The Friends of Government House Gardens Society was formed in 1992 with the mission of undertaking the restoration and maintenance of the grounds of Government House. In cooperation with the House and the Garden Contractor, the Friends continue to restore and protect the Garry Oak Woodlands and maintain the gardens as they evolve in response to changing circumstances such as the presence of urban deer. The Friends design the garden plantings, maintain them and raise the funds to cover the cost of plants, fertilizer and tools as well as some tree, path and irrigation costs. Originally a small group of garden volunteers, today the Society has a membership of almost five hundred, the majority of whom are volunteers working not only year round in the gardens, woodlands and associated non-gardening activities but also with the seasonal tearoom, costume museum and greeters.

If you are interested in more information about volunteering, please go to the volunteer page.

Enjoy a short history of the Friends of Government House Gardens:

  • photo of the garden
  • A photo of a tree trunk with a large, bulbous growth covered in tree bark.
  • photo of the gardens
  • A photo of white blossoms in the rhododendron garden