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The Golden Spruce of Norfolk County

28/10/2013

 

A spark of hope, rescued from Haida Gwaii, grows in Norfolk County's Whistling Gardens.

Whistling Garden Norfolk County Botanical TurnipseedTravel.com
I was greeted by beautiful fall foliage.
Strolling through the grounds of Whistling Gardens early on a sunny autumn day, I was dazzled by the brilliant colors of the cheerful flowers bobbing in the breeze. Leaves of all shapes and sizes rippled from the trees and a hearty selection of wild grasses created velvety swaths, undulating and twinkling in the sun.  

Little did I realize that Whistling Gardens' most extraordinary plant would be a small, scruffy, rabbit-nibbled shrub.
Whistling Garden Norfolk County Botanical TurnipseedTravel.com
I saw flowers in every color imaginable.
As I passed through gorgeous flower gardens and unique arboreal groupings, I soon learned that owner Darren Heimbecker was no ordinary gardener. Paying no attention to accepted botanical wisdom, he nurtures many plants and trees that are better suited to the climates of Florida and Mexico. While a part of his success can be attributed to the favorable growing conditions of the Norfolk County microclimate, I suspect his “Give it a shot” attitude plays a bigger role in keeping his unusual flowered friends healthy and happy.

Darren’s passion for plants and his willingness to turn a blind eye to convention has led to some impressive distinctions, including having the largest conifer collection of any botanical garden in the world. Among the over 2500 tree varieties is an extremely rare Chinese Silver Leafed Cathaya, one of only 2 in Canada, as well as one of the rarest plants in the world, the Baishan fir, of which only three remain in the wild. 
Whistling Garden Norfolk County Botanical TurnipseedTravel.com Conifer
Some of the amazing conifer collection.
Whistling Garden Norfolk County Botanical TurnipseedTravel.com Trees
Trees of every size, shape, and color imaginable.
Whistling Garden Norfolk County Botanical TurnipseedTravel.com
This tiny little tree on the right hand side is a graft from the mythical Golden Spruce of Haida Gwaii.
And tucked in a shady corner, among its majestic cousins is a petite, unassuming, slightly tatty little tree whose one redeeming feature seems to be its golden hued needles. It’s very likely I would have passed by without giving it a single glance if Darren hadn't revealed its true identity. Just inches from my feet was a part of the Golden Spruce.
Golden Spruce Ontario Haida Gwaii TurnipseedTravel.com
A close up of the Golden Spruce. With a little luck, it won't be small for very long!
For over three hundred years, the original Golden Spruce thrived, against all logic and all odds, in an old growth forest on British Columbia’s Queen Charlotte/ Haida Gwaii Islands. It was the only tree of its kind in the world; its unique coloring attributed to a genetic mutation causing a lack of cholorphyll.  Sacred to the Haida people, who called it Kiidk'yaas, the Golden Spruce was cherished by Aboriginals across North America and beloved by all residents of Haida Gwaii.
Golden Spruce Haida Gwaii TurnipseedTravel.com
The magnificent Golden Spruce of Haida Gwaii. Photo courtesy of GoldenSpruce.com
In 1997, a disturbed individual felled the Golden Spruce as a political statement against logging companies. In an instant, the spectacular 300 year old tree was no more. Fortunately there was a glimmer of hope.  As it lay dying, grafts were taken to augment those harvested 20 years early by a group of visiting botanists. Those grafts are now all that remains of one of the world’s most beautiful, unique, and significant trees. 
By luck or fate, one of those tiny saplings made its way to Whistling Gardens, where it found its rightful place among a collection of the world’s most special trees, plants, and flowers. While its somewhat reminiscent of a "Charlie Brown" Christmas tree at present, it is growing on a firm foundation and I have no doubt that it will flourish under Darren’s watchful eye, slowly evolving into a tall, stately, glorious conifer.
The Whistling Garden Norfolk County TurnipseedTravel.com
A man and his mulberry tree! Meet Darren of the Whistling Garden.
Surely, with so many rare and precious plants, Darren must take special precautions to protect them against the freezing temperatures, harsh winds, and heavy snows of the Canadian winter. 

When I ask him what he does to protect his exceptionally valuable collection, Darren just laughs. “I tell them 'See you in the spring!'” With such an inspiring leader at the helm, the plants dare not die off in the frost!

At Whistling Gardens, every plant tells a story and, collectively, they paint a picture of one man’s passion, dedication, and vision. With no government funding, Darren Heimbecker is preserving Canadian heritage, one sapling at a time, and revolutionizing how we think about plants and nature.
​

Heading to Norfolk County? Your inspiration starts here!

A Day in Port Dover.
Glamping at Long Point Eco Adventure
Restaurant Review: The Combine of Norfolk County
Tales from the Anti-Adventurist: Norfolk Style Kayaking

My visit to Whistling Gardens was facilitated by Norfolk County Tourism. This did not affect my reviews and all opinions remain my own.
Jo link
1/11/2013 02:07:05 pm

What a stunning tree, and a great story of survival. I hope you will do a regular follow up on the progress of this little survivor

Vanessa
1/11/2013 03:09:08 pm

What a great idea! I think I'll have to go back and do a follow up.

elaine schoch link
11/11/2013 03:51:29 pm

Interesting about the Golden Spruce. I had no idea one existed. So cool - thanks for the lesson.

Vanessa
12/11/2013 12:04:55 pm

My pleasure! I learned so much during my trip.

Jennifer link
12/11/2013 09:25:23 am

What beautiful pines! The pines we have in Northern Italy where are live are pretty sparse. Not the prettiest pines, that's for sure.

Vanessa
12/11/2013 12:06:51 pm

Interesting! I wonder what it is that makes some thrive while others are more scruffy?

Whistling Gardens link
6/2/2014 01:32:31 am

Vanessa, congratulations on your award-winning editorial! We truly enjoyed your visit as you captured the essence and reality of managing our ‘growing’ family of budding beauties with a dash of humour. Our gardens and team welcome you back anytime!

Vanessa
6/2/2014 01:54:30 am

Thank you so much! We had such a wonderful visit and we can't wait to return again.


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