Ornamental Grasses Garden
Purpose
To show the public a large sample of grasses that are well suited for growing in this area.
Habitat
As the garden lies at the lowest part of Glendale Gardens this means that there is a heavy run off from the upper levels. This in turn has produced a wide
rage of ground moisture levels. Because of this, the area includes a bog garden to take advantage of what could have been a problem, as well as a tiered
sloped bank that runs almost the full length of the garden. We have the native silty marine clay (Saanichton) as a base which has meant extensive drainage
has been laid. There has been many loads of sand and leaf mulch added to improve the soil. The garden is watered on a timetable.
Features
The path through the garden is laid out in such a way that one has to travel the full length to see the whole layout. There are two seating areas available.
One a curved bench near the birdhouse and the other a bistro set which is on a small terrace that gives views of the meadow and lake or into the garden
itself. There many little hidden object in the garden including a giraffe. This garden has all year round interest with the changes of color and sound.
There are paths that link with the harvest woods as well as a main staircase to the upper level of Glendale Gardens.
Plants
The range of grasses that in the garden are as diverse as ranging from 6" (
Festuca glauca) to 14 feet tall (
Arundo donax) and from green
to red to black to bronze. There are some grasses that have vertical stripes (
Miscanthus sinensis 'Rigoletto') while others have their strips
running horizontally (
Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus'). Some seem to need a comb out, (
Carex flagellifera) and they get it. We also have
a small section of bamboo including black (Nigra) and golden (
Phyllostachys aurea). There is also a wide range of companion plants to add extra
color and form.
Maintenance
The garden is maintained by a small group of volunteers once a week.
History
The garden, in a much smaller form, was created in the early days of the Horticultural Society. This unfortunately was abandoned for a number of years.
In 1999 the area was completely redesigned and brought back to life. Over the following years has increased in size and in plant varieties.
Support
The garden is developed and maintained in accordance with an agreement between the H.C.P. and the Ornamental Grasses Garden Group. The contact person for
this group is Derek Newstead. (250-384-0215)
Contact person
Willem Adringa
