Noble Gardens Hidden Gem Unveiled in Scavenger HuntNoble Gardens Hidden Gem Unveiled in Scavenger Hunt Nestled near Deep Cove, a secluded three-acre garden will open its gates to the public for a captivating scavenger hunt on July 28. This enchanting event will grant participants an exclusive opportunity to explore the historic Noble Gardens in North Saanich. In the 1960s, Pheobe and Jack Noble established Noble Gardens with a vision to create a sanctuary filled with horticultural wonders. Pheobe, a renowned gardener, brought her expertise from government building gardens and crafted ornamental landscapes, while her husband Jack planted a bountiful fruit orchard. After their passing, Sandra Noble assumed the responsibility of tending to her parents’ beloved garden. Penny Gibbs, a close friend of Sandra, now lovingly manages the gardens, striving to preserve the legacy they left behind. With the support of horticulture students from Camosun College and Pacific Horticulture College, as well as volunteers from the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific, Gibbs has dedicated herself to restoring and maintaining the garden. Visitors will be amazed by the meticulous records detailing every plant ever planted, ensuring that the garden’s rich history is preserved. On July 28, the gardens will come alive with a treasure hunt designed for all ages. Participants will embark on a thrilling quest, with the chance to win gift certificates from local businesses. While exploring the hidden gems of the gardens, visitors can relax on the lush lawn, soak in the beauty of nature, and enjoy live music. Tickets for the treasure hunt are $15 for adults, $10 for children, or $40 for a family of four. To secure your spot, purchase tickets in advance at the North Saanich Farm Market or by emailing [email protected]. Parking is conveniently available at 377 Wain Road. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to delve into the hidden world of Noble Gardens. Experience the beauty of their horticulture, embrace the spirit of adventure, and create lasting memories in this enchanting oasis.
A three-acre garden tucked away near Deep Cove will open to the public for a scavenger hunt this Sunday, July 28, giving participants the chance to explore North Saanich’s historic gardens.
In the 1960s, Pheobe and Jack Noble purchased the plots of land on Wain Road with the intention of building Noble Gardens.
According to Penny Gibbs, who now manages the garden, Jack started planting a fruit orchard, Phoebe, who was a “very famous gardener” and who helped restore the government building gardens and created ornamental gardens, and their daughter Sandra planted vegetables.
“When Jack and Phoebe died, Sandra obviously became the sole caretaker of the garden,” said Gibbs, a close friend of Sandra’s who took over the garden after Sandra passed away in 2022.
“It’s a lot of work, I’m a multi-handed, light-duty, volunteer worker. I’ve had markets in the garden. We’ve had tents set up here and in the orchard and at the farmers markets, and we have vendors come through, a lot of them from the North Saanich Farm Market,” she said.
Gibbs, along with students from the Camosun College Horticulture Program and the Pacific Horticulture College, members of the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific and a number of other volunteers, has worked to restore and maintain the garden and prevent invasive plants.
“There are incredibly detailed records of everything they’ve ever planted in this garden, both alphabetically and by bed and by year. So it’s a great learning experience for horticulture students to try to find it and recreate it, because Sandra wasn’t a big fan of ornamentals, she kept it going because her mother did it and she wanted to keep that legacy going,” Gibbs said.
On Sunday, July 28 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., the garden will host a treasure hunt for all ages with gift certificate prizes from a number of local businesses. Visitors will also have the chance to explore the gardens, spread a picnic blanket on the lawn, and listen to music.
Tickets for the treasure hunt are $15 for adults and $10 for children, or $40 for a family of four. Tickets are available at the North Saanich Farm Market or by emailing [email protected]. Parking is available at 377 Wain Road.
