February in Canada brings some sunny days, but plenty of cold, often snow or at least rain of the freezing variety. Unable to escape to warmer climes means that we can find the tropics right here at the Gage Park Greenhouse in Hamilton, Ontario.
This greenhouse is fairly new, having opened in March 2019. I still have fond memories of the older much smaller greenhouse that existed in Gage Park. Memories filled with explorations of plant life with my children when they were younger.
This new greenhouse is much larger at 14,000 square feet, more modern, and much brighter with all the glass panes letting in the light. Palm trees rise to the ceiling lending to the vacation vibe.
The pandemic lockdowns ensured closures over the last two years, but now, this February 2022, the greenhouse is open again to the public. It is free of charge, but show your vaccine certificate and photo ID to enter and enjoy the lush tropical vibes of this exquisite place. (I think that process will change again after March 1st.)
As you enter, the waterfall area greets you joyfully. Turtles lay lazily on the rocks, while fish swim around them, and the variety of tropical trees and flowers pull at your desires to linger while reading the signs and noticing the flowers and beautifully manicured greenery. The pristine pathway encourages you to enjoy the journey, and the sitting areas mean that you can loaf a little longer.
As I walked around I noticed a young woman, who had just arrived, unpacking her painting supplies. I wish I had taken a picture of her and her work, but didn’t want to rudely interrupt her creative joy. This is a great place to relax and engage with your favourite artsy activity. What a great idea she had.
I took a few pictures, and made this lovely video (my creative joy) for you to enjoy. I hope you like it and will get a chance for a joyful visit soon.
I do have a thing for greenhouses in the winter. They offer a beautiful winter respite and a lovely little tropical getaway close to home.
Have you visited any greenhouses near you that you would recommend?
The greenhouse is in the middle of Gage Park with plenty of free parking in the lot off Lawrence Road. The pathway from the parking lot takes you straight to the greenhouse entrance. You can’t miss it.
Life with Alegria 
I’m here laughing at your videos because I’m in the tropics right now and a lot of the things I see in this video are right here in Jamaica. My aunt also has a pond in her backyard with the Coys but it’s the banana tree that did it for me, love it!
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Oh gosh I’m envious. How lovely to be there and enjoy these gorgeous trees and plants. Hoping you’re getting lots of time swimming in the Caribbean. Enjoy your time there!
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What are great idea, you’re right there in the the tropics in winter. Will check out videos later when I’m off the road.Beautiful!
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Sounds great! Let me know what you think of the videos. It’s lovely to be in the tropics in winter. You know! 😁
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I loved all the videos, so well and calmly narrated.
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Thanks very much Jan. I appreciate your words of encouragement. I do enjoy making them. 🙏💕
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I don’t know why but I do not get notifications about your new posts in my Reader…
It’s awesome that there are tables to sit at in there. I don’t really see that in greenhouses. The Australian Tree Fern was pretty cool. I have to admit that I feel spoiled now that I live in a warmer climate. Often times I end up disappointed because I see those on a regular basis.
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Oh that is pretty fortunate to see those trees regularly. And live in a warmer climate. Though I think I’d miss winter if I did. Did I just say that? 🥶
Aren’t those trees amazing. I love this greenhouse and the fact that you can linger a while here.
Hmmmm, not sure why you aren’t seeing my posts in the Reader. I thank you for taking the time to seek them out Sam. Much appreciated!
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I can definitely see the beauty of winter (now that I’m mostly away from it), but I know myself and know that I would be tired of it within a week.
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Looks like a lovely afternoon. Do they have a cafe there as well? They could maybe up the biz if they had an eatery. 😁
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It absolutely was. Thanks CT! There isn’t a cafe there, though I can easily imagine one. Thing is it is in the middle of the city with plenty of cafes and eateries around. Additionally, the place would need to meet a whole new set of business regulations as a food service, so there’s that. Still a great idea!
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I recognised the big tree fern and the bunya nut (2:04 in the video). I see lots of those in my local area. It’s interesting that you can make flour from the Bunya nut but you have to prepare it properly otherwise it’s toxic. The greenhouse at the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney is pretty good but the best one I have been to is (are) the one(s) in Glasgow. An amazing series of buildings.
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Thanks very much for visiting Robyn and sharing about the Bunya. I had no idea. Next time I visit I will look even closer.
I have heard about the ones you mention, though have never been. Would love too though.
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How wonderful that you can escape to the Gage Park Greenhouse! It reminds me of my birthplace 🙂
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Your birthplace was surely a tropical paradise then. And yes, it was a lovely midwinter escape. Thanks for reading Rosaliene.
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This is bigger than most that I’ve known but I do recall sighning with relief at being inside the warmth of a conservatory. There’s a lovely one at Harlow Carr in Yorkshire, and Kew, of course. And in Madeira a fabulous one full of orchids, but you don’t really need to escape the cold there.
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They all sound fabulous Jo. And regardless of the weather greenhouses are wonderful to visit. I just find them extra special on a cold winter’s day. Though I’ll take Madeira too. 😁
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Beautiful imagery ❤️
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Thanks very much!
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You are most welcome ❤️
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I love greenhouses and this one looks fantastic! I’ll have to look up if there is one in my area. Thanks for sharing!
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This one is pretty fantastic. You’re not too far for a little road trip out this way. So maybe you’ll visit soon. Thanks for reading!
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I think we will!
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This looks absolutely beautiful!
I had the same thought after seeing a couple of your images.. how wonderful would it be to just sit there and read a book.. and then you spoke about the girl who came there to paint!
Just amazing!
So wonderful that you got to visit such a beautiful place!!
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It is a lovely place for reading, painting or even just to stop and let your mind wander. It is a beautiful place Swapna. Thanks for joining me on this journey.
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Wow – what a beautiful treat you have shared with us! Thank you for this delightful, enriching and joyful post! Such a treat for all our senses.
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So lovely to have this little treasure fairly close to home. Especially in the winter. Thanks for coming along.
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Hi Alegria, This is a beautiful greenhouse. It reminds me of Longwood Gardens in Deleware. It is so strange seeing all the snow outside against the extreme green and tropical atmosphere inside. Lovely. I would want to go there every day! Thanks for visiting me today, too.
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You’re exactly right Marsha, the snow outside was the perfect juxtaposition and made the experience extra cozy. I had to take off my winter coat. Felt like a tropical paradise. Thanks for coming along! 💕
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Very fun. I need to add music and update some of my videos I’ve taken of some wonderful experiences I’ve had. You did a great job with yours.
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Thanks so much Marsha! I have a lot of creative fun putting these together.
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I can tell Lovely work.
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Thanks so much Marsha!
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Of course.
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I don’t know why, but turtles make me smile. This makes me wish there was a conservatory within a short drive to me.
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Sorry to hear there isn’t one Em. It makes for a lovely getaway in winter observing joyful flowers and of course the turtles. They made me smile too.
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