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 21st St., West
Vancouver
ACTIVITIES AND REGISTRATION Registration is done online with Seniors' Activity Centre activities at activewestvanrec
The front desk at the Seniors' Activity Centre
ACTIVITIES AND REGISTRATION
If you search for "garden" activities, our talks and field trips will come up.
E-NEWSLETTER
If you search for "garden" activities, our talks and field trips will come up.
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
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
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
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
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!
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.
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:
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.
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.
Sunday, June 23, MGs' North Shore Garden Tour, 12:00-4:00
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
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.
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
Code: 56370 Members: $12.00 Non-members: $22.00
Aug 8, Conway Lum,
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
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
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.
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
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
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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 9th 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 16th 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 23rd 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 30th 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 6th 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 13TH 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 20TH 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 27th 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 4TH 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 12TH 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 18TH 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 25TH 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.
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 1ST 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 8TH ROCKERY AND CREVICE GARDENING Speaker: Gordon MacKay
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 8TH 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 15TH 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 22ND 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 29TH 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 6TH 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 13TH 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 20TH 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 27TH 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 
PLANTING HANGING BASKETS WITH FLOWERS
PICKING HERBS AND 'TUMBLER' TOMATOES FROM HANGING BASKETS
Going on Field Trips
2016 Activities:
March 21-
Water-wise Gardening
March 24-
How to Fill Your Yard with Vegetables
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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"
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.
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.
"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.
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
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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"
"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.
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
**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
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.
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
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.
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.
'Working in the Seniors' Centre Garden Beds'
August 13
'Working in the Seniors' Centre Garden Beds'
Centre Closed.
"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.
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.
