UMC Horticulture Club Tours Gardens in British Columbia

When most students are heading south to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, or sunny Mexico for spring break, what would make a group of students travel north and west?  Recently a group of horticulture students from the University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC) did just that when they traveled to British Columbia, Canada, for their spring break.

Why British Columbia?  Even though British Columbia is further north than Crookston, its climate is moderated by the Pacific Ocean.  This temperate, moist climate is ideal for supporting a vast array of flora and fauna.  The Canadian province is also world-renown for its gardens, the main draw for the group of UMC horticulture students. 

The group consisted of nine students who planned the entire trip on their own.  The horticulturalists-in-training were (pictured below in their whale watching gear) back row: Roberta Davis, Carrington, ND; Luke Shields, Park Rapids, MN; Jon Ackerman, Atwater, MN; Ken Septon, Bowman, ND; Shannon Paul, Waubun, MN; front row: chaperone Dorothy Muscha of Harvey, ND; Rachel Sundbom, Clearbrook, MN; Naomi Schulstad, Fargo, ND; Barb Heinze, Elrosa, MN; and Angie Muscha, Harvey, ND.
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The group’s first full day was spent admiring the beautiful scenery at Stanley Park in Vancouver.  While in the park, the students went to the Vancouver Aquarium and trekked across the Capillano Suspension Bridge, rising 230 feet above Capillano River.  According to Angie Muscha, “Everyone could tell we were all horticulture majors because we were more interested in the trees and plants than in the rest of the park.” 

The next day was spent traveling by ferry to Victoria, also known as Garden City, and then by bus to the Pacific Ocean.  Upon arrival to the ocean, the group took a break from plant watching and went whale watching. They also caught sight of many seals, sea lions, a bald eagle, and even an elephant seal.

Back on land again, the tour group next visited Victoria’s Butchart Gardens.  It’s not every day that horticulture majors have the opportunity to visit one of the world’s most famous gardens.  According to Barb Heinze, Butchart Gardens is an eye opener to everyone interested in horticulture—even in March.  The daffodils, crocuses, tulips, and some of the annuals were blooming as well as some of the Rhododendrons. 

Perhaps even more captivating was Victoria Butterfly Gardens, the group’s next stop on its itinerary.  The large indoor garden of tropical plants was specifically designed to support the more than 100 species of exotic butterflies that are normally only found in tropical climates.  While the butterflies were a breathtaking twist, the UMC students were already familiar with many of the tropical plants, since UMC has a greenhouse bay set for tropical climate conditions in its Controlled Environmental Science Building.

Another day, another garden.  The next day’s touring included a stop at Undersea Gardens in Victoria.  “This stop was a surprise,” says Heinze.  “We were expecting underwater plants, but we were surprised to see a diver bringing up various fish.  No plants, but we did see an octopus up close!”

Other highlights of the week-long trip included stops at the Royal British Columbia Museum, the Royal London Wax Museum, Craigdarroch Castle, and the Parliament Building in Victoria.

British Columbia as a whole truly turned out to be a horticulturist’s dream for these students.  All participants agreed that the horticulture tour made for the best spring break they ever had.  ”Not only were we able to see and do so many fun and exciting attractions, but we were also learning the entire seven days,” says Heinze.

Learn more at the UMC Horticulture Club's website: http://webhome.crk.umn.edu/clubs/HortClub/ .