We’ve come a long way in a short time. After purchasing our marvelous rural acreage on Mason Road in 2009, we have been able to develop our infrastructure with the help of government funds (Federal, Provincial, Municipal and Regional), many private donations from our members and others, as well as in-kind donations from many local businesses. Our volunteers have built a very productive organic vegetable garden, held many work parties, and conducted scores of tours. In our new Sparling Pavilion and rebuilt farm buildings, our Botanical Garden events plus bookings from businesses, artists and wedding parties have brought hundreds of people into the Garden. The gardens surrounding the Sparling Pavilion are winding down from their first season, and will continue to grow in colour and interest.
It has been a huge undertaking of volunteer talent, time and effort to come this far, and the future depends equally on fundraising and our own volunteer efforts. We have an overall conceptual plan for the Botanical Garden which will evolve over time and given the opportunities for funding that arise. We eventually plan to develop many small areas of the Garden to increase our biodiversity, our conservation areas, wetlands and ponds, and usability for the thousands of visitors we expect over the coming years.
Our next major priority is the Native Plant Garden, which will cover approximately one hectare (2.5 acres) of the northwest portion of the Garden. It is comprised of four major zones of plant communities:
- Coastal Rainforest - think Ferns and Cedars, Huckleberries and Rhododendrons
- Dry Rain-shadow - think Arbutus and Fawn Lilies, Garry Oaks, and Camas
- Subalpine - think Yellow Cedars and Crowberries, Mountain Hemlocks and Pussytoes
- Wetlands & Ponds - think Willows and Skunk Cabbage, Pond Lilies and Cattails
The Native Plant Garden will grow our native plants, including some that are familiar and others that are rare or even endangered. Birds, insects, amphibians, reptiles and small mammals will be fostered too. Our aim is to increase everyone’s awareness of our richly varied and precious natural plant resource. Signage, programming and other interpretation is key to appreciating our plants’ stories.
This exciting project opens all sorts of opportunities for residents of and visitors to the Sunshine Coast. I hope you will help us build the Native Plant Garden and take many walks through it over the coming years.
Paddy Wales, President
SCBGS is a member of Botanic Gardens Conservation International.
Garden Vision
The Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden will be a community treasure, a source of beauty and learning, raising awareness of the importance of plants in supporting all life.
Let's get growing!
Acknowledgements
Development of this web site was made possible with financial assistance from a Direct Access Program Grant through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.