57th Annual GWA Symposium
Vancouver, Canada
September 9-12, 2005

 

Sunday 11th
This morning we were lucky as breakfast didn't start until 7 a.m. It included our business meeting where we got to meet the new directors that had just been appointed - me being one of them! Concurrent sessions followed and then we boarded our buses for another afternoon in absolutely perfect weather. First stop was in the Fraser Valley at Tuscan Farm Gardens, an 80 acre family estate where we were met with refreshments and cookies, even a hand massage if you wanted one. Wandering around the fields of grasses was magical. What a wonderful surprise to find out they have a bed and breakfast facility as well! I took some pictures of the rooms just so you could see how they looked. I think what I enjoyed most about Tuscan Farm Gardens is that they support local nurseries in the area, each helping promote each other - by the water garden you will see display gardens by their neighbours, Free Spirit Nursery, Erickson Daylilies, Select Roses and Made in the Shade. Then we visited Nordic Nursery in Aldergrove. They are a Proven Winners propagator and grower so we got the chance to see many new varieties. They had put on for us a wonderful refreshment and nibble spread plus music. What a treat to wander around the flowers with a glass of champagne in hand. We were also given little flags to place among the plants that we liked best. Our next visit was to Valleybrook Gardens, the largest wholesaler of perennials in Canada (Heritage Perennials and Jeepers Creepers) and again they had refreshments and nibbles for us, as well as wagons to take us around the area. I was thrilled to read where they are showcasing Dowdeswell Delphiniums from New Zealand (Terry has been a friend of our website for years and his delphs are to die for!) Also to watch for are Itoh Peonies and the new colours of Echinacea coming.

Our final visit was to Minter Gardens, for a visit around the gardens and then dinner in the conservatory. I can see why so many people get married here and have their reception here as well. What could not be more perfect that this setting! It was a few years since I had been here and was delighted to see the changes made. The new conservatory, the rock water falls, and the gardens themselves...what solace to the tired and weary to come here for the day and what a beautiful place to get married (in the miniature Chapel) or have a party. Minter Gardens is 25 years old now and Tom and I have seen it almost from day one. Brian Minter and his staff truly love this place and it shows in their care of it. There are 11 theme gardens within one here, each spaced between quiet or green spaces so you can enjoy each one. Set with the backdrop of mountains and natural landscape it is a true joy to visit. Here is also where you are likely to see new plant introductions because of Country Garden Ltd, their garden center. After a sumptuous dinner we were all happy and tired and ready for bed.

http://www.tuscanfarmgardens.com/
http://www.perennials.com/
http://www.mintergardens.com/