Veronica's Dream

“I am becoming increasingly concerned about the gardens’ future well-being. It is my wish to preserve this place as a bird sanctuary, botanic garden, and arboretum.” — Veronica Milner

After nearly 30 years cultivating her botanic sanctuary, Veronica turned her full attention to protecting its future.

She explored every possible path, considering designation with the National Trust for Canada, writing to (now) King Charles III in hopes the estate might be preserved under royal care, and entering discussions with both the University of British Columbia and the University of Victoria. Her vision lived on paper — in letters, sketches, and proposals, each one an effort to show what the gardens could become.

But time and resources were running short. In her final years, the gardens began to fall into disrepair, and Veronica no longer had the funds or labour to sustain them. At one point she listed the property for sale, only to remove it weeks later, unable to let go of her dream. In a difficult attempt to generate income, sections of the property were logged — an effort that was ultimately stopped when the town passed a bylaw to protect the land.

Then, in 1995, a turning point: Rich Johnston, President of Malaspina-University College (now Vancouver Island University), and Foundation Board Chair Jon Lampman saw something more - an opportunity to preserve Veronica’s vision for generations to come.

“An advisory board was formed to decide the future direction of the garden and to grapple with the enormous tasks ahead. What would the vision of the garden be?” — Margaret Cadwaladr, In Veronica’s Garden

By the spring of 1996, the agreement with Malaspina University-College (now Vancouver Island University) to take on the estate was finalized, and the property was formally dedicated as The Milner Gardens with Veronica Milner present. She was granted the right to remain in her home as work began around her.

An advisory board was established, a future began to take shape, and founding Executive Director Jim Cadwaladr was appointed to lead the way. Horticulture students were eager to get their hands dirty in vast and mature gardens, with the guidance of Horticulturalist Geoff Ball who was brought on to assess the state of the collection and give the gardens new life.

There was much to be done before the gardens could open to the public. Thousands of plants needed to be identified, accessioned, and labelled. Essential infrastructure like paths, roads, parking lots, and washrooms had to be built. Programs for volunteers, education, interpretation and community engagement were grown from the ground up.

In those early days, Jim and Margaret Cadwaladr spent as much time as they could with Veronica, gathering not just information, but understanding. Afternoons were often spent over tea on the veranda, listening to her stories of the past and her hopes for the future. From these conversations, Margaret wrote “In Veronica’s Garden”, an integral resource that continues to guide us today, while Jim carried forward a vision rooted in both the garden’s history and its clear potential. Both are still actively involved in the growth and historic preservation of the Gardens today.

Over the years the team grew with the demands of all that needed to be accomplished throughout the 70 acres of naturalized woodland gardens. Much was learned from trial tours that welcomed early visitors, new beds were planted, the pool house and tennis court were transformed into the Gift Shop and Plant Sales Nursery, and finally, in 2001, we were ready to open the gates.

It's now been 25 years, and we’ve been growing ever since!

In 2002 the Camellia Tea Room began welcoming guests for tea and scones, and one by one new traditions took root. Plant Sales, Music in the Garden, Art and Photography in the Garden, Milner Christmas Magic, the Bunny Trail, Fairy Houses, Scarecrow Spectacular and more.

Our children’s education program, Shoots with Roots, has now spent 22 years connecting thousands of children with the natural world, fostering the next generation of land stewards. 

With the support of generous donors, visitors, volunteers, university students, and dedicated community partners, the grounds continued to evolve with major projects. The Welcome Centre, outdoor learning shelters, food garden, West Trail, Douglas Fir Viewing Platform, automated gates, and a paved parking lot all became reality.

In 2018, we expanded with the Greig Rhododendron Species Garden, honouring Ted and Mary Greig of Royston Nursery, whose influence lives on in the historic rhododendrons that continue to bloom here today. Work is now underway on Phase Two of the GRSG, with many more exciting projects on the horizon.

Although Veronica Milner passed away in 1998, never seeing opening day, “in the end, she came to trust that her beloved garden would be well cared for, and it was time to hand the garden on. Her garden was preserved. She seemed confident now about its future and left us well tutored about its meaning and care.” - Margaret Cadwaladr, In Veronica’s Garden