Downton Abbey in Full Bloom: A Floral Elegance at Royal Botanical Gardens Burlington
September 12, 2025
Step into a world where elegance meets artistry: Fleurs de Villes: Downton Abbey at Royal Botanical Gardens is arriving in Burlington this fall, and it’s set to be nothing short of enchanting. From September 12–21, 2025, the RBG Centre transforms into a floral masterpiece inspired by the beloved period drama. If you’re a lifelong fan of the Crawley family or simply love creative floral design, this limited-time exhibit promises a one-of-a-kind experience.
Table of Contents
Event Highlights
What It Is
An extraordinary floral exhibition blending the glamour of Downton Abbey with the artistry of flowers. Expect life-sized mannequins dressed in bloom-covered gowns, staff uniforms, and period props reimagined entirely in petals.
When & Where
September 12–21, 2025, daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at RBG Centre (680 Plains Rd. W., Burlington). Last admission at 4 p.m. Admission also includes entry to Hendrie Park.
Admission
Time-ticketed entry for a relaxed, crowd-free experience. Tickets are required for ages 4 and up. Members receive free admission but still require an advanced time slot reservation.
Pre-Registration: Link to register before entering
Floral Marvels on Display
This year’s showcase brings 15 spectacular floral installations to life, each celebrating the elegance of Downton Abbey’s characters and household charm. From Lady Mary’s gowns to the grandeur of the Crawley estate’s dining traditions, every detail is crafted with breathtaking precision.
Adding to the magic? The artistry is proudly Canadian. Ontario’s most talented floral designers are behind each creation, making this a true showcase of regional creativity. It’s not just flowers on display, its local talent blooming on an international stage.
Fun fact: Each mannequin is created fresh for this event, meaning you’ll never see the same arrangement twice.
Live Demonstrations – The “JARDIN” Series
If you’re feeling inspired, don’t miss the daily floral demos happening at the RBG Centre. These interactive workshops put you right in the world of floral design:
- Tablescapes: Learn how to craft centrepieces worthy of a candlelit Crawley dinner.
- Hand-Tied Bouquets: A practical lesson in timeless, take-home bouquets.
- Old England Florals: Arrangements brimming with roses, peonies, and heritage blooms that would have filled Downton’s own gardens.
Tip: Imagine which character would host each demo. Lady Mary at the elegant tablescape, or Violet, the Dowager Countess, passing her sharp commentary over a bouquet of English roses.
The “JARDIN” Schedule: Schedule, details, and descriptions for each demo
Added Indulgences
What’s Downton Abbey without a touch of refinement? Enhance your visit with these indulgent extras:
- Tea at the Turner Pavilion Tea House
Nestled in Hendrie Park’s Rose Garden, this charming tea spot serves afternoon teas and light dining daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the exhibit. Reservations are strongly recommended.
- Casual Bites at the Greenhouse Café
Located in RBG Centre, the café offers soups, sandwiches, salads, and the must-try signature scones.
- Shop at the Gardens
Take home a piece of the experience with floral-themed gifts, teas, books, and more. Perfect keepsakes for fans of the show and flower lovers alike!
Why You Should Visit?
- Immersive & Instagram-Worthy
Every corner offers a photo opportunity, from life-sized floral gowns to elegant backdrops designed for sharing.
- Timeless Meets Modern
This is a rare chance to see a historic drama reimagined through fresh, contemporary floral artistry.
- Family-Friendly & Cultural
If you’re a Downton Abbey devotee, an aspiring florist, a photographer, or simply a family looking for a fun outing, this exhibit has something for everyone.
Don’t Miss It!
This 10-day-only event is fleeting, much like the blooms themselves. Don’t miss your chance to see Downton Abbey come to life in flowers; an experience that blends storytelling, artistry, and indulgence in the heart of Burlington.
Why stop there? Turn your visit into a Burlington day trip:
- Explore other September events happening around the city.
- Stroll along the waterfront for lake views and photo stops.
- Treat yourself to one of Burlington’s local dining gems. From cozy cafés to lakeside restaurants that pair perfectly with a cultural outing.
Plan your visit and discover more events, dining, and experiences on the Events Calendar.
