Sun Peaks’ garden sale is in a full bloom

Sun Peaks will host the sixth annual community garden sale, grown from a modest fundraising effort into a well-loved local tradition. Originally launched in 2020 to support the creation of the Sun Peaks Community Garden (SPCG), the event has become a key part of the community’s calendar. 

After five years of supplying flower varieties grown in the Thompson Rivers University greenhouse, this year’s garden sale is bringing in something new with a different provider, a resident with a nursery in Salmon Arm. 

“From what she’s been telling us, they’re going to be more unique and maybe a little bit more interesting than some of the plants we had last year,” president of the SPCG, Ann Carter said. 

Locals browsing the sale on June 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. can expect a mix of annuals and perennials, including shrubs and flowers that return each year. Most importantly, the perennials are expected to be FireSmart-certified, in line with the community’s growing awareness of wildfire safety.

“The fire prevention people are going to be there just to do some education,” Carter added.

Beyond traditional garden fare, many of the offerings will be container plants, ideal for brightening patios and decks throughout the summer.

Supporting the plant sale helps fund SPCG, which now includes 20 rentable raised garden boxes, a water system, fencing and a storage shed, all built and maintained by a small but dedicated group of volunteers.

“It’s been pretty expensive setting up a community garden,” Carter said. “The plant sale and grants have allowed that to happen.”

Proceeds from the garden sale will help purchase new materials like wood chips, maintain infrastructure and support programs like village beautification, where volunteers plant and care for flower containers throughout the resort village.

The community garden has grown steadily in popularity, especially among retirees and residents living in condos or townhouses who want a small space to grow their own produce or flowers. Garden plots are in high demand and currently full, with a waitlist open for those hoping to join.

“Lots of people who have moved here, they just want a little garden space,” Carter said. “For some people, they’re looking for community and some are looking for some food sustainability. People are there for different reasons.” 

This year’s event will also feature a bake sale hosted by the Sun Peaks Elementary School Parent Advisory Committee, offering locals another way to support the community while enjoying the festive, early summer atmosphere.

Carter emphasized that, more than just a fundraiser, the plant sale has become a chance to come together as a community and support both local sustainability and beautification efforts.