A tasty last hurrah was held for the Langley Demonstration Garden as it prepares to move to new digs.
The garden was established by the Township of Langley at 4887 – 221 Street in Murrayville in 1992 and is run by the Langley Environmental Partners Society in partnership with the Township. Providing educational and entertaining activities and classes, the Garden is a haven for those who want to know more about sustainable gardening, composting, native plants, and ways to enhance the environment.
On August 22, the popular annual Blackberry Bake-Off and Demonstration Garden Open House was held, marking the last event at that location. Guests tried blackberry creations created by local cooks, enjoy a barbecue lunch, listen to live music, and visit a mini farmers market and kids’ corner.
By end of September, the garden will be relocated to the Derek Doubleday Arboretum in the 21200-block of 56 Avenue. The official opening of the new Demonstration Garden is expected by early summer 2013.
“The Arboretum is an oasis of trails and trees, and is the perfect place for the Demonstration Garden,” said Langley Township solid waste coordinator Debbie Fleming. “This more visible location will attract more visitors to enjoy the garden throughout the year.”
Once it is established at the arboretum, the garden will be open throughout the summer, providing green home and garden workshops, Eco-Explorer Kids’ Camps, special events, and classes. Residents will also be able to drop in and ask questions of staff.
LEPS will be holding a “Great Big Dig” to salvage as many herbs, perennials, and native plants as possible from the current garden location for transplanting at the new garden site. The event will be held sometime in mid-September, depending on weather conditions.
“It can’t be too hot to salvage plants,” Marples said. “It is best to wait for a bit of rain and some cooler days.”
Interested members of the public will be invited to participate in the dig and take home a cutting or transplant of their own.