Noble Garden

WHAT ARE WE UP TO?

The District of North Saanich was gifted Noble Garden in 2023 by respected long-time gardener and community member Sandra Holloway, née Noble. As an outcome of the Parks Master Plan (2025), we are developing a Park Plan for Noble Garden. The Park Plan is a document that will guide future directions for the site including infrastructure and amenities, recreational use, environmental consideration, and partnerships.

Through this process we aim to learn more about this place, identify opportunities to improve community access, and consider operational needs and adjustments for the park to be sustainably maintained for the future.

HISTORY

Phoebe and Jack Noble, long-time residents of Deep Cove, bought the property that would become the garden in the 1960s. Phoebe’s passion was ornamental gardens, Jack’s was fruit trees, and their daughter Sandra’s was vegetable gardening. It was Sandra’s wish to maintain the garden as a family legacy and community asset. Her will expresses the wish, without imposing any trust or legally binding obligation, that the District of North Saanich make the property available for use as a teaching garden and orchard. The will also states that if circumstances make the specified use of the gift no longer practical, the District be authorized to make any changes to the use that are in keeping as far as possible with the spirit and general intent of the gift.

Pheobe Noble and her daughter Sandra Holloway, 1998
Photo courtesy of Penny Gibbs

THE PARK TODAY

• The park is 1.5 acres, situated in the Deep Cove neighbourhood between Wain Road and Madrona Drive.
• Today, Noble Garden amenities include a fruit tree orchard, formal garden beds, a heritage rose garden, leased garden plots, a carport/garage, and portable washroom.
• It is currently managed and maintained by the non-profit Circular Farm and Food Society along with other partners.
• The property is only open to the public for community events and educational programs.
  
  

PROJECT PROCESS

• This project will be completed through a three-phase process.
• We are currently in Phase 1 – assessing the site and gathering information.
• Stay tuned for community input opportunities, including a community event and survey in Phase 2!