The Muttart Conservatory ( / m ə ˈ t ɑːr t / ) is a botanical garden in the North Saskatchewan river valley , across from the downtown core in Edmonton , Alberta, Canada. One of the best-known landmarks of Edmonton, the conservatory consists of three city-operated greenhouses, public gardens, as well as four feature pyramids for display of plant species found across three biomes, with the fourth pyramid hosting a seasonal display. A fifth minor skylight pyramid lights up the central foyer.
15-654: A donation from the Gladys and Merrill Muttart Foundation provided momentum for the conservatory's construction, with the remaining funding supplied by the Government of Alberta and the City of Edmonton. The conservatory is staffed and operated by the Edmonton Parks and Recreation Department. The conservatory's unusual structure, designed by architect Peter Hemingway , is composed of four glassed pyramids built around
30-519: A central service core. The two larger pyramids are 660 square metres (7,100 sq ft) in area, and the two medium-sized ones are 410 square metres (4,400 sq ft) in size. Three of the pyramids are devoted to displays of plants from the tropical, temperate, and arid regions respectively, the fourth being used for shows that change with the seasons and which feature massed displays of ornamental flowering plants. The Temperate pyramid houses plants typical of temperate climates, from such zones as
45-589: Is a body of ministers of the Crown in right of Alberta , who along with the lieutenant governor , exercises the powers of the Government of Alberta . Ministers are selected by the premier and typically (but not always) sit as a member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). It is the provincial equivalent to the federal Cabinet of Canada . Executive councillors are styled "the Honourable". A change
60-630: Is the head of government and first minister of the Canadian province of Alberta . The current premier is Danielle Smith , leader of the governing United Conservative Party , who was sworn in on October 11, 2022. The premier of Alberta is the leader of the legislative majority in the Alberta Legislature . The premier selects ministers of the Crown to the Executive Council of Alberta (the " cabinet ") and as such
75-581: Is the head of the government in Alberta. The premier is the first minister representing Alberta towards the federal government and the other provinces and territories in Canada . By constitutional convention the premier is normally a Member of the Legislative Assembly . To be effective, accountable and in line with custom, the premier is expected to hold a seat in the legislature, so
90-638: The Cabinet of Canada . As federal and provincial responsibilities differ there are a number of different portfolios between the federal and provincial governments. The lieutenant Governor , as representative of the King of Canada , heads the council, and is referred to as the Governor-in-Council. Other members of the Cabinet, who advise, or minister to, the vice-regal representative, are selected by
105-647: The Arid Pyramid featured an Agave Americana plant bloom which reached a height of 30 feet before reaching the top of the pyramid. This plant was planted a year after the Muttart Conservatory first opened. The Tropical pyramid provides an enormous diversity of species; under a canopy of tall palms, banana and weeping fig are orchids, various hibiscus and the bird of paradise. The plants come from tropical rainforests, evergreen forests or grasslands, and are often showy and bright. A waterfall cascades into
120-403: The advice of the premier of Alberta and Executive Council of Alberta. The lieutenant governor is restricted by custom and constitutional convention . The Lieutenant Governor performs constitutional, ceremonial and social duties. The current premier is Danielle Smith , who was sworn in as the 19th premier on October 11, 2022. The Executive Council of Alberta is similar in structure and role to
135-457: The centre of the pyramid where small fish and water lilies make their home. This pyramid has also been home in the past to a kiwi bird and a sloth. On March 11, 2013, the bud to an imported Amorphophallus titanum plant (commonly known as the corpse flower) budded and bloomed here on April 22. The Feature pyramid offers seasonal displays that change several times per year, focusing on themed displays and seasonal celebrations. Other amenities at
150-641: The facility are an outdoor gazebo, gift shop, and the Culina Muttart Café. The café serves several menu items made with locally sourced ingredients, including herbs and salad greens grown on-site at the greenhouse. The facility, owned and operated by the City of Edmonton , is also a popular site for special events, such as weddings . The conservatory underwent a $ 6.3 million renovation that was completed in June 2009. Executive Council of Alberta The Executive Council of Alberta (the Cabinet )
165-533: The premier and appointed by the lieutenant governor. Most cabinet ministers are the head of a ministry , but this is not always the case. In the construct of constitutional monarchy and responsible government , the ministerial advice tendered is typically binding (although the royal prerogative belongs to the Crown, not to any of the ministers) and ministers account to the legislature for their portfolios. The current cabinet has been in place since June 9, 2023. Premier of Alberta The premier of Alberta
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#1732776850971180-452: The premier serves as the MLA for a riding and is elected as MLA by the constituents of that constituency. As with most government leaders in a parliamentary system , the premier usually wins his or her own election as MLA easily. However, on occasion, a premier has not been re-elected to their seat in a general election, forcing them to run in a by-election in a constituency that comes empty by
195-570: The southern Great Lakes , Australia , and even the mountainous areas of Asia . Near the entrance and fed by a stream is a bog area, with white water lilies and parrot's feather. The bog merges into a woodland with mostly eastern deciduous trees and low shrubs but including redwoods, cedars, and pampas grass . Eucalyptus trees and flowering shrubs complement the Australian section. In the woodland floor and alpine section are many tiny flowering plants, some native to Alberta and others from all over
210-450: The world. Carefully controlled environmental conditions allow the plants to go dormant in winter and burst into spring growth of green leaves and colourful blooms. The plants from the Arid pyramid come from hot and cold dry areas spanning five continents. They share an ability to thrive in environments with dry air, irregular moisture and wide day/night temperature fluctuations. In spring 2013,
225-496: Was made to the protocol in 2022 and former members who were living on February 6, 2022 (the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II ) are now honorary members of the council and are styled "the Honourable" for life (unless removed from membership for an indictable offence). Members and honorary members use the post-nominal letters "ECA". The executive powers in the province lie with the lieutenant governor and are exercised on
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