NEWS RELEASE

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR ABKHAZI GARDEN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 11, 2020

Victoria, BC – The Land Conservancy of BC (TLC) is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the community’s protection of Abkhazi Garden. A love story fraught with privilege and tragedy, the tale of Peggy Pemberton-Carter and Prince Nicolas Abkhazi is fitting for a blockbuster movie plot. Living in exile since escaping the Bolshevik Revolution, the Prince met Peggy in Paris in 1922. Though World War II saw them held in prisoner of war camps more than 8,000 km apart, the two found their way back to one another to become engaged in New York City on September 7, 1946, and begin their new lives together in what would become known as Abkhazi Garden.

After their deaths, Abkhazi Garden changed hands and in 2000, with community support, TLC purchased the property to save it from becoming a townhouse development. To celebrate two decades of commitment to protecting, maintaining, and growing Abkhazi Garden, TLC staff, volunteers, and partners encourage the community to visit this year and appreciate the splendor found within this 1-acre heritage home and community garden. Located at 1964 Fairfield Road, Abkhazi Garden is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily throughout the spring and summer seasons. Admission to the garden is by donation.

“We are honoured to be a member of the community that supports Abkhazi Garden. Volunteers and partners continue to work together to see this special place grow while honouring the legacy of Prince and Princess Abkhazi,” said Cathy Armstrong, TLC Executive Director. “This summer season we have been pleased to see so many locals visit the garden and find peace amongst the blossoms. We hope others will join us in celebration this year with a stroll around the garden that love built.”

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 any COVID-19 symptoms. A virtual tour can be viewed online anytime at https://conservancy.bc.ca/2020/06/abkhazi-garden-video-tour-2020/.

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

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.

– 30 –

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