Last Saturday, we took our Girl Guides on a field trip to Devonian Botanic Gardens, owned by the University of Alberta. The gardens were created in 1959 and are ever growing!

Last year, the Aga Khan was honoured by the University of Alberta with an honorary doctor of laws degree. He also addressed the graduating class of 2009 and announced plans to create an Islamic garden at Devonian Gardens.

"To mark both anniversaries, to express my profound thanks, and to celebrate our growing partnership, I am presenting a gift today which reflects both my Islamic heritage and your University traditions. I have just visited a parcel of land within the Devonian Gardens of the University, where we plan to create a traditional Islamic Garden. We hope this space will be of educational and aesthetic value, a setting for learning more about Muslim culture and design, as well as a place for public reflection."

(Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Graduation Ceremony of the University of Alberta, June 9,2009)

Although the Islamic Gardens are not yet complete, the remainder of the facility was just beautiful! We also checked out the Kurimoto Japanese Garden, butterfly and cactus show houses.

Besides getting eaten alive by mosquitoes while playing herbivores, carnivores and omnivores with the Guides, the Devonian Gardens would make a fun-filled and picturesque family outing! There will be a special Canada Day Celebrations at the Garden, so check out the link for more information.

I look forward to returning to the Devonian to relax and 'reflect' in the much anticipated Islamic Gardens.

- N.Remtulla

noreen.remtulla@gmail.com

In the butterfly show house. Apparently, the more beautiful the cocoon, the more dull the butterfly. The dull looking cocoons are said to produce the most vibrant butterflies!

It's easy to spend hours looking at the variety of butterflies in simple awe.

Some of the butterflies camouflage with their surroundings you have to keep your eyes open and camera ready for the pretty, but quick creatures!

Kurimoto Japanese Garden is a tranquil place. It is peaceful and you can truly admire nature with the various plants and Japanese installations. In May, a few of our Girl Guides planted trees in this garden.