by Debbie Ricalton, Shona Clarke, and Deb Lee
Nestled in the community of Bridgeland-Riverside is one of Calgary’s best kept secrets – the CNIB Fragrant Garden at #15 Colonel Baker Place NE (just off 11A Street). This naturally managed perennial garden provides a true sensory experience that is fully accessible to everyone. It offers peaceful, tucked away spaces, a bold and beautiful progression of flowers through the season, lovely and impactful fragrances, and interesting textures. This combination creates an atmosphere for both quiet contemplation and opportunities for community all year round. It is truly one of the few gardens of its kind in the country. Stop by and experience all that it offers.
The Fragrant Garden was established in 1999 and surrounds the CNIB Calgary corporate offices with nearly an acre of lush gardens. Originally conceived to provide those with limited vision a safe, barrier-free outdoor garden to stimulates the senses, it has also become a refuge for the surrounding community and meeting place to create connection. It has accessible pathways, benches to sit and experience the garden, picnic areas, and a fountain – where you can simply enjoy the sounds of water with the rustle of the leaves from the surrounding trees. In recent years, the garden has become a centre of activity while still maintaining its sanctuary for patrons who have enjoyed it for years. You’ll find a welcoming green space for residents from nearby apartment buildings and an amazing place for exploration by children.
The Fragrant Garden is open to the public and we invite you to visit often. Plan to take time to experience the garden not only with your eyes but with all your other senses for that truly immersive experience. We hope that with each visit, you find a gem that you haven’t experienced before.
The garden itself is entirely supported and managed by volunteers – gardeners, community volunteers, and corporate volunteer groups, but in recent years, it has experienced some decline. A group of master gardeners have taken on the challenge of returning the garden to its former glory.
We’re looking for local volunteers to help us. You would be included under the umbrella of the CNIB volunteer program and need to be willing to work 6 hours a month under the direction of a master gardener on planned morning work bees. For more information, please connect with the BRCA Board.
You’re also invited to attend our Open House at the garden on June 25 from 12:00 to 4:00 pm.
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