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February 9, 2012

Hellebores: Jewels of the Winter Garden

Lecturer: Gary Lewis, Phoenix Perennials owner

Discover the botany, ecology, and distribution of hellebores as well as their history in western gardens and the complex breeding required to arrive at the stunning array of modern forms. Gary will tour you through the best of what’s available today and speak to new directions in breeding. Gary will bring an array of hellebores to “show and tell” during the evening.

March 7, 2012

VanDusen’s Visitor Centre - Building, Site, and Ecology Working Together

Lecturer: Ken Larsson, Principal - Sharp and Diamond Landscape Architecture

Inspired by nature and an orchid, VanDusen’s new Visitor Centre forges a harmonious relationship between architecture and ecology. The project’s environmental goals have been set high with the design registered in the International Living Future Institute’s Living Building Challenge and to exceed LEED Platinum. We will focus on the landscape design, implementation, and construction with special attention of the building's iconic green roof and the project's strong commitment to the highest environmental standard.

*** Please note this Cedar Lecture is on a Wednesday, not Thursday ***

April 12, 2012

George Forrest - Braveheart of the Great Plant Explorers

Lecturer: Roy Forster, Retired Curator VanDusen Botanical Garden

Join Roy for an engaging evening of tales of the Scottish plant explorer George Forrest (1873 -1932). Forrest discovered a large number of new species which contributed greatly to the basis of our garden plant collections of today. Forrest has been named Braveheart by Roy because of his adventures on his first plant exploration in Western China, when he barely escaped the fate of the Scottish patriot, but at the hands of Tibetan zealots. Come to see and hear of the expeditions and important introductions to our gardens.

April 26, 2012

SPECIAL LECTURE

Private Paradise - Elsie Reford's Lily Garden on the Lower St. Lawrence

Lecturer: Alexander Reford, Director Les Jardins de Métis / Reford Gardens

In 1926, Elsie Reford embarked on a project that would occupy much of her time, energy and fortune for over thirty years. On a large promontory overlooking the St. Lawrence River, she developed an ornamental garden on a vast scale. Importing specimens from growers worldwide, she created a collector's garden around the fishing camp left her by her wealthy uncle, CPR founder Lord Mount Stephen. Incorporating indigenous plants native to the region and fashioning a series of gardens within the site's unique topography, Elsie Reford's gardens were a private paradise until they opened to the public fifty years ago. She styled herself an amateur gardener. But with her love of paintings and objets d'art, her travels, and network of plant collectors and horticultural experts, she achieved mastery in the selection and placement of plants. Her great-grandson, and the gardens’ current director, Alexander Reford, has picked up her passion and will lead us through the story of the development of Les Jardins de Métis / Reford Gardens and how they continue to contribute to innovation in horticulture and garden design.

June 14, 2012

Hidcote Manor Garden

Lecturer: Derek Bull, Hidcote Guide & Archivist

Join Derek Bull as he discusses the restoration of this famed 1907 Arts & Crafts Garden created by horticulturist Maj. Lawrence Johnston. Acquired by Britain’s National Trust in 1947, this grand English garden has recently undergone an extensive restoration made possible by a $1.6 million donation.

*** Please note this lecture will be held in the Floral Hall ***

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