Looking great for 90 years old!

By Michelle Forbes

Cominco Gardens has been part of Kimberley’s landscape for 90 years.

In this time, it has seen generation after generation grow up in Kimberley. Gardeners, mayors, and businesses have come and gone, but the gardens have remained, offering a backdrop for year after year of grad photos, family photos, and wedding photos. The garden has offered a gathering place for families, tourists, and a cheerful view for those in the hospital, when a hospital was in Kimberley.

On Saturday, August 12, close to 75 people gathered to this iconic spot to celebrate Cominco Gardens, complete with speeches, people wandering the grounds to stop and smell the roses, enjoy goodies, and, of course, a birthday cake from the bakery. Those attending the event included local business owners, families of past gardeners, supporters of the gardens, long time Kimberley residents from Garden View Retirement Home, and Councillor Kent Goodwin from City Hall.

Dan Matheson, head gardener for 13 years, has been at Cominco Gardens for the last 23 years, and is passionate about what the gardens represent for Kimberley. He and his staff have honoured the heritage that Kimberley was gifted from Cominco, who created the gardens for the community, and as a way to show off their Elephant Brand Fertilizer. Matheson believes the gardens have come to represent how Kimberley remembers its past, and looks towards its future.

Matheson spoke at the event about his love of the garden in spite of the challenges of weather, deer, and budget cuts, as they worked to keep the gardens as beautiful and viable today as they were 90 years ago. He thanked the community for its support, and for keeping the garden an important part of life in Kimberley, which continues inspiring Matheson and his staff to continue their labour of love.

Over the last couple of years, the staff has started growing fruits, berries, vegetables, and greens. People can now purchase potatoes, tomatoes, beans, and corn, in season, arugula, kale, and herbs, perennials, dried herbs, and jams, all made from produce grown right in Kimberley’s Cominco Gardens.

It can be found at the Kimberley Farmer’s Market Thursday nights on Howard Street, or at the gardens weekdays from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., from Matheson, his staff – Patricia, Larry, and Jaren – and their cats, Olive and Gran-paw.

Faith Mathews, head of the Memorial Fund, thanked visitors coming and for all their support. The ongoing memorial program at the gardens allows family members and friends to purchase a rose bush as a living memorial or a plaque on the Memorial stand for those loved ones who have passed on. This unique aspect of the garden makes it even more special to those taking part in this program.

Matheson hopes that as Cominco Gardens celebrates its 90th year, people will rediscover everything this gem offers to Kimberley residents and visitors, as it continues to be a significant part of Kimberley’s past, as well as its future.

Dan Matheson and the staff at Cominco Gardens are appreciated for all their work to keep the Gardens part of Kimberley’s rich heritage, now, and for years to come.

Lead image: Dan Matheson cutting the cake from Kimberley City Bakery at Cominco Gardens August 12. Photos by Michelle Forbes

Article Share