"There are people who stand outside the garden gate and wait for each new load of wreaths and baskets to be brought out, hoping to spot just the right one for them," said Judy Newton, education assistant at the garden. "Some of them will come back day after day."
Newton and education co-ordinator David Tarrant assist about 120 Friends of the Garden--the volunteer group that supports UBC's Botanical Garden--in making the holiday wreaths and baskets which will total close to 400 this year. Each item takes about one hour to craft.
Tarrant, host of the popular CBC show, Canadian Gardener, was responsible for starting the fund-raising program eight years ago when he joined the garden.
"Each wreath and basket is unique," said Newton. "Year after year, the volunteers can't believe that they've actually made such a beautiful thing. Even the people who don't think they're creative have never had a failure. There's always a buyer."
The wreaths, baskets and other holiday items are available while quantities last at the Shop in the Garden, 6804 Southwest Marine Drive. To avoid disappointment, visit the shop early. All proceeds support the Botanical Garden. For more information, call 822-3928.