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Friends of Reader Rock Garden Society

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The Garden

The Garden
Garden Concept & Statistics

Garden Concept & Statistics
Plant Collection

Plant Collection

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Open from sunrise to sunset

FoRRGS AGM – Completed – Thank-You to Attendees!

April 2, 2026May 4, 2026
Blog Events News #ReaderRockGarden #yyc

Welcome 2026!

February 26, 2026
Blog Events News

Registrations Are Now Open! NARGS Conference and AGM

February 4, 2026May 5, 2026
Blog Events News

About Us

1

Friends of Reader Rock Garden Society ("FoRRGS") is a non-profit, volunteer advisory group that works in conjunction with the City of Calgary to uphold the integrity and beauty of this Legacy Park/Garden and National Historic Site.

One man’s vision

In 1913, William Reader had a vision which transformed the city landscape into a garden oasis. By 1943, over 4500 plant varieties had been lovingly cultivated in the three acres of land adjacent to Union Cemetary.

Today, the rehabilitation and progress of the Reader Rock Garden continues as we strive to maintain Reader’s vision.

Learn more.

 

 

readerrockgarden

📍 Canada’s First Green Flag Award Winner 🏆
📍 First Legacy Park in Canada
📍 Canadian National Historic Site
Drink in the beauty. Life is beautiful. Drink in the beauty. Life is beautiful.
Flowers opening like they’ve been waiting for this Flowers opening like they’ve been waiting for this all along. “I could watch you for a lifetime” — and honestly, I just might. Reader Rock Garden, May 8, 2026 #ReaderRockGarden #SignsOfSpring #CalgaryBloom #FlowersOfInstagram #SpringGarden
Happy Mother’s Day to all who nurture, tend, and p Happy Mother’s Day to all who nurture, tend, and protect their own quiet corners of the world. This is the Upper Garden, Martha Rose Reader’s private retreat. While her husband William Reader worked across the rest of the garden, Martha kept this sanctuary just for herself. Their grandchildren remember being allowed in only with permission, and best behaviour was always required. Imagine Martha, from 1912 through 1944, retreating to this sanctuary above the house, watching the garden come to life below and around her. No noise, only the space she had claimed as her own. That small sanctuary still exists today. This photo was taken on May 8, 2026. We invite you to imagine having such a place for yourself. #HiddenGemYYC #GardeningHistory #SpringVibes #CalgaryParks MarthaReader Source: Reader Rock Ramblings, 2009, Volume 1, Issue 1, Page 3
Signs of spring: deep purple crocus in bloom. 💜 N Signs of spring: deep purple crocus in bloom. 💜 Nothing says hope like these little petals breaking through the soil. 📍 May 8, 2026 #SignsOfSpring #PurpleCrocus #SpringBloom #HelloSpring #GardenMoments
The light slipped through the leaves just so. An The light slipped through the leaves just so. And I fell in love without any warning at all. I already know what comes next week: a new love waits somewhere in the green. #ReaderRockGarden #CalgaryBlooms #SpringInLove GardenMoments
🌸 Our spring dreams have come true ❤️ From first 🌸 Our spring dreams have come true ❤️ From first buds to full bloom! This is the season we’ve been waiting for. 🌷✨ 📸 taken April 30 in Reader Rock Garden Tell me in the comments: which flower is your spring spirit? 👇 #SpringDreams #FloralFeels #BloomSeason
Happy 20th anniversary to the reopening of Reader Happy 20th anniversary to the reopening of Reader Rock Garden. Spring 2006 marked a new chapter for this beautiful historic site. Twenty years later, it remains a place of peace, history, and natural beauty in the heart of the city. Whether you visit for the rocks, the garden, or the quiet moments in between, this landmark continues to inspire. Celebrate this milestone by taking a walk through time and nature. #ReaderRockGarden #HistoricSite #GardenAnniversary #YYCParks #Spring2006
If you listen closely, you can hear the hum of spr If you listen closely, you can hear the hum of spring settling in. Two blooms, two busy pollinators, and a garden waking up right on time. Reader Rock Garden on April 30, 2026. Nature’s first handshake of the season. #ReaderRockGarden #CalgaryPollinators #Spring2026 #GardenBees #SeasonalRhythms
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