Skip to content

Friends of Reader Rock Garden Society

Skip to content
  • The Garden
    • The Reader Story
    • Historical Timeline
    • Historical Photographs
  • Plan Your Visit
    • Location
    • Event Bookings
    • Reader’s Garden Cafe
  • News & Events
    • What’s New
    • Blog
    • Newsletters
    • Events Calendar
  • Get Involved
    • Join Us
    • Volunteer
    • Adopt A Bench
    • Donate
    • Contact
  • About Us
  • Member Login
    • Profile
    • Renewal
    • Logout
The Garden

The Garden
Garden Concept & Statistics

Garden Concept & Statistics
Plant Collection

Plant Collection

Not yet a member? Join us today! Register

Open from sunrise to sunset

Welcome 2026!

February 26, 2026
Blog Events News

Registrations Are Now Open!

February 4, 2026
Blog Events News

Best Wishes from FoRRGS! See you in 2026

December 14, 2025
Blog 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
Registrations Are Now Open! Registrations Are Now Open!
The Best of the Season ... Merry Christmas, Happy The Best of the Season ... Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, or however you celebrate, may it be peaceful & joyous. See you in 2026!!
Do you have winter photos or videos of the garden? Do you have winter photos or videos of the garden? We’d love to feature your images! Send us a DM or invite us to collaborate, and we’ll happily showcase your wedding, winter family fun, or winter foliage photos or reels.
🌿 Welcome to Reader Rock Garden YYC 🌿 As one of A 🌿 Welcome to Reader Rock Garden YYC 🌿 As one of Alberta’s designated Provincial Historic Sites, this garden is a living treasure — home to rare plants, rich history, and the wildlife that calls it home. Help us protect its beauty by following a few simple guidelines during your visit: 🌱 Respect the Plant Collection Please don’t pick flowers, collect seeds, or remove any plants. 👣 Stay on Trails Stick to designated paths and grassy areas to help preserve delicate plant life. ⛰️ Watch Your Step Trails can be sloped and uneven — wear appropriate footwear and take your time. 👥 Small Groups Only Groups must be no larger than 15 people due to the narrow, historic pathways. 🦊 Keep Wildlife Wild Admire animals from a distance — do not feed or disturb them. 🐕🚫 No Dogs Allowed To protect the garden’s sensitive environment, dogs are not permitted. 🤝 Share the Space Kindly Be considerate of other visitors enjoying the tranquility of the garden. By following these guidelines, you help preserve Reader Rock Garden’s unique plant collection and historical charm for generations to come. 🌸💚 Thank you for caring for this special place!
Imagine a garden with 4,500 different plants! 🤯 Th Imagine a garden with 4,500 different plants! 🤯 That was the scale of William Reader’s passion project. In an era before computers, he meticulously kept lists and a “week-by-week” guide, ensuring something was always in bloom from early April to late October. He was a true plantsman, hiking the Rockies to collect native species like the Western Wood Lily and even sending seeds to royalty in England! Today, you can still see survivors from his original plantings—look for the nearly forty large plant tags on your visit. Have you spotted any of these heritage plants? Tell us in the comments! 👇 #LivingHistory #PlantCollection #RockyMountainFlora #CalgaryParks #ReaderRockGarden
Dreaming of summer 🪻 Dreaming of summer 🪻
Calgary’s best-kept secret? 🤫 Reader Rock Garden i Calgary’s best-kept secret? 🤫 Reader Rock Garden is a stunning symphony of stone and bloom. These breathtaking captures by the talented @lorimclellan perfectly capture the magic of this place—where every path tells a story and every flower has a place to shine. 🌿💐 Feeling inspired to wander? Save this post for your next dose of serenity! #ReaderRockGarden #Calgary #YYC #ExploreAlberta #GardenLovers #Botanical #CityOfCalgary #PublicGarden #TravelAlberta #FindYourCalm #GardenPhotography #FlowerPower
Stairway to heaven... or at least, to one of Calga Stairway to heaven... or at least, to one of Calgary’s most enchanting hidden gems. 🌿✨ Wandering through the Reader Rock Garden feels like stepping into a secret, sun-dappled world. Each step up this beautiful staircase reveals a new burst of color, a new fragrant bloom, and a deeper sense of peace. It’s a love letter to horticulture and a perfect little escape right in the heart of the city. Have you visited this magical spot yet? #ReaderRockGarden #Calgary #YYC #ExploreCalgary #GardenGoals #HiddenGems #BotanicalGardens #StairwayToHeaven #CityEscape #Wanderlust #TravelAlberta #PlantLover #GardenLife #PeacefulPlace
Follow our Flowers

 

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Google Maps
  • Email

© 2025 Friends of Reader Rock Garden Society (FoRRGS) All Rights Reserved