Take a tranquil trip through some of Chilliwack’s best gardens on the Garden & Lifestyle Tour June 23, put on by the Rotary Club of Chilliwack.
One of the stops is a unique property that appeared on the TV show Canadian Pickers.
It’s all part of the excitement in store for the 10th annual Garden & Lifestyle Tour this Saturday.
A total of 10 fantastic, world-class gardens will be showcased, with a chance to visit Minter Gardens included in the $20 ticket price.
The diversity reflects a huge range of personal tastes and lifestyles, and this year’s garden tour in Chilliwack is no exception.
“There’s been a drive in recent years on the decor front to create outdoor rooms, which have become extensions of our homes,” said Rotary Club member Dianne Darke, chair of the Garden Tour committee.
“The concept of a garden means different things to different people, and we wanted to include gardens that represent all the variety and beauty we have in Chilliwack.”
For the first time this year, a local Sto:lo family is participating, Darke said.
Their garden is located on Chilliwack River Road, showcasing their active, outdoor lifestyle, and pride in First Nations culture.
Some gardens will be showing off exquisite landscaping techniques, well pruned perennials, or colourful groups of annuals. There’s one garden tidily tucked in on a corner lot, while another is on a sprawling acreage. Some have model trains, while others boast fantail pheasants, or meandering creeks.
One of the stops on the tour in Sardis is all about creating a serene space.
It offers the tranquility of an alpine meadow with ponds, water features, and multi-level plantings.
First-time participant Henry Kikkert said he’s been collecting antique vehicles and gas station memorabilia for more than 40 years, while his wife tends their lovely garden. They’ve welcomed car clubs and TV types in the past.
“But it’s the first time we’ve ever been a stop on a garden tour,” he said. “We thought it was a nice way to raise some money for charity.”
The Popkum property was featured on the Canadian Pickers last season, showing off some of Henry’s vintage signs, tools and equipment, and the back garden offering a great view of Mount Cheam and Bridal Falls.
Ticketholders for the tour can follow a suggested route and vote for their favourite when they’re done.
Proceeds go to Rotary projects ranging from student scholarships, and supporting the hospital to global efforts to eradicate polio.
10th annual Garden & Lifestyle Tour, June 23, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. tickets $20 at the Progress office. More details and locations at:
chilliwackrotarygardentour.ca
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
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