Programs & Events

When fully operational in 2030, the Freeman Patterson Centre will welcome visitors from late spring through early fall. Guided tours and educational programs will invite visitors to explore the garden’s beauty while learning about horticulture, ecology, photography, and the natural world.

The Garden will continually be developed and maintained to offer the public a succession of woodland, native and cultivated plants in bloom and with distinct colours. Individuals will be invited to walk through all areas of the 18 acres including the four acres of the rhododendrons and azaleas.

With assistance from the community and partners, the Freeman Patterson Centre will also become a respected venue for providing professionally delivered training and skills development workshops in the desired areas of visual design, photography, natural history, ecology, horticulture, gardening, and personal well-being. Workshops will be delivered in a variety of ways by staff or volunteers, and through partnerships.

The Centre will work alongside community organizations, educational institutions, conservation groups, and volunteers to develop programs that respond to community interests while celebrating the unique environment of Shamper’s Bluff.

Commitment to Minimizing our Environmental Footprint

It is the immersion in the natural surroundings that will make programs and workshops offered by The Freeman Patterson Centre unique, impactful and meaningful. Environmental considerations are fundamental to the planning of programs we offer, including visitor capacity limits, parking requirements, and the timing of garden maintenance.

As the Centre grows, new workshops, public events, volunteer opportunities, and seasonal programs will be announced on this website and through our mailing list.