VIU Milner Gardens and Woodland

Special Events

March

The Bunny Trail

Spot the Bunnies hiding throughout the Gardens for an Easter Treat!
Dates: March 28th - 31st, 2024
Admission: 11:00am - 4:30pm with viewing until 5:00pm
Cost: $10/Adult, $6/Youth, Children (12 and under), Milner Members and current VIU students are FREE 
  • Pick up a bunny trail activity sheet at the Welcome Centre with clues to help you complete tasks and spot the bunnies hiding through the winding garden paths!
  • Remember to return your completed activity sheet to the Pool House Gift Shop to collect your Easter treat.
  • The Camellia Tea Room will be open from 12pm - 3pm, Friday - Sunday. No reservations required. 
  • Great deals to be found on our new spring stock in the Pool House Gift Shop.
  • Only certified service dogs are permitted on the grounds.
Bunny Trail 2024

April

Spring Plant Sale

Our Spring and Fall Plant Sales offers great discounts on heritage plants straight from the Milner Heritage Collection. 
Dates: Saturday, April 20th and Sunday, April 21st, 2024
Milner Member Early Access: Saturday, April 20th from 10:00am - 11:00am
Regular Admission: 11:00am - 4:30pm with viewing until 5:00pm
Cost: $7/Adult, $5/Youth, Children (12 and under) and current VIU students are FREE
SpringPlantSale2024

The Speaker Series will be held in the Ursus Den on Saturday, April 20th.

Hunter Jarratt
The Silent Invasion: Examining the Invasive Plants Threatening Garry Oak Ecosystems

Saturday, April 20th | 11:30am - 12:30am

Speaker Bio:
"Hunter Jarratt, born May 27, 2000 on Vancouver Island, is an invasive species specialist. Deeply committed to environmental protection, Hunter pursued a Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resource Protection at Vancouver Island University. During his studies he worked as an Ecological Restoration Assistant with VIU Restoration, helping to bring Garry Oak habitat back to campus. He has experience working with the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia, and as the Operations Lead for the Coastal Invasive Species Committee, where he was able to collaborate with multiple jurisdictions including Indigenous, private, municipal, and provincial partners. Currently, he is working as a Restoration Consultant for Kiki Nurseries in Ladysmith, where he has begun a project returning farmland back into a Garry Oak ecosystem. Through his social media (@invasivespeciesguy), which mainly centers around invasive species and their management in British Columbia, he has worked to educate, motivate, and inspire people to get involved with protecting the province's biodiversity. He was a speaker at the INVASVIES 2023 Forum & AGM, and at the 15th Annual GOERT (Garry Oak Ecosystem Recovery Team Conference) Conference. Over the last four years, Hunter has been able to volunteer with a variety of conservation organizations and initiatives across Vancouver Island, totaling over 500 hours, and is committed to leaving behind a legacy of environmental protection”

Janis Matson
The Idea of Drought Tolerance in the Garden

Saturday, April 20th | 1:15pm - 2:15pm

Speaker Bio:
"I grew up in the Burnaby area as a sports and nature enthusiast. I consider myself very creative, enthusiastic, and fun! I love crafts, photography, plants, and the outdoors.
I enjoy working with people and as my career has grown, my mantra has been 'to design garden spaces to look good and feel good!'
I have had the opportunity and joy to have worked in the horticultural industry for over 30 years. After graduating with my Landscape Design and horticulture diploma, I first worked in Murray Nurseries in southlands from 1988-1993.
I then decided to spread my wings and became the owner and operator of Shoreline landscape design ltd. for now over 30 years. Shoreline has specialized in residential garden consultation, design, and installation.
I then decided I wanted another challenge and teach what I love! So went back to school and achieved my Provincial Instructors diploma. And got lucky and was able to get a faculty instructor position at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Langley with the horticultural diploma and apprenticeship programs for the last 10 years.
I also worked part time teaching with Burnaby Community Education with their horticultural Hardscape, Plant id certificate, Pruning certificate, Plant placement and design certificate and Apprenticeship programs.
I also teach as an adult education instructor at Van Dusen Gardens and with the Vancouver master gardener programs. And then when I have time, I do presentations for lower mainland garden clubs that are willing to listen to me!
Now, hoping to have some fun with the horticultural foundations programs at VIU!"

May

Mother's Day Afternoon Tea

Dates: Saturday, May 11th and Sunday, May 12th, 2024
BOOKINGS NOT YET OPEN | Please note, the Camellia Tea Room will not be open to the public on these dates
All Specialty Afternoon Tea event invitations are sent out to our Members and subscribers through e-newsletter. Subscribe to our newsletter here.
All Specialty Afternoon Tea events must be reserved and paid in full to secure your spot.

Wedding Season

Please note, when visiting the Gardens on a Saturday (and occasionally Friday or Sunday) from May - September, you will likely come across a wedding on the Grand Lawn. Admission to the Queen's Room, Library and Magnolia Room may be closed. Please be respectful of their special day and enjoy your visit. 

June

Fairy Days Afternoon Tea 

Date: Sunday, June 23rd, 2024
BOOKINGS NOT YET OPEN | Please note, the Camellia Tea Room will not be open to the public on this date
All Specialty Afternoon Tea event invitations are sent out to our Members and subscribers through e-newsletter. Subscribe to our newsletter here.
All Specialty Afternoon Tea events must be reserved and paid in full to secure your spot.

Fairy Houses

You may find Fairy Houses have appeared throughout the gardens in honour of Veronica Milner's belief in Fairies....Once a year during the summer solstice the Milner Fairy Houses become visible to the human eye. Come explore the gardens and witness the whimsical phenomenon for yourself!
Dates: June 20th - 23rd, 2024
Admission: 11:00am - 4:30pm with viewing until 5:00pm
Cost: $14/Adult, $10/Youth, Children and current VIU students are FREE
Official Poster Coming Soon.

Wedding Season

Please note, when visiting the Gardens on a Saturday (and occasionally Friday or Sunday) from May - September, you will likely come across a wedding on the Grand Lawn. Admission to the Queen's Room, Library and Magnolia Room may be closed. Please be respectful of their special day and enjoy your visit. 

July

Wedding Season

Please note, when visiting the Gardens on a Saturday (and occasionally Friday or Sunday) from May - September, you will likely come across a wedding on the Grand Lawn. Admission to the Queen's Room, Library and Magnolia Room may be closed. Please be respectful of their special day and enjoy your visit. 

August

Wedding Season

Please note, when visiting the Gardens on a Saturday (and occasionally Friday or Sunday) from May - September, you will likely come across a wedding on the Grand Lawn. Admission to the Queen's Room, Library and Magnolia Room may be closed. Please be respectful of their special day and enjoy your visit. 

September

Fall Plant Sale

Our Spring and Fall Plant Sales offers great discounts on heritage plants straight from the Milner Heritage Collection. 
Dates: Saturday, September 21st and Sunday, September 22nd, 2024
Milner Member Early Access: Saturday, September 21st from 10:00am - 11:00am
Regular Admission: 11:00am - 4:30pm with viewing until 5:00pm
Cost: $7/Adult, $5/Youth, Children (12 and under) and current VIU students are FREE
Official Poster Coming Soon.

Wedding Season

Please note, when visiting the Gardens on a Saturday (and occasionally Friday or Sunday) from May - September, you will likely come across a wedding on the Grand Lawn. Admission to the Queen's Room, Library and Magnolia Room may be closed. Please be respectful of their special day and enjoy your visit. 

October

Scarecrow Spectacular 

A family-friendly, daytime celebration of Fall in the Gardens. Come vote on your favourite locally made scarecrow creation!
Dates: October 25th - 27th, 2024
Admission: 11:00am - 3:00pm with viewing until 3:30pm 
Cost: $7/Adults, $5/Youth, Children and current VIU students are FREE
Official Poster Coming Soon. 

December

Milner Christmas Magic

More information coming soon.