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Strolling through my neighbourhood, I’ve noticed that my neighbours are slowly stringing up Christmas lights in preparation for the festivus season. Meanwhile, the hard-working volunteer elves at Milner Gardens & Woodland in Qualicum Beach are putting the final touches on their annual Christmas Magic display, set to kick off during the first week of December.

Photo: Milner Gardens & Woodland

This family-friendly event promises to spread holiday cheer amongst twinkling lights in this display of over 50,000 lights. Milner Gardens’ Executive Director, Geoff Ball, boasts that the volunteers are “tirelessly working together to create a magical Christmas event… it’s a great way to share the special magic of the gardens all decorated in old fashioned Christmas splendour.”

Visitors to Milner will be delighted with storytelling, the teddy bear cottage, lively musicians and daily visits from Santa Claus. The teahouse will also be open, serving up delicious delectables, including their famous scones with Devonshire cream.

Christmas Magic is open on the following dates: December 2 – 4, 9 – 11 and 16 – 21, 2011. Gates open from 5 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. and admission is by donation. Because some pathways can be dark, it’s a good idea to bring a flashlight. Milner Gardens & Woodland is located at 2179 West Island Highway in Qualicum Beach. For more information, visit Milner Gardens online, on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

In eighth grade I visited Horne Lake Caves with my Outdoor Education class. We donned helmets, grabbed flashlights and made our way into the myriad of underground abysses. While it was easy for our adolescent bodies to make our way into the caves, spelunking may not be so simple for everyone.

Photo: John Biehler on Flickr

With a brand new interpretive centre coming to its mid-Island site, Horne Lake Caves is proud to feature Canada’s first entirely accessible underground experience. Of the approximately 30,000 visitors to the caves each year, only 1/3 of them ever get to enjoy the underground experience.

Photo: John Biehler on Flickr

“This will be Canada’s first fully wheelchair accessible cave theatre,” shares Richard Varela, Director of Island Pacific Adventures, the company that manages operations at Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park. “People that would never have had the ability to go into a cave, or who have been slightly uncomfortable doing so … can now learn about our caves.”

Photo: Fraser Valley Pulse & Metro Vancouver Pulse on Flickr

The new interpretive centre highlights Horne Lake’s 7 caves and features an education centre, a museum and a cave theatre. The beauty of Horne Lake Caves is in the fact that much of it is undeveloped and untouched, making it easy to see why these caves have been named Best Natural Outdoor Site in BC by Attractions Canada.

The public is invited to the opening of the interpretive centre throughout the day on on Tuesday, August 9th. Horne Lake Caves is located at 3900 Horne Lake Caves Rd. in Qualicum Beach. From Highway 19, take exit 75 and follow the signs. For more information on Horne Lake Caves, visit them online or follow their updates on Twitter.

One of my most favourite discoveries in the Parksville-Qualicum Oceanside region is Milner Gardens & Woodland. I visited for the first time two years ago and quickly fell in love with its lush floral beds, marvelous old growth trees and charming tea house.

Photo: Milner Gardens & Woodland

It should come as no surprise that the summer months are some of the most beautiful at Milner. To celebrate this vibrant season in the Gardens, a number of enticing events are planned between now and the time the leaves start to change colour.

Art and Photography in the Garden
July 16-17
Meet, mingle and be inspired as more than 21 artists transform this seaside paradise into a giant makeshift art studio. Painters, sculptors, sketchers and photographers will be displaying their creations while allowing visitors the chance to chat and ask questions. Each artist has donated a piece of art to be auctioned off to benefit the Gardens.

Music in the Garden – Adult Jazz Intensive Ensemble
August 7
Phil Dwyer’s Adult Jazz Intensive Ensemble swings into Milner Gardens with some of BC’s top amateur musicians. Bring your jazz hands.

Music in the Garden – Spectacular Music BC
August 14
Joe Chindamo and Friends present “Improvisatory Fireworks as Jazz Giants Reunite” featuring Joe Chindamo on the accordion, Phil Dwyer saxing it up, Jodi Proznick on bass and Craig Scott on drums.

Music in the Garden – Finale
August 28
As summer days dwindle, join Milner Gardens as they welcome The Nanaimo Tidesmen Barbershop Chorus.

If you aren’t able to make any of these events, be sure to dedicate one day this summer to visit this Oceanside gem. Wander the pathways and make your way to the tea house for English tea and home-baked scones with Devonshire cream and sweet jams made from fruit that grows on Milner’s grounds.

Milner Gardens and Woodland is open to the public 7 days a week 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. all summer long and Thursdays to Sundays for the months of September and October. Find Milner Gardens and Woodland online, connect with them on Facebook or say hello on Twitter.

There’s a party coming to Qualicum Beach and you’re all invited…

Had it not been for the amazingly selfless people at Furever After Small Dog Rescue and their tireless work, I can’t imagine what life would be like for many of Vancouver Island’s homeless canines. When Jordy went into foster care with Furever After, he had a list of issues and anxiety problems a mile long. Through love and rehabilitation, he was finally ready to come home with me, so it’s a cause that’s close to my heart. Jordy was just one of dozens of dogs Furever After helps out on a yearly basis.

Jordy before, in foster care (January 2009):

Jordy after (September 2010):

To say that the right care has made a world of difference would be understating it. Furever After is based out of the Qualicum Beach area and utilizes foster homes at various locations across Vancouver Island. The organization is entirely volunteer-run and the majority of expenses (including hefty dental and veterinary fees) end up coming out-of-pocket for the volunteers.

Each year Furever After holds their Fall Fiesta in an attempt to generate some much-needed funds to keep the organization running. A large part of this comes from the silent auction, and as such, Furever After needs your help. If you have any of the following to donate for the silent auction, your generosity is hugely appreciated:

• Gift certificates from Vancouver Island-based businesses
• Original artwork/photography
• Handmade goods such as knitted scarves, mittens or tea cozies
• Vouchers for services from Vancouver Island-based businesses
• Bottles of wine
• Gift baskets
• New children’s toys
• Unused dog items such as leashes, dishes, toys and harnesses

If you can help out, please send an e-mail to Furever After or contact me and I’ll make sure your donations get to the right people.

If you wish to attend the Furever After Fall Fiesta, this year’s event will be held on Saturday, November 6th at Eaglecrest Golf Club in Qualicum Beach. Aside from the silent auction, the evening includes a fabulous buffet dinner, games and tons of prizes. Tickets are $35 with 100% of the proceeds to benefit the dogs. You can purchase yours at Qualicum Wine Making at 135 West First Avenue in Qualicum Beach.