I assume you're referring to the British Columbia city of Vancouver...not the one in WA state?! Obviously, the one in BC is much more beautiful.

I'll be taking notes along with you. There was a great thread here on Vancouver Island, chock full of "must" places to visit. It included a number of places I hadn't heard of and will want to go to.

Enjoy!

Patrick

chezron,

There are quite a few public gardens just in the Vancouver BC city limits. Some of the one's that pop to mind are,

UBC Botanical Gardens
Van Dusen Gardens (37th & Oak St.)
Queen Elizabeth Park (and Little Mountain)
Stanley Park
Also, a sunset stroll along Sunset Beach to English Bay where the plant life is very Mediterranean (Palm trees etc.)

Vancouver Canada also has many nurseries and garden centers, far to numerous to list. Once outside city limits the numbers compound and you may want an extended visit.

In my many years of visiting those areas, sometimes the best are private gardens and small specialty nurseries.

Cheers, Barrie (Vancouver Island)

Chezron,

You might want to visit Southlands Nursery on Balaclava in Vancouver. It is owned by Thomas Hobbs of "Jewel Box Garden" fame (great book if you don't know it!). It is a smallish nursery with a wonderful, and unusual selection of plants..

Judy

Judy,

I also like Thomas Hobbs' book, "Shocking Beauty". I currently have both checked out of the library.

Patrick

There's also Dr. Sun Yat San garden in Chinatown. And if you're in for a drive, there's Minter's Garden in Chilliwack. From June 9 to 12, vanDusen garden is having its annual show. I think this year's theme is Art and artists.

There are MANY nurseries in Langley, just SE of Vancouver. My favorite is Rain Forest Nursery, on 227th. The owner's name is Tony, and he has lots of unusual plants, and will special order things for you.

Minter Gardens Nursery (not the gardens, but the nursery store, on Young St, in Chilliwack, also has a wonderful selection, and Brian Minter prides himself on always having the newest things out).

Government House, in town. No charge and lots of lovely gardens. Herb, perennial, shrub, rose.

Forgive me if this is a dumb question but... are you allowed to bring live plants over the border from Canada to the USA? I've always been afraid to go plant shopping in Canada for fear I couldn't bring my purchases back with me.

There are strict regulations on plant importation. Check with gov't agencies prior to importing plant material. In most cases (unless you're a specialty collector or nurseryman) it's probably not worth the bother.

A place for good quality plants and verrrrrrryy good price = Devon Nursery on Fraser Hwy in Abbotsford.