Please note that there will be no Weekend Coffee Share link-up on October 18 and October 25 as I will take a blogging break. Please plan to join me again on November 1 when I will resume hosting.
In September I took several walks to explore the smaller parks in Toronto. One of the walks was to Craigleigh Gardens Park. I chose this destination for its interesting history, quiet green space and the option to extend the walk to the Beltline Trail.
Craigleigh Gardens was the site of “Craigleigh”, the 25-room estate of Sir Edmund Boyd Osler, (1845- 1924), a wealthy businessman. The house was torn down in 1924 following his death and his family donated the 13 acres of manicured grounds to the city to build the park. Today, Craigleigh Gardens Park features an entrance with ornamental gates, a mature tree canopy, a drinking fountain, benches, picnic tables and a dog off-leash area.
These gardens are presented to the people of Toronto as a memorial of Edmund Boyd Osler, and Ann Farquharson, his wife, by their children . A.D. 1926. Here, amidst his children and grandchildren, his flowers, trees and birds, Edmund Boyd Osler made his home from 1877 to the date of his death in 1924 A.D.
From plaque at Craigleigh Gardens gate
The houses in the vicinity of Craigleigh Gardens are big and beautiful. Most of them have unique iron gates. Here are six of the best.
From Craigleigh Gardens, I followed Milkman’s Lane trail to the Beltline Trail and enjoyed some scenic hiking before heading home.
Linked to Dan’s #ThursdayDoors and Min’s #WWWhimsy.
How was your week? I’d love for you to share your week’s highlights and/ or public art from around the world in the Comments or Weekend Coffee Share link-up #181 below.
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I love looking at beautiful gates and doors for some reason. They can be inviting as well as intimidating, depending on our perspective.
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Yes, gates and doors give their visitors the first impression of the property.
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Were the gates there to keep people out? Or just for show?
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The Craigleigh Gardens gates are historic; one of the gates is open for park visitors. There is also another foot path to enter the park. The iron gates that I photographed are to keep strangers out of private homes.
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ok I was wondering
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I love places like this. The gates are fabulous.
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Darlene, I’m pleased you like these gates. They certainly add aesthetic and privacy values to the homes.
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Such beautiful photos and I am loving all the grand looking gates
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Thank you, Natasha. I’m pleased you love the gates.
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Beautiful photographs.
Enjoying your blogging break, Natalie.
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Thank you, Shari. I’m pleased you like my photos.
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These gate doors are stunning and how I would love to have an iron gate to walk through every day.
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I was delighted to see so many unique gate designs in that neighbourhood. I’m pleased you like my selection. Thank you for stopping by.
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The gardens look tranquil and the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Torronto
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It’s a beautiful and calm green space. I hope to return to Craigleigh Gardens later in autumn when the leaves change colours.
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Excellent gates! I particularly like the first one after the park.
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Thank you, Anabel. I also like that beautiful first gate after the park. The house behind it looks like a wealthy mansion.
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What an incredible place! The gates, the trail and the mature trees in the park make it look like an amazing place waiting to be explored.
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Thank you, Maria. I’m pleased you like this green space. I hope to return to Craigleigh Gardens in about a month when the leaves change colours.
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I’d love to see that!
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Looks like such a fantastic place to visit.
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Craigleigh Gardens park is a nice small green space in a beautiful neighbourhood.
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All those gates are so beautiful! It looks like you had a perfect day for it too.
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Yes, it was a gorgeous day in September.
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It is so good when wealthy families give back to their communities. As the park looks well maintained and appreciated by a wide range of people and visitors. Win win situation.
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I agree. I was pleased to see the gates to Craigleigh Gardens in good condition and the trees look healthy.
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Lovely tree canopies. Enjoy your break, Natalie.
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Thank you, Jo. Those tree canopies change colours to yellow, red and orange in a few weeks. I hope to return and take some pictures.
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Wonderful!
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This type of garden always makes a wonderful public park. As you show us here. I know we’re not there yet, but enjoy your Blogging Break when it comes.
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Yes, this park is beautiful and tranquil. I look forward to my blogging break.
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These gardens are beautiful Natalie. I love the gates with their patterns. Enjoy your blogging break.
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Thank you, Jennifer. I’m pleased you like these gardens and gates. I look forward to my blogging break.
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What gorgeous gates! And you had perfect weather.
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Yes, September was beautiful. I’m pleased you like the gates.
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Looks like a nice little park in a beautiful neighborhood. The Milkman’s Lane looks inviting. I hope you are enjoying your weekend. Have a great blogging break!
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Thank you, Trent. I look forward to my blogging break.
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Those gates are marvelous, Natalie. I love metal work and those are amazing examples.
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PS – Enjoy your break!
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Thank you, Dan. The homes and gates in that neighbourhood are beautiful. I look forward to my blogging break.
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Natalie,
You share a lot of art on your blog, and I consider the gates works of art as well. Thanks for sharing. Toronto is such a beautiful city. Have you lived there all your life?
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Joe, These iron gates are works of art to me, too. Toronto has many areas that are beautiful and delightful. I’ve lived here most of my life.
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WOW I’ve never heard of these gardens! I don’t know that neighbourhood at all. Added to my bucket list!
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I’m pleased to share something new to you with you. Craigleigh Gardens Park is within walking distance from Castle Frank or Sherbourne subway station. The trees in that park should look beautiful in a few weeks.
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Iron gates are so pretty to look at. I like the variety you show here too!
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Thank you, Barbara. I’m pleased you like my gate selection.
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What a beautiful walk, Natalie – Enjoy your well-deserved break!
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Thank you, Donna. I look forward to my blogging break.
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All of the those gates are amazing but that trail looks super cool. Very nice. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
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The hike along the Milkman’s Lane is beautiful. Thank you for your comment. Have a great week ahead.
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What lovely places to wander!
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Thank you for your visit and comment. I enjoyed this walk and hope to return in a few weeks to see autumn colours in the park.
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Hi Natalie,
What a beautiful garden and such rich history! I love all the photos too. I hope you enjoy your blogging break and thank you for hosting weekend coffee share. Have a wonderful week ahead! ❤
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Hi Diana, Thank you for your lovely comment. I’m glad you’re able to join us this weekend. There’s one more weekend before my blogging break; I wanted to give everyone heads up.
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looks like a beautiful place to walk.
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Yes, it’s a nice neighbourhood and park.
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Hi Natalie, thanks for sharing Craigleigh gardens with us. Such interesting history and I love the entrance gates and all the other gates you shared with us. The park is beautiful – so green and lush and gorgeous trees! Milkman’s Lane Trail looks beautiful too – so inviting – I feel drawn to it and wish I could walk it! Thanks for linking up with #WWWhimsy – hope you enjoy that blogging break too! xo
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Hi Min, Thank you for your lovely comment. The trees in this park change colours in autumn and look beautiful. Milkman’s Lane trail is about 130 years old and is a wonderful trail to walk on and connect with a bigger trail network. If you were here, I’d show you around. I may still see you next week before taking my blogging break. Enjoy October!
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Like everyone else, I love that first house gate! That house with the gate, the last one, was the kind of house that inspired my love of old houses.
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Hi Bernie, I could spend hours taking pictures of the many beautiful houses in this neighbourhood. I read your postcards in the UK and Marseille. I wonder where you’re off to next. Safe travels and have fun!
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So beautiful photos of the Building and the beauty of gorgeous nature Dear friend 😍🙏💗🌷
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Thank you. I’m pleased you enjoyed my pictures.
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(•‿•) most welcome 🤗
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What a beautiful walk, Natalie! Craigleigh Gardens sounds like a peaceful spot with rich history, and the gates are stunning. I’m glad you also enjoyed the Beltline Trail. Have a great blogging break, and I look forward to catching up in November! Thanks for sharing!
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Thank you for your visit and comment. I’m pleased you like Craigleigh Gardens and the gates.
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