The Victoria Conservatory of Music Garden tour takes place May 10-11, and committee co-chair Terry le Blanc said there will be musicians in all the gardens including Government House grounds, which are part of the tour for the first time. The tearoom also will be open.
“We have 10 wonderful gardens, including a native plant garden, a fabulous little place in Esquimalt with 50 varieties of non-invasive bamboo, a stunning English country garden on Gonzales with gnarly old cherry trees, and two professional gardener’s places that will blow people away. Also a folk artists’ garden, all done with recycled things in Sidney.
“The lineup is varied, from large and formal to small and arty. And, of course, we will have our ever-popular plant sale.”
Last year’s tour raised $43,000 and since its inception three decades ago the event has raised more than $2 million. Tickets are $30 online at vcm.bc.ca/victoria-garden-tour/ or in most gardening stores, Thrifty Foods and the Victoria Conservatory of Music, 900 Johnson St.
The conservatory is also offering a Mother’s Day performance by the Victoria Soul Gospel Choir at Alix Goolden hall, at 4 p.m. on May 11. The concert will be a blend of soul, R & B, gospel, calypso and reggae, directed by Checo Tohomaso. Tickets are $10 online or at Munro’s, Ivy’s, Tanner’s bookstores or Newport Realty, the sponsor of the concert.
This year, the Victoria Conservatory of Music is celebrating its 50th anniversary with five jubilee concerts and other special events. More information at http://vcm.bc.ca/50th-anniversary/
For half a century, the conservatory has provided excellence in music education with inspired teaching and learning. It continues to enrich the lives of children, youth, adults and seniors through performance, music therapy and lessons in everything from piano and strings, to brass, wind, voice, jazz and percussion.