An oasis on John Street South
The Catherine East Garden is on John Street South. Travelling south on John Street, it is on your left just before the short bridge crossing the Avon River. The sign for the garden is easily seen from the street. It is directly across John Street from the Avondale Cemetery.
There is parking on McLagan Drive just before you reach the garden. In fact, the Catherine East garden is just a short walk from the Iris Garden. Parking is also available on T. J. Dolan Drive.
Who is Catherine East?
Catherine East lived in Stratford for her entire life and was very involved in community activities. She died in 1981 and this garden was established with a bequest from the estate of her husband Lawrence.
She must have had a strong connection with gardens because there is a second Catherine East Garden in the peaceful courtyard of Stratford General Hospital.
About the garden
Spring bird watchers find this garden particularly rewarding.
The garden was designed to display a collection of flowering and ornamental shrubs, perhaps to help home gardeners decide if those varieties would be suitable for their own properties.
If you enjoy walking in a natural setting, the T. J. Dolan Natural Area is well worth a visit and is just across the street.