Garden Communications
Sunflowers’ invisible colours help them attract bees and adapt to drought
Jan 18, 2022 | For more information, contact Peter Meiszner It turns out sunflowers are more than just a pretty face: the ultraviolet colours of their flowers not only attract pollinators, but also help the plant regulate water loss, according to new UBC research. The dense collection of yellow petals of a sunflower (technically an […]
Erin Despard: Artist in Residence update
Plant Propagation for the People: A Community Design Process
$1.4-million gift helps UBC Botanical Garden grow its conservation, climate adaptation efforts
UBC Botanical Garden’s approach to climate action, education and public engagement has been bolstered by an anonymous gift of $1.4-million in support of the Garden’s Sustainable Communities Field School.
Happy World Soil Day! (Dec. 5)
Established in 2014 by the United Nations, World Soil Day is celebrated every year on December 5th, with the goal of spotlighting the importance of healthy soils and sustainable soil management. This year, the theme of World Soil Day is Soil Salinization. Soil Salinization is the process that occurs when salts, such as calcium, magnesium, […]
Friends of the Garden (FOGs) Feature: November-December 2021
This regular feature will highlight the activities of the Friends of UBC Botanical Garden (FOGs), a close-knit volunteer group at the Garden, as they continue their contributions and community during the pandemic and beyond. Learn more and sign up to become a FOG.
BGCI Announces the Global Biodiversity Standard at COP 26
Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) announced the Global Biodiversity Standard, the world’s first and only standard to specifically recognise and promote the protection, restoration, and enhancement of biodiversity. The news follows the publication of BGCI’s State of the World’s Trees earlier this year which revealed that one in three tree species are threatened with extinction, representing almost 17,500 tree species.
November in the Garden 2021
Early November is a time where many species show off their beautiful colours. There are plenty of interesting leaves on display in the Botanical Garden.
World Food Day 2021
In honour of World Food Day 2021, coinciding with the UN Year of Fruits and Vegetables, we are sharing a student perspective on our Garden’s food security initiative. Coined the “Harvest Hamper Program” in 2020, the initiative represents a collaborative effort among Garden Staff, volunteers and community partners to provide fresh produce to the UBC community.
October in the Garden 2021
October is a popular time in the garden. Almost everyone notices the seasonal changes in plants because of the transition from the cool, restful shades of green to the warmer hues presented by leaves and berries.
Two new Propagation Zines by Dr.Erin Despard
UBC Botanical Garden’s Artist in Residence Dr. Erin Despard has created two new zines on propagation. The first one is on the topic of seeds and the second one is about cuttings.