Start September with Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden’s Harvest on Sunday, Sept. 4, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 5941 Mason Rd. in West Sechelt. This annual “last blast of summer” features live music by Brothers in Farms, food by Farm to Feast, sales of garlic, honey, garden plants, preserves and home baking, family activities and bushels of fun.
In the Veggie Patch you’ll see a huge array of organic veggies destined for the Food Bank, and chat with the volunteers about how and what they have produced. Kids will be thrilled to harvest and taste straight from a living vegetable plant.
In the Picnic & Play area, try your hand at giant croquet, run the willow tunnel, or discover the Giant Nest. There are crafts and games for kids, and room to romp. Brothers in Farms returns with their uniquely coastal style, and you’re welcome to get up and dance. Location caterer Farm to Feast offers their sustainably sourced and refreshing menu. Both the Woodcrafters and Spinners and Weavers Guilds will be on hand to show, tell, and encourage people to give their craft a try. The Astronomy Club will be out with their solar telescopes. All this plus a fall plant sale, bags of organically grown garlic bulbs for eating or planting, and our famous bake sale.
Check out the cleverly designed raised beds at the Seniors Accessible Garden, made to facilitate ease of garden functioning. Master gardeners will be on hand to answer your gardening questions or challenges. In the Bee Demonstration area, see the active hives, taste the honey, and purchase some bottled by the SC Beekeepers Association.
If you’re not a frequent visitor, take the guided tour of the entire Botanical Garden. Membership is an affordable way to keep up with the many events and discounts the Garden offers. Bring a container and pick blackberries along the paths.
Admission is by donation (suggested $5/adult, $2/child) – please pay what you can to support the Botanical Garden. In addition, share the harvest spirit with a home-grown or purchased food item for the Food Bank and enter to win a Harvest Gift Basket.
This event is dog-on-leash friendly for leashed owners, but please avoid food areas. Carpooling is recommended at this very popular celebration.
For more information, visit www.coastbotanicalgarden.org
