Ochard Winter, 1999 (click for larger image)

he orchard covered most of the east side of the grounds. This area was usually restricted to the Sisters. Students playing in the baseball diamond or training for track and field, or helping to harvest the fruit were the exception. The Novices, usually restricted to their own small gardens, were also known to stroll up Ash Can Lane, between the apple trees. The apple, plum, pear and cherry trees may have been planted by the homesteaders who lived on the land. The first apples on Vancouver Island came with the Hudson's Bay Company, and later varieties were brought via San Francisco; it is not likely that the Sisters brought any varieties with them from Quebec. The species of apples were identified with glamorous names such as Gravenstein, Canada Red, King of Tompkin's County, Gloria Monday and the familiar (but tasty) Yellow Transparent.

Click for a larger image of the map/history of the grounds

The Sisters made use of the fruit, using it to feed the residents of the Academy. This east end of the grounds was devoted to the practical needs of the Convent, including growing food and raising chickens and cattle. These animals, along with a horse they named Charlie, lived on the property until a city ordinance, passed in 1912, forced them to sell off (or eat) their livestock. The north east corner was planted as a vegetable garden, with potatoes and onions, and grain was cultivated on this side of the property for a time. During the war, wartime gardening involved the students with the cultivation of food in areas not already in use. The girls were instructed in simple gardening skills, in order to help with the shortage of food.

During the 1950s, an elderly Sister tended the gardens. She would work all day, looking after the plants and trees, until, exhausted, she would come in to pray in the chapel. She would be so tired from her work outside that she would fall asleep in the warm chapel. The other Sisters would hear her snoring, as they prayed.

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