Properly digging out a tree or shrub for transplanting takes a lot of effort, so many of them are simply scrapped when there’s new development on a property.
But there are dedicated gardeners rescuing some of those plants, and selling them for a deep discount compared to what you’d pay at a nursery.
Some of these will be available this Saturday (May 21) at the Lynn Valley Garden Club’s plant sale – the first since 2019 – held at six locations across North Vancouver.
Club president Lorraine Robson said they’ve held rescue digs at two sites so far this spring.
“Last year we had access to a huge site in Moodyville, where several houses were being removed for a townhouse development, so we were able to rescue many plants and return them to the community,” she wrote in an email.
If members are out for a walk and spot a development sign, they alert the club's executive, who then contact the developer to ask permission to dig.
Recently, a cutleaf Japanese maple tree was saved from a development site. It took three people several hours to dig a trench around it, attach straps so they could access roots underneath, and then five or six people to drag it out to get it on a truck.
Robson explained that it’s very satisfying to rescue a mature tree or shrub from the bulldozer, then donate proceeds from the sale to local community, school and hospice gardens. Some funds will also go to environmental organizations, including the Wild Birds Trust and David Suzuki Butterflyway Rangers.
She explained the maple would sell for around $400 at the plant sale, but a tree that size would go for thousands at a nursery.
“We would love to hear from any homeowners or developers who would like us to save their plants,” Robson said. “To a gardener, our plants are like old friends, so we want to see them well looked after.”
Lynn Valley Garden Club Plant Sale
Where: 4210 St. Mary’s Ave., 1471 Dempsey Rd.,1675 Hoskins Pl., 2566 Kilmarnock Cres., 1415 Avonlynn Cres., 1332 Crayford Cl.
When: Saturday, May 21 – 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
