March in the Garden

In the March 2017 blog, I wrote about spring-flowering rhododendrons. I hope you’ll forgive me for returning to this subject, but I’ve seldom seen as extensive a bud-set on rhododendrons as they are providing us this year. Most visitors know that UBC Botanical Garden has an excellent collection of rhododendrons; at last count there were more than 400 different kinds. While distributed across the Botanical Garden, the vast majority reside in the David C. Lam Asian Garden and in the Asian section of the E. H. Lohbrunner Alpine Garden (Asia is the centre of diversity for cold-hardy rhododendrons). North American species are well represented, but are, by and large, late to flower, with few of them opening before May.

This January I was very fortunate to be included in Far Reaches Botanical Conservancy’s Patagonian Tour. This was an excellent educational opportunity to join a small group of 12 botanists, horticulturists and plant enthusiasts, led by renowned expert and botanist Marcela Ferreyra. The itinerary focused on observing alpine flora, as January is the best time to see alpine plants in their native habitat in this section of Argentina, but also included opportunities to visit the steppe and montane forests.

Refreshed and ready for the new season, the Shop in the Garden is eagerly anticipating your arrival! To express our gratitude for your continued support, we're offering a complimentary potted narcissus or hyacinth to our first 20 patrons. The Friends of the Garden (FOGs) volunteers have hand-picked a wonderful selection of wares, sure to please and delight all who visit. Anticipate a welcoming atmosphere and expert assistance from our wonderful FOGs volunteers as we embark on this new season together!

Upcoming Events

Magnolia Events

As Spring approaches, we invite you to witness the beautiful blooming of Magnolias at the garden. We have two exciting events coming up on March 23rd - one is a Magnolia walk with our curators Andy Hill or Douglas Justice, and another is a Magnolia performance with artist Celeste Snowber.

Night Quest

Nature at night is a magical experience. Wander down forest trails decorated with glowing animal lanterns and meet friendly forest creatures who will delight you with nature tales.

Tree Talks & Walks -

Nitobe Memorial Garden

Douglas’ walk will cover many of the dozen or so ornamental cherries planted at UBC’s Nitobe Memorial Garden. This traditional Japanese tea and stroll garden is the perfect setting to see cherry trees in bloom.

Lunar New Year 2024 Recap

UBC Botanical Garden’s 2nd Annual Lunar New Year Market on February 3rd and 4th, 2024

After 2023’s resounding success, we grew this year’s event – doubling the size – bringing in new and wonderful local vendors, food trucks, workshops, and adventures for all guests. A symbol of good fortune and prosperity, this year’s zodiac, the Dragon, is celebrated for ruling the weather and fruitful harvest (Duncan, C. (February 9, 2024) Why is the Year of the Dragon Considered So Lucky? Smithsonian Magazine). Garden visitors were treated to a dry and welcoming February weekend filled with celebratory festivities. The year of the Dragon, at UBC Botanical Garden, was a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and tradition. The market brought together people from diverse backgrounds to usher in the Year of the Dragon, an opportunity to create joyful memories, and excitement in what is sure to be a fruitful year.

Do you dream of a fulfilling career in horticulture or working with plants? Are you a landscaper seeking to add skills and develop credentials? If you've answered "yes", then UBC Botanical Garden's Horticulture Training Program (HTP) is your gateway to a vibrant and satisfying career.

Register here for our upcoming information session, hosted by our new HTP Principal Instructor Derek Churchill. Read more about Derek here

Spring/Summer Hours

We are moving to our Spring/Summer hours beginning Tuesday April 2nd, and look forward to welcoming you. It's a beautiful time in the Garden, with many plants in our collection springing to life..

The Shop in the Garden: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00am - 4:30pm Open March 1st
UBC Botanical Garden: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00am - 4:30pm
Nitobe Memorial Garden: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00am - 4:30pm
Greenheart Treewalk: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00am - 4:30pm (last entrance 3:30pm)

For the month of March 2024, please take note of our winter hours below

Information

Quiet bench at UBC Botanical Garden with fall foliage

Visit
UBC Botanical Garden

Explore the world of wild-collected
plants from around the globe
Hours:
Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Closed Mondays & Holidays

View looking across the pond at the bridge at Nitobe Memorial Garden

Visit
Nitobe Memorial Garden

Experience harmony in nature at
Nitobe Memorial Garden
Hours:
Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Closed Mondays & Holidays

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