friends. A sensory delight indeed!

Hot Diggity Dog! –yummy dogs at Easterbrooks

A nice Sunday took us to meet friends at Easterbrooks hotdogs near the Royal Botanical Gardens. It felt like being on location at a Diners, Drive Ins and Dives episode. The only thing missing was Guy Fieri! There were 3 booths and a couple of counters with bar stools. It looked like your usual red/white/black diner from the 50’s (which has not been updated since) complete with Elvis’ photo on the wall.

It took us a while to decide on which topping to get for our footlong hotdogs. There were so many to choose from! But, being a chili-lover, I had to try their chili dog. I got a plain footlong to be shared by the girls. Hubby got a Nacho dog (with salsa) while Grandma got a Mexi dog (with salsa and cheese). We also got some onion rings on the side. Service was fast and friendly. The dogs were yummy and the toppings were generous enough. We were all quite happy with our choices. 

Before long, the girls were clamouring for some dessert. They had a whole section for ice cream with dozens of flavours to choose from. These were a bit pricey at about $3 per scoop—almost the same price as the less fancier footlong hotdogs. Sugar and waffle cones cost extra. The girls had Blue Bubble Blast (blue ice cream always attracts these kids!) and we tried some mint chip and almond fudge. They were ok but not really something I would come back for. As for the dogs, there are definitely enough varieties that I’d like to try out next time. Now the roses should be in bloom soon...another trip to Royal Botanical Gardens might be in store!