Autumn 2026 Newsletter
In many ways the less said about the summer the better.  It was challenging on so many fronts.  Summerland showed its resiliency and strength and so did the Gardens.  A prolonged absence due to the evacuation orders did not result in any issues to the plants and we are now seeing some beautiful autumn colours.  Some good rainfalls, cool nights and sunny days are an ideal combination!
 
From the Chair
The winter of 2025/26 offered us challenges and opportunities.  We had virtually no snow cover over the winter which meant that, thanks to some incredibly determined volunteers, many trees and shrubs were removed and areas cleaned up.  However, the lack of snow left the ground extremely dry to begin the spring season.  A lot of time was spent adjusting our irrigation to address the dryness and even with that we had areas that did not completely recover.
Socially our summer season was greatly affected.  Some of our tours were cancelled because of the heat.  Our 110 Anniversary celebration in July was compromised by the heat and smoke.  Thanks to those many who still volunteered and to those who came out to support the joint effort of FOG and the Summerland Museum.  A lot of time and effort went into that event.  August’s Art and Music was scheduled in the midst of our evacuation from the Bald Range fire so did not happen.
The challenges we faced in the summer season were discussed at our September board meeting and with a sense of sadness, but also facing reality, we have decided to end our Art and Music in the Gardens events.  We were challenged with the heat in 2025 then this summer confronted with extreme heat, smoke and fire.  The board has concluded that climate change may well continue to bring extreme heat in July and August. 
Accepting the challenges of climate change in the Okanagan the FOG directors believe it is important to focus on educating our members and the public about our changing climate.  We will be adjusting our annual plantings to plants which are more suitable for heat and drought.  We are also committed to displaying plants which are readily available locally.  In planning of our workshops for 2027 the committee will focus on addressing proper gardening practices for a dry climate.
As we prepare the gardens for the winter it is hard to part with the annuals that seem to be overjoyed with the cooler and wetter weather and are providing quite a display presently. The board of directors is extremely thankful for the dedication of our volunteer teams and the gardeners who keep the Gardens growing from season to season. 
I hope many of you will take time to visit the gardens and enjoy the fall colours this October.  Remember the Gardens are open year-round.  We close only when snow and ice prevents safe entry.  Our hours are posted on our website (www.summerlandgardens.org)
A Bloomin' Big Thank You!

A glorious sunny day and spectacular blooms formed the backdrop for a very successful Okanagan Rose Festival on June 20.  Close to 70 rose enthusiasts gathered on the lawn in front of the Canadian Heritage Rose Garden to listen and learn from our resident rosarian Rick Sauder and special guest Jason Crouch from Fraser Valley Rose Farm.  Jason has helped to give the Gardens a higher profile in Canada and beyond by producing two videos that reside on his very popular You Tube channel.  He was also instrumental in assisting with import and propagation of many rare rose cultivars that are now thriving in our English Shrub and Old Rose Gardens.  Jason was gracious enough to travel to spend time with us and present a propagation workshop at the Rose Festival.  We are very grateful to Jason for his ongoing interest, time and assistance to help keep us growing. 
 
Thank You Marian!
Marian Rudisill, an avid volunteer, a long time supporter and known as a history buff and talented wordsmith was acknowledged at the 2026 Garden’s Volunteer
Appreciation event with a Lifetime Membership to the Friends of the Ornamental Gardens.  Over 40 members enjoyed food and drink while overlooking the fabulous view above Thornhaven Winery on September 24.  Our thanks to Thornhaven for hosting us and to Marian for all that she has done over the years she has spent volunteering at the Gardens.
Putting the Pruners Away?

Does pruning need to be among the many tasks that we face in the fall garden?  Read on to get Scott's take on this question.
Read the Article
 
If you think you don’t have much to offer as a volunteer because you can’t be a part of a team working in the Gardens, think again!  There are a myriad of ways to help support the Friends of the Ornamental Gardens.  Do you have some computer savvy?  We need you!  Our fundraising, email and newsletter platform, Canada Helps, will be undergoing an update of their system in 2027.  We have a volunteer who will assist with the transfer of our data however we are looking for someone to maintain it going forward.  The primary task will be keeping the membership, volunteer and newsletter records updated.  The commitment would likely be two to three hours a month with some extra time needed in the spring during our membership drive.  If that person is you please let our volunteer coordinator, Connie Davis, know (volunteers4.summerlandgardens@gmail.com).
 
Thank you for your continued support.
Donate Today
PO Box 1363, 4200 Hwy 97 South
Summerland BC. V0H 1Z0
friends.summerlandgardens@gmail.com