The Royal Botanical Gardens is pure magic for nature lovers. It’s lush gardens, extensive trail systems, and programs that foster people’s love of the outdoors all strengthen our connection with the natural world. Every year, the RBG presents a winter feature that families look forward to (who can ever forget Frogs! and Nature’s Superheroes?).

This year, get ready for something truly unique and extraordinary: Alice in Bloomland! With eye-popping floral artistry, this playful, dreamy exhibit will transport you to the pages of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Whether you’re an artist, a gardener, or a fan of Alice’s adventures, Alice in Bloomland is sure to dazzle your senses and brighten your season.

From February 1 to March 30, 2025, this family-friendly indoor exhibit invites you to tumble down the rabbit hole into a whimsical wonderland that brings the iconic tale to life. Alice in Wonderland was first published in 1865 and has become one of the world’s most beloved and recognized works of children’s literature. The fantastical realm created by Lewis is full of clever and peculiar characters such as the Mad Hatter and Cheshire Cat. It’s a place where animals talk and nature comes alive – even the flowers have personalities!

At Alice in Bloomland, visitors will have the opportunity to walk through towering life-sized floral installations with more than 25,000 real blooms, including stunning tropical orchids, bromeliads, tillandsia and other exotic plants. Textile-based artworks crafted by local and international artists add an extra layer of creativity, bringing florals and art together to honour the children’s classic in enchanting ways.

This exhibit also showcases local talent and businesses. The installations are created by Toronto-based prop makers, while the vibrant orchids and tropical plants are sourced from a Niagara- based grower.

The kid in all of us is sure to enjoy this colourful and soul-feeding experience. Don’t miss the chance to brighten your winter season with a topsy-turvy journey through Wonderland!

With your Alice in Bloomland ticket, you can also enjoy same-day access to other RBG attractions, including the Mediterranean Garden and Imagination Playground. Thursdays through Sundays, guests can also visit Hendrie Park and The Rock Garden.

Mediterranean Garden

Who else is craving a Mediterranean escape in the middle of Canadian winter? This beautiful greenhouse features plants from the world’s five Mediterranean climate zones. Beat the winter chill and let the lush greenery and warm vibes whisk you away to sunnier days.

Imagination Playground

Kids of all ages can unleash their creativity with the big blue blocks! These giant, uniquely shaped foam blocks are perfect for building and stacking. Located in the atrium, this self-guided playground promises hands-on fun.

The Rock Garden

While this garden is stunning to visit in the spring and summer, even in the chill of winter the experience is magical. From towering pines to charming dwarf spruce, it’s a showcase of evergreen beauty. Don’t forget to breathe deeply—the fresh earthy scent is pure winter bliss.

Hendrie Park

Even in winter, Hendrie Park offers a scenic escape to nature. Stroll through the snow-dusted pathways and admire the heritage trees, shrubs and sculptures.

Exhibit Dates and Hours

• This time-ticketed exhibit requires pre-registration, so secure your spot early!
• February 1 – March 30, 2025 Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm (final entry 4 pm)
• Special extended hours on Family Day (February 17) and during March Break (March 8–16), opening at 9 am

COST

• Adult Tickets start at $19.50 (+ HST & $2 service fee)
• Senior, Student, Child and RBG Member pricing available
• Tickets and more information are available at rbg.ca/alice.

By Lisa Evans

Wellness check: how are you coping in the aftermath of the worldwide pandemic? Although 2020 seems like a lifetime ago, the ripple effects of Covid 19 linger as many people struggle with mental health and addiction issues. Huge complications such as the economic downturn, increased food insecurity and the housing crisis have converged to create a perfect storm affecting our friends, family members and neighbours.

I’m an example of this. Normally an extroverted, friendly person who strives to be the life of the party, since the pandemic I feel anxiety when in large social situations. Furthermore, I haven’t ventured onto a plane in five years (but hope to soon)! I’ve also noticed that my alcohol consumption has risen while my fitness level has declined. And I know that I’m not alone.

Raising awareness, lessening stigma, and increasing access to services are crucial. Equilibrium Burlington’s 4th Annual Walk to the Lighthouse For Mental Health and Addictions on Sunday, September 22 aims to do just that.

The walk supports Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation’s (JBH) For All Minds campaign, which seeks to raise $20 million to expand its Mental Health and Addictions Department.

The goal of the campaign includes relocation and expansion of the In-patient Mental Health and Addictions Unit, the addition of a psychiatric intensive care unit, relocation of the Outpatient Mental Health Unit, and a new Child and Youth Mental Health Day Hospital.

Melanie Walker, the Intake Coordinator for Out-Patient Mental Health at JBH, co-chairs the Walk to the Lighthouse Committee, aided by people with lived experience. As suggested by the committee, registration is free, enabling everyone to participate.

As Intake Coordinator, Walker’s role is to review referrals and determine the starting point for people needing services. This could include a referral to programs such as psychiatric consult, concurrent disorders, first episode psychosis or Dialectical Behavioural Therapy.

She notes an influx of referrals due to the pandemic, numbering 5,000 a year. Youth, adolescents, and new mothers in particular are struggling, and new programs will respond to their needs.

AN IMPORTANT CAUSE

A December 2023 study, “Understanding the Mental Health of Canadians Through Covid 19 and Beyond, Poll #18” by Mental Health Research Canada reports that one in three Canadians have been diagnosed with anxiety or depression since the onset of the pandemic. Anxiety and depression levels are 57% and 33% higher than pre-pandemic.

One in seven Canadians (15%) reported accessing mental health services in the last year, although finding help can be problematic. When asked why they didn’t access mental health care, 31% didn’t know where to get help, and 20% said wait times were too long. Twenty percent couldn’t afford services, and 21% reported access to care was limited.

Walk to the Lighthouse For Mental Health and Addictions on Sunday, September 22 supports Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation’s (JBH) For All Minds campaign, which seeks to raise $20 million to expand its Mental Health and Addictions Department.

The For All Minds campaign aims to redefine mental health services and update the unit. “The expansion is needed because the services are presently spread out in the hospital,” Walker says. “People deserve to be in a safe and healing environment. The aim of the walk is to raise awareness of the services and to let people know we are here and we have the resources if they reach out.”

Last year’s walk was an outstanding success with 300 people of all ages and stages participating, including a woman who used a walker to complete the 5K circuit. A total of $53,000 was raised!

Getting involved in Walk to the Lighthouse helps those with lived experience make a difference while helping others and themselves. “It is the best feeling when we walk in unity with no shame and no stigma,” Walker says. “People stop to ask why we are walking, and those walking are open about it. This is a day of hope to tell people that they aren’t alone and that there are services and people do care.”

The event starts at the JBH parking lot and participants walk 5K to the lighthouse and back.

Find out more, and register to walk or donate here walktothelighthouse2024.funraise.org

By CYNDI INGLE