Calendar of Events 2010

PlantWatch: Plants, climate change and citizen science with Patrick Wilson and Dawn Hanna presented by the Native Plant Society of BC in the Cedar Room at 7 p.m. Plants face many threats, but climate change is probably the single greatest threat to plant diversity, and thus a major challenge for plant conservationists. Join us to find out more about some of the ways that climate is affecting and expecting to further affect plants, plant populations and plant diversity. Admission free. Information: Dawn Hanna at 604.831.5069 or dawnhanna@telus.net

Cedar Series Lecture, Introducing the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, with Kim Woolcock, Outreach & Exhibits Manager, Beaty Diversity Museum in Floral Hall at 7:30 p.m. By late spring of 2010, the University of British Columbia’s rich biological collections will be housed in the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, a new museum dedicated to enhancing the public's understanding and appreciation of biodiversity. The Museum and associated Research Centre will be housed side-by-side in the Beaty Biodiversity Centre, 2212 Main Mall, UBC. More than two million specimens of plants, insects, fish, vertebrates, fungi and fossils will showcase our province’s stunning natural history. Kim Woolcock explains the genesis of this exciting project and describes the impressive collections that will be housed within. Tickets: in advance from the Administration Office or, subject to availability, at the door on the night of the lecture. Individual tickets: Members $10 and non-members $15. Trio Pack: includes three tickets which can be used on any three lectures in 2010 (Spring and Autumn) Members: $25 (for 3), Non-members: $40 (for 3). Cedar Series sponsor: GardenWise

Bird Walk, 10 a.m. meet at the Garden entrance. Join Jeremy Gordon from Nature Vancouver for a beginners’ birding exploration in the Garden. Rain or shine. Limited to the first 20 people. Free for Members or with Garden admission. For more information on Nature Vancouver, visit www.naturevancouver.ca

HSBC VanDusen Family Program, Winter Scavenger Hunt for families with children ages 5 - 11. Bundle up and join us for a seasonal scavenger hunt around the Garden. Discover VanDusen’s magic in the winter and make nature-inspired works of art with your favourite natural treasures that you collect along the way! Two sessions: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Price: Member Family $10, Non-Member Family $15 (includes admission to the Garden). One-time bursaries are available for families with limited resources.Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration required by calling 604.718.5998 or familyprograms@vandusen.org

Pteridium aquilinum: Bracken fern, with Randal Mindell presented by the Native Plant Society of BC in the Cedar Room at 7 p.m. Bracken fern, Pteridium aquilinum, is one of the most widely distributed species on Earth. In BC, it is ubiquitous and thriving, occasionally overwhelming the landscape. In an attempt to paint this seemingly pedestrian plant into a more noble light, this talk will discuss the biological and cultural history of bracken, relating it to nearly 400 million years of evolution with details of taxonomy, ecology, morphology and reproduction. Randal Mindell is a botanist who specializes in the study of fossil plants from BC. He currently teaches in the Department of Earth & Ocean Sciences at the University of BC. Admission free. Information: Dawn Hanna at 604.831.5069 or dawnhanna@telus.net

Metro Vancouver Gardening Society Spring Flower & Penjing Show in Floral Hall. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Admission charge $5 per family. Information: Tony Wu 604.473.9837 tonychwu@gmail.com

Cedar Series Lecture, What's New, What's Hot & What's Not! with Brian Minter in Floral Hall at 7:30 p.m. Plantsman, raconteur and gardener extraordinaire, Brian Minter will share his exceptional knowledge about the local horticultural industry. Be entertained and enlightened by one of the leading lights on the provincial scene. Learn about the hottest new plant introductions for 2010; about plants that retain an enduring public appeal; and those plants that have not outlived their ‘Best Before’ dates. Tickets: in advance from the Administration Office or, subject to availability, at the door on the night of the lecture. Individual tickets: Members $10 and non-members $15. Trio Pack: includes three tickets which can be used on any three lectures in 2010 (Spring and Autumn) Members: $25 (for 3), Non-members: $40 (for 3). Cedar Series sponsor: GardenWise

Bird Walk, 10 a.m. meet at the Garden entrance. Join Jeremy Gordon from Nature Vancouver for a beginners’ birding exploration in the Garden. Rain or shine. Limited to the first 20 people. Free for Members or with Garden admission. For more information on Nature Vancouver, visit www.naturevancouver.ca

Seedy Saturday, in Floral Hall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Presented by the BC Master Gardeners Association. A celebration of heritage varieties and organic gardening featuring more than 30 growers, seed companies and exhibitors and Heritage Seed Swap. Admission by donation.

Family Time at Seedy Saturday in Floral Hall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free family event will have a variety of seed inspired activities during our annual Seedy Saturday event.

Women botanists of western North America with Linda Jennings presented by the Native Plant Society of BC in the Cedar Room at 7 p.m. Learn a few rules of ‘sex’ nomenclature and how to recognize if a plant is named after a male or female. Then, hear the stories about some of the earliest and best known North American female botanists such as Kate Brandegee, Alice Eastwood and Lilia Leech; their plant discoveries and how they changed our understanding of the botanical world. Linda Jennings is the Herbarium collection manager at the University of BC’s Beaty Biodiversity Centre. Admission free. Information: Dawn Hanna at 604.831.5069 or dawnhanna@telus.net dawnhanna@telus.net

Annual Manure Sale, in the parking lot from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Give your garden a spring tonic! $5 for a 20kg bag Information and pre-orders: marcelfpichette@alumni.uottawa.ca

Master Gardeners’ Update, The Ever Changing Garden. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Michael J. Fox Theatre, 7373 MacPherson Ave., Burnaby. Speakers : Jennifer Trehane from the U.K. on Camellias and Don Burnett, Kelowna’s ‘Garden Expert’. Everyone welcome. Tickets $45 in advance or $60 at the door.  Information and registration www.bcmastergardeners.org

Spring Break Camp: Snap! Splash! Grow! Camp Biodiversity., For children aged 7 – 10, three full days 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (9 a.m. drop-off available). How is biodiversity made exciting for kids? Through scientific experiments, games, crafts and more! Campers will become botanists and ecologists, exploring the interconnectedness of life on earth in a way that is as fun as it is educational. Cost: Non-members $140, Members $120 Pre-registration with full payment required. Visit the Children & Families for registration information or call: 604.718.5898 Email: familyprograms@vandusen.org

Cedar Series Lecture Chasing Wild Orchids and other Botanical Adventures in Western Australia with photographer Ron Long in Floral Hall 7:30 p.m.. Western Australia is a vast area with an unbelievably diverse flora. Millions of years of geological stability has permitted continuous evolution to yield extraordinary diversity. The relationship of these plants with habitat, climate and insects has resulted in stunningly complex relationships. Ron uses hundreds of beautiful photographs to illustrate and discuss this utterly fascinating part of the Australian continent. Ron Long was a professional photographer at Simon Fraser University for 36 years. For 15 of those he photographed exclusively for the Biological Sciences Department, acquiring a wealth of knowledge about our natural world. Ron is a board member of the Native Plant Society of BC, is active in the Botany Section of Nature Vancouver and is on the Speakers Committee at VanDusen Botanical Garden. Tickets: in advance from the Administration Office or, subject to availability, at the door on the night of the lecture. Individual tickets: Members $10 and non-members $15. Trio Pack: includes three tickets which can be used on any three lectures in 2010 (Spring and Autumn) Members: $25 (for 3), Non-members: $40 (for 3). Cedar Series sponsor: GardenWise

Volunteer Orientation from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Orientation is a prerequisite for volunteer activities at VanDusen Garden. Bring your lunch, we’ll provide refreshments. Dress for the weather. Meet at the Totem Poles near the Garden Entrance at 10am. Learn about the many volunteer opportunities at VanDusen. Meet representatives from the VBGA staff and Board. Tour the Garden with experienced Guides who will share their knowledge and enthusiasm. To register or for more information, call Judy Aird at 604.257.8674 volunteer@vandusen.org

Medicine Wheel Ceremony from noon to 3 p.m. at the First Nations’ Medicine Wheel in the Canadian Heritage Garden. You are invited to join elders from the First Nations community in a spiritual ceremony to mark the changing of the season. Wear clothing appropriate for the weather, bring a small stone to bless and leave at the wheel as well as a food item to share at the pot luck meal at the conclusion of the ceremony. Information: Contact VanDusen’s Librarian Marina Princz at library@vandusen.org or 604.257.8668

Bird Walk 10 a.m. meet at the Garden entrance. Join Jeremy Gordon from Nature Vancouver for a beginners’ birding exploration in the Garden. Rain or shine. Limited to the first 20 people. Free for Members or with Garden admission. For more information on Nature Vancouver, visit www.naturevancouver.ca

HSBC VanDusen Family Program, What’s That Bird? for families with children ages 5 to11 years Take a walk around the Garden and learn about the birds that make VanDusen their home. Build your own recycled bird feeder to attract your own feathered friends this spring! Two sessions: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Price: Member Family $15, Non-Member Family $20 (includes admission to the Garden). One-time bursaries are available for families with limited resources. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration required by calling 604-718-5898 or familyprograms@vandusen.org

Hotspots for Spring Wildflowers presented by the Native Plant Society of BC in the Cedar Room at 7 p.m. Want to learn some of the best places to see fawn lilies, western trillium and other spring wildflowers in BC? Native Plant Society of BC members will show images of spring wildflower species and share their knowledge about where and when to go for a great spring wildflower show. Admission free. Information: Dawn Hanna at 604.831.5069 or dawnhanna@telus.net

The Great A-Mazing Egg Hunt from 10 a.m. to noon.
SOLD OUT

Event sponsor: Purdy’s Chocolates www.purdys.com

Vancouver Dahlia Society Annual Tuber Sale, Floral Hall. Saturday: 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday: noon to 4 p.m. Admission by donation. Information: Wally Kurth 604.536.6878 wally_kurth@telus.net

Cedar Series Lecture, Across the Grain: The Nature of Wood, with Dr. Jack Fisher, Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden. In Floral Hall at 7:30 p.m. Pine, mahogany, purpleheart, oak – they are all unique in their appearance. But what exactly makes the colour and grain in wood? Get a little insight into the inner workings of trees through the experienced eyes of a botanist and long-time wood-turner. Jack Fisher spent 37 years as Senior Research Scientist at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami, where he specialized in the structure and function of tropical plants. He was a visiting professor at the University of Guelph, National University of Singapore, and an Associate Editor for the Canadian Journal of Botany. Dr. Fisher is now retired and finishing a reference book on palm anatomy. Tickets: in advance from the Administration Office or, subject to availability, at the door on the night of the lecture. Individual tickets: Members $10 and non-members $15. Trio Pack: includes three tickets which can be used on any three lectures in 2010 (Spring and Autumn) Members: $25 (for 3), Non-members: $40 (for 3). Cedar Series sponsor: GardenWise

Alpine Garden Club of B.C. Annual Tuber Sale in Floral Hall. Saturday: noon to 4 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission free. Information: Linda Verbeek 604.526.6656 beekbos@vcn.bc.ca.

BC Fuchsia & Begonia Society Annual Plant, Bake & Craft Sale in Floral Hall 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission free. Information: Frances Carter, 604.591.3262

Pt. Grey Chrysanthemum Association Plant Sale, Covered Walkway. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission free. Information: Bernie Milns 604.574.3015 maryber@shaw.ca

VBGA Annual General Meeting and Volunteer Recognition Event These two events will take place in Floral Hall at 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served from 7 p.m. The meeting will begin with the volunteer awards and then proceed to the business portion. Come and support those volunteers who have made exceptional contributions to the Garden.

HSBC VanDusen Family Program, I Planet Earth! for families with children ages 5 to11 years Celebrate Earth Day with the family at VanDusen by investigating the Garden and the importance of preserving our natural world. Propagate your own plant and make a special earth-friendly craft. Bring the whole family to VanDusen today! We have scheduled a Pre-Plant Sale tour to coincide with today’s programs. One adult goes on the Plant Tour while another enjoys Earth Day activities with the kids. Two sessions: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Price: Member Family $10, Non-Member Family $15 (includes admission to the Garden). One-time bursaries are available for families with limited resources. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration required by calling 604-718-5898 or familyprograms@vandusen.org

VanDusen Plant Sale, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. THE sale of the year. More than 40,000 plants for sale. Catalogues available in advance at the Garden Cashier for $2 starting April 1st. Bring your wheelbarrow and a friend. Master gardeners will be on site to give advice. Other features include Plant Check and Plant Pick Up areas. Visa, Mastercard, personal cheques and cash accepted. Admission to the Garden is free this day.

Bird Walk, 10 a.m. meet at the Garden entrance. Join Jeremy Gordon from Nature Vancouver for a beginners’ birding exploration in the Garden. Rain or shine. Limited to the first 20 people. Free for Members or with Garden admission. For more information on Nature Vancouver, visit www.naturevancouver.ca

Volunteer Orientation from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Orientation is a prerequisite for volunteer activities at VanDusen Garden. Bring your lunch, we’ll provide refreshments. Dress for the weather. Meet at the Totem Poles near the Garden Entrance at 10am. Learn about the many volunteer opportunities at VanDusen. Meet representatives from the VBGA staff and Board. Tour the Garden with experienced Guides who will share their knowledge and enthusiasm. To register or for more information, call Judy Aird at 604.257.8674 volunteer@vandusen.org

Canadian Geranium & Pelargonium Society Annual Plant Show & Sale. In Floral Hall. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Admission free. Information: Barbara Puchala 604.327.3937 info@cdngeraniums.com or www.cdngeraniums.com

Cedar Series Lecture, The Natural World of William Shakespeare with Harry Jongerden, VanDusen Garden Director. In Floral Hall at 7:30 p.m. Poets for centuries have used plants and flowers for symbolic effect, but Shakespeare astonishes by presenting us with 180 different plant species. Beyond the sheer numbers, he also astonishes us with an intimate understanding of how the natural world works. Deepen your understanding of Shakespeare as we explore this world through the works of this 16th Century poetic genius and naturalist. In addition to being VanDusen Garden Director, Mr. Jongerden is the author of This Other Eden: the Gardens of the Stratford Festival of Canada, a book which he wrote during his eight year tenure with Stratford as its Head Gardener. Tickets: in advance from the Administration Office or, subject to availability, at the door on the night of the lecture. Individual tickets: Members $10 and non-members $15. Trio Pack: includes three tickets which can be used on any three lectures in 2010 (Spring and Autumn) Members: $25 (for 3), Non-members: $40 (for 3). Cedar Series sponsor: GardenWise

HSBC VanDusen Family Program, Tasty Plants: for families with children ages 5 to11 years. Nothing compliments fresh summer eating better than fresh garden herbs. We’ll explore the different herbs grown at VanDusen, and plant a mini herb garden for participants to take home to watch it grow into tasty plants! One herb garden per family. Two sessions: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Price: Member Family $15, Non-Member Family $20 (includes admission to the Garden). One-time bursaries are available for families with limited resources. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration required by calling 604-718-5898 or familyprograms@vandusen.org

All British Field Meet of more than 400 classic British cars on the Great Lawn from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Information: Patrick Stewart 604.736.6754 or www.westerndriver.com/abfm

Vancouver Japanese-Canadian Sumi Bonsai Club Annual Show in Floral Hall. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days. Admission by donation. Information: Tony Nasu 604..432.6160

Bird Walk , 10 a.m. meet at the Garden entrance. Join Jeremy Gordon from Nature Vancouver for a beginners’ birding exploration in the Garden. Rain or shine. Limited to the first 20 people. Free for Members or with Garden admission. For more information on Nature Vancouver, visit www.naturevancouver.ca

Taguchi Bonsai Club Spring Bonsai Show,, in Floral Hall. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Admission: $2 Information: Sandy Knoll 604.224.1343

Cedar Series Lecture Hardy Orchids with Bill Bischoff. In Floral Hall at 7:30 p.m. Award winning and international speaker Bill Bischoff will share his passion for all orchids, cyclamen and gardening. Join us for an evening as he explains how one small Phalaenopsis in Toronto, that almost crushed his gardening interest, has grown to more than 700 orchids grown in warm and cool green houses, and now has extended to hardy orchids grown in his Surrey garden. Tickets: in advance from the Administration Office or, subject to availability, at the door on the night of the lecture. Individual tickets: Members $10 and non-members $15. Trio Pack: includes three tickets which can be used on any three lectures in 2010 (Spring and Autumn) Members: $25 (for 3), Non-members: $40 (for 3). Cedar Series sponsor: GardenWise

Desert Plant Society Annual Show & Sale, Floral Hall. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission free. Information: Dirk Himschoot 604.825.1447 dhimscho@shaw.ca

HSBC VanDusen Family Program, Splash! It’s Pond Season: for families with children ages 5 to11 years. We know how much our young visitors love the ponds here at VanDusen. Join our program leaders for hands-on look at pond life. Collect some critters with our pond-dipping nets and check them out up-close with our microscopes back at the Education Centre classroom.Two sessions: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Price: Member Family $10, Non-Member Family $15 (includes admission to the Garden). One-time bursaries are available for families with limited resources. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration required by calling 604-718-5898 or familyprograms@vandusen.org

Medicine Wheel Ceremony from noon to 3 p.m. at the First Nations’ Medicine Wheel in the Canadian Heritage Garden. You are invited to join elders from the First Nations community in a spiritual ceremony to mark the changing of the season. Wear clothing appropriate for the weather, bring a small stone to bless and leave at the wheel as well as a food item to share at the pot luck meal at the conclusion of the ceremony. Information: Contact VanDusen’s Librarian Marina Princz at library@vandusen.org or 604.257.8668

Vancouver Rose Society Annual Rose Show, in Floral Hall, Cedar Room & Covered Walkway. 12:30 - 4:30 p.m. Admission $4. Information: Brenda Viney 604.936.1514 brendaviney@telus.net

Harpistry Harp Choir from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on the Centre Court lawn. This 8-piece harp choir will serenade visitors with selections from their repertoire of classical and Celtic music. Included with admission to the Garden. Information: www.harpistry.com or Mehlinda Heartt 604.323.2344

Night Shift Jazz from 7 to 9 p.m. on the Centre Court lawn, This 19-piece Big Band will serenade visitors with selections from their repertoire of jazz, blues and Latin tunes. Included with admission to the Garden. Information: Ron DuBlanko 604.771.3390 RonRealtor@telus.net or www.nightshiftjazz.com

Vancouver Shade Garden Society Annual Show and Sale, Floral Hall, 1 – 4 p.m. Admission free. Information: Koichi Nakatani 604.728.8260 knakatani247@hotmail.com

BC Fuchsia & Begonia Society Annual Show & Competition in Floral Hall, Cedar Room & Covered Walkway. Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission $2. Information: Frances Carter 604.591.3262

Opening Reception for Zimsculpt: by invitation only from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in Perennial Garden

Zimsculpt: The hit of summer 2009, Zimsculpt returns to VanDusen for a second year bringing stunning stone sculpture from Zimbabwe. More than 200 pieces are artistically displayed throughout the Garden.

Two artists from Zimbabwe, Passmore Mupindiko and Patrick Sephani, will be in attendance throughout the exhibition and carving on site daily. All pieces are for sale with partial proceeds going to support the VanDusen Botanical Garden Association.

Vancouver Orchid Society Orchid and Companion Plant Sale, Floral Hall, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Information: Wayne Riggs 604.597.5709 riggskw@interchange.ubc.ca

Music in the Garden Family Day 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The second annual Family Day produced by MusicFest Vancouver and the Garden will bring music to life in a music and environmental ‘village’ on the Great Lawn. Performers TBC. Registration not required for this drop-in event. Regular Garden admission charges apply. Children under age six are free. For more information on this event, please contact MusicFest Vancouver   Note Early Closure below.

Early Closure. Due to the MusicFest Vancouver World at the Garden concert, no one will be admitted to the Garden after 4:30 p.m. today. The Garden will be cleared of all visitors at 6 p.m. and only concert ticket holders will be admitted when the gate re-opens at 6 p.m.

MusicFest Vancouver presents World at the Garden, TBA On the Great Lawn at 7 p.m. The WATG concerts feature festival seating on the Great Lawn. Patrons should bring their own blankets (seated in the centre section) or low lawn chairs (seated on the sides). Seating is not provided. Admission after 6 p.m. includes the opportunity to explore the Garden prior to the concert - bring a picnic and make an evening of it. Rain or shine - dress appropriately for sitting outside. Prices and tickets for all concerts are available on the Festival’s web site www.musicfestvancouver.ca or through Ticketmaster at 604.280.3311 www.ticketmaster.ca with service charges. For more information on these and other MusicFest Vancouver concerts and to enter the contest to win a reserved parking spot at VanDusen visit www.musicfestvancouver.ca

Zimsculpt: The hit of summer 2009, Zimsculpt returns to VanDusen for a second year bringing stunning stone sculpture from Zimbabwe. More than 200 pieces are artistically displayed throughout the Garden.

Two artists from Zimbabwe, Passmore Mupindiko and Patrick Sephani, will be in attendance throughout the exhibition and carving on site daily. All pieces are for sale with partial proceeds going to support the VanDusen Botanical Garden Association.

Vancouver Dahlia Society Annual Dahlia Show, Floral Hall & Cedar Room. Saturday: 1 – 5 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission by donation. Information: Wally Kurth 604.536.6878 wally_kurth@telus.net

Cedar Series Lecture, TBA, in Floral Hall at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: in advance from the Administration Office or, subject to availability, at the door on the night of the lecture. Individual tickets: Members $10 and non-members $15. Trio Pack: includes three tickets which can be used on any three lectures in 2010. Members: $25 (for 3), Non-members: $40 (for 3)

Pt. Grey Chrysanthemum Association Show of Early Varieties, Saturday: Noon to 4 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission free. Information: Bernie Milns 604.574.3015 maryber@shaw.ca

Private Garden Tour - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Don’t miss this weekend feast of garden hopping in which carefully selected private gardens are open to discerning visitors. As always gardens have been selected to display the most desirable features, whether artistry, whimsy or environmental awareness. This is a self-guided tour where friends band together and spend a lovely, relaxed time over two days visiting gardens around the city. It is not wheelchair accessible. Tour goers are permitted one visit to each garden and must be over the age of 12.

For Tickets: $30 available at the Garden (Administration Reception or Garden Shop) after July 15th or by mail (after June 15th) by sending your cheque, payable to VBGA, with a self-addressed and stamped envelope to private Garden Tour, c/o VBGA, 5251 Oak St., Vancouver, BC V6M 4H1. Tickets are limited and sold on a first come basis so get your order in early. Sorry, no telephone calls please.

Volunteer Orientation from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Orientation is a prerequisite for volunteer activities at VanDusen Garden. Bring your lunch, we’ll provide refreshments. Dress for the weather. Meet at the Totem Poles near the Garden Entrance at 10 a.m. Learn about the many volunteer opportunities at VanDusen. Meet representatives from the VBGA staff and Board. Tour the Garden with experienced Guides who will share their knowledge and enthusiasm. To register or for more information, call Judy Aird at 604.257.8674 volunteer@vandusen.org.

Medicine Wheel Ceremony from noon to 3 p.m. at the First Nations’ Medicine Wheel in the Canadian Heritage Garden. You are invited to join elders from the First Nations community in a spiritual ceremony to mark the changing of the season. Wear clothing appropriate for the weather, bring a small stone to bless and leave at the wheel as well as a food item to share at the pot luck meal at the conclusion of the ceremony. Information: Contact VanDusen’s Librarian Marina Princz at library@vandusen.org or 604.257.8668

Alpine Garden Club of B.C. Fall Plant Sale, Floral Hall, 1 to 4 p.m. Information: Linda Verbeek 604.526.-6656 beekbos@vcn.bc.ca

VanDusen’s Annual Compost and Spring Bulb Sale in the parking lot from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $5 for a 20kg bag of compost. Pre-orders accepted until Sept.21 To pre-order contact marcelfpichette@alumni.uottawa.ca  While picking up your compost, why not add a few bulbs to your purchase. Wide selection available.

Dried Flower Sale in Entrance Pavilion from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Sale of dried flower centre pieces for Thanksgiving and autumn wreaths of vibrant Fall colours made from materials gathered in the Garden.

Cedar Lecture,TBA in Floral Hall at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: in advance from the Administration Office or, subject to availability, at the door on the night of the lecture. Individual tickets: Members $10 and non-members $15. Trio Pack: includes three tickets which can be used on any three lectures in 2010 - Members: $25 (for 3), Non-members: $40 (for 3)

Dried Flower Sale in Entrance Pavilion from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sale of dried flower topiaries, wreaths, bouquets and arrangements made from materials gathered in the Garden

Vancouver Mycological Society Mushroom Show, Floral Hall, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission $3. Information: Brian Didier 604.619.5060 brian.didier@telus.net

Pt. Grey Chrysanthemum Association Show of Late Varieties, Saturday: Noon to 4 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Information: Bernie Milns 604.574.3015 maryber@shaw.ca

Cedar Series Lecture, TBA in Floral Hall at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: in advance from the Administration Office or, subject to availability, at the door on the night of the lecture. Individual tickets: Members $10 and non-members $15. Trio Pack: includes three tickets which can be used on any three lectures in 2010 - Members: $25 (for 3), Non-members: $40 (for 3)

Members’ Only Christmas Sale in Garden Shop. Members receive 25% off all purchases except for books and magazines which are not included. Proof of Membership required.

Volunteer Orientation from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Orientation is a prerequisite for volunteer activities at VanDusen Garden. Bring your lunch, we’ll provide refreshments. Dress for the weather. Meet at the Totem Poles near the Garden Entrance at 10am. Learn about the many volunteer opportunities at VanDusen. Meet representatives from the VBGA staff and Board. Tour the Garden with experienced Guides who will share their knowledge and enthusiasm. To register or for more information, call Judy Aird at 604.257.8674 volunteer@vandusen.org .

Holiday Wreath & Centrepiece Sale presented by VanDusen Dried Flower Arrangers, in the Entrance Pavilion.

Festival of Lights, 4:30 to 9 p.m. every evening except Christmas Day (December 25) when the Garden is closed. A magical experience for the whole family with 1.4 million twinkling lights. Highlights include the Dancing Lights on Livingstone (the lights ‘dance’ to seasonal music to see a video click http://vancouver.ca/parks/parks/vandusen/website/events/fol.htm ), Gingerbread Wood and Candy Cane Lane. Evenings prior to Christmas also feature Community Choirs on the Deck and Santa in his Living Room. Up in the Heather Garden, be sure to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation by lighting a candle at the Candle Shrine. Special prices in effect – ticket prices/details can be found on the Festival of Lights section of the Events Page   Avoid the line-ups and purchase advance tickets at the Garden starting November 1st or call Tickets Tonight at 604.684.2787 to order by phone or on-line at www.ticketstonight.ca

In the case of heavy snow storms or other extraordinary weather conditions: call the Garden Shop 604.257.8665 to confirm that FOL has not been closed for that one evening