The Seniors' Centre Garden Club- We Hope You'll Join Us

  

The West Vancouver Seniors’ Activity Centre Garden Club is a vibrant group that brings together new and experienced gardeners to engage in a wide range of activities to get their hands in the dirt, expand their gardening knowledge and to make new friends. These are casual, friendly gatherings and we extend a warm invitation to all to join us. 

INFORMATION is always avaiable from 
The front desk at the Seniors' Activity Centre 

LOCATION

Seniors’ Activity Centre, 695 21^st St., West Vancouver

We meet in the Learning Studio for speakers and workshops, and garden outside in a set of raised beds adjacent to the Centre.

ACTIVITIES AND REGISTRATION   

 Registration is done online with Seniors' Activity Centre activities at activewestvanrec

https://ca.apm.activecommunities.com/westvanrec/Home 

If you search for "garden" activities, our talks and field trips will come up. 

E-NEWSLETTER  

February, 2019, issue 1
https://wvscraindropsonroses.blogspot.com/2019/02/new-for-2019.html

 

We are an active group with many activities

2019 Program At a Glance

March

  7: All Seasons' Interest in the Garden

14: Lavender Propagation Workshop 

21: Great Plant Picks Program

28: What to Grow in Your Garden to Support Birds  

April

  4: Growing Cool Season Vegetables

11: Beyond the Lawn- Native Plants as Lawn Alternatives

18: Trip to Western Independent Greenhouses   

25: Workshop- Plant a Container of Vegetable Seedlings to Take Home 

May

  2: Planting Warm Season Vegetables

  9: Potager Gardens

16: Workshop- Plant a Pot of Herbs to Take Home 

23: Rose Pruning and Care
30: Trip to Petals and Butterflies Nursery 

June

  6: Visit a Magnificent Private North Van. Rose Garden- Rose Pruning Demonstration

13: More Bang for Your Bucks Perennials

20: Propagating Succulents 
23: We are Invited to Attend the Master Gardeners' North Shore Garden Tour 

       Mini Workshops on Sustainable and Ecologically- Enriching Gardening Practices Given  

       at Each Garden

27: Workshop- Create a Succulent Display to Take Home 

July

  4: Japanese Garden Design

11: Planting a Winter Vegetable Garden

18: Visit a Glorious Private West Vancouver Garden, Lunch in this Beautiful Oasis 

25: Edible Flowers 

Aug

 1: Aromatherapy Using Plants 
 8: Healthy Soil- the Foundation of All Great Gardens

15: Herbal Teas

Aug.16-Sept 5: Centre Closed

Sept

 5: Unusual Bulbs for Fall   

12: Seed Saving and Direct Sowing Our BC Native Wildflowers in Fall to Mimic Nature

19: Preserving the Harvest and Plant Sharing

26: Social Wind Up

 2019 Program Details

March 7, Nancy Moore:  All Seasons' Interest in the Garden

Nancy Moore has had a life-long love of plants and gardening, and feels extremely fortunate to be able to make a living doing what she loves. After graduating in landscape design/horticulture, she was involved in many aspects of the field, including being the horticulturist for a parks department, teaching landscape design and horticulture at the University of the Fraser Valley, and running her own landscape design/consulting business. She recently retired from most of her commitments, but still enjoys teaching. Nancy will help us to include plants in our gardens to ensure that they are filled with interest throughout the year.  

March 14, Susan Burdak: Lavender Workshop
Wake up those lavender plants! Early Spring is a good time to prune your lavender and encourage new growth. Join Susan in the Demonstration Lavender Bed as we prune our plants. After the pruning demo we will pot up the cuttings, have some tea and a lavender treat and review pictures of last year’s garden through the summer months. Come dressed for outdoors, ask questions and meet other members of the Gardening Club. See you soon! 

March 21, Gwen Odermatt: Great Plant Picks Program

We greatly enjoyed Gwen’s talk on creating a wildlife-friendly garden. She is the owner of Petals and Butterflies Nursery which sells special, often rare, plants in her beautiful home setting. She is one of the noted gardeners and horticulturalists who is on the committee for Great Plant Picks that recommends outstanding plants suited for the PNW. The list now contains more than 1,000 exceptional plants and she'll tell us about some of her new favourites.

March 28,  Heather Schamehorn: What to Grow in Your Garden to Support Birds     
We often read Heather's gardening articles in the North Shore News. These days, gardeners want to develop vibrant ecosystems in their gardens full of healthy plants and teeming with the activity of worms, bugs and birds. And we no longer want to be held captive by fussy plants. Heather will discuss how to add plants in our home gardens to increase birds. 

April 4, Jane Sherrott:  Though most of us think about starting vegetables when it warms up in May, we can actually start "cool season vegetables" in mid-April and keep a vegetable garden productive all year 'round. Come learn about the wide range of vegetables we can grow during this cooler time, what to start from seed versus transplants, how to warm soil and provide protection. Some experienced gardeners start tomato seedlings now to get first tomatoes in early June- learn the tricks for doing this. 

April 11,  Julie Kehler: Beautiful Lawns Even With Chafers

                 Jane Sherrott: Hellebores

Julie and Jane are two of our active MGs. Julie will speak about our history of lawns, alternatives to traditional lawns, and show photographs of a large, commercial lawn restoration project she designed and installed replacing chafer-infected, damaged lawns with  a seed mixture of micro-clover and turf-type tall fescues which stand up to chafer infestations. Jane will share some of her joy of hellebores discussing where they are found in nature, garden conditions they like to grow in, breeding programs, and how to use them in garden design. 

We have an active group of Master Gardeners in our group who are always there to answer any gardening questions you have. The time after our talks is always good time to ask questions- if you have a questions, there is a good change others will be interested, too. 

  

April 18:  Trip to Western Independent Greenhouses, Area Nurseries and Market Gardens 

This has become an annual visit due to popular demand. We will visit some South Burnaby small farms and growers that sell their produce and bedding plants. Coming straight from the grower, their prices are low and the quality high. WIG’s award-winning hanging baskets, green walls of succulents, and designer containers are a thrill every year. It’s About Thyme specialty nursery with collectors’ plants, Leong’s, Hop On  and Vancouver’s largest community garden are all at one stop. Our last stop is at Mandeville Nursery which has a pretty cafe for those wishing to buy lunch.  

April 25, Sandra Djwa:  Miniature Veggies for the Patio or Balcony:

                Plant a Big Pot of Vegetables to Take Home  
Dwarf hybrid Siderno tomatoes, dwarf hybrid Iznik cucumbers, herbs, and a substantial pot and good soil for planting. Get an early start on summer!
We'd appreciate pre-registration at least a week ahead, so we know how many supplies to get. 

May 2, Jane Sherrott: Warm Season Vegetables

It will soon be time to plant vegetables like tomatoes, beans, corn and squash that like the heat that summer brings but there are so many to chose from. Come to learn about favourites of long-time vegtable growers and to learn about tricks to keep plants healthy and high yielding. 

May 9, Ron Clancy: Potager Gardens

Potager Gardens: Aside from the controversy about pronunciation, learn how this style of gardening can be used in various sizes and shapes from miniatures to estates. Practical ideas that anyone can use will be included.

May 16, Julie Kehler: Workshop- Plant a Pot of Herbs 

Fragrance, flavour, and flowers! Herbs that celebrate everything you ever wanted in a garden...all in one pot! We'll provide the pot and the herbs that go in them, and you'll go home with a living culinary and medicinal potpourri! Please pre-register by May 9 so we know how many supplies to get. 

May 23, Elaine Senft: Rose Pruning and Care

Elaine is a long time rose gardener with an extensive selection of roses in her own garden. As one of  Vancouver's foremost rose experts she lectures extensively. We are delighted to have her speak so we can learn about the foundations of rose care and pruning, and hear the special insights she has gained that have come with many years of growing. We have a garden visit to Elaine’s stunning garden on June 6.

May 30,  Petals and Butterflies Nursery Trip 

Gwen Odermatt runs this glorious nursery and garden and opens it by appointment so is is a special treat to be able to visit. The garden is among Vancouver's finest and the nursery offers exceptionally fine plants. Bring a lunch to picnic on the grass. This will be a wonderful day. 

June 6, Rose Garden Visit

With roses being in full bloom now, we will carpool to visit Elaine’s glorious garden in Deep Cove to see her glorious roses. Come and get inspired to expand or start your own rose collection. 

June 13, Janice Matson: More Bang for Your Bucks Perennials

With the changes in temperatures and rainfall it is time to assess our gardens and find some of the most adaptable plants available. Janice is a garden designer and gives regular presentations at VanDusen and to the Master Gardener program. She has a vast knowledge of plants suitable for all situations. 

June 20, Ingrid Wray: Propagating Succulents 

Ingrid will show us the fine art of making many plants from one so that you can increase your stock without buying new plants.

Sunday, June 23, MGs' North Shore Garden Tour, 12:00-4:00

The Vancouver Master Gardeners would like to extend a warm invitation to Seniors’ Activity Centre Garden Club members to attend our special day of open gardens. 

 This is a self-guided tour with five stops including glorious home gardens, complementary refreshments in the garden at the Seniors' Activity Centre and a walk through a community of delightful small  gardens. 

June 27, Ingrid Wray: Creating with Succulents 

This week will be your chance to make a live creation using succulents and other materials. Please pre-register at least a week ahead so we know how many supplies to buy. 

July 4, Lesley Allen: Japanese Garden Design

Code: 56249      Members: free       Non-members: $5.00 
The origin of Japanese gardens lies in the tranquil, gravel-covered forest clearings where the gods could manifest themselves. Across the centuries, the careful use of stone, water, plants and moss evolved to create exquisite atmospheres of calm and contemplation.  Lesley visited Japan and will show us photographs of some of the gardens she saw there. 

July 11, Gardening Day 

We will talk about the raised beds that we are nurturing and then go out to the garden to work on maintenance. Bring gloves and favourite hand tools.

July 18, Garden Visit 

Some of our loveliest meetings are those spent visiting members' gardens. Diana has kindly invited us to visit her wonderful West Vancouver garden. We will carpool. 

July 25, Ron Clancy: Edible Flowers 

Edible Flowers: don't eat the daisies! Find out if this is true and explore the wonderful world of flowers you can eat including some that are delicious and some you should avoid.

Aug 1, Susan Burdak: Aromatherapy Using Plants 

Think of the heavenly scents of lavender and lemon grass! Susan will talk about easy and inexpensive ways to add wonderful scents to our homes. Susan knows which lavenders have the best scents, how to make homemade spritzers and oils and more. This is sure to be a lovely presentation. There will be supplies for 12 people so please register ahead.
Code: 56370      Members: $12.00    Non-members: $22.00 

Aug 8, Conway Lum, Healthy Soil- the Foundation of All Great Gardens

Conway Lum has worked for GardenWorks at Mandeville since 1988. He started out in the nursery but is now in garden supplies and on the information desk, and he conducts most of the in-house seminars and workshops. He was recipient of the “Garden Communicator of the Year Award” by the BC Landscape and Nursery Association. Conway will teach us the best way to nurture the soil we have and many ways to improve it.
Code:56130       Members: free       Non-members: $10.00 

Aug 15, Herbal Tea from Our Garden, Reviewing 2019 and Planning 2020

We'll pick herbs for tea and to take home to dry then we'll exchange ideas about what went well or what was not so successful. We’ll look at topics that members would like to include next year and go out to see how the raised beds are faring. For members, free.

Aug 16 -Sept 5, Centre Closed

Sept 5, Unusual Bulbs for Fall   

Botanus are the suppliers of an amazing selection of bulbs, many of which are not available anywhere else. They will join us show us many of the new varieties they are now carrying and how they can be incorporated into the garden for year ‘round colour.
Code: 56449      Members: free       Non-members: $10.00 

Sept 12, Paula Cruise: Seed Saving
There are many gardeners who do not want to buy from he large ag-chem businesses that dominate the seed industry and are only seed repackages that buy their seeds from growers in hot climates that use large levels of pesticides. Instead they buying seeds from small, local growers who grow sustainably and grow varieties suited to our climate. Saving our own seeds gives us seed perfectly suited to our gardens’ conditions when we save from the strongest plants and enables us to preserve old heritage varieties that the big seed businesses no longer carry.  We’ll learn the benefits of local seeds and how to save our own seeds. 
Paula will lead us on this seed saving workshop. She is the coordinator of the Downtown Est Sdie Seed Library and will explain what they do. Paula is committed to growing food using sustainable resources and practices that build soil health and are safe for humans, pets,  plants and wildlife. 

Code: 56450      Members: free       Non-members: $10.00 

Sept 19, Preserving the Harvest and Plant Sharing

We all know the problem of having a glut of one type of fruit or vegetable and we will find ways that they can be preserved and kept for a time when the garden is not so productive. Come and share your experiences with preserving. Fall is a good time to divide overgrown clumps of plants- divide some up to share with others in the garden club.
Code: 53451     Members: free       Non-members: $10.00 

Sept 26, Social Wind Up

Our final meeting will include time to share experiences, enjoy homemade goodies and will include some fun quizzes. For members, free.

REGISTER FOR THE CLUB ONLINE IN THREE EASY STEPS

Go to https://ca.apm.activecommunities.com/westvanrec/Home             

           
           1. Click 'Sign in' 
               Once you sign in the page shown below will come up

            2. Choose 'Passes' in the left box 
                ('Activities' and 'Passes' are your options)

            3. Enter 'Garden Club Membership' next to “search”, click search. 

                

Activities from previous years

https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=338380397028110044#editor/target=post;postID=403782014615637601;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=0;src=link

Field Trips

Meetings 

Gardening in Raised Beds Adjacent to the Seniors' Activity Centre

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WVSC GARDEN CLUB 2018

March 8     Injury Prevention
Speaker: Nabil Tarazi 
Physiotherapist Nabil Tarazi will show us smart ways to move and carry out chores in and out of the garden without hurting our bodies. 

March 15     Seeding Tomatoes- Growing Those Delicious Campari Tomatoes
Speaker: Frances Needham

Those Campari tomatoes from the grocery store are a treat but seeds aren't available so Francis has found a way to use the seed from a store tomato to start plants with great success. You are invited to bring a pot- the small plastic containers that contain side salads- no holes in the base- and we will have soil available so we can start seeds to take home. Please bring some seeds from items in your grocery bag go try and grow some plants. Some ideas: peppers, cucumbers, other tomatoes, etc anything else. We will then bring our pots back on May 17 meeting to see how our seedlings did. 

March 22     Trees of Vancouver
Speaker: David Tracey

David’s best selling Vancouver Tree Book takes us through a journey in what he calls “The Forest in Which We Live” with an introduction to some of our outstanding Vancouver trees. 

March 29     The Best Fruit Trees and Bushes for Our Home Gardens

Speaker: Ron Clancy

Ron will talk about varieties that do well in our climate and how best to grow, nurture and harvest the bounty from our gardens. 

April 5     Taking Cuttings
Speaker: Susan Burdak

Susan will show us how to take cuttings from our favourite shrubs and plants in order to increase the plants in our gardens. The talk will be followed by a chance to do some work in the raised beds. 

April 12     Evolution of a Garden
Speaker: Gwen Odermatt

Gwen will talk about creating a wildlife-friendly garden. Gwen is the owner of Petals and Butterflies nursery which sells many special plants often grown by seed by Gwen. As a noted plant expert, she is on the committee of Great Plant Picks. 

April 19     Trip to Darts Hill, Surrey SPRING GARDEN SPECTACLE

Darts Hill Garden is the result of over 70 years of work and dedication guided by the clear vision of Francisca Darts. Along with her husband Edwin, Francisca took a logged piece of land, turned it first into an award-winning orchard and then into the unique garden that is Darts Hill today. Francisca’s curiosity and love of the new and interesting has resulted in the most diverse collection of mature tree and shrub species in the Pacific Northwest. This garden is only opened for a few days each years so this is a special opportunity. Bus trip. 

April 26     Working in the Garden Beds at the SAC

A chance to get hands in the dirt and continue planting and maintaining our lovely raised beds. Please bring gloves and any favourite weeding or planting tools. 

May 3     Creating Beautiful Home Gardens
Speaker: Tish Davies

Tish has worked in botanical gardens so has great ideas about design and philosophy of creating a garden. She has turned a nondescript garden in Ambleside into a plant lover’s dream and will talk and show us photos of the process. She has also just returned from a visit to India and Bhutan so may include photos from there. We will visit Tish’s stunning garden on May 31 when it is at its best. 

May 10     Hostas
Speaker: Lesley Allen

Hostas are a perennial favorite among gardeners with over 2,500 cultivars ranging in size from thumbnail to waist high. No longer just “the green one and the variegated one”, hostas breeders are introducing features such as scent, red stems, narrow and upright leaves, blues, grays, golds and more. Come to hear Leslie speak about hostas to learn about some of the exciting plants in this genus and how to provide growing conditions so your plants reach their full potential.

May 17     How to Achieve Success with Tomatoes and Vegetables at Home
Speakers: Frances Needham and Jane Sherrott
Frances will share the successes that she has had raising vegetables from her seeds from store-bought tomatoes planted earlier this year. Tomatoes are favourites so Jane will talk about tomato varieties that grow well in our climate and offer some hints for increasing vigor and avoiding the common Late Blight fungal disease that plagues tomatoes in our maritime northwest area. 

May 24     Trip to Western Independent Greenhouses (WIG)

This has become an annual visit due to popular demand. We will visit several market gardens in South Burnaby including WIG which have a range of available plants and fresh produce. Specialties include hanging baskets, herbs, vegetables, green walls and other delights. 

May 31     Visit to Tish Davies’ Garden

Tish's garden is one of Vancouver's most beautiful so we are delighted she has welcomed us to visit.  We will walk from SAC. (See May 3 when Tish was our speaker.) 

June 7     Hives for Humanity and Bee Keeping
Speaker: Julia Common

As Chief Beekeeper, Julia oversees all Hives for Humanity bee hives and mentors our community in beekeeping. She is a passionate speaker, a skilled beekeeper, and finds joy in teaching others. 

June 14     World of Lavender
Speaker: Susan Burdak

Did you know there are dozens of varieties of lavender and not just the few we commonly see for sale in our nurseries? Susan will introduce us to this wonderful plant and some of its many uses. She has planted a stunning bed of different lavenders in one of our garden beds adjacent to the SAC- wander out to enjoy this. 

June 21     Combining Grasses and Perennials
Speaker: Janis Matson

Janis is a talented garden designer and will talk about combining grasses and perennials for year ‘round beauty. 

June 28     Roses!

Jason Croutch is on the BC Council of Garden Clubs and is a renowned speaker on roses. He is the owner of Fraser Valley Rose Farm which specializes in old garden or heritage roses. Jason will talk about the importance of saving these old cultivars since many are no longer seen for sale in nurseries as this industry is dominated by large suppliers that expand profits by selling large numbers of a fewer number of cultivars. Roses can be propagated by cuttings and he'll show us how easy it is to take cuttings so we can help preserve old roses. 

July 5     Easy Plants for a Cutting Garden
Speaker: Sandra Djwa

Flowers are not just beautiful for the garden but they can fill the house with wonderful bouquets and scent. Sandra will introduce us to some of the best plants to grow in order to have a supply of cut flowers through the seasons. 

July 12     Adapting Design Features from Grand Public Gardens to Our Home Gardens

Speaker: Jane Sherrott 
In our travels we greatly enjoy visiting public gardens but these are often grand estates so many of their features are not directly transferable to our home gardens. While we may not be able to build Sissinghurst's garden rooms or have a 5-acre pond, we can employ many of the same elements of design these gardens so successfully use. Jane welcomes you to come to this presentation to see photographs of some of our favourite public gardens in the UK and US and to learn about the elements of design used by designers so we can add new energy to our home gardens.

July 19     Geraniums and Pelargoniums

Speaker: Ingrid Wray

Geraniums and pelargoniums are often the most loved plants for planters and baskets but they can be used in so many more ways. Ingrid will show us the many varieties that are available and how to successfully incorporate them into your garden. 

July 26     Making Botanical Aromatherapy Oils

Aug. 2  Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Teas
Speaker: Julie Kehler
Thanks to Julie we are in for a real treat. Julie Kehler joined our club this year and has taken the Master Gardener courses. She has planted one of our beds with wonderful medicinal herbs and is going to be giving us a presentation and we are going to have a TEA PARTY.  Julie suggests that if you would like to wear a hat that will be fine and her invitation is below. 

Readers of Peter Rabbit will remember that, after his terrifying adventure, Peter's mother put him to bed with a cup of Chamomile tea.

Join us  for a cup of tea made with Chamomilla matricaria or one of the other "medicinal" (and beautiful) herbs growing in our garden. Julie will talk about using and preparing herbs to make your own teas and rumour has it that some delicious delicacies will be available to enhance the tasting experience...!

Aug. 9     “The Flour Garden” or Stories of an Aging Garden Club!
Speaker: Pamela Dangelmaier

Pamela will talk to us about the Botanus Company and introduce us to her hilarious take on senior garden clubs in her new novel “The Flour Garden.” 

August 16 
A Time to Get Answers to Your Gardening Questions
and
The Time to Plan What We Will do Next Year- Bring Your Ideas

DO YOU HAVE ANY GARDENING QUESTIONS?       

MASTER GARDENERS ATTEND OUR WEEKLY MEETINGS SO FEEL FREE TO COME TO GET ANSWERS TO ANY QUESTIONS 

2017

MARCH 2       INJURY PREVENTION                                                        Speaker: Nabil Tarazi

                        Gardening is an active pursuit that can cause muscle soreness and strain                        
                        particularly in the lower back, shoulders, arms and knees. Nabil Tarazi (BSc, PT)      
                        from Aquatic Centre Physiotherapy will help us learn to use effective
                        practices and proper body positioning so we improve our flexibility, mobility, strength 
                        and endurance so we can avoid injury and reduce soreness. Though 
                        not specifically on gardening movements, he provides information on 
                        proper movements to avoid injury which we can use in our every day activities and in 
                        the garden.

MARCH 9^th   DESIGNING THE SMALL , LOW MAINTENANCE GARDEN

                        Speaker: Nancy Moore

Nancy has owned her own landscape design/consulting business – Visions Green Enterprises- and has taught landscape design and horticulture skills at the University of the Fraser Valley in Chilliwack.  Nancy has also taught Continuing Education classes for many years at VanDusen Botanical Garden and the University of the Fraser Valley and teaches in the Master Gardener Core and Advanced Programs.

MARCH 16^th  THE DELIGHTS OF ORCHIDS                Speaker:  Margaret Nakahara

Margaret's presentations on orchids always pack auditoriums to overflowing since she generously shares the knowledge she has gained from growing her 380 orchids so we can achieve great results, too. Margaret will simply and clearly explain how to keep orchid plants healthy and full of blooms, and will demonstrate how to re-pot an orchid.

Margaret is a past president of the BC Council of Garden Clubs, founding member of Capilano Flower Arranging Club, member of the World Orchid Show sponsored by the Vancouver Orchid Society since 1999 where she earned a bronze and gold medal for her orchid designs.  She lives in North Van. where she is a member of the Lynn Valley Garden Club, Fraser Pacific Rose Society, and the Vancouver Orchid Society.

MARCH 23^rd  TRIP TO THE BEATTY MUSEUM, UBC

The Beatty Museum is a hidden gem on UBC's campus. We will have a special guided tour of the museum, hear a presentation on biodiversity in our backyards, then have an hour to enjoy the Museum on our own before returning home. We will be carpooling for this trip and will  leave promptly at 9.00 am,  

                              

MARCH 30^th  MASON BEES                  Speaker: Janice Fletcher             

Janice’s presentations on mason bees are among our most popular. Osmia lignaria- commonly called Blue Orchard Bees (BOB bees) because of their blue color and life cycle that corresponds to apple blossom time- are gentle, little bees that are native to our area. They add lovely movement to our gardens and their activities like nest building are both interesting and charming to watch. They are non-stinging and solitary so do not add any danger and have become especially important with Colony Collapse Disorder frequently killing 90% of honeybees in a colony.  Join us to learn about the life cycle and habits of these bees- did you know they are good pollinators because they are clumsy and messy so spread pollen around well-  and how we can boost their numbers in our gardens or on our balconies.

                        

APRIL 6^th      FROM THE GROUND UP                       Speaker:  Heather Webb

Heather is a garden writer, speaker and teacher with a passion for horticulture and sustainable environments. When she is not gardening or studying about plants she enjoys going out into the natural surroundings of her area in the Fraser Valley. She also enjoys studying and teaching about tea and especially it's cultural influence on horticulture throughout history. She is on the BC Council of Garden Clubs' speaker list and will join us to speak on the design, care and maintenance of her lovely West Coast garden.

APRIL 13^TH   GROWING UNUSUAL VEGETABLES  Speaker:   Ron Clancy       

Ron is one of our Master Gardeners and we have already had the privilege of learning from his vast knowledge of vegetable gardening. Ron’s bountiful vegetable garden on the West Side had an expansive range of vegetables which filled his yard from lot line to lot line making it a favoured stop on garden tours. This presentation promises to be  another fantastic opportunity to learn about some of the new and unusual vegetables that we could grow for ourselves.

APRIL 20^TH    HELLEBORES                                     Speaker:   Jane Sherrott

Jane is a passionate gardener who has been seduced by hellebores. When Beth Chatto showed hellebores at the Chelsea Flower Show in 1975, the judges stated that they were “weeds” and the entry should be disqualified; today fist fights nearly break out in nurseries over choice plants. Jane will discuss how breeding over the last 20 years has led to the explosive number and glorious range of hellebores available today. Surprisingly, today’s hellebores have principally been bred from only seven wild species.  For example, Helleborus torquatus ‘Dido’, a famous hellebore found in the wild, is a natural double – this hellebore provided the gene base for double hellebores. Jane will also discuss the ease with which hellebores can be grown, the traits breeders select for, plants that bloom at the same time, how some designer greats are using hellebores in their gardens, and how hellebores can be used in almost any style of garden.

APRIL 27^th     SHRUBS FOR SMALL SPACES    Speaker:  Lynn Chrismas

Lynn is known throughout the gardening world from the enormous range of activities she undertakes locally and throughout BC. She is a one of those special, progressive thinkers who works hard to bring important gardening knowledge and needed changes to the attention of public. For example, when most of us were buying seeds from the big seed companies which sell seed grown in developing countries like Africa, she spearheaded Seedy Saturday to highlight local seed suppliers which sell locally grown seeds. Now Seedy Saturdays occur in almost every community. Shrubs are indeed the new black, so we know Lynn’s talk on shrubs will be fresh and interesting.

MAY 4^TH        HUMMINGBIRDS             

Here on the North Shore we are lucky to have Anna’s Hummingbirds all year, and Rufous Hummingbirds in the spring and early summer as they pass through on their migration from Mexico to Alaska. Come to learn more about these special and extraordinary little birds from Audrey Ostrom who is a highly experienced gardener and certified Master Gardener. Audrey has been feeding hummingbirds in her yard for more than 15 years and learned the fine points of supporting these precious little birds. When feeders freeze in the winter, the little birds can die within two to three days in the cold without the sugar water mix, so Audrey has some tricks for keeping feeders ice free. This will be a lovely presentation with lots of time to ask questions. We hope you will join us.

FRIDAY MAY 12^TH   TRIP TO NURSERIES AND GROWERS- Western Independent Growers, Leong Nurseries and one or two other nurseries, plus a stop at Mandeville Garden Centre for lunch and a look around the nursery.

Out along Southwest Marine Drive adjacent to the Mandeville Garden Centre are some market gardens and their storefronts. In the active growing season these are wonderful places to get fresh, local produce. In the spring, they have a large variety of wonderful Spring bedding plants, herbs and vegetable transplants and hanging baskets at low prices. You can get large tomato transplants for many heritage tomatoes and special hybrid tomatoes like ‘Brandywine’- purple-red fruit, rich flavour- ‘Green Zebra’ -green and yellow striped, sweet but citrus lemon flavour- and ‘Sungold’ gold, cherry tomato that tastes like tropical fruit. Even the large 5-gallon pots are under $7.00. As well, no other growers in the city grow the huge and magnificent hanging baskets and succulent walls that Western Independent Growers grows and sells- these have received many awards and are regularly pictured in magazine and newspaper articles. It is delightful to walk in the greenhouses full of hanging baskets. 

                                  

MAY 18^TH      GROWING HERBS      Speaker:  Dr. Carole Christopher  

Dr. Christopher has a doctorate in nutrition, teaches university and adult education courses promoting local, sustainable and just food.  She is a SPEC (Society Promoting Environmental Conservation) Director, and an organic and master gardener. It was fascinating her hear her speak to us two years ago on the development of Vancouver’s community gardens, food security, sustainable gardening and the ‘grow local’ food initiative. 

MAY 25^TH      MAKING A HERB PLANTER    Led by Master Gardeners  

Herbs are very easy to grow in a pot in any sunny spot outside. Most are cut-and-
come-again meaning they can be cut then regrow to be cut again and again. The
flavour of fresh herbs far surpasses any that are bought in the store. Come  join us to
make a herb planter to take home.   

JUNE 1^ST        AROMATHERAPY AT HOME   Speaker:  Susan Burdak
                        Think of the heavenly scents of lavender and lemon grass! Susan will talk about easy and inexpensive ways to add wonderful scents to our homes. Susan knows which lavenders have the best scents, how to make homemade spritzers and oils and more.   This is sure to be a lovely presentation.

JUNE 8^TH       ROCKERY AND CREVICE GARDENING   Speaker:  Gordon MacKay   

As a teenager, Gordon worked alongside his father learning the landscape trade in Glasgow.  After a pre-college course in one of Scotland’s largest garden centres, at the age 17, Gordon enrolled in the renowned Threave School of Gardening and learned from a true master of plants, Magnus Ramsay.  Gordon found learning from such a master and experienced Himalayan plant collector so incredible; his course for a career and a passion in ornamental plants was set. His achievements brought him to Vancouver Island in 1994 to help set up a specialty plant nursery where no harmful pesticides were used.  The project was successful and as the West Coast climate agreed with Gordon, he settled in the Cowichan Valley.  He now operates Alba Plants (www.albaplants.ca).  He instructs at Camosun College in the Horticultural Program and is Vice President of the Vancouver Island Rock and Alpine Garden Society

JUNE 15^TH    WATER FEATURES                     Speaker-  Margaret Nakahara

Margaret is a passionate gardener who grows a wide range of plants including dahlias and native orchids to expand her collection of tropical orchids. She has found the magic combination of factors in a water garden which has enabled her koi to grow to 2 ½ feet. She will share her knowledge on water features with us.

JUNE 22^ND    June 22 TRIP TO TUSCAN LAVENDER FARM 

                             Tuscan Farm is a private garden sanctuary in Langley where they grow lavender and produce natural body care products.  The gardens are beautiful with ponds, ancient cedars, birds and bunnies making it a popular place for weddings and walks. The lavender will be in full bloom now and in this magical, protected spot light, warm breezes carry the heavenly lavender scent throughout the garden.  They also grow other medicinal plants. Their site is www.tuscanfarmgardens.com 

                            

JUNE 29^TH     WHITE GARDEN     Speaker: Susan Burdak

White gardens are seductive. Early-evening light shows them to their best and perhaps this plus their elegance and subtle evening fragrances is what casts their spell? The most famous garden pilgrimage today is arguably to Sissinghurst’s White Garden.  Susan’s enthusiasm for her presentation topics is always contagious and we are sure to enjoy this talk greatly.

JULY 6^TH       CLIMBERS AND ROSES                                          Speaker:  Christine Allen   

Christine is many gardeners’ favourite speaker. She is a Vancouver writer, Master  Gardener and leader of the Grandview Garden Club. She is the author of several books on roses, vines, clematis and “Gardens of Vancouver’’ which are all favourite Christmas presents for gardeners. Her latest book is the beautiful “A Year at Killara Farm” which chronicles a year at her flower-filled paradise which was featured on David Tarrant's garden show. Here we saw how Christine could charmingly combine a formal garden parterre, 175 antique roses and chickens. After living in Australia for three years Christine is now developing a new garden in Vancouver.  

JULY 13^TH     SHADE GARDENING                                              Speaker:  Ingrid Wray

Many know Ingrid from meeting her in her beautiful garden on garden tours. The foundation of her garden is a stunning water feature, abundant vegetable garden and award-worthy ornamental garden. The garden is set in among a true West Coast environment with cedars surrounding her yard so, it is not surprising she has shade gardening on her mind and will be able to share some exciting ideas with us.

JULY 20^TH     WINTER VEGETABLES        Speakers: Sandra Djwa and Susan Burdak

With our mild climate, we can grow many vegetables into the fall and over the winter. Many of you will have seen the abundant fall and winter vegetable garden at the Seniors’ Centre that was full of kale, Brussels sprouts, carrots, beets, lettuces, arugula, spinach and Asian greens- this garden was designed by Susan and Sandra who also led Seniors' Centre's participants in the planting.  Sandra and Susan will share their knowledge on when to plant, which vegetable types will grow during this cooler season and on the particular cultivars, for example ‘Winterkeeper’ beets that are best suited to the fall and winter growing conditions.

JULY 27^TH     TRIP TO UBC BOTANICAL GARDENS     

                                          

AUGUST 3     WORKING IN THE GARDEN  and Social with Refreshments

AUGUST 10   EUROPEAN GARDENS      Speaker:  Ingrid Wray

AUGUST 17  TRIP TO VAN DUSEN GARDENS       Led by Master Gardener Marie Bruce

Marie Bruce is a passionate gardener with a wealth of gardening knowledge. She is also a trained VanDusen guide so we know we will not only see these gorgeous gardens, we will learn a great deal on the guided tour by Marie. Paths in the garden are paved which makes for easy access and the recent renovations have added a stunning new garden centre with curvin roofs and striking interiors. We will be traveling by the centre’s bus.

             

  

2016 In the Garden at the Seniors' Centre, On Field Trips and Enjoying Speakers

ENJOYING SPEAKERS 

COOKING WITH  WHAT WE GROW

MULTI-GENERATIONAL GARDENING

GETTING OUR GARDEN BEDS PLANTED

PICKING WHAT WE GREW   

PLANTING HANGING BASKETS WITH FLOWERS 

PICKING HERBS AND 'TUMBLER' TOMATOES FROM HANGING BASKETS

 

 

 

 Going on Field Trips

 

2016 Activities:  

March 21- Water-wise Gardening

Many of us are interested in using water optimally in our gardens and this can be done by choosing plants that need less water, keeping soil healthy, mulching, watering when less water will be lost to evaporation and more.

Joanne and Ingrid have designed and planted a striking new water-wise bed- be sure to check this out.

March 24- How to Fill Your Yard with Vegetables 

Oh what a range of vegetables we can easily grow Long-time vegetable growers will talk about when to plant, the best cultivars to grow, fertilizing and watering, and hand out a growing guide. With a seed catalog in hand, we’ll decide what vegetables we want to grow this year and make up a planting plan.  There will be plenty of time to answer questions. 

March 31- BOB Bees

Many of us have heard of Blue Orchard Bees (BOBs) which are small, non-stinging native bees that have become especially important with Colony Collapse Disorder frequently killing 90% of honeybees in a colony. Join us to learn about the life cycle and habits of these bees- did you know they are good pollinators because they are clumsy and messy so spread pollen around well-  and how we can boost their numbers in our gardens. This will be a short 20 minute talk and after we can plan what we will grow this year and when we will plant. If the day is sunny, we can do our Spring garden cleanup so bring gloves and tools. 

April 7- Beneficial Insects

Insects, butterflies and bees bring lovely movement and activity to our gardens. 90% of insects in our gardens do no damage to the fruit, vegetables and ornamentals we grow and provide many valuable functions from pollinating to reducing numbers of insect pests and feeding birds. Come to hear Heather Nielson, who is always on Vancouver gardeners' lists of favourite speakers, speak about how to design a beautiful garden which attracts and supports beneficial insects. Providing a long blooming season will provide nectar and pollen for all stages of insect lifecycle and providing a water source like a shallow dish of pebbles and water are the foundation.

April 14- Avoid Injury While Gardening by Using Proper Body Mechanics

Gardening is an active pursuit that can cause muscle soreness and strain particularly in the lower back, shoulders, arms and knees. Nabil Tarazi (BSc, PT) from Aquatic Centre Physiotherapy will help us learn to use effective gardening practices and proper body positioning so we improve our flexibility, mobility, strength and endurance when we garden instead of experiencing soreness. For example, Nabil recommends moving your feet to reposition your body instead of twisting at the waist to reach, pull or rake. If you can’t avoid twisting, he reminds us to tighten our stomach muscles in order to protect our backs. These are valuable practices to learn for gardening and many every day activities.

Soil is dry enough to be workable so we’ll amend an fertilize the soil then plant cool-season vegetable both seed and transplants. These activities are a chance to learn more about growing practices and to ask questions.

April 21- Tour of Greig Rhododendron Garden, Lunch on Docks in Coal Harbour

This beautiful garden adjacent to Lost Lagoon contains many special and rare rhododendrons which were planted in the mid-60 when the Greigs donated more than 3,000 specialty rhododendrons and azalias. There are few rhododendrons in the city that match this mature collection of magnificent shrubs. The garden 's unique history can be read about in the Vancouver Sun article "Stanley Park's Gem of a Garden" at http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2013/08/19/stanley-parks-gem-of-a-garden/

The walk is through a lightly shaded area under mature trees and on packed bark mulch trails. There will be about 1 hour of walking. 

On our walk last year we saw glorious deep purple magnolia blooms, Koelreuteria with its long yellow racemes of flowers, Exbury hybrid azaleas, polygonatum and others in full booms amongst glorious 12’ rhododendrons. After the walk, we will drive over to Coal Harbour where we will have lunch down on the docks at the Mermaid Inn.

                      

28- Bokashi Composting

Composting is one of the most useful practices we can use, compost itself is worth gold. Come learn about "Bokashi Composting" which is a fast, easy and convenient way to produce compost.

 MAY 5-Iris and Tulips in Your Garden and Containers

Did you know that there are fragrant iris and that you can plant different varieties of tulips so that you have show of blooms from early to late Spring? Come join this session for an overview of these Spring flowers including choosing, planting and propagating. Tips on year ‘round care will be included.

May 12- Tricks and Tips for Getting the Most of Your Dahlias

There are many varieties of dahlias, from dwarf bedding types to 7' giant dahlias. Paula will lead a demonstration and discuss how to effectively lift and store dahlia tubers, correctly identify the point or "eye" of the dahlia tuber, how and when to plant, fertilize, stake, disbud and cultivate a beautiful dahlia cutting garden like the one we have planted adjacent to the Seniors Centre.

                 
     

May 19- “Roses, Roses, Roses”

Elaine Senft has been growing roses in her Deep Cove garden for almost 30 years and those who attend her talks always come away wanting to fill their gardens with roses! Come listen to Elaine share knowledge she has gained across time so you can have abundantly-blooming roses in your garden. We will get out into the garden to plant warm season vegetables.

May 26- "Bus Tour of Burnaby Nurseries Specializing in Flowers, Herbs & Vegetable Plants for your Garden and Patio" 

This was hugely popular last year.
First we go to W.I.G. Nursery which is gardeners’ sheer delight. They have spectacular 'green wall' displays, succulents, hanging baskets in amazing colour combinations and a variety of plants sure to inspire you. Their staff are most helpful, all plants ave signs with instructions to grow and prices are low. Join us for the pleasure of being surrounded by so many creative ideas and get all ready to kick start your gardening summer! Great place to buy presents i.e. little succulents as hostess gifts.
Next, just 3 blocks away, is Leong Greenhouse who carry a variety of hothouse vegetables like salsa plants and tiny eggplants. This is an educational opportunity to see new hybrid varieties that work in our climate. We can have our lunch on picnic tables across the street at the community gardens.
Finally a short drive to Hop On Farm who carry  transplants for 'Tumbling Tom' (perfect for a hanging basket) and 'Sweet 100' (super sweet) and ‘Sungold’ (sweet, tropical fruit flavour). We can also see their farm fields and buy their farm vegetables which are freshy picked and very reasonably priced. Remember to bring your lunch and drink, all 3 places take Visa as well as cash.

June 2- Field Trip to ‘Select Roses’ World Class, Award-winning Rose Breeder & Grower

A farm style nursery specializing in the hybridizing, naming and growing of beautiful garden roses. Many landscape designers in Greater Vancouver only use roses grown by Select Roses as they have been grown and tested for coastal B.C.  The long-blooming, floriferous and disease-free roses in our garden beds at the Seniors' Centre are all bred by Brad Jalbert, owner of Select Roses. 

June 9- Planting a Salsa Garden

It's warm enough that we can plant heat-loving tomatoes and peppers so we'll plant our salsa garden today.

June 16- 

Strawberry Social and Questions and Answers

Today we are going to sit back to enjoy each others’ company with strawberry shortcake as a treat. (We are hoping we can persuade Ingrid to make lavender syrup for the shortcake this year.) Share your gardening experiences (good and bad) and bring gardening questions for our Master Gardeners.   

June 23- Working in the Garden at the SAC. 

Please Join Us for another lovely day gardening together.

 

30- An Adventure with Succulents

Come join Ingrid Wray as she leads the group in an adventure with succulents. We will have a 10 to 15 minute talk on the various types and how they can be used in planting then create a succulent arrangement in a planter. If people want to create their own they can bring a shallow container from home and prepay $10 each to take home one. Ingrid will send out suggestions for the type and size closer to the time.  

JULY 7-"Bus Tour of Langley farms; Krause, JD Turkey and Bonetti Italian Farm Deli."

How wonderful to be out in the country and see fields of vegetables and berries. All three  of these farms are within 10 min. of each other so make for a great trip.
Krause Farm is our first stop and longest, they have fresh berries in season, as well as frozen. On site is their farm market, bakery and gift shop featuring unique local wares. For lunch we can order delicious homemade goodies or their famous waffles.
JD Turkey farm raises their own free-range turkey. The store features all turkey cuts as well as a variety of farm fresh deli foods.
Bonetti Deli sells locally raised farm meats. Their bacon and prosciutto are the best! Great selection of Italian cheeses all priced lower than we pay here in the city.

Famous Waffles at Krause Farm            

 We'll see:

 

14-Lavender Growing

A hardy plant for a Mediterranean type climate, the beautiful lavender has steadily grown in popularity as an ornamental perennial. Lavender farms and festivals are proliferating in the Pacific Northwest. The Sequim Valley Lavender Festival on the North Olympic Peninsula will be celebrating its 20th year in mid July and boasts having some plants that are over 25 years old. This presentation will cover the history of this amazing plant as well as tips for growing, harvesting, and use in cookery and as part of your herbal medicine cabinet.

21- The World of Hydrangeas

When gardeners think about hydrangeas, Barry Roberts comes to mind since these have been his passion. His passion became a home-based business with a glorious 1.5 acre display garden which includes "Barry's Blue", certainly the deepest blue hydrangea around. Barry reminds us "There is more to hydrangeas than showy mopheads!" so will take us through the extensive family of hydrangeas, the notable species and those 'must have' cultivars. Cultivation, pruning and propagation techniques will be explained with handouts for reference. www.heritagehydrangeas.com  

28- Work in the Garden 

August 4

Getting Fall and Winter Vegetables Started   

Our winter vegetable garden last year was extraordinary! 

Part of the excitement of planning a summer garden has always been pouring over your favourite seed catalogues during the dreary winter months. Should I plant this new plant? Would this flower liven up that dark spot in the garden? Is there a more disease resistant variety of veggie that I love but always have to struggle with every year?
Just think, now you can experience the joy of planning and choosing twice a year!
Come join us for a presentation on Fall/Winter Gardening. One of the new beds will be planted as a demonstration garden of what can be grown for late Fall/Winter harvest or over wintered for Spring harvest. We will go over the basics of this trendy and for us new gardening concept. There will be a brief presentation and then a round table discussion on tips on gardening for late harvest.     

August 11- Saving Seed from the Garden with the Chair of the VanDusen Seed Savers

There are many gardeners who do not want to buy from he large ag-chem businesses that dominate the seed industry and are only seed repackages that buy their seeds from growers in hot climates that use large levels of pesticides. Instead they buying seeds from small, local growers who grow sustainably and grow varieties suited to our climate. Saving our own seeds gives us seed perfectly suited to our gardens’ conditions when we save from the strongest plants and enables us to preserve old heritage varieties that the big seed businesses no longer carry.  We’ll learn the benefits of local seeds and how to save our own seeds. 

       

August 18 and 25- Seniors’ Activity Centre is Closed

                            THE SENIORS' CENTRE GARDEN CLUB

                            WARMLY INVITES YOU TO JOIN OUR GROUP                                 

2015 - A YEAR FULL OF GREAT ACTIVITIES 

January

Thursday, January 8

“How to Care For That Orchid You Got For Christmas”
Anna Kanz of the Vancouver Orchid Society will show us how to care for orchids to keep them healthy and reblooming. 

February 

March

Monday, March 9

"Tips & Tricks for Healthy Vegetables in Small Gardens"
Lifelong vegetable grower and gardening enthusiast Ryan Nassichuk will share some ideas for creating and maintaining lush, productive vegetable gardens. Ryan will present some of the tools, materials and techniques used in in nurturing the healthy soils that are the foundation of food growing success. In addition to digging deep into the soil, discussions will include selecting vegetable varieties, sowing seeds and thinning seedlings, watering, and weed control. Ryan owns Goosefoot Farms, located on Quadra Island.

This is the kick-off for the 2015 gardening season.

Thursday, March 19

"Let's Get Out into the Garden to Dig In The Winter Cover Crop and Choose What We'll Grow This Year"

 Gardens Start With Seeds- learn where seeds come from and who grows them, discuss he differences between vegetables that can be grown in cool weather or when weather warms up, and thumb through seed catalogues to find old favourites and unique new cultivars to grow at the Seniors' Centre. Then head out to dig in the winter rye cover crop. 


Monday, March 23

"Asian Garden Design in Vancouver"

1:30 – 2:30, Audio Visual Room

Bob Willmott and Hanye Wai (Master Gardeners) are noted experts in Asian garden design and docents of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden in Vancouver. They will give a presentation on the history, philosophy, cultural traditions and architectural significance of the Garden which is the first authentic representation of a Ming Dynasty garden built outside China. This talk will complement a tour to Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens in April. 

Thursday, March 26
"Blue Orchard Mason Bees" 

Insects are food for birds and small animals and provide important pollination in gardens and on farms.  Their declining  numbers have serious implications for whole ecosystems. Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) is the most shocking case of decline. This workshop will introduce us to the unique life cycle of our native Osmia lignaria- commonly called Mason Bees or Blue Orchard Bees- which are small, non-stinging bees, and address simple ways we can support declining numbers.  We will finish this workshop with participants each making a bee condo that they can take home to support BOB bee populations in their yards.

Thursday, April 2, “Planting Cool Season Vegetables”
Garden Club participants have the two large beds adjacent to the Seniors’ Centre to plant in this year. Two more beds are planned. This meeting will also be an opportunity for us to talk about activities we’d like to do with the garden club this year so please bring your ideas for activities, speakers and more.

Thursday, April 9, "Tour of Ted and Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden"

This beautiful garden adjacent to Lost Lagoon contains more than 3,00 plants; many are special and rare. After a walk through it during this time of peak bloom, we will walk over to Coal Harbour where we will have lunch down on the docks at the Mermaid Inn. Paths are flat, packed bark mulch and there will be approximately 1 1/2 hours of walking.

Thursday, April 16
"Attracting Beneficial Insects to Our Gardens" 
 Insects, butterflies and bees bring lovely movement and activity to our gardens and provide many valuable functions from pollinating to reducing numbers of insect pests. Heather Nielson, who is always on Vancouver gardeners' lists of favourite speakers, will be speaking on her favourite topic.

Wednesday, April 22
Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Garden Tour
This stunning garden is an authentic representation of Ming-Dynasty-era tradition and the first of its kind outside China. Be enchanted by the garden's winding paths, rocks, plants and beautiful vistas. The lecture in March complements this tour. 

Thursday, April 30 “Weaving with Invasive Plants”
Ivy, blackberries and flag irises are all plants that have been growing out of control and damaging ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest. While local weavers traditionally used cedar bark and grasses to weave, many are now using these invasive plants with beautiful results. Ingrid Wray (Master Gardener) will lead a workshop exploring the use of invasive plants in weaving. 

May

Wednesday, May 6
Field Trip to Free Spirit Nursery

Lambert & Marjanne Vrijmoed are award-winning garden designers and the owners of this special nursery. Join us for a tour of the nursery and their private gardens. Bring lunch for a picnic. 

Thursday, May 14

"Working in the Seniors’ Centre Garden Beds" 

Tuesday, May 19 Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop

Led by noted fruit tree expert Richard Hallman

Presented by West Vancouver Parks and Recreation for no charge

10-11 am - Lecture

11-12:30 pm – Hands-on pruning

This workshop will be led by Richard Hallman, P Ag. who is a noted professional horticulturalist and ISA certified arbourist specializing in fruit trees. He advises and teaches educational institutions, the Master Gardener program and in industry. http://richardhallman.ca/ After Richard’s presentation, participants will head outside to practice pruning on the fruit trees adjacent to the West Vancouver Seniors’ Activity Centre.

Thursday, May 21

“Crops in Pots”

Learn about the wide range of vegetables that can be grown in pots. Bring a container to plant cut-and-come-again salad greens to take home. 
Containers should ideally be 4" - 6" deep. The 6" wide x 12" long and 4" deep plastic 'clamshell' containers that spinach or greens are sold in are perfect. We will supply soil, seeds and fertilizer. 

Thursday, May 28
Guided Tour of VanDusen 
SAC member Marie Bruce is an experienced guide at VanDusen. She will lead our group through the Gardens with the eye of a passionate and knowledgeable gardener. 

June

Thursday, June 4

Planting Hanging Baskets
Master Gardener, Ingrid Wray, will lead her popular workshop. Participants will learn the secrets behind long-lasting, beautiful hanging baskets and participate in making baskets for the Seniors' Centre patio. Last year the Seniors' Centre hanging baskets were filled with tomatoes, lettuce, herbs and flowers, this year both edibles and flowers will be planted. 

Thursday, June 11 
"Working in the Seniors' Centre Garden Beds"

Thursday, June 18

"Circle Tour of Special Burnaby Nurseries”
Within a few short blocks are some great garden plant suppliers. We will visit WIG- Western Independent Greenhouses- which has always been a forward-thinking nursery- they were producing green walls and hanging baskets filled with succulents long before succulents became design-forward. While in this area, we will also visit Hop on Farms, a community garden and Leongs Nursery as time allows. These are places that in-the-know gardeners visit for special varieties and low prices.

Thursday, June 25

Rhododendrons'

Come learn about this West Coast garden favourite with rhododendron expert Joe Ronsley.

July

Thursday, July 2 Visit to Garden Club Members’ Gardens 

Our special get together. 

July 8
West Van Garden Club Strawberry Social
West Van Garden Club's monthly meetings with speakers, plant sales and dessert are a perfect complement to our in-the-dirt activities. We have been warmly invited to join them for their Strawberry Social. Members' gardens will be open for touring followed  by the Strawberry Social in a member's garden at 6:30 pm. We will carpool from the Centre. 


Thursday, July 9

Farm Tour to Krause Farms, JD Organic Turkey Farm and Botteli's Deli in Langley

Another exciting field trip from Rennie.
Because of the heat the raspberry picking season is finished but Krause farm has fresh berries for sale plus lots of farm goodies. Bring your own lunch, or buy a delicious waffle lunch at their Cafe. 

**The new garden beds are coming! We have scheduled a workshop on planting winter vegetables for July 16 when the beds are expected to be finished. 

July 16
Planting Winter Vegetables 

Many of us plant vegetables in spring, but with our mild climate our gardens can be kept productive for four more months when we plant in July. Sandra, Susan, Veronica and Mary will discuss when to plant, what cultivars to plant and send us home with excellent materials we can reference so we can plant high-yielding fall and winter gardens at home on patios or in garden beds. 

July 23

Working in Seniors Centre Garden Beds 

 

The garden attracts many passers-by and when we are out there we are often asked questions. Mary has made some signs for the garden to provide information on organic gardening and what we have growing. We will plant vegetables and a rose bed with disease-resistant and low-care roses bred by Brad Jalbert of Select Roses, Langley. These roses are regular and mini roses in shades of peach, pink and cream. Brad breeds award-winning roses so these are, of course, stunningly beautiful and scented. 

July 30
Field Trip to Waterfront Centre Rooftop Garden
The Waterfront Centre's 2,100 square foot rooftop garden was one of the first green roofs in Vancouver. Today it is full of fruit trees, herbs, vegetables, flowers, honeybee hives and Blue Orchard Mason Bee hives. 

              

August 6
'Working in the Seniors' Centre Garden Beds'

August 13
'Working in the Seniors' Centre Garden Beds' 

Centre Closed.

September 
Thursday, Sept 17.
"All About Apples" and "Apple Tasting like a Connoisseur"

Apples can be assessed just like wine. Join us to hear Shelagh Horner provide an in-depth look at the apples we can grow- history, features, cross pollination, diploids, triploids, grafting, pruning, and keeping trees healthy. Then participate in the fun of apple tasting; this can be done just like as wine connoisseurs evaluate wine.

Thursday, September 24.
'Seed Saving'
Kelly Smith is a gardener extraordinaire. To keep her garden overflowing with vegetables- for example she grew 600 tomato plants this year- she has learned many skills and gained many expert insights including seed saving. Many of us wish to save vegetable seeds so we are very pleased that Kelly will come to generously share her knowledge with us on this interesting topic. 

  

Activities for this club are planned by club members. We are all volunteers. We welcome suggestions for other speakers, workshops, field trips and garden-related activities.