We were introduced to the old/new Milner Garden and Woodland by Jim Cadwaladr, Executive Director of the property. Old it is, as the house and original garden date back to the early 20th century; and new, from its grand opening this year as a heritage estate, teaching facility and community enterprise. The property was acquired in the 1950s by Mrs. Victoria Milner, a noted artist and plant collector, and in 1996 it was donated to Malaspina College.
Consisting of 60 acres of forest and 10 acres of (essentially) shade garden, its northern boundary overlooks Georgia Strait along the old highway through Qualicum Beach. At an early stage in its modern development, distinguished experts from across the continent were gathered to the site to prepare a mission statement on its future. The ‘outcome report’ from this group established four management zones for the diverse property: the old garden – for preservation; the new garden – for development; the forest; and the foreshore.
Much of the surroundings have been transformed: the old pool house converted to washroom facilities; a gift shop built; the tennis court converted to a containerized nursery; fences rebuilt, and construction materials converted on-site from the forest’s timber, with a majority of the work done by volunteers. Community programs have been stressed, several hundred members have joined the Milner Friends, and of course, students from Malaspina have assumed a principal role in the life of the garden.
Milner Gardens holds much prospect for rhododendron enthusiasts. From the Mount Arrowsmith Society’s newsletter we learn that Ray Milner and his friend Colonel Burke planted rhodos near the house perimeter in the 1940s; then Veronica Milner and Mary Greig of Royston Nursery organized the present rhodo grove of some 465 plants in the 1950s. Some of these are mystery plants, awaiting expert identification.
In the long term, Milner Gardens should become a major heritage attraction for the international gardening community. But as its location is not so close to any large urban center, the logistics of attracting sufficient numbers of visitors to sustain the ambitious development plans, pose a critical challenge. Management is well aware of this and has sought to broaden its appeal by building community support.
Our own Society may well be interested in organizing a Milner Gardens outing in due season.