A local rhododendron and the Himalayan blue poppy will be two likely denizens of a new botanical garden in Sechelt, if a recently announced $1.5 million fundraising drive meets with success.
"Every community needs access to a botanical garden, as it does to a library and a museum," said Lori Pickering, president of the Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden Society. The fundraising campaign was announced after a Feb. 14 presentation at the Raven's Cry Theatre by popular local plantsman Dan Hinkley, author of The Explorer's Garden: Rare and Unusual Perennials and Winter Ornamentals.
The society has found two possible sites in West Sechelt comprised of at least 10 acres (four hectares). Their first choice is a 40-acre (16.2 hectare) parcel of flat, arable land. The site has a stream meandering through a ravine at the rear of the property, two ponds, open spaces and a wide range of healthy mature trees including arbutus, Pickering said. A farmhouse and other outbuildings on site will make it possible to hold artistic and cultural events or weddings at the site, she added.
The second site is about the same size as the first one, with similar tree cover. So far, the society has held only preliminary discussions with the property's owner. Either site can benefit the whole Coast, Pickering pointed out, thanks to their central locations.
"A botanical garden is a learning garden, and we'll include a medicinal herb garden. We also want to preserve the native rhododendron," said Pickering, referring to the Pacific rhododendron sub-species found only on Mount Elphinstone. The plants grow up to four metres tall and equally wide and are the most northerly stand of wild rhododendron in North America. Native plants will be a major component of the garden, Pickering said, because the garden will serve a role as a gene bank for species that are in decline. There will also be some exotic appeal; the Himalayan blue poppies found in Snickett Park will also find a home at the new garden. A botanical garden isn't featured in the District of Sechelt's parks master plan, but Pickering said the District is being very supportive. The $1.5 million total would cover the cost of the land purchase and pay for the first phase of building the garden, Pickering said, adding that nearly $300,000 has been pledged or collected so far.
A large, sloped site in Gibsons was the main focus of the society's efforts over the past five years. When it finally became available as a lease from the Town, after the society had completed a business plan, community consultations and traffic projections, Pickering said the cost was "not feasible for a non-profit society." The society will hold an open house to offer the public more information on Sunday, March 2, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the community use room next to the Sechelt Public Library. Upcoming fundraising evens include a botanical plant sale in Davis Bay on May 4, Blue Poppy Day on May 24 and the Coastal Home Tour and Tea on June 1.
