See the Winter 2025 Cary Bulletin here.

Who We Are

The Friends of Government House Gardens Society preserve, improve, and enhance Government House grounds and gardens for the enjoyment of the public at large. It does so in cooperation with the Lieutenant Governor and the Province of British Columbia

We are a volunteer organization of nearly 300 active members who contribute their time, energy, and talent to maintain the 21 gardens and Garry Oak woodland within the 36 acres of Government House grounds. The Friends recently celebrated 30 years of ensuring that the gardens and grounds remain a treasured place and a welcoming urban oasis for British Columbia’s residents and visitors worthy of a national historic site designation.

 Join Us As We Care For 
 Government House Gardens

Do you like to work outdoors? Do you enjoy the beauty of flowers, trees, and shrubs of public spaces? Why not help preserve, improve, and enhance the gardens and woodland areas of Government House?

To see the many benefits of becoming a member, click on our membership page here!  We welcome all volunteers!  No gardening skills required.

The gardens of Government House are maintained by a group of volunteers who work primarily from March to November.  Some may work year-round, depending on the garden, and the weather. Gardeners work either, or both, Tuesday and Thursday mornings and may start at any time of the year, although most join in the spring.

Here is just a sample of our dedicated volunteer projects.

Jan, a 30-year volunteer says, “I come and garden every Tuesday for the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts, to learn about plants, and to help keep this wonderful property for everyone to enjoy.”