Strathcona Community Garden Continued

Here's some more pictures....

Strathcona Community Garden

I went for a little tour of Strathcona Community Gardens last weekend.  Strathcona is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Vancouver.  It's bordered by Chinatown and has historically always been a working class neighbourhood because of it's location to the railway and Hastings Mill.  This community garden is connected to a park field and  neighbouring an ice cream shop with over 200 flavours.  It's also the neighbourhood where I used to live in my early twenties and have enjoyed many inspired strolls.  Strathcona Community Garden is a really special space with an orchard, a water feature and loads of unique allotment plots. I especially enjoy espalier apple trees and grape vine arbour.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden

There is a secluded garden located in the heart of Chinatown.  I visited it this weekend. Ornate diamond shaped windows hint at something special behind those plain white walls.  Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden is free and open to the public.  It was opened in 1986 and was built by 56 master craftsmen from Suzhou, China in partnership with Canadian workers.  The garden implements the original techniques implemented from the original Ming Dynasty garden. Walkways, bridges, a central pond and moss covered rocks are the foundation for this garden.  A prehistoric Gunnera plant frames the pond.  A large bamboo forest shades the south-east corner. Large arching trees weep over the surface of the pond and mingle with the lilly pads.  Pagoda structures set the stage for all weather appreciation.

My Vegetable Garden in July

Okay, my vegetable garden has become a bit neglected by me.  Lack of water is a bit of a concern.  My little babies have grown though...despite me.  

cilantro, gourmet blend salad mix, broccoli

tomatoes

merlin beets

golden beets on left

january king cabbage

carrots

asian stirfry blend greens and gai lan

jerusalem artichoke 

turban squash

mesculin blend

blueberries

thornless blackberry

gooseberry 

potatoes

Queen Elizabeth Park

I went on a self guided tour around Queen Elizabeth Park last week.  It's the high point of Vancouver and boasts one of the most amazing views in the city.  It's a tapestry of many different gardens and ecosystems.  The development of this park started in 1948 by self taught Horticulturalist and Superintendent Bill Livingstone.  It's kind of an amazing undertaking.  Check out the history here.  I started at the rose garden (lots of euphoric smells around there).          

I'm really digging the climbing roses lately.  Such a english country garden feel.

The big purple heads of the allium always put on a fun display

This one smelled great- almost looks like a peony

I moved my way up to the random display at the water fountain.  There was actually quite a few people wading in the water there

Like a bald head, the  big dome of the conservatory was refracting light.

Then, what an amazing view!  The lookout over Vancouver always makes me breathless.

Did you check out that peace sign in the garden?

I ended at Seasons in the Park for lunch with my friend Darren.  I got hit on by one of the serving staff. That's what you call a good day!