Co-ordinator: Laraine Fowler
This garden, located south-west of Government House, features plants from mountainous areas of the world. Many were started from seed and obtained from the Alpine Garden Society, London; The Scottish Rock Garden Club, Edinburgh; and the Alpine Garden Club of BC, Vancouver. It also features a heather garden.
Heather Garden Gets A Refresh
The heather garden, popular for many decades, has had a complete overhaul. It had been renovated with successful results twice over the last fifteen years, however during the summer of 2021 heat dome, many of the plants died due to irrigation system failure.
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 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
