UPDATE: Kasugai Gardens is now open for the year

(UPDATE: March 26 @ 5 p.m.) - After a near four week delays, Kasugai Gardens is open to the public.

The beautiful downtown spot was expected to open on March 1, but was delayed due to a late blast of winter weather.

Now, the City of Kelowna has opened the gates on Kasugai Gardens and it typically stays open until Oct. 31.

"Take a step away from the hustle and bustle of life and into one of the most unique parks in Kelowna," said a Facebook post from the City.

For more more information on Kasugai Gardens, which is located just east of City Hall, click this link.

(Original story: Feb. 1 @ 9:15 a.m.) - There may still be snow on the ground, but spring is right around the corner.

As the days get longer and the temperatures get milder, the City of Kelowna has announced that Kasugai Gardens will open up on Friday, March 1.

The opening is weather permitting, but the seven-day forecast looks like it won’t pose any issues for the City’s plans.

Once open, the gardens will be open daily to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Victoria Day weekend.

After that, the gardens will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. for the summer before reverting back to a 5 p.m. close time after Labour Day.

Kasugai Gardens typically close for the year on Oct. 31.

“Kasugai Gardens provides a tranquil environment featuring traditional elements of a Japanese garden such as stone lanterns, pine trees, a waterfall and a pond,” said a statement from the City of Kelowna.

“The gardens were completed in 1987 to symbolize the friendship between Kelowna and Kasugai, Japan, sister cities since 1981.”

The City also announced that Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery will open for the spring and summer on March 16.

Families are reminded that all winter offerings will be removed and stored at the cemetery office for pickup until April 13, after which they will be respectfully disposed of.