In the spring of 2009, the Saanichton Village Association (SVA) met with the District of Central Saanich and requested permission to clean up the Wallace Drive/East Saanich Rd right of way. The SVA wanted to create an attractive garden at the North entrance to Saanichton Village core.
The District agreed and together with the SVA the corner was transformed. Central Saanich cleaned up the sight, brought in donated soil from Michell’s Excavating and installed fencing. With a small crew of volunteers and the District Park staff the area was planted in early July 2009. Central Saanich also donated 108 Native plants and trees and the SVA provided other flowering plants. The garden is continually changing and the ongoing donation of plants and bulbs add to the beauty of the village.
Our second garden began in July 2012 at the corner of Mt. Newton and East Saanich. This garden was made possible by a two generous donations. It is on private property with the approval of the owner. It is a drought resistance garden so watering is kept to a minimum. Most of the plants and bulbs (Marigold Nursery) were donated. The garden enhances the south entrance and is an attractive sight as you approach the Village core.
Now, four years later, there are two beautiful entrance gardens. A bench is now in place in the Wallace garden donated by one of our members in memory of his parents. Stepping-stones donated by the Prairie Inn provide a pedestrian walkway on the Mt Newton corner to the local businesses. Local residents have donated many of the plants and a core of dedicated volunteers maintain both gardens.
A success story for our Saanichton Village.
Submitted by Jan Carroll