May 4, 2007 - 4:16am
The month of May is a great time to enjoy the hundreds of colourful rhododendrons in a palette of bloom at the Milner Gardens & Woodland Rhododendron Days from May 3 through May 13, from 10 am to 5 pm.
The garden was started by the late Veronica Milner who was born into the British Edwardian aristocracy and was related to Winston Churchill and Diana, Princess of Wales. Milner’s vision created an amazing combination of garden and old growth forest, including a significant collection of Rhododendrons. Visitors to the gardens have included Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
Activities this year include weekend garden tours and tea in the Camellia Tea Room. An art exhibit featuring original floral works by Pauline Pike will be on display in the Queens Rooms. Peggy Burkosky works will be shown in the Camellia Tea Room. Many of the works will be for sale.
The festival will also feature a rhododendron truss display featuring plants from the garden. A selection of plants propagated from the Milner collection, including rhododendrons and companion plants, will be available in the nursery. The gift shop will have a selection of gardening books on Rhododendrons available for this event including the popular books The Rhododendrons of Milner Gardens and Woodland and In Veronica’s Garden.
Come and enjoy the garden. Milner Gardens & Woodland is located at 2179 West Island Highway in Qualicum Beach. The gardens are open seven days a week. Latest entry to the gardens is 4 pm. For further information phone (250) 752-6153 or go to www.milnergardens.org.
Tags: In the Community
