NEWS RELEASE

ABKHAZI GARDEN TO RE-OPEN FOR THE SEASON MAY 16
After closing due to COVID-19 concerns, the charity-run garden will re-open this weekend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 13, 2020

Victoria, BC – The Land Conservancy of BC (TLC) will re-open Abkhazi Garden, its 1-acre heritage garden located at 1964 Fairfield Road, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 16th. Visitors are asked to adhere to the recommendations from government, the local health authority, and industry-specific guidelines and safety protocols including:

  • Maintain safe social distancing of 6ft or 2m when greeting volunteers at the gate and while following the one-way path through the garden.
  • Washroom facilities are currently not available for public use.
  • TLC staff and volunteers suggest visitors wear masks or similar face coverings.
  • Stay home and plan to visit at another time if you are experiencing coughing, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, fatigue, or other COVID-19 symptoms.

“We are honoured to be able to offer the community the peace of a walk through the garden at this difficult time,” said Cathy Armstrong, TLC Executive Director. “While we have missed seeing all of our volunteers and visitors interacting and enjoying the garden, we must move forward carefully and do all in our power to keep our community safe and healthy.”

For more information about TLC and Abkhazi Garden, please visit www.conservancy.bc.ca.

About Abkhazi Garden

Located at 1964 Fairfield Road, Abkhazi Garden is a heritage home and community garden open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily throughout the spring and summer seasons. Prince Nicolas and Princess Marjorie (Peggy) Abkhazi created the garden in 1946 after living separate lives touched by both privilege and tragedy. After their deaths Abkhazi Garden changed hands and in February 2000, with community support, TLC purchased the property to save it from becoming a townhouse development. Admission to the garden is by donation.

TLC respectfully acknowledges the Lekwungen people on whose traditional territory Abkhazi Garden sits and the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations whose historical relationships with the land continue today.

About The Land Conservancy of BC

TLC is a non-profit, charitable Land Trust working throughout British Columbia. TLC’s primary mandate is to benefit the community by protecting habitat for natural communities of plants and animals. Founded in 1997, TLC is membership-based and governed by an elected, volunteer Board of Directors. TLC relies on a strong membership and volunteer base to help maintain its operations.

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Media contact:
Cathy Armstrong
TLC Executive Director
Office (250) 479-8053
Cell (250) 588-4945