Events & Activities
Members' Only Early Access to plant sale
Spring Garden Celebration (includes the annual Spring Plant Sale)
Art & Photography in the Garden
Murder Mystery Teas
By request
Come and enjoy an afternoon of food, fun and intrigue, with your group of friends by participating in one of our Murder Mystery Teas. All it takes is a group of eight people who are willing to take on an easy role as one of the characters and as many others who would like to attend. A luncheon of fancy sandwiches, scones with Devon Cream and other goodies, is served on three tiered platters along with tea in bone china cups. Of course, there will be a prize offered for some lucky person.
For more information, please contact Carol Hansen at 250 752 8573 ext 224 or by e-mail to carol.milnergardens@shaw.ca
Members’ Monthly Luncheon
Once every month our Tea Room puts on a special themed luncheon for our members, volunteers, and their guests. As these book up quickly, be sure to reserve early. More information on becoming a member.
For more information on the luncheons or to make a reservation, please contact Carol Hansen at 250 752 8573 ext 224 or by e-mail to carol.milnergardens@shaw.ca.
upcoming dates:
April 19th
Shoots with Roots, Children and Youth Programs
Milner Gardens & Woodland has created an effective hands-on education program for the younger members (Shoots) of its community (Roots). In the Shoots with Roots program young shoots and older roots explore the old-growth woodland to learn about safety, flora, fauna and lore.They prepare, tend and harvest the Children’s Food Garden, and revel in the beauty, diversity and social history of the Artist's Garden.
Current education program offerings
Rhododendron Bloom
April 25th - May 12th
The Rhododendrons at Milner Gardens are one of the Garden’s most significant collections. If you are curious when the best time to see them is, this would be it. Enjoy your walk through the woodland Garden while the Rhododendrons put on their best display.
Fairy House Surprise
Do you believe in fairies?
Did you know fairies wear Foxglove flowers as hats, gloves and petticoats?
Meander the sun dappled shadows of Milner Gardens on your self-guided search for areas Fairy Houses may have magically appeared, in honour of International Fairy Day and Veronica Milner’s belief in fairies.
Regular admission applies; children 12 and under free accompanied by an adult.
Fairy Tea Time 12:30pm to 3:30pm - Saturday, June 22nd & Sunday, June 23rd.
Tea and Fairy Cupcake $7.50 Served in the Queen’s Room and Milner House Patio.
Music by the Bay
Dates TBA
Art & Photography in the Garden
August 10 & 11
Meet, mingle and be inspired by local artists at work.
Artists will be painting, sketching, carving and photographing the beauty of this Artist’s Garden.
Artists interested in participating, please see the FAQ page here
Fall Plant Sale
September 28th - 29th
Great discounts on heritage trees, shrubs and perennials propagated on site.
Milner Christmas Magic 2013
Dec 6-8, 13-15, 18-22
The gates open from 5:00 to 8:30 each night.
Milner Christmas Magic, a family festival of light and music in the magical Milner Gardens & Woodland
Come stroll through tens of thousands of lights, enjoy local musicians and story tellers, stop by Santa’s shop for a visit, pop into the Teddy Bear cottage and try to count all of the old Bears, and enjoy tea or hot chocolate in the tea room.
There are shuttle carts available for those with mobility challenges.
Milner Christmas Magic is a fun event for all ages. It is also a fundraiser to help support programming and enhancements at Milner Gardens & Woodland. Volunteers contribute over 1,000 hours to help put on this event. There is no set admission charge, however, may we suggest the following donation:
Adult $5.00 / Children $2.50 / Families $12.00
While you are wandering through the lights, make sure you visit the
Ursus Den: Visit Santa-photos with Santa are welcome
Teddy Bear Cottage: come and count the Teddy Bears, and bid on the silent auction
The Milner House:
-The Queen’s Room: hear a story read by the Vancouver Island Regional Library volunteers
-The Dining Room: listen to live music by local musicians from 6:00-8:00
-Camellia Tearoom: stop by for a pot of tea and plate of scones
-The Magnolia room: enjoy browsing through the Christmas gift shop
-The refreshment stand, just outside the house, under the tents: enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, spiced tea, cookies or a hot dog
The Pool House Gift shop: filled with garden gifts and souvenirs
