Media Advisory | Apr. 16, 2004

Edible Plants Focus of UBC’s Native Plant Sale

Event: The Pacific Northwest Plant Sale

Place: UBC Botanical Garden, 6804 SW Marine Drive

Date / Time: Saturday, April 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission: Admission to the Botanical Gardens is free during the event.

Parking: Is available adjacent to the Garden. Enter opposite Gate 8 of SW Marine Drive. Street parking also available.

Note: For more information call 604.255.5719

Gardeners, gourmets and others will have the opportunity to purchase native edible plants, discover their uses, and learn how to grow them using natural, organic methods.

The UBC Pacific Northwest Plant Sale, sponsored by the Botanical Garden, is designed to introduce the public to the value of native plants both in urban gardens and in their natural habitats. This year’s event will focus on edible native plant species that can be grown in urban gardens; the traditional uses of native species for food and other purposes by First Nations; the role of native plants as a genetic resource for many commercial food crops; and the development of food, medicinal, floral and related products made from sustainably-harvested native plants.

Plants for sale at the event will include native onions, strawberries, huckleberries, and saskatoons. Also on offer will be natural products harvested by First Nations such as soaps, herbal teas, and berry jams and jellies. There will also be tours and demonstrations by leading plant experts and exhibits by local environmental organizations including Naturescape British Columbia, Evergreen, Vancouver Mycological Society and Burns Bog Conservation Society.

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Contact

Rozalyn Harris
UBC Friends of the Garden
Tel: 604.420.4584

Ross Waddell
Native Plant Society of British Columbia
Tel: 604.255.5719

April Wilson-Lange
UBC Public Affairs Office
Tel: 604.822.2048