September Meeting 2000

by Evelyn Weesjes

Robin Dening - 5 minute speaker

“Colour in the Garden Now”

To prove that a garden doesn’t have to be devoid of bloom when summer ends, Robin brought in armloads of perennial flowers and shrub material (cut from Betsy’s garden) that extend the floral display into fall and even early winter. A list of all the plants he discussed was provided so we could follow his talk and as a reminder. However the plants described by Robin were so numerous that only a few of the highlights will be mentioned.

In September, the perennials such as Japanese anemones in pink or white are in full bloom, accompanied by 3 foot Lobelias in red, pink, white or blue and the tubular-flowered spikes of Penstemons. The large flowered Romneya in dazzling crinkled white makes a spectacular show, along with the more subdued perennials such as Achillea, Guara, Heuchera and Nepeta. The Kaffir Lily (Schizostylis) in red, pink or white is just starting to show and will go on for months yet. The lovely Clematis heracleifolia v. davidiana, a herbaceous species, allowed to scramble over other plants makes a fine show of masses of delightfully scented small blue flowers. Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium purpureum) makes a bold statement with its towering purple heads.

In fall blooming bulbs, Acidanthera with white flowers is outstanding in perfume and Fall

Crocus (Colchicum) are bright and colourful. Robin believes that the one and only dahlia to grow is the ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ with purple-red foliage and red flowers.

Robin also brought a selection of shrubs in bloom such as Abelia, Buddleia, Caryopteris, Hydrangea, Cape Fucshia (Phygelius) and roses. Outstanding in perfume were Daphne x burkwoodii ‘Somerset’ and Daphne tangutica.

There are so many plants available for bloom in early or late fall that there is no excuse to have no floral display at this time of year. We hope Betsy forgives Robin raiding her garden for such a rich haul of flowering material.

Betty Kennedy – Main speaker

“Finnerty Gardens – History and Future”

Betty Kennedy, Chair of the Finnerty Gardens, has had a long association with the University of Victoria, as a mathematics professor, and with the Finnerty Gardens from its inception. Besides being a past President of our Victoria Rhododendron Society, she has worked on the committees of many other institutions including the B.C. Provincial Museum.

Betty started her talk with the present set up at the Finnerty Gardens which is supported by both the University of Victoria and the Friends of Finnerty Gardens – a group of dedicated volunteers who through membership and other means, raise money for plants and other amenities in the gardens. The annual Plant Sale is a large moneymaker, involving sales this year of about $44,000 by 175 volunteer workers. There is a Garden Advisory which plans the garden development and liases with the President of the University. Betty mentioned several persons working on this committee who provide suggestions for improvement. One founding member is Elizabeth Wilson, who has been involved with the garden since before its inception and is now chiefly active with the Memorial Garden section.

On the historical side, Betty became associated with the University when it was split between Camosun College and the fledgling Gordon Head campus which had been an army camp. At that time the Gordon Head campus (to become the University of Victoria) was a raw, muddy area of army huts. The Education Faculty was the first set up on the new campus and at that time Elizabeth and her husband, Dick Wilson, along with other influential persons, like the Mackenzies, Betty and Lloyd, came up with the idea of developing a garden where students and members of the university could have a moment of peaceful relaxation.

The break came when Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan Simpson of Cowichan Lake stated they wished to donate their property and plants – mostly rhododendrons – to the University. Their property had previously been the garden of Dr. Stoker who grew rhododendrons and the Simpson’s added to the collection. Many of their alpines and rhododendrons were sold to Ted and Mary Greig of Royston, starting them on the rhododendron path.

By 1975 the founding members had raised enough money to start the development of the garden. Some of the prime movers were Elizabeth Wilson, George Pearkes and Bill Osler and through them rhododendrons from the Buchanan Simpson garden, by then badly overgrown by native plants, were moved to the University of Victoria campus. The area chosen for the garden was within the Ring road and planting beds were established among the native plants. This area, called Phase I, became home for the many large rhododendrons moved from Cowichan Lake. It turned out later to be too wet an area for many of the rhododendrons so a decision was made to move the garden west across to the other side of Ring road. This became the Phase II garden. New beds were laid out and Dr. Herman Vaartnou did much of the planning. Some areas were wet so several large ponds were developed.

Betty showed slides of the early development of the Phase I garden and how it matured up to

the time the plants were moved to Phase II. She continued with early shots of the new garden through to the more mature present state to show how the garden progressed. Although rhododendrons are a feature plant, other companion plants were added to extend the blooming period and create interest for most of the year. Also included have been trees such as Magnolias which add greatly to the display of colour. Considerable emphasis has been put on scented plants. Betty’s favourite as a companion plant is Cyclamen and those, along with Hostas and Hydrangeas, extend the blooming period well into fall. The addition of the Interfaith Memorial Garden and more rhododendron plantings near a restful reflecting pond in a semi-shaded area.

Students, other members of the University and the public, including many senior citizens in care institutions, extensively use the garden. A number of benches have been placed around the garden and the paths changed to a fine gravel base to enable wheelchair access for the larger public usage. The name of Finnerty Gardens was chosen because the Campus is located on the former farm of the pioneer Finnerty family.

From its inception by the Founders, the concept of the garden was for a place of peace and tranquility for students and Faculty to enjoy and also for the public who have discovered this lovely oasis. It has surely lived up to this ideal.