Garden City Community Park - The Arboretum
The Arboretum is one of the special features that has been developed within Richmond's Garden City Community Park. This collection of trees has been established in the northwest corner of the park, at the corner of Garden City and Alberta Roads. Since 2001, almost 100 trees of species from around the Pacific Rim have been planted within this two acre area.
The tree collection within the Arboretum has been divided into two groups with the west side trees having their origins in Asian/Oceanic countries bordering the western side of the Pacific Ocean, such as China, Japan and Korea. Trees growing within the eastern half of the Arboretum are native to the Americas, specifically from regions with a Pacific coastline.
Signage accompanies each group of trees, which provides a brief summary of biogeographical, cultural, and landscape information. It is hoped that visitors to the site will gain an appreciation, understanding and knowledge of the tree species that can grow within our region. Future developments may focus on increasing these interpretative elements, adding plantings such as shrubs and groundcovers and finding opportunities to stage community activities and events.
A major part of the groundwork of the Arboretum has been the formation of partnerships between the City of Richmond and the community. Most of the trees planted to date have been sponsored by many individuals and groups based in Richmond and beyond Richmond's borders. Contributions have been acknowledged on the interpretative signs throughout the garden.
Opportunities to sponsor some groups of trees still exist. Trees that are available include the “Pacific Dogwood” Cornus nuttallii; “Pacific Birch” Betula papyrifera; and the “Monkey Puzzle” tree Araucaria araucana.
- Concept plan for Garden City Community Park
- Tree Collection
- Tree Sponsorship Opportunities
