the friends of stratford's shakespearean garden

ABOUT US

The Friends of Stratford’s Shakespearean Garden is an organization consisting of individuals who choose to dedicate their time and resources in an effort to support the preservation, enhancement and awareness of this historically significant property.

The organization is currently undertaking several exciting enhancement and fundraising projects which will be included and updated here shortly.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Friends of Stratford’s Shakespearean Garden simply fill out the form below and someone will respond to you shortly!

OUR PATRON:

Renowned Musician Loreena McKennitt Becomes Patron of the Friends of Stratford’s Shakespearean Gardens

We are thrilled to announce that the internationally acclaimed musician, Loreena McKennitt, has graciously accepted the role of patron for the Friends of Stratford’s Shakespearean Gardens. A Stratford native, McKennitt began her career as an actress at the Stratford Festival before achieving worldwide fame as a singer-songwriter. Her deep-rooted connection to the city and her commitment to community involvement make her an invaluable asset to our organization.We are honored to have her support as we work to preserve and enhance this beloved green space.

Recent Initiatives

The Friends of Stratford’s Shakespearean Garden has dedicated countless hours to restoring and enhancing this beloved green space. Our efforts have yielded several significant improvements:

Rose Garden Revival: In 2022, the Friends undertook a project to restore the garden’s rose beds. The Friends lovingly donated 50 new rose bushes, breathing a new life into this cherished feature of the Shakespearean Gardens.

A Tapestry of Blooms: Our collaboration with the Canadian Peony Society has transformed a section of the garden into a breathtaking peony haven. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Canadian Peony Society generously contributed over 100 peony varieties to the Long Bed in the Gardens, creating a stunning visual spectacle. The final stage of the three stage planting will be completed in the fall of 2025. The Friends of Stratford’s Shakespearean Garden extend a heartfelt thank you to the Peony Society for this significant contribution – the largest donation of plant material in the Garden’s history!

A Noticable New Edition: In May 2024, The Friends donated a crab apple tree and arranged for its planting on the upper lawn area – adding a touch of elegance while providing a valuable food source for local wildlife.

A Happier Holiday on Dufton Tower: In the fall of 2023, the Friends purchased a 6 foot diameter holiday wreath and had it installed on the Dufton Tower, creating a wonderful touch of holiday charm visible even to motorists driving by. The Friends are working with Stratford’s Board of Park Management with the goal of adding electrical service to the site, so the wreath can be illuminated for an even more spectacular holiday display this coming 2024/25 season.

The Trillium – Ontario’s Flower: In the spring of 2025, The Friends are planning to purchase and donate over 200 Trilliums to the Shakespearean Gardens.

These accomplishments are a testament to the Friends’ dedication to preserving the heritage of Stratford’s Shakespearean Garden while ensuring its vitality for future generations.