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Comox Valley festival combines natures with creations

Enjoying the great outdoors takes on a new dimension when you can both shop and stop to smell the flowers all in one location.
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The annual Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens Artisans’ Festival has become a Labour Day Weekend tradition in the Comox Valley. More than 70 artisans will be setting up their booths from Sept. 2 to 4 in one of the Island’s most unique garden settings.

Enjoying the great outdoors takes on a new dimension when you can both shop and stop to smell the flowers all in one location.

This year’s Woodland Gardens Artisans’ Festival, Sept. 2 to 4, is no exception as more than 70 artists and artisans from throughout Vancouver Island will be setting up their displays in one of the Valley’s most unique garden destinations.

Bryan Zimmerman, owner of the gardens, established the show 15 years ago as an opportunity to showcase the works of the many talented people who make Vancouver Island their home.

“While there are many art festivals on the Island,” said Zimmerman, “I wanted to create an event that was different from the shows that set up exhibitors in row after row. With the way my gardens are set up, visitors can meander along the pathways from one section to another and discover not only wonderful creations but will be able to enjoy the many features the gardens have to offer.”

This year visitors to the festival will find painters, potters and sculptors, people who work in stone, glass and wood. In addition, there are jewelers, photographers, furniture makers and artisans who create works that are perfect for adding that extra touch in your own garden setting.

“Our objective is to showcase items that complement the natural setting of the gardens,” noted Zimmerman. “With many of the artisans using natural materials for their creations it makes for a nice mix of what nature can provide.”

Along with the artists and artisans the festival features a variety of musicians such as Jorge Alfaro, Brad Prevadoros, Greg Joy and the Canucks Country Band to name just a few who will be performing in different areas throughout the gardens.

They will be playing a mix of jazz, folk, contemporary and music designed for easy listening.

While visitors will marvel at the works for sale, they should also take note of the beautiful surroundings which are a work of art in themselves. As they change with the seasons, Zimmerman is constantly adding new features that enhance the natural setting. It could be a water feature or a driftwood bench tucked away in a small clearing that provides a place to pause, reflect or simply marvel at nature’s handiwork.

Unlike many other botanical gardens, Zimmerman does not receive any government funding so over the years using his back and wheelbarrow Zimmerman has laid nearly two km of bark mulch paths that meander through the woods, beside glades and open grassy areas.

Unwilling to disturb plant and tree root systems more than absolutely necessary he dragged all brush and debris out manually without the use of heavy equipment. The beauty of the gardens is that most of the forests natural finery has been left alone, embellished, but not overwhelmed by cultivation.

“It is this feeling of space, the tranquility of the gardens and unhurried atmosphere that is the number one comment we hear from our visitors,” said Zimmerman. “When you couple that with the soft sounds of the musicians who perform at different locations throughout the gardens, it really does make it an enjoyable experience. “

Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens is located just 15 minutes north of Courtenay off the Old Island Highway. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday. Regular admission to the gardens applies. For further information call 250-338-6901 or go to woodlandgardens.ca