Originally the farm fields of Scarborough’s first settlers, Thomson Memorial Park is now the setting for the Scarborough Museum and its gardens.

Plants of many types were central to the life of the early settler for sustenance, savoury flavourings, textiles and medicinal purposes.

Learn more about the history of Scarborough Museum.

The garden today

Both attractive and utilitarian, the kitchen and herb gardens offer a portrait of the historic plant life common to early Scarborough. Floral gardens around the Cornell House follow Victorian-era principles of design with a variety of period annuals and perennials in bloom throughout the year.

Support

The Scarborough Museum staff work with an outstanding group of volunteer gardeners who research, plant and maintain the site’s historic gardens. Nearby, park visitors enjoy the meandering Highland Creek, natural wooded area, and ornamental flower gardens.