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Membership Benefits

The Society is supported by its more than 300 members who maintain the grounds all year-round. 

Become part of a special organization — bring your dedication and skills to The Friends.  No gardening experience necessary! 

Click Here to Become a Member

Membership Benefits 

Join The Friends to:

  • Meet and share ideas with like-minded volunteers, gardeners, and would-be gardeners. 
  • Visit with other volunteers at coffee mornings on Tuesday and Thursday in the second week of each month (usually from March until September).
  • Refine your gardening skills and expertise with advice from seasoned gardeners and
    gardening supervisors.
  • Receive a 25 percent discount on all plants purchased at the nursery.  
  • Have access to resources from the library and The Cary Bulletin.
  • Be covered by commercial insurance while gardening on Government House grounds (extended to those members under 85).
  • Receive invitations to member-related events at Government House.
  • Have advance notification of plant sales and shows.
  • Receive an April volunteer appreciation exchange pass for Victoria and the Capital Region.
  • Purchase fresh, organic, and affordable seasonal produce from the vegetable garden.
  • Obtain a 10% discount at several gardening-related stores including the Oak Bay and Saanich locations of Gardenworks, and the Oak Bay and Ross Bay locations of Home Hardware, and the Saanich location of Borden Mercantile. (Your phone number is recorded the first time you use your membership card in the current membership year.) When you visit other gardening-related stores, ask if they offer a discount to members PRIOR to purchase.

Did Someone Order Goodies?

The Pearkes Peak crew enjoys the delivery of pastries and hot chocolate (some seasoned with “medicinal” Baileys) by Tania, House operations manager. The treats are always a delightful surprise for the Tuesday and Thursday gardeners at the beginning of the season.


 

 

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Join the Friends

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.
Learn More


Donate

Every dollar raised helps maintain and
improve the gardens.
Learn More


Garden Tours
at Government House
Learn More!

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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