Busy Elves Transform the House
The (human) creatures were stirring in Government House rooms and hallways as 21 Christmas Decorating Committee volunteers spent about five and a half hours decorating Government House for the festive season.
On the more than 12 days before Christmas arose such a clatter as volunteers sorted and hung miles of garlands which took many trips up and down ladders. As well as four fireplace mantles were decorated and five artificial trees were assembled and decorated.
Paulette and Anne in front of the drawing room mantle.
As Patty Grant explained, “It’s the second year not having a live tree in the foyer and no one misses the needles.” Says Patty, “The Friends have been doing this for many years and adapt well to change. I don’t think anyone misses the multitude of electrical cords we had to deal with when the garlands were lit and the finicky stars were hung in the windows.” 
The hours of decorating were not without reward. “In addition to the satisfaction of getting the House in seasonal shape, I understand that more than a few volunteers took advantage of the Baileys offered with the morning coffee.”
Heather Garden Gets A Refresh
The heather garden, popular for many decades, has just had a complete overhaul. It had been renovated with successful results twice over the last fifteen years, most recently this fall. During the summer of 2021 heat dome, many of the plants died due to irrigation system failure. The garden was looking very sad.
Says Valerie, Horticulture Advisor, “David Wilson, owner of the Heather Farm in Rosedale, B.C., approached us in the spring as he was winding down his successful business and offered to supply us with some new heathers. This seemed like a great opportunity to accept David’s expertise as the heather guru of B.C. and say, ‘yes please’.”
“We planned to replace just the dead heathers in the southern portion. However, David was willing to donate 70 new plants, enough for the whole bed. It was a clear message to do a proper renovation, especially with the guidance of a heather expert,” says Valerie.
David advised that better drainage would help the health of the plants and suggested a raised bed. Eric DaSilva took out the old plants — many of the flowers were salvaged by the Flower Arrangers for Thanksgiving bouquets. A significant gush of water as the old plants were being removed revealed an old clay drainage pipe that had been clogged for years. This drainage issue was remedied, rocks were brought in, and an 18″ wall was constructed then backfilled with 14 yards of new soil.
A few conifers and small rhododendrons were then transplanted from other areas in the garden for height and foliage interest.
Valerie is grateful to David for his generous gift and notes that he has kept several heathers back to replace any that don’t survive. “He has a son who lives in Victoria and will check in with us and the garden.” The Nursery has will take cuttings next year to keep up replacement stock for the garden and for sale.
Says Valerie, “The new heathers were chosen to bloom at different times throughout the year so there is always something of interest.” As the heathers grow together, they will create a beautiful tapestry. A great gift and a perfect deer resistant plant for our gardens.
Having a Barrow of Fun
Keeping the Gardens Safe to Visit
Susan and Bryce with their most recent catch of highly toxic death cap mushrooms. Susan makes her rounds of the gardens every Thursday. They are most prevalent in The Terraces and near the chauffeur’s cottage. They shouldn’t be touched, but can be disposed of in regular garbage if in plastic bags. The House has posted signs with pictures by the front entrance.