Modern-day plant explorers

Join the Friends of Finnerty Gardens for an evening of botanical discovery as Sue Milliken and Kelly Dodson of Far Reaches Farm—a rare plant specialty nursery in Port Townsend, Washington—give a special presentation on their 2012 plant hunting expedition to Sichuan, China. This 50th anniversary event, which will appeal to the casual gardener, serious plant aficionado and everyone with a love of adventure, takes place on May 23 at 7 p.m. in UVic’s David Lam Auditorium, MacLaurin A144.

As a result of this expedition, “Finnerty Gardens will be on the cutting edge of obtaining new plants that will complement the more than 1,500 rhododendrons and azaleas already in the gardens,” says Carmen Varcoe, chair of the Finnerty Gardens Advisory Committee.

The search for new species of rhododendrons, shrubs and perennials was a fascinating trek that included fellow explorers Steve Hootman of the Rhododendron Species Foundation and legendary plant hunter Peter Cox.

Tickets are free, but must be reserved in advance at the UVic Ticket Centre. More information: www.uvic.ca/pursuingthewild. More information about Finnerty Gardens: www.uvic.ca/finnerty/index.php.

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