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Cullen Gardens & Miniature |
Our Roots
In 1955, Len Cullen, owner of Weall and Cullen Nurseries (now known as Sheridan Nurseries) bought 22 acres of sandy land adjacent to Highway 12, just north of Whitby. The Nursery Farm added a further 150 acres of property in 1966. A portion of this tract of land included a scenic cedar valley, which was perfect for Len's dream garden ... the future "Cullen Gardens".
In 1967, the family reconstructed a century-old log cabin on the crest of a hill overlooking the valley. The next few summers were spent swimming in the creek and cleaning up the "park".
Len and his lovely wife, Connie, spent their vacations visiting show gardens and tourist attractions worldwide where they gleaned ideas for their dream garden. In 1974, a powerful back-hoe dredged the Lynde Creek bed creating a pond in the valley.
By 1976, the derelict 1850 barn on the property had been torn down and rebuilt as a family restaurant and gift shop. The leftover beams were used to build the famous "Kissing Bridge" (a popular site today for weddings!). The pond was dammed up, extensive grading was done, and lawns were established so Cullen Gardens & Miniature Village could open to a waiting public for the very first time on May 30th, 1980.
Since 1980, Cullen Gardens has grown to include not only the award-winning gardens and famous Miniature Village, but many other exciting attractions for young and old.
Len Cullen is still active in the business, coming to work nearly every day and lending his expertise in every area! He has a warm greeting for every member on staff, and often you will see him out in the fruit and vegetable gardens that are located on the property.
Len's daughter, Susan is the President and General Manager of Cullen Gardens & Miniature Village. Sue and her husband, Bryan, oversee the day-to-day operation of the business.
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