Spring Afternoon Magnolia Walks with Douglas Justice

An in-person walking tour to highlight the beautiful blooms of the Magnolia Collection at UBC Botanical Garden with Curator Douglas Justice!

Learn about the beautiful blooms of UBC’s Magnolia collection. Hidden among the tall Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir trees is a magnificent collection of magnolia trees that are best viewed at this time of year when the bright white and pink blooms are out. Join Douglas Justice as he walks through the Asian Garden and shares our efforts to study, conserve and celebrate these special trees.

UBC Botanical Garden is a magical place in early spring, in large part because of its extensive conservation collection of flowering Magnolias. The largest of Magnolia flowers are found on the Asian deciduous species, their selections and hybrids. Magnolias in this group produce flowers on naked stems in very early spring, before leaf emergence. This group is particularly well represented in the David C. Lam Asian Garden and plants in bloom—many of which are large trees, 10m tall or more—typically elicit much picture taking and gasps of pleasure by garden visitors.

Guides: Along with duties as the Associate Director, Horticulture and Collections at UBC Botanical Garden, Douglas Justice also teaches in both the Applied Biology and Masters of Landscape Architecture programs at UBC, is head of the Garden’s Horticulture Training Program, and is involved with public and industry extension. A former nursery manager, gardener and horticulture instructor, Douglas holds a Bachelor’s degree in horticulture and a Master’s degree in botany. He recently headed up the team that created the App Vancouver Trees, available through iTunes and is currently writing a book on trees for the Vancouver area. He is an active member of a number of local, national and international plant and garden organizations including Alpine Garden Club of British Columbia, American Public Gardens Association, American Society of Plant Taxonomists, and BC Fruit Testers Association.

Location: UBC Botanical Garden, meet at the Ting lookout near the Garden entrance

Notes: Space is limited, register online to secure your spot! While children are always welcomed, these tours are targeted for an adult audience. Tours will go ahead rain or shine.