Speakers/Meetings - 2024
January 11, 2024 at 7:30 PM – Linda Gilkeson: Resilient Gardens in a Changing Climate
In-Person meeting - Speaker via Zoom
Linda spoke to our club in March 2022 on Where have all the insects gone, and we are pleased to welcome her back again. Linda’s comprehensive gardening book, Backyard Bounty: The Complete Guide to Year-Round Organic Gardening in the Pacific Northwest, became a BC best seller and has just been republished in a new, considerably expanded edition. She continues to self-publish books for local gardeners, most recently Resilient Gardens: Pollinator Gardens, Garlic Diseases, Pest Update. As a private consultant, Linda is a regular instructor in the Master Gardener programs in BC and is busy year around giving workshops on pest management and organic gardening. Linda has served as President of the Entomological Society of Canada, the Professional Pest Management Association of BC, the Entomological Society of BC and the Salt Spring Island Garden Club.
February 8, 2024 at 7:30 PM - Abigail Hyde of Satinflower Nurseries - Planting for Pollinators
In-person meeting - Speaker via Zoom
Abby from Satinflower Nurseries will speak about the importance of native plants with particular attention paid to their ability to restore and enhance habitat within the urban context.
Satinflower Nurseries is a native plant and seed nursery that inspires and empowers people to connect with nature through native plants. They grow plants and produce seed native to a variety of habitats in the Victoria area, including meadows, woodlands, forests, wetlands, beaches and more.
Please join us to hear how we as individuals can convert our properties into pollinator-friendly landscapes and how native plants restore biodiversity
March 14, 2024 at 7:30 PM - Joan McLeod: Flora of the Arctic- How do Plants Adapt to this Environment
In-Person meeting
Many people think of the Arctic as either white or a barren expanse. On several trips to the Arctic, Joan has discovered that it can be very colourful and provide extensive food items for wildlife and humans. She has learned from various experts that plants have many ways to adapt to their environments in what we might consider inhospitable circumstances. Joan is a Program Coordinator for the Capilano Garden Club and an avid gardener for many years. She has taken 2 trips to the Arctic, Greenland & Labrador. Joan will provide a delightful presentation of photos she took during those trips as she unlocks the mystery of flora survival in harsh conditions.
April 11, 2024 at 7:30 PM - Jason Croutch of Fraser Valley Rose Farm - Growing Great Roses
In-person meeting
Jason will debunk the myth that roses are difficult to grow, showing instead how straightforward it can be with the right guidance. He'll cover topics such as selecting robust varieties, preparing the ideal planting site, and the basics of fertilization, watering, and pruning. Plus, he'll introduce companion planting to naturally boost your garden's health and aesthetics. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this talk will provide valuable tips to help your roses thrive, proving that these beautiful plants can be a simple addition to any garden.
May 9, 2024 - a tour of some of our members' gardens - a members-only event
June 13, 2024 at 7:30 PM - Anastasia Dushnya - Creating an All Season Herb Garden
In-person meeting
Ana is a botanical pharmacology specialist with more than 12 years of experience in pharmaceuticals and knowledge of European Medicinal plants. She has a Masters of Science in Pharmacology.
July 11, 2024 - Summer Social - a members-only event
September 12, 2024 at 7:30 PM - Lorelle Oldford-Down - Containers and Small Spaces
In-person meeting
October 10, 2024 at 7:30 PM - Rosie Daykin - Evolution of the Side Garden
In-person meeting
November 14, 2024 at 7:30 PM - Annual General Meeting - a members-only event
In-person meeting
My garden is my most beautiful masterpiece - Claude Monet