As March turns into April, Vancouver Island’s gardening season has finally arrived. One of the most meaningful ways to transform a house into a home is by infusing it with personal touches, and a flourishing garden is the perfect way to do just that! Whether you have a natural green thumb or you are just wanting to learn a new skill, gardening can be such a rewarding pastime. From starting with seeds to purchasing young plants, there are plenty of options for creating a garden that thrives on the Island.
When to Start Gardening on Vancouver Island
Gardening on Vancouver Island can be a fulfilling hobby, but when should you start?
Whether you're a planner or someone who likes to keep it simple, there are several options as to when to start your garden. Each plant is unique and has its own prime planting season. Many plants flourish in the spring, while others need to be planted in the fall to begin their growth during the colder months. Some plants that can withstand to grow during the colder months include Pansies, Ferns and Peonies. Whereas some that prefer to start their growth in the warmer months include Magnolias, Bleeding Heart flowers and Rhododendrons.
With many unpredictable weather patterns here on the west coast, it’s important to keep in mind prime planting times for each seed you plan to grow. See the link below for more information on the best growing times!
More Information: Planting Calendar for Nanaimo, BC | Almanac.com
Local Nurseries
If beginning with seeds isn’t the right fit for you, heading over to a local nursery to get some young plants can be a great choice. Buying a plant can also help speed up the gardening process, saving you time and effort. Many of these young plants grow well in this climate. This is also an amazing way to support a local business in your community.
Here are some of the local nurseries on the Island:
· The Lakeside Garden Nursery (Parksville): https://www.lakesidegardennursery.com/#:~:text=Nestled%20down%20a%20quiet%20road,lady%20at%20Lakeside%20Garden%20Nursery.
· Superior Farms (Lantzville): https://superiorfarmsbc.ca/
· Green Thumb Garden Centre (North Nanaimo): https://greenthumbgardencentre.com/#:~:text=Green%20Thumb%20Garden%20Centre%20is%20locally%20and%20family%20owned.
· Kleijin Nurseries and Garden Centre (South Nanaimo):
https://www.kleijnnurseries.com/
What Thrives on Vancouver Island?
So, what should you fill your gardens with? Many plants can flourish on Vancouver Island. There are lots of popular plants native to Vancouver Island such as Oregon Grapes and wildflowers like Camas and Bluebell that can be great additions.
There are also many other plants that can flourish on the Island that aren’t native to the Island. For your garden you may choose to plant some lettuce, kale or spinach. These plants tend to thrive in the west coast climate due to its moderate climate, good soil, and access to water. As it begins to warm up, vegetables like tomatoes, beans, and zucchini grow. Another great option is filling your garden with some perennials such as lavender, rosemary, and thyme that will come back each year.
If you are looking for beauty over function, a flower garden could be a great choice. There are many that can grow wonderfully on the Island. With flowers like pansies, primroses, and daffodils, your garden could be a lush and colorful place.
Vancouver Island Gardens
If you are someone that would prefer visiting a garden rather than growing one; there are many wonderful places to visit on the Island. Here are just a few of the many beautiful gardens on Vancouver Island:
Milner Gardens & Woodland (Qualicum Beach):
Milner Gardens & Woodland is a beautiful garden located in Qualicum Beach and just a short drive North of Parksville. The garden offers ocean views, an array of island greenery and a rich history behind the houses built on the land. Perched on an oceanside bluff overlooking the Strait of Georgia, it is one of the best attractions on the Island.
The Hailey Rhododendron Grove (Nanaimo):
http://nanaimorhodos.ca/hailey/
Nestled within the 36 hectares of Bowen Park in Nanaimo, if you are looking for a place to walk through scenic trails, this would be a great place to do it! With the vibrant colours and fragrances, these sights are worth seeing! The grove blooms from late February to early July; making April the perfect time to visit this local Nanaimo spot.
Butchart Gardens (Brentwood Bay):
https://www.butchartgardens.com/
Butchart Gardens is the most popular garden on Vancouver Island and for good reason! Located in Brentwood Bay this garden attracts tourists year-round. Offering stunning views, the location was designated a Nation Historic Site of Canada having been around for over 120 years. There are 5 different gardens (sunken garden, rose garden, Japanese garden, Italian garden and mediterranean) each with its own immense beauty.
Overall, Vancouver Island is the perfect place to create a thriving garden. From its native plants to growing vegetables and flowers, the Island has a great climate with good soil and ideal environment to grow a garden with lots of variation, colors, and functions. This 2025 Spring season holds so many amazing opportunities to roll up your sleeves and build something new or to get out in the community to see the amazing greenery of the Island!