Minor makeover planned for showhouse
It’s maintenance time for the Floral Showhouse.
The 73-year-old attraction run by the Niagara Parks Commission will be closed from Monday through to Oct. 21 for minor renovations including painting and some window replacements.
The work is expected to brighten up the place, which last year attracted 59,000 fans of flowers and greenery. It’s on the Niagara Parkway just north of Dufferin Islands.
“There was one major addition to it in the early 1980s, the front visitors centre,” said Parks spokesman Tony Baldinelli.
“But the showhouse itself dates back over 70 years and portions (of the original building) are still there.”
When the showhouse reopens Oct. 22, it will feature its annual chrysanthemum show, which includes different varietals of the autumn flower including spiral chrysanthemum trees.
This year’s show incorporates the colour of the year, ultra violet, in what’s described as a twist on the traditional autumn scene.
The first Floral Showhouse opened in 1894 and was reconstructed in 1945.
Among its most famous residents is the Titan Arum, the world’s tallest flower, which blooms regularly.
The Floral Showhouse is included on the parks commission’s Adventure Pass, which offers admission to different attractions. While it is closed, users can substitute it for passes to the White Water Walk.