Bill Garden has produced a legacy of fine boat designs of which thousands have been built and ply the sea around the world. He is a naval architect and marine engineer living at Toad's Landing by Sidney, British Columbia. In 1998-2000, a series of rendezvous were held in Sidney, British Columbia.

Garden Boats from all over the west coast gathered, held open houses and participated in many activities. The Garden Rendezvous, was a brainchild of Dennis Nachtweih, an devoted owner of a Garden Diesel Cruiser and facilitated by Drew Irwin of Philbrook's Boatyard. In June of 1998, Garden Party 1, sponsored by Philbrooks Boatyard was held at Van Isle Marina in Sidney, British Columbia. Dennis Nachtweih and his wife, Jan Wickstrom, put in many hours searching out boat and owner's names, producing printed materials and organizing events. Philbrook's Boatyard provided a barge complete with a tent structure and lent its support both financial and other.

About thirty boats participated filling the marina with boats sporting green balloons, opening their boarding ladders and hatches to an enthusiastic crowd eager to view the fine examples of vessels, all from the drawing board of Bill Garden, Naval Architect.. There were boats for everyone; workboats, ideal coastal cruisers, luxury yachts, dreamer's sailing craft and delightful gunkholers. All amply reflected Garden's versatility and excellence of design. A feast with guest of honour, Bill Garden, was held at Dock 503, a restaurant at Van Isle Marina. All in all, A good time was had by all.

With this success, a second Garden Party was planned and delivered in June of 1999. Dennis and Jan, once again organized and delivered a wonderful event hosted at the Port of Sidney Marina. Again, Garden boats in all sizes and shapes showed up; each with enthusiastic skippers, crew and loads of admirers. The glorious one hundred sixty one foot "Eviva", complete with heliocopter on deck towered over the event tent attracting many casual visitors who, though initially were unaware of the 2nd annual Garden Party, became part of the enthusiastic throng of visitors enjoying all the distinctive Garden vessels. More good meals and comradery finished off a great weekend.

In 2000, a third Rendezvous was held at Port Sidney. Highlights included a tour through the impressive, "Eviva". and trips to Bill Garden's Toad Landing home and shops. It was to be the last of the Rendezvous, but perhaps another one may happen again much to the delight of Garden boat enthusiasts.