Welcome to Fort Langley National Historic Site, where history isn’t just something you read about—it’s something you can see, touch and even taste! Among the treasures of this vibrant historic site, the Heritage Garden stands out as a delightful blend of learning and sensory experiences, offering a living glimpse into the agricultural roots that nourished this historic fort.
Imagine rows of colourful plants stretching out under the sun, each one a testament of history. From ancient veggies to vibrant flowers, everything here has a tale to tell. It’s like stepping back in time, to see the types of produce that sustained the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) employees nearly two centuries ago.
Planting the Seeds of History
Fort Langley was established by HBC in 1827, sprouting up as a trading post and agricultural hub. Its prime location above the 49th parallel made it an ideal port for connecting with supply ships from the sea. Its placement also staved off American competition, with newcomers forging strong relationships with local First Nations through marriages. The fort’s founder, James McMillan, was tasked with scouting the area for its potential as a trading post in 1824. He knew that Fort Langley’s success would rely heavily on its proximity to arable land, and the pasture now known as “Langley Prairie” (today’s Milner area) was selected to be transformed into a flourishing farm.
Growing the Heritage Garden
Fast forward to 2004, and the seeds of the Heritage Garden were being sown by Nett Plant, a historic presenter with a green thumb and a vision. Starting with just a parcel of heirloom potatoes and a jar of Red Fife wheat kernels, Nett dreamed of cultivating a garden that would showcase Fort Langley’s agricultural heyday. With a little help from historical records, heirloom seeds and passionate staff and volunteers, the garden began to grow into what it is today.
The journey to create this garden involved collaboration with places like Fort Vancouver and Fort St. James, which provided valuable historical records and lists of seeds. With the help from organic farming friends, volunteers and even visitors who shared their seeds, the Heritage Garden blossomed into a diverse and authentic representation of Fort Langley’s agricultural past. If you visit this summer, you might just find yourself chatting with Nett, who still works at the fort today.
What You Can See in the Heritage Garden
Apple and Pear Trees: Picture hundreds of fruit trees surrounding the fort’s palisades. These trees weren’t just for snacking—they provided food for people and livestock, ingredients for cider and provisions for other posts. The legacy of these orchards still thrives at the old fort site at Derby Reach, from whence Fort Langley’s operations moved upriver in 1839. Some of the original trees also still stand vigil outside the current fort’s palisade wall, and the young trees in the heritage garden are grafts taken from originals at the Derby site.
Borage and Calendula: These aren’t just pretty faces in the garden. Borage, with its star-shaped blue flowers, is a bee’s best friend, while calendula’s bright blooms add a splash of colour and flavour to salads and baked goods. Historically, each of these were used medicinally.
Camas: This indigenous tuber was a staple for the Coast Salish First Nations, and a key reason the “Langley Prairie” was such prime farmland, as it had been stewarded by local Indigenous groups to promote camas growth. Today, a small patch of camas in the garden keeps this important history alive.
Grains: Barley, wheat, oats and rye were crucial to the HBC for both human consumption and animal fodder, as well as for fulfilling its trade contracts. The Heritage Garden ensures these historic grains continue to tell that story.
Potatoes: Fort Langley’s love affair with potatoes started in 1828, and it’s still going strong. The garden features heirloom varieties like Irish Cobbler and Peruvian Purple Fingerlings. These spuds have deep roots, reminding us of the staple crop during the fur trade that kept both newcomers and the local Indigenous communities well-fed.
Each year, seeds are saved for the following season, ensuring the garden remains vibrant and true to its roots. Seasonal livestock adds another layer of authenticity, making the Heritage Garden a lively part of the Fort Langley experience.
A Unique Family Experience
At the Heritage Garden, history springs to life through the wonders of growth. Visiting this garden is a fun and educational family adventure. Come and see for yourself how history flourishes at Fort Langley National Historic Site!
