The Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association (VBGA) acknowledges that VanDusen Botanical Garden and Bloedel Conservatory are located on the unceded Ancestral shared lands of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We are honoured to be on the lands where these Nations have lived since time immemorial, and where they continue to maintain stewardship and live in balance with nature.
Our work of promoting environmental sustainability and stewardship would not be possible without Indigenous perspectives and knowledge.
The Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association (VBGA) and the City of Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation (Park Board) are joint operating partners for VanDusen Botanical Garden and Bloedel Conservatory. Read our new Joint Operating Agreement here.
Approved Strategic Plan for VanDusen Botanical Garden and Bloedel Conservatory. Read here!
Our History
The VBGA was created in 1966 by a group of gardening enthusiasts keen to see a public garden built on the site of the former Shaughnessy Golf Course. This group advocated and lobbied for the creation of what became the VanDusen Botanical Garden. Opened in 1975, the Garden has always had the VBGA looking out for its best interests.
In 2013, the VBGA extended its relationship with Park Board by also becoming a joint operating partner of Bloedel Conservatory.
In May 2024 VBGA and Park Board signed a new Joint Operating Agreement (JOA). This document determines the parameters of how our sites at VanDusen Botanical Garden and Bloedel Conservatory will be operated and managed. You can read the Joint Operating Agreement here.
The VBGA exists as the sum of all its parts. The incredible legacy of the founders of the VBGA and the Garden, and the long history of volunteer hours and financial support have brought us where we are today. We could not do what we do without the passionate commitment from all of us—donors, volunteers, partners, supporters and staff—who believe in the importance of the Garden and the Conservatory.
