Heritage and Heart

Experience 33 Years of Community and Tradition at UBC Botanical Garden Apple Festival

Photos of Apples in the Tasting Tent

Let’s explore the curiosity, community, and celebration surrounding the Apple Festival, highlighting how passion has driven its success as it enters its 33rd year. A Fundraising Event Organized by the Friends of the Garden.

Thirty-three years ago, on October 18, 1991, something special began to unfold at UBC Botanical Garden. Two passionate apple enthusiasts created what would become one of the most cherished events, not just for the garden, but for much of British Columbia.

What started as a small gathering of local apple lovers has flourished into a beloved annual tradition. Each year, generations of families return to savor the sweetness of autumn, share stories, and celebrate the garden’s beauty.

Every October since, they have come together to taste rare apple varieties, reminisce, and celebrate the season’s bounty. Join us as we reflect on the milestones that have shaped the Apple Festival we enjoy today!

‘Ambrosia,’ the “Accidental Apple”

We all know the saying, “There are no accidents in life,” which suggests that every event or circumstance, no matter how random it may appear, serves a purpose we might not yet understand. This is true for the variety of apple named ‘Ambrosia,’ which sprang from a chance seedling into a sturdy tree, producing crisp, juicy apples with a shiny pink blush and a sweet, honey-like flavor—tempting like a forbidden fruit that even the pickers couldn’t resist indulging in!

From an accidental seedling to an opportunity, ‘Ambrosia’ was introduced to the public shortly after the very first Apple Festival. Since then, it has gained popularity and is now one of the most commonly found varieties in supermarkets, celebrated for its versatility from fresh eating to baking.

Because Five Just Won’t Cut It!

“We’ve got to do something with those apples in the garden!” — a sentiment that inspired Anne and Margaret to take action for the community of BC. This was a pivotal moment for two of the early Friends of the Garden (FOGs), Anne Gartshore and Margaret Charlton. Anne was tasked with researching apples and the new plantings in the Food Garden, driven by her curiosity to learn more, while Margaret, one of Vancouver’s most skilled horticulturists, had a natural talent for organizing events.

Because five just wouldn’t cut it! This sums up Anne’s strong desire to educate the public about the existence of other varieties that are truly delicious apples! While Margaret believed featuring these apple varieties in the Food Garden would draw people to the garden they loved dearly. To quote a line from the FOGs’ Apple booklet: “The aim was to introduce the public to more varieties than the usual five found in the supermarkets, expose local residents to the garden’s fascinating collections, and raise funds in the process.”

Thus, the first Friends of the Garden Apple Festival was born at the Reception Centre at UBC Botanical Garden.

Apple Fest co-founders, Margaret Charlton and Anne Gartshore (from left), at the first year of our successful community event in 1991.

Curiosity Breeds Innovation

Fostering a culture of curiosity in organizations often yields higher creativity and innovation among employees. When people feel encouraged to take risks and experiment, they thrive. I’ll end this piece with Anne’s igniting words on how we should approach not just our work, but all aspects of life: “Don’t leave your curiosity at the gate. Be curious—ask questions.”

Photo by Friends of the Garden Volunteer Alison Buchan

Thirty-three years later, Anne and Margaret (from left) continue to enjoy the fruits of their curiosity and passion, as we celebrate one of BC’s most beloved and highly anticipated community events—the Apple Festival at UBC Botanical Garden.

As we celebrate the 33rd year of UBC Botanical Garden Apple Festival, we extend our gratitude to Anne and Margaret, whose passion and curiosity gave birth to this annual tradition of community, flavor, and camaraderie in the Garden.

Friends of the Garden Volunteers – Photo by Alison Buchan

We also thank the many dedicated FOGs who built upon the original concept, transforming it into the successful, multi-faceted event it is today. The festival has enriched our community while introducing us to the diverse world of apples and the joy they bring. Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or are visiting for the first time, we invite you to embrace the spirit of exploration and savor the sweetness of discovery—because every apple, like every moment in life, tells a story worth celebrating.

Written by Jen Chang
Marketing & Communications Manager
UBC Botanical Garden