A tasty last hurrah is being held for the Langley Demonstration Garden as it prepares to move to new digs.

On Wednesday, Aug. 22, the popular annual Blackberry Bake-Off and Demonstration Garden Open House will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., marking the last event at that location.

The garden was established by the Township at 4887 221st St. in Murrayville in 1992 and is run by the Langley Environmental Partners Society in partnership with the Township.

Providing educational and entertaining activities and classes, the garden is a haven for those who want to know more about sustainable gardening, composting, native plants, and ways to enhance the environment.

Guests are invited to stop by and try blackberry creations created by local cooks, enjoy a barbecue lunch, listen to live music, and visit a mini farmers market and kids' corner. Anyone wanting to sample creations, don't hesitate as the goodies get gobbled up fast.

The annual bakeoff is devoted to the berry that while tasty, is an invasive plant that LEPS encourages people to keep under control on their property.

During the free, drop-in event, visitors can learn more about the garden's new location.

By end of September, the garden will be relocated to the Derek Doubleday Arboretum in the 21200 block of 56 Avenue. The official opening of the new demonstration garden is expected by early summer 2013.

"The Arboretum is an oasis of trails and trees, and is the perfect place for the demonstration garden," said Langley Township Solid Waste coordinator Debbie Fleming. "This more visible location will attract more visitors to enjoy the garden throughout the year."

Once it is established at the Arboretum, the garden will be open throughout the summer, providing green home and garden workshops, Eco-Explorer Kids' Camps, special events, and classes. Residents will also be able to drop in and ask questions of staff.

In the meantime, everyone is invited to wish a fond farewell to the Murrayville site on Aug. 22.

"We're referring to this event as the 'Blackberry Send-off'," joked LEPS executive director Nichole Marples. "Members of the public are invited to come down and enjoy the final open house for the demonstration garden in its current form and view plans for the new site."

"Although it is sad to see the end of the current garden, we are excited about the development of the new location," said Marples. "It will include community garden plots so that residents can truly take ownership of their own little piece of the demonstration garden."

LEPS will be holding a "Great Big Dig" to salvage as many herbs, perennials, and native plants as possible from the current garden location for transplanting to the new garden site. The event will be held sometime in mid-September, depending on weather conditions.

"It can't be too hot to salvage plants," Marples said. "It is best to wait for a bit of rain and some cooler days."

Interested members of the public will be invited to participate in the dig and take home a cutting or transplant of their own.