Hothouses at Summerhill, 1964

At midnight this Friday, the voting for the People’s Choice Award for Kingston Blooms 2017 closes. Kingston has had a long love affair with botanical beauty, having one of the oldest horticultural societies in the province. In 1889, the newspaper announced the creation of the Botanical Society:

Dr. Litchfield has pleasure in complying with the request to make a note of any suggestions that occur to him in regard to the formation of a Botanical Society in Kingston…. Canada is interested in diffusing a knowledge of her botanical productions, and equally so in acquiring productions from other countries suited to her soil and climate. The university of Queen’s College is interested in the formation of a Botanical Society and Garden, Botany being taught in the College. The piece of land in front of Queen’s College has a fine aspect and excellent drainage. It is well situated as a site for glass hothouses.

The above image shows where the hothouses were located to the left of Summerhill in 1964. Here’s hoping you are all enjoying all the city’s gardens. And don’t forget to vote for your favourite for Kingston Blooms!