If you don’t know it’s there, it may be easy to miss. But once you enter through the gates and stroll down the pathway, you will discover an oasis that offers environmental education, entertainment, and a chance to explore the beauty of nature.
The Langley Demonstration Garden, nestled between Fraser Highway and Langley Regional Airport, has settled into its new location and it was the site of the annual Blackberry Bake-Off on Wednesday, Aug. 21 — a Demonstration Garden tradition that sees local bakers vie to be named the community’s favourite blackberry chef.
This year's Judges’ choices were:
1. TJ Kuipers – blackberry marshmallow squares
2. Julia Swanson – blackberry macaroons
3. Lisa Dreves – blackberry jam kolaches
Peoples’ choice went to Swanson for her blackberry macaroons
The event also featured tastings, a barbecue lunch, live music, kids’ corner, and more local vendors.
“Come any day, dawn to dusk: the gates are open and we always welcome visitors,” said garden co-ordinator Ava Shannon.
Shannon, along with garden educator Emily Huang and assistant gardener Danielle Hamel, works with the Langley Environmental Partners Society in partnership with the Township of Langley to run the Demonstration Garden, which moved to the 21200 block of Fraser Highway this spring after 20 years in Murrayville.
Located in the Derek Doubleday Arboretum, the Garden features beds showcasing sustainable garden techniques and native plants, composting and rain barrel displays, and picnic tables, all surrounded by scenic fields, trees, and walkways.
“Walkers have discovered it and people come and sit at the picnic table and enjoy the birds,” said Huang.
"It’s nice to see people just sitting and enjoying.”
Staff are hoping more people will learn of the garden’s new location and take advantage of the information it has to offer all year round. Tours of the garden and demonstrations on sustainable gardening and composting methods are available during events and anytime the garden is open. While there is enough signage posted to allow guests to learn from walking around in self-guided tours, “We are always happy to put down our trowels and give a tour,” Shannon said.
For more information or a full list of Langley Demonstration Garden events, programs, and workshops, visit leps.bc.ca, call 604-532-3521 or emaildemogarden@tol.ca.
