On my journey to becoming a counsellor one of the biggest learnings and take aways is the need to balance life and to take the time to practice self-care. Something that up to this point, I have truly neglected and felt great consequences as a result of.
One of the easiest solutions to this is to enjoy green spaces and be grounded in nature. Thankfully for locals of Vancouver, the City has carved out two such places to do both at. So to help encourage more mindfulness and self care, this summer I am hosting a giveaway in conjunction with the City of Vancouver, in order to get you out to these spaces.
By participating you are entered to win a Dual Membership that grants unlimited entries to both the VanDusen Botanical Garden and Bloedel Conservatory for two, for one year. This does not include special events, but you do get free and/or discounted tickets for select events such as the Harvest Days and Festival of Lights. Membership also awards express entry, discounts on educational classes and programs for adults and families, and discounts and priority registration on nature camps for kids. Membership holders also gets 10% off on regular priced items in the VanDusen Garden and Bloedel Conservatory gift shops, 10% discount at the Garden Cafe at VanDusen Botanical Garden, and 25% off on food items at Shaughnessy Restaurant.
Check out my official Instagram page @magmei for contest details, and how you can enter to win this coveted dual membership pass. This for you to use at your leisure, with my wish for you to take more time for yourself and to be more mindful in your living.
For those who have never been to either the VanDusen Botanical Garden of Bloedel Conservatory, the following is what you can expect, plus a few suggestions of what you can do when you visit. Neither are just a spot for taking photos at, but both are rich in learning opportunities with the ability to take in beauty for the soul.
The Bloedel Conservatory is one of my favourite spaces to explore. Located on the highest point of Vancouver in Queen Elizabeth Park, over looking the city’s skyline vista. This scenic view is free, but parking is not, as one for the most picturesque lookouts in the city. A go-to for many to take tourists from out of town to.
The Conservatory is easy to spot with its geometric glass exterior and dome interior. A self contained eco-system, it is consistent throughout the year. Warm and slightly humid during rainy days or colder seasons, and equipped with air-conditioning during hotter ones.
Exotic birds, koi fish, and over 500 tropical plants from around the world call Bloedel home. Even the mice, which are part of the ecosystem, are acknowledged with signs.
Most plants and wildlife are labelled for identification. However, if you are looking for more information you can speak with a volunteer docent. They can be seen walking the grounds and engaging visitors with stories, referencing a plethora of informative reading materials.
You can pick up a scavenger hunt sheet from the admission desk. It is advertised as being for kids, but I as an adult found it helpful as a guide for what to look out for, and deemed noteworthy by the staff.
The main draw are the large perched birds like macaws, cockatoos, and parrots. Majority are rescues and/or have been donated. They have their wings clipped to be able to keep them from flight. Where they lack here, they are pampered through volunteer care. Delicious treats like nuts and seeds and enclosures with furnishings and toys that enrich play.
Between Valentine the hybrid macaw rattling his tin cans for attention to a smaller parrot who liked to wear a bell in place of a hat; each bird has their own personality that would unfold the longer you stayed to watch them. You can even interact with them as some even talk back.
The Conservatory is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. throughout summer and there is no time limit to your admission. In fact we stayed longer to sketch, as a wonderful way to stay mindful in the space.
Admission is advertised as being affordable for the whole family. Purchasing online in advance, saves you $1. Or you can save 25% with a 5-visit pass, which is valid for one year.
As for the VanDusen, it is located in the heart of Vancouver. A 55-acre botanical garden featuring more than 7,500 plant species and varieties from around the world. A botanical garden is a living collection of plants, like a living museum, but more natural. Most of the plants are tagged, for the ability to reference and educate.
The garden is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., all summer long. This too is an affordable spot to take kids to: to explore the outdoors and learn
about nature. Tickets can be purchased online, in advance, to save $1, but are also available at the admission desk upon arrival.
And best of all, there is always something new in bloom. This varies by season and the “Today in the Garden” display or the Monthly Bloom Guide is a the best way to see what is flowering during your visit.
In June it was Primulas, Alma VanDusen Meadow Garden, Japanese Dogwoods, and Roses. For July visitors can expect Waterlilies, Southern Hemisphere bulbs, Fuchsias, Roses, Hypericums, Evergreen Magnolia, Spanish Broom, Yucca and Lilies (mid-season), Meadow Garden, and a Perennial Garden.
And in August expect Hibiscus, Lilies (late season), Silk Tree, Butterfly Bush (Buddleia), Roses, Escallonia, Annuals, Meadow Garden, and Perennial Garden.
Attractions include the current romantic Rose Garden, a great garden to stroll through and literally stop to smell the roses at. The peak of these blooms are typically June to August.
There is a hedge maze that you can get lost in. Planted in 1981, this is one of the few hedge mazes in North America.
There is a meditation garden with rocks, plenty of bench seating to soak in the view, and a Learning Garden with local crops like snap peas and lettuce to discover.
If hungry and looking for a bite, there is on-site dining at Shaughnessy Restaurant and the Garden Cafe, both of which have patios. And once again, (your potentially won) membership gives you a 25% discount at either. Or you can bring a picnic and enjoy an afternoon on the open lawn. This also serves as a great spot to relax at, with a good book.
There are so many themed sections that you can spend hours here exploring through it all.
In closing, both the VanDusen Botanical Garden and the Bloedel Conservatory are great urban oasis. Wonderfully curated plots of green to help ground you in nature. And if you win my giveaway you have no excuse to not visit, and visit often for any of the above reasons.
