March 5, 2007 - 4:00pm
Spring must be in the air because it’s almost time for Milner Gardens and Woodland to reopen for the regular season.
The March 29 opening marks the start of the seventh year the Gardens have been open to the public. Malaspina University-College acquired the property in 1996 to provide learning and research opportunities in the art and science of horticulture, as well as other activities appropriate to the garden and forest. The property provides an amazing living laboratory for Malaspina’s horticultural students, as well as the general public.
“I enjoy the uniqueness of the place,” said Geoff Ball, newly appointed interim executive director. “The history and sheer beauty makes Milner Gardens a really magical spot.”
The 70-acre Milner Gardens and Woodlands property is a sensuous delight. Old growth Douglas firs and cedars frame breathtaking views of the Strait of Georgia, while the Gardens’ small orchard, berry and vegetable gardens, more than 400 varieties of rhododendrons, blue-green hostas, fragrant honeysuckle and delicate lace-cape hydrangeas soothe the eye.
To see the winding paths, well manicured lawns and bustling blooms of Milner Gardens and Woodland today, it’s hard to believe it ever looked any different, but ten years ago, the historical Qualicum Beach garden and coastal forest was an entirely different place.
“In 1996 the garden had basically been undisturbed for many years, with the areas around the house and along the driveway only being lightly maintained,” said Jim Cadwaladr, recently retired executive director at the Gardens who has been involved with the development of the site since Malaspina University-College took it over. “It was a jungle.”
Milner Gardens was the dream and creation of one very determined woman, Mrs. Veronica Milner. Her second husband, Horatio “Ray” Milner was a successful Canadian businessman and lawyer. He originally purchased what is now Milner Gardens in 1937 and began developing the site. Veronica Milner saw the garden and forest as a single living organism, a microcosm of calm and tranquility. The key elements in this original vision were the preservation and continued enhancement of the garden and forest and the use of the garden and forest to educate and influence people through delight and inspiration. Mrs. Milner’s artist’s eye and horticultural expertise combined to shape the garden.
All these elements have converged since the acquisition of the property by Malaspina University-College in 1996.
“Mrs. Milner grew this garden and guarded it fiercely for over 50 years. It is unusual on the West Coast to have a garden this old with only one person’s vision attached to it,” said Cadwaladr, who worked with Mrs. Milner daily for nearly three years before she passed away in 1998.
The garden is an inspiration and challenge to Malaspina University-College students and faculty, and will provide a strong rationale for additional horticultural oriented programs. While the garden provides great opportunities for interested students, it is also a great place to walk the trails, breathe the fresh ocean air and take the time to stop and smell the flowers.
For more information on Milner Gardens and Woodland, call (250)752-8573 or email milnergardens@shaw.ca or visit the website at www.milnergardens.org
Tags: In the Community
