Seeing a garden grow over the years is unlike anything else, according to Powell River Spring Garden Tour organizer Diana Wood, who has planted a garden everywhere she has lived in Powell River, including a large English garden at her Westview Avenue property called Boxwood Cottage.
“It was just blackberries and alders when we moved in,” said Wood.
Her young garden was among a handful on display for Powell River’s first spring garden tour 20 years ago, she said.
According to Wood, the tour was started by a group of six women who were interested in raising money to start a community garden. The group eventually became Powell River Spring Garden Tour Committee, she said.
“We were inspired by garden tour fundraisers being put on by Denman Island gardener Des Kennedy,” said Wood. “The first year we put our own gardens on display and every year since we have added new gardens.”
Over the years, Wood and the committee have included gardens that are sandy, boggy, sloped or otherwise peculiar, she said.
“We try to include things like beachfront gardens and forest gardens so there’s a real mix of situations and approaches,” said Wood. “Some years, we visit gardens that have been on previous tours five or six years ago; seeing the changes since the last visit is like seeing a before and after picture.”
Gardener Sharon Nash has been attending the tours for about eight years.
“I had friends who were going and they asked if I would come along,” said Nash.
The diversity of gardens really struck her, she added.
“There are so many microclimates in Powell River, so every garden is different,” said Nash. “You get to see everything from early stages to masterpieces on the tour.”
According to Nash, a highlight of the tour is seeing people’s unique solutions to garden problems.
“One year, we toured a garden south of town that had chickens,” she said. “They were using classical music to keep the bears away.”
Every year the tour includes a catered lunch and special performances. This year, a display of miniatures by artist Lin Morrison will be featured, along with live art in the gardens. Past tours have included bonsai exhibitions, hypertufa container workshops and a variety of other entertaining and educational displays, said Wood, adding that a master gardener is always present to answer questions.
Over the years, the committee has donated money toward drinking fountains, public benches, scholarships and other initiatives geared to greening and beautifying Powell River, said Wood.
Finding people willing to showcase their gardens can often be a challenge, she said.
“Some people worry about having a perfect garden, but there’s no such thing,” said Wood. “Gardening is continuously evolving and changing, and what we’re focusing on is a diversity of gardens.”
Nash said being invited to someone’s private garden is a privilege.
“It’s not about having the perfect garden,” said Nash. “It’s about sharing what you’re doing and having a community experience.”
Spring Garden Tour takes place from 9 am-5 pm on Sunday, May 21. Tickets are available for $15 at Mother Nature and Springtime Nursery.
