A great initiative from the folks at Heather Hospitality; Pit For Your Supper. Volunteers get a free beer and meal in exchange for their time pitting and coring fruit for numerous coulis, sauces, jellies and even beers served/sold in the Heather Hospitality businesses in Vancouver's historic Gastown.
I had just heard about this last year and luckily found a spot for the last one of the season. I found a seat in the middle of a table so long that I couldn't even holler to the folks at each end. We were issued a cutting board and paring knife, and shared buckets full of fruit and yet-empty of cores. I marvelled that they would issue knives to strangers without signing a waiver and trusted we don't stab ourselves or each other. The theme for this session was apples, and we appled and appled until we reached the end of our apples - then the staff brought out pears to round out our hour (or was it two?) of labour. I had a great conversation with the couple seated next to me, and was spurred to work faster by the fella two seats down who was racing through the apples in front of him. I would've lost all track of time had the staff not cleared our table. Our beer was the Fat Tug IPA and our dinner was pork loin with an apricot coulis (probably the previous volunteers' project), potato salad and coleslaw.
This year the venue changed and we were divided up into smaller tables. Personally I preferred the long table, but here had more space to move around and fetch our own fruit from the stack of boxes in the center of the room. I'm sure it made it easier on the staff. Our theme was peaches, which were easier or harder to pit depending on the ripeness of each - the firm ones chipped apart in shards almost, and the soft ones just smunched in my hands. Good thing they weren't focused on presentation, the fruit's getting pureed anyway. I think we finished all the fruit they'd provided in just over an hour, and patiently anticipated dinner. Our beer was the Blood Alley Bitter and my dinner was beef brisket (everyone else got pork tenderloin? I suppose they just ran out in the kitchen, no worries, it was fantastic) with roasted red pepper coulis and red wine au jus, and a slice each of zucchini, bell pepper, and golden beet.
I think this is a creative initiative that benefits both owners and guests. The restaurants get publicity through word of mouth, and our labour cost is essentially the cost of ingredients used in our meals, which is likely whatever tail-end remnants they want to finish up in the kitchen and beers they want to rotate on tap. Guests get to a free beer+artfully crafted meal, and the opportunity to work together with strangers at a common task which is a great way to meet new people and spark conversation. As this explodes in popularity it's getting more difficult to grab a seat on the guest list.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Gibsons is growing up
I sailed away to Gibsons for a holiday weekend, having not been there for several months and finally affording the time for a more thorough exploration of the town. It's really almost two towns, the newer big chain stores and businesses on the hill that arguably keep the town running for residents, and the older Gibson's Landing down the hill on the waterfront that draw in the tourists with artsie boutique shops and a variety of restaurants. The houses there are a hodgepodge collection of ages and styles that suggest that neighbours aren't as caught up in the trappings of measurable curb appeal as us city rats. One of my favorite properties has a fence made of wonky driftwood logs and planks, another is a jungle of bamboo peppered with mosaic installations.
Passing development proposal signs and a garage sale, I discover that these properties have been bought out and sections of this waterfront are going to be a several-storey convention center and condos. Some residents lament the loss of the area's charm, which frankly I thought was drawing the tourists and thus bolstering the economy, but the new multi-use buildings will make it a 'destination' to bring in investors and other supporting businesses. Apparently the town "needs the money". Pity the cost of progress.
So get while the getting's good before it's ruined! Their landmark restaurant Molly's Reach wouldn't dare be jeopardized as it's world famous from the long-running Canadian TV series The Beachcombers. They serve an eggs benny made of crab cakes, so I try to catch that whenever I'm over that way. Also on my list is Smitty's Oyster House; this particular weekend they were fully booked up for a private function. Reservations suggested. A meal of oysters+chardonnay is seldom cheap anywhere (unless you have a DIY source for fresh shellfish and home brew perhaps? If so, give me a call...!), so this is a personal indulgence that is part of the 'destination' of Gibsons. Disappointed yet determined for oysters, a 360-degree spin from class and sophistication found what what the Brits affectionately refer to as a "chippy" - Codfathers. Tiny hole in the wall that piqued my interest during a stroll that afternoon, I ordered their Sin Burger that was today's special; salmon served in a bannock, served with candied salmon cornbread fritters with maple syrup. Most of the components of this meal were deep-fried. Got breaded oysters too, huzzah! I'd pair with beer rather than wine, but they had no liquor licence and I had pop instead, fine, there is a simple pleasure of sugar and fizz on a hot sunny summer evening. I had already had ice cream that afternoon at Mike's Place, and was impressed with the three counters of gelato to choose from. I chose the 7th Heaven that had everything good in it including cheesecake chunks, pistachios, dark chocolate, and ginger. Excellent!
The icing on the cake, so to speak, was the free outdoor music offered that weekend and indeed most of the summer. I caught it first on Saturday evening as the CDs I was listening to were drowned out by the siren call of a bluesy harmonica wafting across the harbour. A concert already in progress is motivation enough to pile dirty dinner dishes in the sink for later and run to catch the show! I caught just the last two songs, and enjoyed both the quality of the music and the vibe of the audience so chill and supportive. Sunday afternoon showcased a violin and keyboard/accordion duo at the tiny farmer's market. They lent a distinctive French flavour that would suit a chocolate croissant.
Passing development proposal signs and a garage sale, I discover that these properties have been bought out and sections of this waterfront are going to be a several-storey convention center and condos. Some residents lament the loss of the area's charm, which frankly I thought was drawing the tourists and thus bolstering the economy, but the new multi-use buildings will make it a 'destination' to bring in investors and other supporting businesses. Apparently the town "needs the money". Pity the cost of progress.
So get while the getting's good before it's ruined! Their landmark restaurant Molly's Reach wouldn't dare be jeopardized as it's world famous from the long-running Canadian TV series The Beachcombers. They serve an eggs benny made of crab cakes, so I try to catch that whenever I'm over that way. Also on my list is Smitty's Oyster House; this particular weekend they were fully booked up for a private function. Reservations suggested. A meal of oysters+chardonnay is seldom cheap anywhere (unless you have a DIY source for fresh shellfish and home brew perhaps? If so, give me a call...!), so this is a personal indulgence that is part of the 'destination' of Gibsons. Disappointed yet determined for oysters, a 360-degree spin from class and sophistication found what what the Brits affectionately refer to as a "chippy" - Codfathers. Tiny hole in the wall that piqued my interest during a stroll that afternoon, I ordered their Sin Burger that was today's special; salmon served in a bannock, served with candied salmon cornbread fritters with maple syrup. Most of the components of this meal were deep-fried. Got breaded oysters too, huzzah! I'd pair with beer rather than wine, but they had no liquor licence and I had pop instead, fine, there is a simple pleasure of sugar and fizz on a hot sunny summer evening. I had already had ice cream that afternoon at Mike's Place, and was impressed with the three counters of gelato to choose from. I chose the 7th Heaven that had everything good in it including cheesecake chunks, pistachios, dark chocolate, and ginger. Excellent!
The icing on the cake, so to speak, was the free outdoor music offered that weekend and indeed most of the summer. I caught it first on Saturday evening as the CDs I was listening to were drowned out by the siren call of a bluesy harmonica wafting across the harbour. A concert already in progress is motivation enough to pile dirty dinner dishes in the sink for later and run to catch the show! I caught just the last two songs, and enjoyed both the quality of the music and the vibe of the audience so chill and supportive. Sunday afternoon showcased a violin and keyboard/accordion duo at the tiny farmer's market. They lent a distinctive French flavour that would suit a chocolate croissant.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Farewell, Minter Gardens
It's too bad the Minter Gardens are closing in October. I felt this was one of the nicest attractions out in the Fraser Valley, though far enough away (Chilliwack) that I suppose it wasn't financially viable anymore. Taking a sunny Sunday I felt I'd take the opportunity to visit one last time, and encourage others to do so. Adult admission is $20 but one can enjoy a leisurely full day there, with an elegant restaurant and café and a network of trails over 13 acres.
Following the main garden path has thoughtful details around every corner through sculpture and arrangement; topiaries and water features and organized flower beds. Most of the bulb flowers and vines were finished blooming, and late July's colors featured astilbe, begonias, marigolds, dusty miller, osteospermum, geraniums, dahlias, alyssum, and some late roses.
A surprise was a demonstration from Cinemazoo and the Urban Reptile Rescue, who brought little friends in tubs and cages and let the crowd handle them. I got a boa constrictor draped on me, held a bearded dragon, and pet a tagu and a tortoise that were lounging on the path. The facilitators were very informative, and it was a great opportunity for everyone.
After a picnic outside we returned to find the outer path was closed due to a bear sighting in the area (!), so we had pretty much explored every corner that we could. I had noticed throughout the day that there seemed few birds around, but it was just when I was still enough settling on the well-manicured lawn that I caught the flash of yellow tails over a pond fountain - the cedar waxwings' acrobatic flycatching was a calming dance to watch, what a way to spend a summer afternoon!
Following the main garden path has thoughtful details around every corner through sculpture and arrangement; topiaries and water features and organized flower beds. Most of the bulb flowers and vines were finished blooming, and late July's colors featured astilbe, begonias, marigolds, dusty miller, osteospermum, geraniums, dahlias, alyssum, and some late roses.
A surprise was a demonstration from Cinemazoo and the Urban Reptile Rescue, who brought little friends in tubs and cages and let the crowd handle them. I got a boa constrictor draped on me, held a bearded dragon, and pet a tagu and a tortoise that were lounging on the path. The facilitators were very informative, and it was a great opportunity for everyone.
After a picnic outside we returned to find the outer path was closed due to a bear sighting in the area (!), so we had pretty much explored every corner that we could. I had noticed throughout the day that there seemed few birds around, but it was just when I was still enough settling on the well-manicured lawn that I caught the flash of yellow tails over a pond fountain - the cedar waxwings' acrobatic flycatching was a calming dance to watch, what a way to spend a summer afternoon!
Friday, July 19, 2013
New flavours
My summer so far has been fairly engaging; according to a friend we've had hot sunshine for 27 days straight and I think it's affecting everyone's overall outlook and demeanour (including my own). Talking to strangers and trying new things - less of an adventure per se, but a break from routine or the introspection of January. Now is the time for external stimuli!
Going for ice cream with a friend, I know he loves Tiger but I was never a fan of black liquorice as a kid (perhaps the orange and black swirl together to make an unappetizing mud-color?), so I decided it's time to revisit Tiger with an adult perspective, the verdict being that that the mild spice compliments the sweet fruitiness of the orange in a way that works for me. I've had a tea like this as well that is both uplifting with the citrus and a digestive aid with the carminative anise. Thumbs up for Tiger! And while I'm on the subject of ice cream I'll plug La Casa Gelato, the best place I know for ice cream in Vancouver, just for the sheer selection of flavors - Italian, Asian, and bizarre creations. A bit expensive for a regular visit but an enjoyable treat, and you get to sample any flavour before you buy, so that can take awhile of flitting back and forth along the counter like a butterfly.
Dinner with another friend found us with tzatziki dip on everything - that was both salad dressing and steak sauce. The salad I could have guessed, being creamy+dill over vegetables, but I was skeptical that the dip wouldn't be lost on a typical barbecued beef steak. It was a pleasant surprise, so I'll keep in in mind as yet another option for steak treatment. You never know unless you try!
The CBC radio station in Vancouver continues its free Musical Nooners concert series on the patch of fresh lawn outside the station right downtown, a welcome break for office workers to take their lunch al fresco and enjoy a show. Again, it's a great variety of styles and tastes that one may typically not gravitate to or even considered, but an opportunity to try it. Quiet singer perched on a stool strumming a guitar, raucous Latin salsa, maybe klezmer/polka?? All accessible for families and inoffensive to common sensibilities (does that rule out rap and metal?) I've caught a few shows so far this season, they were well presented and played.
Going for ice cream with a friend, I know he loves Tiger but I was never a fan of black liquorice as a kid (perhaps the orange and black swirl together to make an unappetizing mud-color?), so I decided it's time to revisit Tiger with an adult perspective, the verdict being that that the mild spice compliments the sweet fruitiness of the orange in a way that works for me. I've had a tea like this as well that is both uplifting with the citrus and a digestive aid with the carminative anise. Thumbs up for Tiger! And while I'm on the subject of ice cream I'll plug La Casa Gelato, the best place I know for ice cream in Vancouver, just for the sheer selection of flavors - Italian, Asian, and bizarre creations. A bit expensive for a regular visit but an enjoyable treat, and you get to sample any flavour before you buy, so that can take awhile of flitting back and forth along the counter like a butterfly.
Dinner with another friend found us with tzatziki dip on everything - that was both salad dressing and steak sauce. The salad I could have guessed, being creamy+dill over vegetables, but I was skeptical that the dip wouldn't be lost on a typical barbecued beef steak. It was a pleasant surprise, so I'll keep in in mind as yet another option for steak treatment. You never know unless you try!
The CBC radio station in Vancouver continues its free Musical Nooners concert series on the patch of fresh lawn outside the station right downtown, a welcome break for office workers to take their lunch al fresco and enjoy a show. Again, it's a great variety of styles and tastes that one may typically not gravitate to or even considered, but an opportunity to try it. Quiet singer perched on a stool strumming a guitar, raucous Latin salsa, maybe klezmer/polka?? All accessible for families and inoffensive to common sensibilities (does that rule out rap and metal?) I've caught a few shows so far this season, they were well presented and played.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Digging in the dirt
Earlier this month I found a great opportunity to volunteer with Fresh Roots Urban Farm to set up a farm garden on what I believe is technically the school grounds that is now opened up to the community as a multi-use space (an off-leash dog area, and now a food producing garden. With no fences separating the two thusfar, I assume that dogs fouling on the veggies won't be a major concern. We've painted plenty of 'Please clean up after your dog' signs, and trust that common sense and social responsibility will prevail), as well as an outdoor classroom for the students to visit.
The planting, maintenance, harvest, and sale of the crops will be managed by the Fresh Roots farmers, so really our work that weekend was mostly moving earth. Giant piles of earth wheelbarrowed, shovelled, and raked into orderly foot-high rows. I spent an afternoon on Saturday and a full day on a Tuesday with a great mix of parents teaching their kids, office professionals teambuilding, university/college students applying their biology program education, and earthy hipsters not afraid to get dirty. I would definitely be up for doing this again in the future.
This involved some of my favorite things;
- community involvement for a worthwhile cause I support.
- contribution to a group project with pleasant friendly people.
- digging in smelly, honest earth. AKA gardening.
- the fresh air and sunshine (thankfully it wasn't raining, or my post about digging in mud would have a very different tone).
The planting, maintenance, harvest, and sale of the crops will be managed by the Fresh Roots farmers, so really our work that weekend was mostly moving earth. Giant piles of earth wheelbarrowed, shovelled, and raked into orderly foot-high rows. I spent an afternoon on Saturday and a full day on a Tuesday with a great mix of parents teaching their kids, office professionals teambuilding, university/college students applying their biology program education, and earthy hipsters not afraid to get dirty. I would definitely be up for doing this again in the future.
This involved some of my favorite things;
- community involvement for a worthwhile cause I support.
- contribution to a group project with pleasant friendly people.
- digging in smelly, honest earth. AKA gardening.
- the fresh air and sunshine (thankfully it wasn't raining, or my post about digging in mud would have a very different tone).
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Wines of Keremeos and Cawston
A long weekend expedition to the Okanagan typically brings me past the small towns of Keremeos and Cawston following the main highway as it snakes along the Similkameen valley between the river and the steep hills, and I've been meaning to stop and explore the wineries there. While the Okanagan has been feverishly ripping up established orchards to plant vineyards instead, the Similkameen towns embrace their fruity heritage and there seems to be more of a balance of fruit stands and wineries, including a fruit winery of course. The wineries pride themselves on being small family-run operations, and you can't guarantee to find these labels outside of the VQA or private wine merchants. I prefer these small yield wines, it feels like more of a rare treat than whatever the 'house wine' is at a given restaurant. It's a great excuse to purchase straight for the source and speak with the knowledgeable producers about their product, region, and history.
First stop was not a good start for wine tasting; they were a new winery that had just opened up, the tasting room smelled very strongly of.. building/finishing/cleaning materials? Not good. And the wines were very young. Perhaps I'll try them again in a few seasons, once they get settled a bit.
Next up was Robin Ridge, and a much better presentation with the friendly family patriarch. Their Gewurztraminer was drier than I prefer but held the aromatic notes I love best. I was glad to see a straight Gamay too. Most noteworthy was the rose "Flamingo" made from a table varietal, an easy and accessible fruitiness that reminded me of a wine made from Concord grapes I had several years ago, and I am glad to support winemakers bending the rules of tradition.
Taking a wrong turn while searching for one winery lead me to Herder; snug against the hillside was a gorgeous and spacious Mediterranean-style building, with the great potential to be a B&B or host receptions. Only sampling three wines, "Three Sisters" had a fine balance of Pinot Gris' crisp acidity, Chardonnay's smoothness, and Viognier's nose.
The right turn found Clos du Soleil; wines done in the Bordeaux style. Their white focused on Sauvignon Blanc tempered with a bit of Semillon, and I was glad to have a fresh clean white that walks the line without being too acidic, sweet, or oaked. I am increasingly a fan of the pliable Sauv Blanc and its versatility with meal pairings. Fume Blanc caught my attention here. Tried two reds; the harvest had produced poor Cabernet Franc that year, and one blend included their contribution for the sake of French tradition, while the other excluded it for the sake of taste - the difference was definitely noticeable. I'll stick with their whites.
Just down the street (and in the next town of Cawston, organic capital of BC) was the Orofino strawbale winery. This one gets top marks in all regards, and I count this as my best new find of this trip! The presenter was a wealth of information about the wines, winery, history and geography of the region, and could juggle several customers and their tastings and questions with apparent ease. The wines were fantastic and I would've been fine with bringing home anything from their menu, including the Chardonnay - I will enjoy an aromatic Moscato frizzante for New Year's. Their building is a strawbale construction that is both ecologically friendly and educational, having been built by 22 people in a 5 day workshop that I would've loved to been part of. On top of all that, they have an old dog that want you to throw his slobbery ball for him to fetch.
Seven Stones winery was next, the wine presentation from the winemaker himself who could answer well any questions and included a free tour of the new "caves" he's building; an excavation part for the cellaring of wine but also to house the 'library' of collectable vintages and a banquet hall for special events. I enjoyed most of the samples and was pleasantly surprised by the Merlot, as something different than the rounder juicier norm. Those that have sampled wines with me before may have heard me express my personification of each varietal's typical characteristics, and for me Merlot is a large-bosomed aunt that demands a big hug, likely wearing faux flowers and chunky beaded jewelry. Now the tasting notes on the "Row 128" suggested olive and leather, and intrigued I found quite a different experience with this perennial favorite, less of the berries and more robust and borderline masculine even. As if dear auntie just beat me at arm wrestling.
Last stop for the afternoon (or was it evening...?) before I completely fall over was Forbidden Fruit winery, the aforementioned fruit-focused winery. I enjoyed a Sauvignon Blanc/Vidal blend "Sauvidal" and an apple dessert wine "Pomme Desiree" that had the sense (scents) of apple pie, that would either pair with that or replace it entirely. I think this'll be passed around for Thanksgiving, if it lasts that long. The last sample was the port-style "Cerise D'Eve" cherry wine. I wouldn't say I'm a big fan of cherries in general, but this was nice and will be fine with a nip of dark chocolate. Tasting fee was a suggested donation of $3 and went to a local environmental program.
First stop was not a good start for wine tasting; they were a new winery that had just opened up, the tasting room smelled very strongly of.. building/finishing/cleaning materials? Not good. And the wines were very young. Perhaps I'll try them again in a few seasons, once they get settled a bit.
Next up was Robin Ridge, and a much better presentation with the friendly family patriarch. Their Gewurztraminer was drier than I prefer but held the aromatic notes I love best. I was glad to see a straight Gamay too. Most noteworthy was the rose "Flamingo" made from a table varietal, an easy and accessible fruitiness that reminded me of a wine made from Concord grapes I had several years ago, and I am glad to support winemakers bending the rules of tradition.
Taking a wrong turn while searching for one winery lead me to Herder; snug against the hillside was a gorgeous and spacious Mediterranean-style building, with the great potential to be a B&B or host receptions. Only sampling three wines, "Three Sisters" had a fine balance of Pinot Gris' crisp acidity, Chardonnay's smoothness, and Viognier's nose.
The right turn found Clos du Soleil; wines done in the Bordeaux style. Their white focused on Sauvignon Blanc tempered with a bit of Semillon, and I was glad to have a fresh clean white that walks the line without being too acidic, sweet, or oaked. I am increasingly a fan of the pliable Sauv Blanc and its versatility with meal pairings. Fume Blanc caught my attention here. Tried two reds; the harvest had produced poor Cabernet Franc that year, and one blend included their contribution for the sake of French tradition, while the other excluded it for the sake of taste - the difference was definitely noticeable. I'll stick with their whites.
Just down the street (and in the next town of Cawston, organic capital of BC) was the Orofino strawbale winery. This one gets top marks in all regards, and I count this as my best new find of this trip! The presenter was a wealth of information about the wines, winery, history and geography of the region, and could juggle several customers and their tastings and questions with apparent ease. The wines were fantastic and I would've been fine with bringing home anything from their menu, including the Chardonnay - I will enjoy an aromatic Moscato frizzante for New Year's. Their building is a strawbale construction that is both ecologically friendly and educational, having been built by 22 people in a 5 day workshop that I would've loved to been part of. On top of all that, they have an old dog that want you to throw his slobbery ball for him to fetch.
Seven Stones winery was next, the wine presentation from the winemaker himself who could answer well any questions and included a free tour of the new "caves" he's building; an excavation part for the cellaring of wine but also to house the 'library' of collectable vintages and a banquet hall for special events. I enjoyed most of the samples and was pleasantly surprised by the Merlot, as something different than the rounder juicier norm. Those that have sampled wines with me before may have heard me express my personification of each varietal's typical characteristics, and for me Merlot is a large-bosomed aunt that demands a big hug, likely wearing faux flowers and chunky beaded jewelry. Now the tasting notes on the "Row 128" suggested olive and leather, and intrigued I found quite a different experience with this perennial favorite, less of the berries and more robust and borderline masculine even. As if dear auntie just beat me at arm wrestling.
Last stop for the afternoon (or was it evening...?) before I completely fall over was Forbidden Fruit winery, the aforementioned fruit-focused winery. I enjoyed a Sauvignon Blanc/Vidal blend "Sauvidal" and an apple dessert wine "Pomme Desiree" that had the sense (scents) of apple pie, that would either pair with that or replace it entirely. I think this'll be passed around for Thanksgiving, if it lasts that long. The last sample was the port-style "Cerise D'Eve" cherry wine. I wouldn't say I'm a big fan of cherries in general, but this was nice and will be fine with a nip of dark chocolate. Tasting fee was a suggested donation of $3 and went to a local environmental program.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Strolling the gardens - Van Dusen and Blodel Conservatory
This is precisely why I don't keep a diary/journal - I've been busy sure enough, but had little time to sit in front of a computer and record it. So much for a semi-New Year's resolution!
Busy enough enjoying the sunshine and various gardens coming into bloom beyond just the early bulbs. The growing season flashes by if you don't take the time to notice it. A metaphor for life, I suppose. I remember when a schoolyear felt so long and we had little photocopied calendars we were instructed to cross the days off on, to learn to tell the current date. Now we measure time in semesters, several-year programs, or decades. I'm not morose about feeling older, just noticing. To everything there is a season; snowdrops, crocus, hyacinth, narcissus, daffodils, and now the tulips are fading. The plum and cherry blossoms came and went quickly this year, in my opinion.
I attended the annual plant sale at the Van Dusen Botanical Gardens. While it is staffed by volunteers and is a fantastic operation I'd support and promote, I still jump at the chance to skip admission fees. Blessed with a beautiful sunny day, the place was packed and by the time I got there the hardcore gardeners had picked over what I had been mildly considering shopping for - no worries, I can find them easily at other garden shops, I just like to explore odd varietals and browse what's offered - and the lineups for the checkout stand were so long I was not inclined to wait that long for a whimsical purchase. I did however speak with the volunteers that were very welcoming, eager, and informative. Listened to an urban beekeeper talk about his bees too.
Breaking free from the crowds I spent a couple of hours wandering around the gardens. Rhododendrons, azaleas, and camillas were out, the colors mainly greens and purples. Lovely day for a picnic, if I hadn't already been full from breakfast.
Definitely a top-notch presentation and one of my favorite Vancouver attractions. The Van Dusen Gardens have a focus on education and the preservation of both biological specimens and the history and heritage associated with them, since many were donated as goodwill gifts from other countries.
Next up was a visit to the Bloedel Conservatory in Queen Elizabeth Park, a tiny jewel in southern Vancouver surrounded by neighbourhoods with houses and yards even! Easy enough to find following Cambie St, I instead meandered up Columbia St and found the Most Beautiful Block 1999-2001 - how else would you know about these things unless you stumbled upon them? Such discoveries are a pleasant surprise, complete with neighbourhood coffee shop The Mighty Oak that I'll venture out to sometime. Beautiful houses, no traffic.
What used to be an old quarry for the railway is now well-manicured lawns and gardens with rolling pathways, topped with a tropical sanctuary in a geodesic dome. Many of the plants there I recognized as fairly common "indoor" plants; snakeplants, kalanchoe, orchids, and cacti. Some of the larger specimens include fig, papaya, coffee and a variety of palm trees. The greatest feature for me were the birds, a few also common and recognizable as pets such as the budgies, parrots, and macaws (who quite possibly were previously pets donated to the conservatory). The space itself is quite small and can be 'done' in an hour, and was quite busy on the day I visited.
Both the Van Dusen gardens and Bloedel Conservatory are situated near fine dining restaurants, Shaughnessy Restaurant and Seasons in the Park respectively. Both locations are popular spots for weddings, graduation parties, or any other cause for large gatherings and/or professional photos.
Busy enough enjoying the sunshine and various gardens coming into bloom beyond just the early bulbs. The growing season flashes by if you don't take the time to notice it. A metaphor for life, I suppose. I remember when a schoolyear felt so long and we had little photocopied calendars we were instructed to cross the days off on, to learn to tell the current date. Now we measure time in semesters, several-year programs, or decades. I'm not morose about feeling older, just noticing. To everything there is a season; snowdrops, crocus, hyacinth, narcissus, daffodils, and now the tulips are fading. The plum and cherry blossoms came and went quickly this year, in my opinion.
I attended the annual plant sale at the Van Dusen Botanical Gardens. While it is staffed by volunteers and is a fantastic operation I'd support and promote, I still jump at the chance to skip admission fees. Blessed with a beautiful sunny day, the place was packed and by the time I got there the hardcore gardeners had picked over what I had been mildly considering shopping for - no worries, I can find them easily at other garden shops, I just like to explore odd varietals and browse what's offered - and the lineups for the checkout stand were so long I was not inclined to wait that long for a whimsical purchase. I did however speak with the volunteers that were very welcoming, eager, and informative. Listened to an urban beekeeper talk about his bees too. 
Breaking free from the crowds I spent a couple of hours wandering around the gardens. Rhododendrons, azaleas, and camillas were out, the colors mainly greens and purples. Lovely day for a picnic, if I hadn't already been full from breakfast.
Definitely a top-notch presentation and one of my favorite Vancouver attractions. The Van Dusen Gardens have a focus on education and the preservation of both biological specimens and the history and heritage associated with them, since many were donated as goodwill gifts from other countries.
Next up was a visit to the Bloedel Conservatory in Queen Elizabeth Park, a tiny jewel in southern Vancouver surrounded by neighbourhoods with houses and yards even! Easy enough to find following Cambie St, I instead meandered up Columbia St and found the Most Beautiful Block 1999-2001 - how else would you know about these things unless you stumbled upon them? Such discoveries are a pleasant surprise, complete with neighbourhood coffee shop The Mighty Oak that I'll venture out to sometime. Beautiful houses, no traffic. 
What used to be an old quarry for the railway is now well-manicured lawns and gardens with rolling pathways, topped with a tropical sanctuary in a geodesic dome. Many of the plants there I recognized as fairly common "indoor" plants; snakeplants, kalanchoe, orchids, and cacti. Some of the larger specimens include fig, papaya, coffee and a variety of palm trees. The greatest feature for me were the birds, a few also common and recognizable as pets such as the budgies, parrots, and macaws (who quite possibly were previously pets donated to the conservatory). The space itself is quite small and can be 'done' in an hour, and was quite busy on the day I visited.
Both the Van Dusen gardens and Bloedel Conservatory are situated near fine dining restaurants, Shaughnessy Restaurant and Seasons in the Park respectively. Both locations are popular spots for weddings, graduation parties, or any other cause for large gatherings and/or professional photos.
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