May 29 was National Honeybee Day, and the sunny afternoon began with Norma Morton talking about butterflies: their life cycle, what types are found here on the Island, and what plants in your garden will attract them. Bee master John Barrett then followed up with a humorous yet informative discussion about honeybees and their busy little life spans.
In early June, the Anderton Gardens hosted the annual Teddy Bear Picnic. This was the third year that StrongStart, a program funded by the Ministry of Education for parents and their children under five, visited the gardens for this event. Approximately 75 children with their parents attended.
There were tons of fun and educational activities for the families, including arts and crafts, where children made teddy bear hats and wind catchers; a tea party in the open grass with stories and songs; learning games of 鈥淚 Spy鈥� and matching, where the kids were able to interact with the garden setting; as well as butterfly wings so they could let their imaginations fly in the Butterfly Garden. There was a compost demonstration, along with some worm digging.
Glacier View Lodge also came by for a visit, and enjoyed a picnic in the shade of the Loop, followed by a tour. Glacier View Lodge enjoys visiting the Gardens at least three times a season, as do other seniors鈥� homes. A great time was had by everyone on this sunny afternoon, as they connected with nature and the community.
More interesting Sunday events are coming up: June 26 at 1 p.m. - Good Bugs, Bad Bugs where Tyler Johns, our Local Bug Guru, will tell us who are the good guys and who the bad, and July 17 at 1 p.m. - Weeds - Friend or Foe, with Chanchal Cabrera from Innisfree Farms.
Visitors are always welcome to enjoy the peace and beauty at the gardens, from 10 to 4, seven days a week. Bring your lunch or a book; enjoy the sun or a shady nook. Become a member and get a little dirt under your fingernails.
The gardens, created by the non-profit volunteer Anderton Therapeutic Gardens Society, are situated behind the Anderton Nursery in Comox, at 2012 Anderton Rd. on the way to the Little River ferry.
For more information, contact Trish Smith at 250-871-3235.
鈥� Anderton Therapeutic Gardens
