On Labour Day weekend, the community of Boundary Bay came together to honour Juvy and Brian Whitehouse for their labour of love, The Secret Garden of Boundary Bay.
At the ceremony outside the garden entrance, the pair were presented with a certificate, a print by the Eldercollege class of the Secret Garden, two Boundary Bay T-shirts and a wonderful driftwood and succulent sculptural award. James Warkentin, one of the organizers of the award, had this to say:
“We are here to honour two people who have created the unique garden experience in Boundary Bay that is known to many as the ‘Secret Garden,’” said James Warkentin, one of the organizers of the award. “This remarkable garden is the result of years of inspiration and perspiration by Brian and Juvy, this years recipients of the Order of Boundary Bay.”
The Secret Garden magic begins as you enter under the living arbor. You’re lead along curving paths, past pocket garden scenes, and sweeping border plantings. The exotic and the familiar vie for your heartstrings.
This garden is also a love of labour, requiring muscle, and backs of steel to create and maintain this joy.
Plants are donated or bought through the donations from people visiting. The city built a fence so the garden could be locked up at night as there was some vandalism and plants go missing, however problems are few and far between.
Brian and Juvy recounted how bus loads of seniors and others come to visit and friends bring visiting relatives and other friends from around the world. They are always happy to read the comments left by all- even children.
Neighbours congratulated the Whitehouses and stayed to wander through and wonder at the magic we have in our own backyard.
