George Patterson said he could only dream of exploring a wild natural garden as a boy when he was growing up in his apartment in New Jersey.
“And for me, the woods was this little patch of weeds out in front of the apartment building,” said the owner of Tofino Botanical Gardens.
“I used to when I was a little kid, play around in there,” he said.
According to the 76-year-old, he later moved from the U.S. to buy a then undeveloped 10-acre oceanfront spot in Tofino 26 years ago.
“Oh I was in tears It was just so beautiful,” said Patterson.
He turned the property into the Tofino Botanical Gardens, which showcases nature in a Secret Garden like setting.
“It’s as if it’s sprung out of the ground you know,” said Tofino resident Chris Mills.
The garden has local art, natural winding paths, tunnels, native species and memorial plaques to trees that have come down during storms.
The gardens welcomes 10,000 visitors each year.
“It’s just such a magical spot,” said Tofino resident Sheryl Mann.
“The local artists displays, all throughout the gardens, it’s just really, really beautiful,” she said.
“We’re here every day,” said Mills.
“This is our backyard. It’s the best way to see a rainforest, and it’s just wonderful.”
But now Patterson has put the property up for sale, for $3.75 million, guest lodge, cafe and gardens included, pledging to retire by the lofty age of 80.
“I know that sounds lazy,” said Patterson laughing.
His dream, sure to become someone else’s now. But Patterson won’t be far. He’s keeping his neighbouring house on the property so he can keep walking the garden’s paths, but as a visitor, enjoying someone else’s vision for the property he loves.
Skye Ryan
