At the Royal Botanical Gardens, Wonderland comes to life through vibrant blooms and whimsical design
Winter at the Royal Botanical Gardens is anything but dull. From Feb. 1 to March 30, 2025, the garden’s newest curated botanical exhibit, Alice in Bloomland, transforms the season’s cold and grey atmosphere into an escape where orchids bloom in abundance, whimsical art installations play with scale and colour, and visitors are invited to step into a world that feels both surreal and familiar.
The exhibit brings to life the whimsical imagery of the 1865 novel by Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Kim Viney, chief operating officer at the RBG, shared that the theme was born from a year-long focus on nostalgia, tapping into a story recognized across generations.
As the RBG’s first large-scale floral showcase, the exhibit goes well beyond simple arrangements. Viney explained that the team carefully balanced natural and built elements, incorporating lush florals and plants into elaborate set pieces, creating a space where nature doesn’t just decorate but becomes part of the storytelling.
Unlike traditional exhibits, Alice in Bloomland invites visitors to experience the spirit of Lewis Carroll’s imagined Wonderland in their own way. Some may be drawn to the playfulness of the props, while others may focus on the artistry of CoBALT Connects’ textile installations.
“We didn’t want to dictate how people should enjoy it,” said Viney. Instead, the space is designed to surprise—every visit offers something new to discover.
We didn’t want to dictate how people should enjoy it.
Kim Viney, Chief Operating Officer
Royal Botanical Gardens
As the winter brings bare outdoor gardens, the RBG aimed to create a warm and lively experience to contrast the season’s grey skies.
“People have told us they walk in and immediately feel lighter, like they don’t need to escape to the south,” said Viney.
People have told us they walk in and immediately feel lighter, like they don’t need to escape to the south.
Kim Viney, Chief Operating Officer
Royal Botanical Gardens
Located at the RBG Centre at 680 Plains Rd. W. in Burlington, Ont., Alice in Bloomland is just 15 minutes from McMaster University by car or 30 to 40 minutes by public transit. With the semester wrapping up and exams approaching, students can immerse themselves in a whimsical and natural scene.
September 30 to October 6 – what’s important about these seven days? In the literary world this week is known as Banned Book Week. Contrary to its title, the purpose of this week isn’t to stop reading certain books. Instead, it is a week devoted to reading books that have been banned throughout history. The following is a list of a few of the books that have been banned throughout history and the reasons for why they were banned.
The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Yes, the beloved Harry Potter has been banned and continues to create conflict after fifteen years of publication. The reasons behind banning Harry Potter are obvious: witchcraft and promoting homosexuality. I got a good laugh after reading a discussion board on a Baptist website entitled, “12 Reasons Why Harry Potter Should Be Banned” which stated that: “True Christians only touch a Harry Potter book when they are throwing it onto a fire.” Sounds sacrilegious to me.
Favourite Quote: “It takes a great deal of courage to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends.”
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carrol
Another childhood classic, Alice was banned for sexuality and drug use. Not to mention that there have been rumours about whether or not Carrol wrote the stories because he was in love with the real Alice (a ten-year-old girl). Despite these rumours, the story itself does not contain anything remotely sexual and no drug use is mentioned (unless you count one hookah-smoking caterpillar). In China, Alice was banned for fear that children would think that humans and animals were equal. How dare they?
Favourite Quote: “I can't explain myself, I'm afraid, because I'm not myself, you see.”
Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Surprisingly enough, this popular first read for many kids was challenged for showing children in a negative light. The main character, Max, is a mischievous child who throws a tantrum and his mother sends him to bed without dinner. Parents were outraged. A child…having a tantrum? And being punished for bad behaviour? Blasphemy! It was also banned for apparently promoting witchcraft.
Favourite Quote: “And Max, the king of all wild things, was lonely and wanted to be where someone loved him best of all.”
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Believe it or not, The Great Gatsby was banned by a Baptist College in South Carolina for references to sexuality and strong language. And to think, I had to read this in high school! Can I just emphasize that it was a college banning The Great Gatsby – not a high school, not a grade school, but a college.
Favourite Quote: “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”
So if you’re feeling risky this week, indulge in a banned childhood classic or two. Let the brainwashing begin!
- Sarah O'Connor
