|
The Region VII meeting took place on Vancouver Island on
April 16, 17 and 18 and was a huge success. Twenty-three participants
from British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec
visited both new and established Island gardens. The weather, with the
exception of one short shower, was glorious. The gardens did not
disappoint and were in their springtime glory.
The event was centered in the sheltered town of Qualicum Beach, an
international “Communities in Bloom” award winner. After a lecture on
the history of the Milner Gardens and Woodland, we walked through the
60-acre old growth forest to the estate. Following lunch in the drawing
room, we explored the 10-acre heritage woodland garden before boarding
the bus for a tour of the town with Marlys Diamond, the force behind the
Communities in Bloom program.
Day two took us to the spectacular West Coast of the Island. We visited
the Tofino Botanical Garden, a Zone 9 site where quirky sculptures such
as “Dancing Slugs” coexist with banana trees, Chinese fan palms and
coastal rainforest. Botanical artist Mary Comber Miles traveled from
Vancouver to exhibit her collection of Chilean plants for us. Several
members of the group bought gorgeous prints as souvenirs. Finally, we
enjoyed a coastal hike in the sunshine led by Giselle Martin, a member
of a local First Nations tribe.
On day three we headed to Victoria where we visited the Abkhazi Gardens.
This immaculate one-acre garden was in splendid shape. After tea and
scones, we made a quick trip to Government House for a tour of the
gardens and newly restored Garry oak terraces. We were welcomed to
Butchart Gardens with a gourmet lunch and fine wines. The famous display
gardens are celebrating their 100th anniversary and they gave us a
special behind-the-scenes tour. Our three-day event was capped with a
barbecue and sneak preview of the new, luxurious Brentwood Bay Lodge.
Special thanks to Bob LaGasse, Larry Hodgson, Maggie MacLaren, Jim
Cadwaladr and all our wonderful sponsors.
— Margaret Cadwaladr
Meeting Organizer
|
