Botanical Garden Feasability Study
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Transcript of Botanical Garden Feasability Study
Botanical Garden Feasibility Study
May 5, 2008
Township of Langley, BC
LEES + Associates
Township of Langley
Erik LeesCatriona HearnHeidi Redman
Who are we?
OUR TEAM
LEES+ASSOCIATES Landscape architects and planners
G.P. Rollo & Associates Land Economist
Botanical and Horticultural Consultant
Paul Rollo
Douglas Justice
What was our process?
PHASE 1: Review of exemplar
gardens
PHASE 2: Site selection
Criteria
PHASE 4: FinancialAnalysis
PHASE 5: Final Report and
Recommendations
PHASE 3: Opportunities
and Constraints
PHASE 1
What is a botanical garden?
• Have played evolving roles throughout history.
• Today, botanical gardens are called upon as key players in plant conservation and education.
• In 2000, the UN recognized botanical gardens as playing an important role in the conservation of plant diversity.
• No agency gives legal accreditation to botanic gardens – anyone can call any garden a botanic garden.
What is an arboretum?
•An arboretum is “a specialized collection of woody trees and shrubs that are cultivated for scientific, ornamental, or other education purposes.”
- American Public Gardens Association
• Like botanical gardens there is no certifying body for arboreta.
PHASE 1
1. Documented collections with species of known provenance;
2. Aesthetic display, public education;
3. Conducts scientific research on the collection;
4. Is open to the public;
5. Employs at least one professional staff member (paid or unpaid).
Criteria for a botanical garden
PHASE 1
1. Contains documented collections with species of known provenance;
2. Provides educational and aesthetic display;
Garden Exemplars
1. Tofino Botanical Gardens (Tofino, BC)
2. UBC Botanical Gardens (Vancouver, BC)
3. Van Dusen Botanical Garden (Vancouver, BC)
4. Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary (Saanich, BC)
5. Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (Saanich, BC)
6. Centre Creek (Surrey, BC)
7. Milner Gardens and Woodland (Qualicum Beach, BC)
8. Minter Gardens (Chilliwack, BC)
9. Darts Hill Garden Park (Surrey, BC)
10. Royal Botanic Gardens (Hamilton, ON)
11. Devonian Botanic Garden (Edmonton, AB)
PHASE 1
Site Selection Criteria
1. Size: a minimum of five hectares.
2. Soil Capability: friable, well-drained, weed and disease free soils.
3. Spatial Context: connections to residential neighbourhoods; appropriately zoned; a range of environmental conditions and habitats on site.
4. Infrastructure: serviceable with access/egress, parking, circulation, irrigation and potable water, sanitary and hydro.
5. Views: provide scenic views; if possible, direct access to water.
6. Landscape Character: an area that reflects the natural character of Langley.
PHASE 2
Assessment of candidate site
PHASE 3
Proposed site at 21200 block Fraser Highway
Opportunities & Constraints
Opportunities:Lookout to creek and fish spawningHigh visibilityProximity to Kwantlen and Trinity WesternPotential for salmon habitat partnershipsOn proposed Arbour RibbonOpportunity for expansionScenic views to surrounding area and northwards across the region.
PHASE 3
Constraints:•Silty/clay soils with poor drainage•Airport height restrictions and future expansion of airport•No existing buildings or facilities• Possible access issues off Fraser Highway•Beavers present on site•Lack of topographic variation•Some plant families will not tolerate site•Noise from highway and airport traffic.
Soil Analysis
PHASE 3
Bill Herman,
Pacific Soil Analysis
• Soils on site are predominantly a finely textured silt (78.2%) with poor drainage capabilities.
• Considered unsuitable for growing a broad variety of temperate species.
• An amendment of 2 parts river sand for every 1 part of existing soil would improve the soil, but would exacerbate summer drought conditions.
Financial AnalysisPHASE 4
Scenario 1: Traditional Botanical Garden:
A traditional botanical garden requiring the highest level of organizational capacity, capital resources, and institutional commitment.
Scenario 2: Sustainable Horticulture Centre:
A public garden with a focus on stewardship of local wetlands, sustainable horticulture and urban agriculture, and aesthetic display. Requires mid-level organizational capacity, capital resources, and institutional commitment.
Scenario 3: Wetland Arbouretum:
A public nature park and arbouretum, with a focus on wetland ecology and the interpretation of the Langley prairie requiring the least amount of organizational capacity, capital resources, and institutional commitment.
Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Scenario 3
Traditional Botanical Garden
Sustainable Horticulture Centre
Wetland Arboretum
PHASE 4
Financial AnalysisPHASE 4
Summary of 15 Year Totals
Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Scenario 3
9.0 Year 15 Totals (Cumulative) Year 15 Year 15 Year 15
Total Revenue 2,709,109 1,405,716 1,081,617
Total Operating Costs 2,852,993 1,817,698 1,566,351
Total Capital Costs 2,143,808 1,069,204 863,101
Total Operating Subsidy 2,991,478 1,712,641 1,522,234
Next StepsPHASE 5
Although a classic botanical garden is not recommended as feasible, an alternative garden model may be a viable option.
It is recommended to initially pursue Scenario #3 Wetland Arbouretum, with the intention of developing Scenario #2 Sustainable Horticultural Centre when there is sufficient interest and funding.
Next StepsPHASE 5
1. Adopt a formal vision for a public garden.
2. Undertake a business plan for the garden.
3. Integrate the business plan and the site selection criteria.
4. Consider the lands at the 21200 block of Fraser Highway with possible annexation of the rural farmland south of this location.
5. Construct a building on site to serve as an interpretive centre/ classroom/office.
6. Document any plant collection developed on the site with acquisition and provenance records.
7. Form a non-profit society to oversee operation of the garden.
LEES + Associates
Thank you!