Through the months of August and September VanDusen Garden has a spectacular display of wooden art installations placed throughout the grounds. The Touch Wood exhibit is not to be missed. While visiting VanDusen Gardens is worth the trip, just for the gardens themselves, the current art installation is astoundingly beautiful.
We took our two young boys (aged 2 & 4) for a morning visit. I love getting to attractions when they first open…the crowds are almost non-existent. This was the case when we arrived 10 minutes after opening. FYI – operating hours are 9am – 7pm for the month of September.
The Garden is great fun with little kids. Ours decided to bring their binoculars. They wandered the garden looking for critters. The main water feature is great for turtle and catfish-spotting. Many birds, bugs and butterflies were the subject of our boys’ peering eyes.
While the boys enjoyed the wildlife, we gazed at the Touch Wood pieces. Some of them are taller than I (who at nearly 6ft is no shorty). All of them were distinct, moving and memorable.
There are more than 2 dozen sculptures and installations created by more than 10 of BC’s most prominent artists. VanDusen Garden’s is driven by its environmental commitment. The Touch Wood installations reflect that commitment: all the pieces in the exhibit are constructed from wood that has been salvaged, recycled or scavenged. If in are in the market for a dramatic piece of art for your personal garden, you will be happy to know that all the pieces are for sale and a portion of the proceeds will support the VanDusen Garden’s activities and programs.
Enjoy the arrival of Fall and take your family to the VanDusen Botanical Gardens. The Touch Wood exhibit is not to be missed.
