Wednesday June 8, 2011

Local News

A Growing Concern 

Gwynne Vaughan Park draws hundreds of green thumbs   

Staff/Voice

Discerning plant buyers look over a table at the Gwynne Vaughan Park sale last Saturday.

undreds of people flocked to the annual Gwynne Vaughan Park Society plant sale Saturday hoping to pick up on some green bargains.

Whenever the sale is on, it always proves to be the best place to buy plants in the Fraser Valley. The sale is the Society's major annual fundraiser and proceeds from it go toward maintaining the park, heritage home and community garden.

Over 35 local specialty nurseries, artisans and vendors brought together a vast selection of plants and art under canopies scattered throughout the park.

Many plants such as herbs, flowers and water plants, that aren't available in regular stores, were being offered at the sale. A master gardener was also on hand to give tips and hints.

The Rotary Train took people around Fairfield Island and poesy-making classes and face painting were also offered to keep the kids busy while mom and dad shopped. Both GW Graham and Sardis Senior Secondary had their jazz bands out and a barbershop quartet strolled around the park entertaining over the course of the day.

Local musician Greg Weber had drum circles where people could learn how to conga.

The 7-acre park with a heritage home that's surrounded by perennials was willed to the City in 1991 and remains one of the City's finest treasures. The City owns the park but it's administered by the board.

There's an orchard, an outdoor pavilion and pathways throughout the park provide a place for people to stop and smell the flowers.

Many people don't know about the park, however a new entrance highlights the park's existence. Earlier this year, the park had an arbor-style gateway built on the corner of Williams St. and Hope River Rd. after obtaining a grant from the Chilliwack Foundation.

Society Director Anne McIntyre told the Voice Saturday that the sale is bigger and better and "a lot sunnier too." Last year the sale generated $10,000 and McIntyre hopes to surpass that this year.

"It's been a fabulous," said McIntyre. "It's a great way to spend the day."

The park has an organic community garden with about 20 highly-sought-after plots that come available now and then. To find out more about how to become involved in the community garden call Ann McIntyre at: 604-795-7566.

If you are interested in booking the park's pavilion for a wedding or picnic, visit: www.gwynnevaughanpark.ca

© Copyright (c) 2011 The Valley Voice

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