30 years ago tomorrow the founding Friends of the Garden inaugeral meeting took place in our headquarters, which at the time were in the Presidents Residence 'Norman MacKenzie House. Our Director Dr Roy Taylor had placed a notice in the UBC Alumni Chronicle seeking anyone interested who might like to become volunteers at the garden. Who indeed would ultimately become Ambassadors for our garden. Two members from the original meeting of seven plus three from the second recruitment which took place in September 1966 are still very active members of the group. They are Mary Allen, Jo Bridge, Dorothy Burling, Rachel Mackenzie and June West. I believe the fact that they are still active speaks volumes about the success of our Friends of the Garden program. There are currently just over 160 active members. And while their mandate is still to be ambassadors. Over the years due to the Gardens shrinking budget in addition to giving untiring hours of of support,they have also raised and given the garden over 2.5 million dollars. It is fair to say that the garden would not still be the important part of this University without their support. As one of the staff who was present when the first group of us sat around the fire drinking tea discussing what a volunteer group might do I just didn't want Friday 24th Feb 2006 to pass un-noticed. While I am at it, just wanted to say what an exciting week it has been in the garden. Seeing the Carolinian Forest demonstarion bed planted is a big step in the right direction. That coupled with so many other great projects such as the reduction and tidying of the Perennial borders, pruning the overgrown vines on the Arbor, new trail in the Native Garden, power washing wooden surfacews etc etc really give the impression to our visitors that we care for this jewel in the crown of UBC. You garden staff should give yourselves a pat on the back. Heres to an exciting season ahead. Cheers David
Yes, a big big thank you to the FOGs. They do so much that the garden could never do without them. And what a wonderfully pleasant group! Such nice people. FOGS FOREVER
