Mary Alice Johnson, farmer, seed saver, and educator, speaks from 8:10 pm to 9:00 pm. Mary Alice has cultivated ALM Farm in Sooke for over 25 years. She has taught at her farm and at Camosun College, training and mentoring a generation of organic farmers. ALM farm provides organic produce for local restaurants, the Sooke… Read more »

Tayler Krawczyk of Hatchet & Seed Contracting discusses permaculture, including Rain Gardens. These shallow depressions use soil and plants to slow and clean runoff from hard surfaces such as roofs and driveways. Select species and amended soil hold several inches of rain while storm water slowly seeps into the ground, filtering out pollutants usually reaching… Read more »

Open to everyone … free admission, free parking Perennials, ferns, vegetable starts (just in time for spring planting), heritage seeds and more! Russell Nursery, the unique Little Elf Garden Centre, and a broad selection from home propagators promise interesting botanical finds, antique garden tools, and even cacti.  The Library and refreshments will be available for… Read more »

Janet Renouf, President of the Friends of Government House Gardens Society (FGHGS), will regale Members with a presentation on this historically significant and botanically intriguing landscape. The Government House grounds encompass 14.6 hectares/36 acres, and include formal rose, fragrant herb, arboreal rhododendron, rugged rockery, and floriferous perennial gardens, not to mention sweeping lawns, ponds, Garry… Read more »

Steve Vaughan, owner of Victoria Bamboo, explores the fascinating world of bamboo. These giant grasses are the world’s fastest growing plants, and offer species for many garden styles. From woodland to waterside, there is a bamboo to complement the landscape theme. Steve will illustrate growing habits, cultural require-ments, and landscape roles. Don’t be bamboozled—bring yourRead More

Linda Gilkeson, renowned entomologist and food gardener, will discuss how all year harvest success begins with well managed soil and well timed planting. Learn when to plant, what winter “All Star” cultivars to grow, and how to include fall/winter crops in summer gardens for maximum yields. Linda’s books will be available to peruse and purchase:… Read more »