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Garry Oak Woodlands

Co-ordinators: (Tuesday and Thursday) Kathleen Martin
Rosemary Balfour, Dave Clark

The Woodlands is one of the last untouched Garry Oak meadows on southern Vancouver Island. The gardens, approximately 22 acres, or 2/3 of the property, lie behind and below the House.The best time to view the Woodlands is March to early June. An interpretive board at the trailhead provides restoration information, flora illustrations, and nine numbered trailside viewpoints, which include a rare trembling aspen grove.

The Woodlanders (as the volunteers call themselves) consider themselves stewards of this unique ecosystem.  They have worked since 1991 to create a habitat for plants, birds, bees, and butterflies.To restore the native habitat, they remove invasive species and encourage native plants such as salal, sword ferns, Nootka rose, and Oregon grape.

Spring blooms range from satin-flowers, spring-gold and Indian plum’s dangling blossoms, followed by oak buds, white fawn lilies, purple-blue camas, shooting star, western buttercups, to ground orchids and delicate harvest broadiaea. Fall rains bring mosses and licorice ferns. 

Click here for gardens map. 


Where the Wild Things Grow

From left:  Lee, Karen, Linda, Nana, and another Woodlander

The Woodlanders prepare for the arrival of Anne, The Princess Royal whose May visit coincided with the best time to see the Woodlands in all its glory.  Volunteers were especially pleased at her positive comments about the area. Princess Anne also took photos of the camas and the Coronation Walkway from the Terraces.

From left: L-R – Rosemary B., Rosemary O’C., and Susan.

Woodlanders removing invasive species at the Lookout to encourage the growth of native plants such as salal, sword ferns, Nootka rose, and Oregon grape (now in bloom).

 


Pathway Named in Honour of King Charles III

Her Honour is persuaded not to run with scissors.

The trail has been improved to better withstand winter’s inclement weather. It is bordered by a split rail fence which will encourage visitors to protect the  woodland ecosystem. Members were later treated to hot chocolate and pastries.

Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin officially opening the Woodlands Coronation Pathway. 

For the live action official opening, just click on this link Woodland Path Opening to enjoy a (very) brief video of Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin cutting the ribbon. 

Woodlanders enjoying the sunshine after the dedication.  From left:  Rosemary, Lee, and Rosemary O’C.

 

 

As Friends president Patty Grant says, “King Charles III has been a strong champion of environmental causes long before they became an important focus for many of us.” 

 

 

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Join our more than 300 enthusiastic volunteers on Tuesday or Thursday as they enjoy the benefits of nurturing our beautiful gardens and making new friends.  No experience required.
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News and Events

Mark Your Calendar for the Victoria Lily Society Show
July 9 to 13 at the Mary Winspear Centre, Sydney 

The show runs Friday 1 to 5  p.m, Saturday 9:30 am to 5 p.m, (with a plant sale until 3 p.m), and Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Admission by donation.

Saturday Presentations:  Dr. Colin Tamboline,  Lilies – Summer Splendor, 1:30 p.m.  Ms.Barrie Agar, Stalwarts In The Perennial Garden, 2:45 p.m. Cost for both sessions is $5. Tickets available at the show desk.
 
For more details, visit News & Events | Victoria Lily Society

Have the Sharpest Tools in Your Garden Shed

Vern from Sharp and Sharper Sharpening Services will be at the lower parking level on Tuesday & Thursday from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on: July 10, Aug 5 & 7, Sept 2 & 4. The Friends will cover the cost for communal garden tools, but not individual volunteer ones.

Price List

Per inch: knife: $.75 serrated knife: $1; bevel edge grooming & barber scissors: $2.50; fabric shears: $2.25

Per item:
$3: chisel, serger blade, & round pizza cutter
$5: rotary blade
$6: pet nail clipper & medical scraper tool
$8: hoof knife: hatchet, medical scissors & secateurs (hand pruners)
$10: axe, loppers, & tin snips
$10.50: clipper heads
$12: dematt comb, hand hedge & grass trimmer
$12.50: large body clipper head
$15: straight razor
$18: clipper head 5 in 1
$38: convex hair scissors

 

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