Kaye Gardens
Creating the garden adjacent to the drive leading into the School grounds was a challenge right from the start. The low ground may have originally been a gully that channeled water into the lake, and the road running around the north end of Shawnigan Lake probably blocked drainage. Efforts to make improvements are noted in the 1929 Shawnigan Lake School Magazine: “A feature of the School which has elicited praise from all visitors is the garden and approach to the Main School. Those who remember the rather unedifying swamp between the buildings and the road will be astounded [by] recent developments, in great measure due to Mr. R.J. Cromie’s generosity.”
For decades, the garden area was surrounded by enormous weeping willow trees, which thrived in the damp conditions. Gardeners did the best they could, but keeping lawn mowers from getting stuck in the soggy lawn was a constant challenge. Eventually, a wonderful solution was inspired by the Frost Amphitheater at Stanford University. It was the gift of John Kaye ’54 (Groves’), and his wife, Sally.
The name honours John’s father, G. Peter Kaye, second Headmaster of the School from 1952 to 1958. After retirement, Peter returned to Vancouver where he became the Chairman of the Vancouver Foundation and, later, Chancellor of the Vancouver School of Theology. Completion of the Kaye Gardens also coincided with John’s retirement in 1987 from the Board of Governors after 17 years, including five as Chairman. John supplied the vision and expertise, hours of labour, and thousands of plants from his wholesale nursery in Sidney, BC. His vision included two acres of turf and groundcover plants and shrubs chosen for “changing colour throughout the year.” They carved out a basin for a pond, lined it with clay and installed a water circulation system. At the north end, steps and a semi-circular amphitheatre were created.
Starting in early 2025 work was undertaken, through the generosity of David Schieldrop ’82 (Groves’), longstanding Governor of Shawnigan Lake School, to enhance and enlarge the amphitheatre, and to ensure the continued health of the pond.
The amphitheatre has been enjoyed as a lovely place to relax, for gatherings such as assemblies, and also for special events such as School plays and Closing Day Ceremonies. The Kaye Gardens offer a beautiful welcome to anyone entering the campus.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
The name honours John’s father, G. Peter Kaye, second Headmaster of the School from 1952 to 1958. After retirement, Peter returned to Vancouver where he became the Chairman of the Vancouver Foundation and, later, Chancellor of the Vancouver School of Theology. Completion of the Kaye Gardens also coincided with John’s retirement in 1987 from the Board of Governors after 17 years, including five as Chairman. John supplied the vision and expertise, hours of labour, and thousands of plants from his wholesale nursery in Sidney, BC. His vision included two acres of turf and groundcover plants and shrubs chosen for “changing colour throughout the year.” They carved out a basin for a pond, lined it with clay and installed a water circulation system. At the north end, steps and a semi-circular amphitheatre were created.
Starting in early 2025 work was undertaken, through the generosity of David Schieldrop ’82 (Groves’), longstanding Governor of Shawnigan Lake School, to enhance and enlarge the amphitheatre, and to ensure the continued health of the pond.
The amphitheatre has been enjoyed as a lovely place to relax, for gatherings such as assemblies, and also for special events such as School plays and Closing Day Ceremonies. The Kaye Gardens offer a beautiful welcome to anyone entering the campus.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
