Medieval Manor Gardens

Farm / Medieval Manor Gardens

Farm Type: Native Plant Greenhouse/Nursery, Regenerative Small Livestock Farm

Medieval Manor Gardens is a sustainability-focused native plant nursery, greenhouse, and small livestock operation dedicated to reconnecting people with land stewardship, traditional knowledge, and ecological resilience.

Schedule:

Saturday, Aug. 15th

10:00 am – Gates open *Dragon Wagon *Hiraeth Gift Shop *Artisan Market including Grey Owl Meadery, Edmonton and Area Land Trust, LILSA, Fescue Naturalization and other local groups and artisans. *Wild Eyes Nature Experience

10:30 am – Greenhouse and Nursery tour (free but spots are limited so book yours early on our website at: https://www.mmgardens.ca/product/greenhouse-tour/ )

11:30 am – Lil’ Raptor Races. Pick your favourite Lil’ Raptor to win the Kenclucky Derby, get some cool prizes, and maybe even your pic with the fastest chick in the winner’s circle! Special thanks to our sponsors:

*Standstone Waste and Water Services Ltd. (Sir Poops A Lot)

*Grey Owl Meadery (The Ugly Owlet)

*LILSA (name of Lil’ Raptor TBD)

*Fescue Naturalization (KD)

*Medieval Manor Gardens (Midevil Kinevil)

*One more Lil’ Raptor looking for sponsorship (if your group or business would like to sponsor, please connect)

1:00 pm – Meet and Greet Juno, the Mammoth Donkey (free but spots are limited so book yours early at: https://www.mmgardens.ca/product/meet-and-greet-juno-the-mammoth-donkey/)

1:30 pm – It’s All About Ewe! Learn about the amazing Wiltshire Horn Sheep, and all of the wonderful things they are doing on our farm! (free but spots are limited so book yours early at: https://www.mmgardens.ca/product/its-all-about-ewe-learn-about-wiltshire-horn-sheep/)

3:00 pm –  Lil’ Raptor Races Rerun. Pick your favourite Lil’ Raptor to win the Kenclucky Derby, get some cool prizes, and maybe even your pic with the fastest chick in the winner’s circle! (See our amazing racers and their sponsors above)

4:00 pm – Gates close

Sunday, Aug., 16th

10:00 am – Gates open *Dragon Wagon *Hiraeth Gift Shop *Artisan Market including Grey Owl Meadery, Edmonton and Area Land Trust, LILSA, Fescue Naturalization and other local groups and artisans. *Wild Eyes Nature Experience

10:30 am – Lil’ Raptor Races. Pick your favourite Lil’ Raptor to win the Kenclucky Derby, get some cool prizes, and maybe even your pic with the fastest chick in the winner’s circle! Special thanks to our sponsors:

*Standstone Waste and Water Services Ltd. (Sir Poops A Lot)

*Grey Owl Meadery (The Ugly Owlet)

*LILSA (name of Lil’ Raptor TBD)

*Fescue Naturalization (KD)

*Medieval Manor Gardens (Midevil Kinevil)

*One more Lil’ Raptor looking for sponsorship (if your group or business would like to sponsor, please connect)

1:00 pm – Rangeland and Pastoralists guided walk. Join us to see our meadow area, associated native plants, and what we are doing with rotational grazing and spot mowing to better care for our prairies. This is our only paid activity and spots are limited so please book at: https://www.mmgardens.ca/product/guided-nature-tour-2/

3:00 pm – Meet and Greet Saphira, the Curly Horse! (free but spots are limited so book yours early at: https://www.mmgardens.ca/product/meet-and-greet-saphira-the-curly-horse/)

4:00 pm – Gates close

Inspired by historical and medieval homesteading practices, we blend time-tested methods with modern sustainability principles to cultivate hardy plants and responsibly steward livestock suited to our northern climate.

Our work highlights the interconnected role of plants, animals, and soil health. Livestock contribute to natural nutrient cycling, land management, and low-waste systems, while our greenhouse and nursery emphasize seed stewardship, climate-resilient growing, and biodiversity support. We prioritize low-impact techniques such as outdoor overwintering, habitat-friendly planting, and practices that support pollinators and local ecosystems.

Through plant cultivation, livestock stewardship, and educational experiences, we encourage accessible ways for communities to grow food, reduce environmental impact, and strengthen local resilience. Medieval Manor Gardens represents a fusion of heritage and innovation—reviving traditional wisdom while adapting it to modern sustainability challenges.

Core Educational Experiences
1. Guided Walk through our meadow area as a part of the Rangelands and Pastoralists theme
Visitors will be guided through our native meadows to learn:
• The role of native plants in watershed health, soil conservation, and as value as diverse forage for livestock
• How native species support pollinators and beneficial insects
• Identification of common Alberta native plants
• Practical ways homeowners can incorporate native plants into their own landscapes
• The importance of biodiversity in sustainable agriculture
These tours demonstrate how ecological gardening supports long-term environmental health and reduces reliance on irrigation and chemical inputs.
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2. Livestock Stewardship & Heritage Breeds Education
Visitors will have the opportunity to observe and learn about small-scale livestock production, including:
• Responsible animal husbandry practices
• The role of livestock in diversified farms
• Seasonal cycles such as lambing and poultry hatching
• Ethical care and enrichment for farm animals
• Heritage breeds and their historical agricultural significance
• Meet and greets with some of our animal friends including Juno, our Mammoth Donkey, Saphira, one of our Curly Horses, and our Wiltshire Horn lambs
Educational signage and staff interaction will support safe, respectful learning experiences.
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3. Medieval & Heritage Skills Interpretation
Reflecting the historical inspiration of Medieval Manor Gardens, visitors will explore heritage skills and traditional agricultural knowledge, such as:
• Historical uses of herbs and useful plants
• Weaving demonstrations
• Medieval themed children’s activities such as a trebuchet launch
• Connections between historical agriculture and modern sustainability
These displays connect the past to present-day regenerative practices.
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4.Other Elements
Additional learning opportunities such as:
• Native edible plant tastings
• Self directed information stations in the greenhouse, Hiraeth gift shop, Dragon Wagon, and Artisan Market space will be available
• Solar-powered/sustainable technology displays

• Profile Username to assign to farm listing: DawnMMGardens
• Farm Type: Native Plant Greenhouse/Nursery, Regenerative Small Livestock Farm
• Host Name: Dawn Watts
• Phone Number: 780-278-5073
• Email Address: dawnw@mmgardens.ca
• Website URL: https://mmgardens.ca
• Is your farm accessible: Yes
• Date: Saturday, May 15th and Sunday, May 16th
• Start Time: 10:00 AM
• End Time: 4:00 PM
• Address:

  6112 Highway 16, Gainford, Alberta

• Directions:

  From the east (Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Edmonton) take Highway 16 west. Turn north and head back east onto service road (right at Yellowhead Trading Post) after speed limit drops to 80 km. Second driveway on the north side. Our Dragon Wagon will be at the gate. This is a dead end road.

  From the west (Entwistle) take Highway 16 east. Watch for speed limit reduction to 80 km. Go past the Gainford Hotel (on south side of Highway 16). Turn north and head east onto service road (right at Yellowhead Trading Post). Second driveway on the north side. Our Dragon Wagon will be at the gate. This is a dead end road.

• Latitude: 53.586
• Longitude: -114.785
• Price: This is a free event. However, the Nature Walk, and Artisan Market products and services will have a cost.
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/medievalmanorgardens/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medievalmanorgardens/