Ryan recently returned from work experience in the UK where he provided tree care on the grounds of Buckingham Palace and Clarence House (London home of Prince Charles). The skilled arborist promotes eco-forestry development, and instructs students on food-producing gardens, including fruit trees.

6:30 pm Pre-meeting WORKSHOP:        LifeCycles urban agriculture coordinator Matthew Kemshaw leads a lively discussion about growing food in the CRD. Learn about volunteers harvesting your backyard fruit (some for you and donate the rest). Hear about food security and ways to support healthier neighbourhoods.

October’s guest speaker Barrie Agar, Head Gardener at Hatley Park National Historic Site, will share highlights of the beautiful gardens surrounding Hatley Castle (often incorrectly called Royal Roads). Barrie will also provide historical background and describe the challenges of operating this heritage site so designated in 1995. Hatley Castle was originally built for BC’s notorious coal baron James Dunsmuir in 1908. The gardens’ construction began in 1912 under the direction of landscape architects Franklin Brett and George D. Hall of Boston. Their design goal: the style of an Edwardian Park (think Downton Abbey). Covering some 565 acres, in its heyday Hatley Park employed 100 gardeners! Elegant Italian, serene Japanese, and colorful Rose gardens continue to impress visitors a century later.

Our next meeting is Tuesday, September 4, 7:30 pm

“An Extraordinary Journey from Joburg to Cape Town”

Amaryllis belladonna

Renowned local horticulturalist and plant propagator Judith McLauchlan will speak about South Africa’s plants, with tales from her most recent visit. As many VHS members know, the republic is a rich source of plant material, offering exotics from A to Z. Popular South African natives
AMARYLLIS belladonna (belladonna lily) and ZANTEDESCHIA aethiopica (calla lily) thrive in Victoria’s gardens.

Zantedeschia aethiopica