Milner Gardens named one of best in Canada

Milner Gardens & Woodland has received national acclaim after being listed as one of the top ten public gardens in Canada.

“Spirits on site are pretty high after the recent listing by the Canadian Geographic Travel magazine,” said executive director Geoff Ball. “This comes on the heels of Milner Gardens being named one of Oceanside's Seven Wonders last fall.”

Only a short drive north of Parksville, Milner Gardens & Woodland is now open for the season, with a special kids Easter bunny hunt taking place in the heritage garden from Saturday, March 22 until Monday.

This year marks the eighth year that Milner Gardens & Woodland has 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.

“Our volunteers have been hard at work over the winter helping to refresh much of the main house, which we use as a tea room and meeting room,” added Ball. “Carpets have been ripped up through most of the house and the original old flooring revived.  Many of the rooms have also received a fresh coat of paint.  I’m sure most visitors will be thrilled with the updates.”

The first special event of the season will the annual spring plant sale on April 19 and 20, followed by Rhododendron Days May 1-11.

“This event is the best time to come see the rhododendrons in all their glory,” added Ball.

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.

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 who 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.

For more information about Milner Gardens & Woodland, including hours of operation, call (250)752-6153 or visit the website at www.milnergardens.org