An extensively illustrated history and celebration of North America’s finest Victorian public gardens

The Halifax Public Gardens are the oldest and finest Victorian public gardens outside the United Kingdom. This is the authoritative visual account of their history including the story of how a destructive hurricane led to a complex restoration project drawing on heritage experts from across North America.

This book shares how the Gardens came to be, how they were designed, and how they have been maintained over the decades. Authors Robert Pace, Robert Salah and Peter L. Twohig elaborate on Gardens’ notable features, including the bandstand, memorial fountains, stone bridges, water features and varied wildlife.

The breadth and complexity of the Gardens’ botanical and architectural beauty is exemplified in more than 150 archival images and contemporary full-colour photography.

When the future of the Halifax Public Gardens was in doubt after sustaining significant damage during Hurricane Juan in 2003, authors Robert Pace and Robert Salah spearheaded the community-led conservation effort that followed. The account of how this was accomplished is illustrated with images of the hurricane’s damage and a portfolio of the project’s breathtaking results.

This beautiful book documents an important cultural treasure, and explains how public engagement and support have ensured the preservation of this valued public park.