According to Wikipedia, "Saint Valentine's Day, commonly shortened to Valentine's Day, is a holiday observed on February 14 honoring one or more early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine. It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as valentines)."

Here at the Shop in the Garden and Plant Centre, we've got you covered when it comes to all of your other love expressing needs this February. From our new stock of botanicals in the plant centre to our fun (and yes, sometimes even flirty) selection of cards- we offer a wide selection of gifts perfect for any budget.

To make sure your Valentine's day is just as green as it is red, here are 5 sweet and simple gift ideas for the eco-loving lover in your life:

5. Let your feelings grow.

Fresh cut flowers are so last century. We all love the way they look and smell, but just like a sunny day in the middle of winter here in Vancouver- we all know it won't last. Instead of boycotting bouquets from your Valentine's Day list, why not give your special someone a plant to love for years to come? Not only will it provide greenery and colour for more than a couple weeks, but unlike most cut flowers that have to be imported from half-way around the globe, they can also be locally sourced. At our plant centre we're proud to offer a large selection of native plants for those not only interested in supporting regional horticultural businesses, but also biodiversity.



For those who are more of the 'do-it-yourself' type, a gift basket including all of the neccessary items to start growing from seed makes for a fun rainy day project that you both can partake in. Buying seeds that reflect their interests (ie. packets of basil, oregano, and parsley seeds for your favourite personal chef) makes for the perfect personalized touch that reminds them that you were thinking of them when you picked it out.

4. Make your Valentine's Day 'sweeter' with UBC Botanical Garden honey.

Mmmm... honey. Hailed as a fantastic sweetner, anti-bacterial, and in some cultures even an aphrodesiac, UBC Botanical Garden's honey is naturally sourced from our very own colonies near our Carolinean forest! 

3. Take your relationship to new heights on our Greenheart Canopy Walkway.

It's no coincidence that numerous studies have linked adrenaline rushes to an increased likelihood of falling in love. Take advantage of that correlation this Valentine's Day by going on a date on our canopy walkway. With 308 metres (1,010 feet) of aerial trails that leave guests towering 15 metres in the air, you'll be sure to get your beloved's heart beating in more ways than one. 



For more information or to book a personal tour, please visit our website. 

2. Show your love for your village and your valentine...

...by buying local! Browse throughout the shop for a fantastic selection of British Columbian made objects and handicrafts.

1. Give the gift that keeps on giving

A Garden membership is a great way to leave a lasting reminder of this Valentine's Day. Every visit to the Garden is an opportunity to make new memories that will last well beyond the year. Best of all you can feel great knowing that you're helping to sustain UBC Botanical Garden for many more Valentine's to come!



No matter what you choose to buy this Valentine's Day, the important thing is to have fun! A homemade card with a cheesy one-liner such as "Happy Valentine's Day - I dig you" attached to a hand shovel or an organic apple attached to a tag that reads "You're the Malus domestica of my eye" is just one of many ways to celebrate that crazy thing we call love while promoting a greener life for everyone.

Happy Valentine's Day from UBC Botanical Garden!