Comox Valley Horticultural Society

Project Watershed AGM on June 22nd

The 2024 Annual General Meeting will featuring a talk on Native Bees by Marika Ai-Li, Project Watershed’s Restoration & Monitoring manager. There will be bee focused resources and information available plus sweet treats, fruits and refreshments. see link below for more information or to register (required)

https://projectwatershed.ca/2024/05/09/project-watersheds-2024-agm-will-be-the-bees-knees/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2g8WIZtIVKceGGYSzwqKT9Cb_ZxooBkdBVqbE3ewpp0W_h4vjmU22R4MU_aem_AU93Nxc8aDOCpck3rOlus2SFnbGDdH39uUnzhXJtupdmGTDE-vV0_3MVHJnOUG5mq-Nz9CvpwAwa54UZfx_DCUn5

Project Watershed's 2024 AGM will be the Bee's Knees! Join us on June 22nd for our 2024 Annual General Meeting, featuring a talk on Native Bees by Marika Ai-Li, our Restoration & Monitoring manager. We will have bee focused resources and information. Sweet treats, fruits and refreshments will also be on offer.

May 27, 2024 Meeting with Speaker Paul Spriggs – Cracks and Crevices, The Art of Rock and Crevice Gardening

Paul delivered a wonderfully passionate and energetic talk at our last meeting and we are sure he inspired many members to try their hand at some form of rock gardening.

According to Paul, the reason why crevice gardens are so popular is due to both aesthetic and horticultural reasons—they are beautiful interpretations of nature and the inherent conditions grow alpine plants best.

To learn a bit about a local-ish crevice garden in Port Townsend that Paul was involved with building that includes a 50 second high speed video on the build, click here: https://farreachesbotanicalconservancy.org/OurProjects/FRBC-Crevice-Garden.html

To see Paul create a crevice garden in a hypertufa trough that includes lots of how to’s and design ideas, here is an excellent YouTube video from September 2021: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7btxnqq9Q5c

And if you still want more, here is a link to the Modern Crevice Garden Facebook private group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/541257502904728

We hope to have Paul’s slide presentation soon and will post it to our Forum then.

And finally, if you are interested in learning more, Paul has recently published the book ‘The Crevice Garden – How to make the perfect home for plants from rock places’ which is available on-line.

Thank you again, Paul, for such an excellent presentation!








Modern Crevice Gardens
Paul Spriggs

Send a message to learn more

Open Garden Tour, Courtenay - May 25, 2024

Our latest Open Garden Tour took place at a garden that began its transformation five years ago from crushed gravel, grass, and a couple of beds with wormy potatoes and mint into a truly gorgeous oasis. It contained many beautiful plant combinations that were repeated throughout the space making this garden very cohesive and non-‘higgledy piggledy’. The use of rocks, both large and small, added a wonderful anchoring element to the beds. A huge thank you to the homeowner for sharing her fabulous garden with us…and for being present to answer our many questions!

If you’re interested in ways to use rock in your garden, our next CVHS meeting will feature speaker Paul Spriggs, who will talk about rock and crevice gardening. See link for more information: https://comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/2023/12/06/may-27-2024-the-art-of-rock-and-crevice-gardening/

Another wonderful sounding event:

Stellar Raven Ecological Farm is hosting a Native Plant Garden Event with the support of BC Nature and Comox Valley Naturalists Society. The event takes place on June 15th from 10am to 6pm and will feature tours of pollinator and carbon sequestration gardens.
There will be gardeners on hand to answer your questions about the merits of gardening with native plants, and how to convert a grassy lawn into a native meadow. As well, some native grasses and flowering plants that fit the bill for carbon sequestration will be available.

The world urgently needs ways to keep carbon out of the atmosphere, and to build food security for a rapidly growing global population. Soil can do both.
Building up soil carbon can help cut greenhouse gas concentrations in the air. This also improves soil quality in many ways: it gives soil structure, stores water and nutrients that plants need and feeds vital soil organisms.
Growing deep rooted and long lived native grasses and flowering plants helps to build back organic soils and sequester carbon.
These native plants are also attractive to insects and birds, which will in turn control garden pests. Native grasses and perennials are adapted to local climate and soils, and require less care and watering once established. They provide sugar-filled nectar and protein-rich pollen for beneficial insects like local butterflies and wild bees.

Don't miss this opportunity to become part of a wider group of gardeners working to support native pollinators and benefit our environment in the valley.

Stellar Raven Ecological Farm is at
3177 Kentwood Road, Courtenay, BC
Book your garden tour (starting May 25th) .ca/events

Open Garden Tour, Crown Isle – May 19, 2024

We were treated to two Open Garden Tours this weekend. This garden was created completely from scratch nine years ago. It featured a narrow strip of grass and an amazing array of beautiful, thickly planted shrubs, flowers (including foxtail lilies and camassias) and trees along a winding path with surprises around every corner. There was a Koi pond, raised vegetable beds an d espaliered fruit trees. Even though this garden is part of the large Crown Isle subdivision, it felt extremely private and like a world unto its own.

Open Garden Tour, Drought Resistant Garden – May 19, 2024

We were treated to two Open Garden Tours this weekend. This garden began a renovation in the spring of 2020 to a drought resistant alternative to lawn, with pollinator and bird attracting native plants. There were even some before photos that showed what a complete transformation occurred. Of special note was the beautiful woolly thyme carpet in the back yard. It was just beginning to flower and the bees were very happy. The homeowner also made use of the fallen oak leaves for a thick and nutritious layer of mulch. The garden truly demonstrated that it is possible to have a beautiful space using little water—which may be a lesson we all need to learn in future years.

2024 Denman Island Home and Garden Tour (June 15th and 16th) – Tickets Now on Sale

A wonderful event coming up! From the folks organizing the tour:

Step into a world of natural beauty and architectural wonders at the Denman Island Home & Garden Tour, a cherished tradition since 1992. Designed to support the Denman Conservancy Association, this biennial event promises an extraordinary journey through 12 unique homes and gardens, each telling a story of conservation and creativity. From beachfront cottages to lush hobby farms, each property offers a unique glimpse into the Island's natural beauty and creative spirit.

Among the notable landmarks is the legendary botanical haven of Sandy and Des Kennedy, revered in numerous television broadcasts, literary works, and periodicals. This famed sanctuary stands as a testament to the back-to-the-land ethos, which attracted urban exiles to the shores of Denman Island in the 1970s. Also commemorated in print is “Mossy Hollow” the home of Bee Balm, featured in Lloyd Kahn’s book, Builders of the Pacific Coast.

Take leisurely strolls through cascading gardens, serene ponds, and wooded ravines, encountering rustic abodes nestled amidst ferns and forests, as well as modern dwellings showcasing self-sustainability with solar panels, water conservation systems, and beachfront decks. Experience hobby farms that champion sustainability and craftsmanship, complete with workshops, historic barns, ponds, and solar energy solutions.

Become enchanted by the beauty and creativity of log homes adorned with stained glass, local artwork, orchards, gardens, saunas, and lychgates. Lose yourself in the charm of renovated cottages boasting tranquil geodesic domes, gardens brimming with herbs and fruit trees, and modern kitchens overlooking backyard havens with hot tubs.

Don't let this opportunity slip away! Secure your tickets today and embark on a journey celebrating the splendor, innovation, and unique island spirit of Denman Island. Whether you're a local resident or a curious visitor, we look forward to welcoming you to the 2024 Denman Island Home and Garden Tour!

See further details on our interactive map at: denmanconservancy.org/tour

The Tour runs June 15th and 16th, 9am to 4pm. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased on-line or at various venues: Garden Works (Courtenay), Denman Hardware (Denman Island), Hornby Gas Bar (Hornby Island), KenDoor (Qualicum), Cultivate (Parksville), Weinberg’s (Buckley Bay), Blue Heron Books (Comox)

Cyclists: organizers would like to see cyclists take over the Island during this event, so as an incentive, there will be a free draw for those riding on the tour, to win a basket of prizes. In the past, we’ve had over 100 cyclists. To enter the cyclists’ draw, simply enter your name at the Arts Centre in downtown Denman Island.

CVHS Virtual Garden Chores: Garden Pruning Tools

For new gardeners, or gardeners looking to augment their pruning tool collection, we have a new Garden Chores video that describes the most important tools needed to round out your stash. The video is narrated by our very experienced and long time CVHS member, Frank. To view this short but informative 4-video-minute video, please click the following link. https://youtu.be/jVv3L42pZxo

Basic Pruning Tools Learn about the basic tools needed for pruning most garden trees or shrubs. This is a short but informative talk with one of our long-time members, Frank.

Open Garden Tour – April 28, 2024

Many visitors enjoyed Joan’s beautiful woodland garden today. There was a very large variety of beautiful plants packed into every square inch…and zero lawn. Camassia, Epimedium, Species Tulips, Anemone, Euphorbia, Daphne, Erythronium, Bergenia, Kerria, Camellia, Brunnera, Helleborus and a gigantic Honeysuckle were some of the recognized plants…..most in flower. Thank you so much Joan for opening your garden!

Soil Building Workshop With Arzeena Hamir – April 7, 2024

We had a great turnout of 19 people in attendance for this very productive workshop. Arzeena showed participants how to transition grass, weedy patches or just an area with poor soil, into a nutrient-rich planting bed.

Many thanks to Arzeena for the excellent workshop and also to Vancouver Island Enterprises who donated the fabulous-looking compost (note that VIA gives a 10% discount to CVHS members).

Creating a Cutting Garden Workshop – March 23, 2024

Many thanks to Sherry for leading such an informative and well received workshop this past Saturday.

Participants learned about all aspects of creating their cutting garden—including site selection, soil, colour choices, adding foliage and so much more. All participants went home with two containers of planted seeds that were suitable for a cutting garden—including the very important greenery part that many cutting gardens lack. Bells of Ireland, Burpleurum rotundifolium. Cosmos, and Nigella were just some of the seeds used. We even enjoyed some home-made cookies and tea and coffee from our wonderful host, Sherry.

Here are a few photos from this very informative and useful workshop.

Virtual Gardening Series from Vancouver Island Regional Library

Since 2021, VIRL has partnered with the Vancouver Island Master Gardener’s Association on the popular Virtual Gardening Series. It’s an opportunity for the public to learn from volunteer Master Gardeners, who use current, science-based horticultural knowledge and integrated pest management practices to ensure the advice they offer exemplifies environmentally responsible practices and stewardship. It’s also a chance for people to ask questions of the experts in real time.

Virtual Gardening Series events are happening all year long. If you can’t make a session they record each one so you can rewatch your favourites or catch up on any that you’ve missed. See the link to see all that is offered.

Upcoming sessions:

April 8, 2024: Flowering Perennials - everything you wanted…

May 6, 2024: Salad Greens All Year Long

June 3, 2024: Shade Plants and Shrubs

All sessions are from 6:30-8pm

https://virl.bc.ca/learn/skills/gardening/virtual-gardening/

Virtual Gardening Series - Vancouver Island Regional Library Virtual Gardening Series Since 2021, we have partnered with the Vancouver Island Master Gardener’s Association on the wildly popular Virtual …

March 18, 2024 Meeting with Speaker Janelle Gardner -- Camassias: Here & There, Then & Now

We were treated to a fabulous talk regarding the history of camassias (camas) last night—from how the early fields of Garry oak meadows that contained masses of camassias were forever changed following the arrival of Europeans in the 1800’s, to present day UK, where the camassia is very prevalent in many gardens. Janelle described a recent vacation in the UK where she noticed the abundance of camassias in many public gardens. This is in complete contrast to our local gardens where they are in very short supply—even though the plant is native to this area. It was a very fascinating talk, following the history of this beautiful member of the asparagus family and included information on how to grow this pollinator-friendly plant—both from seed or by purchasing in plant form.

Janelle advised that seeds are available for purchase from Satinflower Nursery Satinflower Nurseries: Native Plants, Seeds & Consultingin Victoria. Bulbs are available from various sources—including Streamside Nursery in Bowser Streamside Native Plants. For instructions on how to grow from seed, you can visit www.klamathsiskiyouseeds.com

As well as Janelle’s excellent talk, we also enjoyed this first-of-the-season, in-person meeting with the members’ plant sale, free seeds, $5 book sale, the Master Gardener information table, and the wonderful door prize winners who went home with camassia plants.

Today is National Learn About Butterflies Day

These Western Tiger Swallowtails are a joy to watch in the garden and they just love these Dianthus barbatus (Sweet William). A few ways to encourage butterflies to visit your garden are to provide a water source, plant plants they love (some examples include wooly sunflower, Canada goldenrod, and Douglas aster) and don’t clean up garden debris too soon (they often overwinter in chrysalis form)—wait till the temperature is consistently above 10C.

To learn more about these beautiful pollinators, you can visit The Butterflyway Project, a volunteer-led movement organized by the David Suzuki Foundation. https://davidsuzuki.org/take-action/act-locally/butterflyway/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwwMqvBhCtARIsAIXsZpa3-Lzmsm-8yh4qieufULYZ3X1-UJnV2KwQu04ruVTYT2r9psiBiP8aAgkfEALw_wcB

New ‘Garden Matters’ Post! Seed Sharing in the Comox Valley

Wonderful timing for this new article about seed sharing on our website. Our fabulous volunteer, Janelle, recently interviewed Tryna. the ‘host’ of Comox’s Gone to Seed Little Library.

Whether you are new to seed starting or an old hand at seed saving, little libraries are a great way to share the gardening love around our community. Below are a few seed libraries in our area:

• The Burrow Homestead: 2800 Maryport, Cumberland
• Farmed and Foraged: 2675 Piercy Avenue, Courtenay
• Bibliojardin: 1056 Galloway Crescent, Courtenay
• Lush Valley: 2342 Rosewall Crescent, Courtenay
• Courtenay Elementary: 1540 McPhee Avenue, Courtenay
• Lush Valley-Exhibition Grounds: 4839 Headquarters Road, Courtenay
• Gone to Seed: 1670 Robb Avenue, Comox
• Reading Thyme: 2139 Murrelet Drive, Comox
• VI Regional Library Cumberland Branch: 2724 Dunsmuir, Cumberland
• VI Regional Library Courtenay Branch: 300-6th Street, Courtenay

Seed Sharing in the Comox Valley Visit the post for more.

Using Coffee Grounds in Your Garden

Over the years, there have been many pro and con messages circulated about the benefits (or not) of using coffee grounds in your garden. Oregon State University (OSU), a trustworthy source, has written an article on how to appropriately reap the benefits of this abundant resource!

According to OSU, spent coffee grounds (used in the correct amount) can be both a soil amendment or a compost ingredient. OSU also states that “even though coffee grounds provide minor amounts of potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium and very minor amounts of iron, copper, manganese and zinc, these nutrients aren’t supplied in sufficient quantity to satisfy plant needs. Coffee grounds are best at improving soil. As the coffee grounds feed the soil microbes, microbial glues are released that promote good soil structure and improve drainage.”

One further benefit from this most popular drink: liquid coffee acts as an effective slug killer! OSU’s research shows that a coffee drench (1-part water to 2-parts of strongly brewed coffee) caused 100% of slugs to leave the treated soil and subsequently die of caffeine poisoning. A coffee solution (9-parts water to 1-part brewed coffee) can also be applied to foliage to reduce slug feeding (test this out first on a sample area).

The full article (including how to make a coffee soil drench) is linked, below

https://today.oregonstate.edu/news/used-appropriately-coffee-grounds-improve-soil-and-kill-slugs

Used appropriately, coffee grounds improve soil and kill slugs CORVALLIS, Ore. – The most consumed drink in the world has more benefits than just keeping us awake. Spent coffee grounds can be used as a soil amendment and compost ingredient, while liquid coffee acts as an effective slug killer. According to various sources, between 400 billion to 1 trillion cu...

February 26, 2024 Zoom Meeting with Speaker Joan Wynden – Spring Beauties: Deer Resistant and Drought Tolerant Selections

We had a feast for the eyes at our Zoom meeting last night. Joan had many gorgeous photos of her suggestions for deer resistant and drought tolerant plants. She began her talk with this warning: Although ‘deer resistant’ doesn’t necessarily mean deer proof…ever…if your plants have a fuzzy texture, sharp thorny foliage or are highly aromatic, they likely won’t be attractive to deer.

Here is a list of plants, along with a few notes, that Joan recommends for your garden.

• Allium: These are amazing plants that have tough constitutions. They thrive in almost any well-drained soil. They multiply, come in a broad palette of colours, heights and forms. They also make excellent cut flowers with strong stems. They are very drought tolerant (prefer dry soil) and no have serious diseases or pests that bother them. A great butterfly and pollinator flower.

• Snowdrop: Snowdrops are very happy in the shade, unlike most bulbs which prefer full sun.

• Botanical or Species Tulip: While deer love the modern, hybrid tulips, Species (or Botanical) tulips are much less attractive to them. And they also naturalize, unlike ‘normal’ tulips. They are smaller and have a longer bloom time.

• Fritillaria: Reliable rebloomers and they have a smell, which Joan thinks deter the deer.

• Narcissus (Daffodil): Many ‘fancy’ varieties some of which are double blooms. Pretty but not that pollinator friendly.

• Iris reticulata: Late winter bloomer, fragrant, pollinator friendly and naturalizes well.

• Iris x hollandica (Dutch Iris): Good cut flower, blooms in May, naturalizes.

• Iris pumila (Dwarf Bearded): May blooms about 12” tall.

• Iris siberica (Siberian Iris): Extremely drought tolerant, good cut flowers.

• Hyacinth: Very fragrant, forces well but must undergo a period of cold stratification.

• Muscari latifolium (Grape Hyacinth): Naturalizes well.
• Scilla (Squill): Beautiful in swaths.

• Chionodoxa forbesii (Glory of the Snow): Has naturalized in many places in the Valley.

• Camassia (Camas): PNW native very prominent in First Nations culture.

• Anemone: Some corms produce up to 30 blooms per season. Industry leaders describe them as the ‘workhorse of the garden’.

• Epimedium hubridium: A ‘bullet proof’ plant that thrives in dry shade. Flowers are very delicate-looking. Joan recommends cutting back last year’s foliage when plant is in bloom so flowers can be seen.

• Gladiolus communis subsp. Byzantinus (Byzantine gladiolus): Hardier but less showy than hybrid gladiolas. Blooms in May.

• Eremurus ruiter (Foxtail Lily): Although these are perennials, sometimes they are short lived.

Some photos are below--many more were shared with us—it was a lovely presentation. Thanks so much Joan!

Note: Joan will be attending Comox Valley’s Seedy Saturday on March 2, 2024 and will have many of these plants for sale through her business Gardenlore https://gardenlore.ca/

Clematis Pruning

Did you inherit a clematis and have no idea if it’s a Type I, 2 or 3 aka A, B or C? Or are you just not sure, in general, how to prune your vine? Here is some great, very simple advice from Minter Country Garden:

"Looking for a simple method to follow for clematis?

• For clematis that bloom in late summer, cut them back now by about 75% or to about 1-2’ above the ground.

• For clematis that bloom twice in a season, cut them back by about 33%.

• For clematis that bloom before June, leave them be, otherwise you’ll be cutting off this season’s flowers (typically they need little pruning, but if you need to trim it, do it after the vine finishes blooming)."

New ‘Garden Matters’ Post! Rain Gardening in the Comox Valley

Our wonderful volunteer, Janelle Gardner, has just posted a new article to the Garden Matters area of the CVHS website. The article describes the benefits of rain gardens and how gardeners can be stewards of our waterways and ecosystems.

“Improving the water that flows within a city creates a ripple effect (pun intended!) to the rest of the ecosystem,” Keri DeTore and Zsofia Pasztor, authors of “Rain Gardens for the Pacific Northwest: Design and Build Your Own”








Project Watershed

Rain Gardening in the Comox Valley Visit the post for more.

We (CVHS) will have a booth at this wonderful event, selling aprons and memberships. Please come out and support the Comox Valley Gardening Community!

African Violet – Houseplant of the Year

The National Garden Bureau has named the African violet as its houseplant of the year for 2024. And no wonder. Some reasons to grow this easy care, rewarding plant are:

• African violets have been known to live for as long as 50 years.
• With the right care, African violets will bloom nearly all year round.
• There are few other plants that flower as well in low-light conditions as the African violet.

Following these few ground rules should provide you with beautiful blooms for many years:

• Don’t overwater. The easiest way to provide water is to set the pot in a bowl of room-temperature water, 1-inch deep when the plant is dry (try once a week).
• Provide enough light but not too much. This usually can be provided by placing the plant in windows with bright light but no direct sunlight.
• Maintain room temperature between18C and 21C. Day temperatures can be 10 degrees warmer. Higher humidity is also a bonus (making African violets an excellent choice for a bathroom plant).

For lots more information, see ‘Violets 101’ here: https://africanvioletsocietyofamerica.org/learn/violets-101/

CVN Trees of the Year 2024 Nominations Now Open:

(Repost to include correct email on photo)

Comox Valley Nature's Trees of the Year event is open for tree nominations February 1 to March 31, 2024. Do you know of a tree that deserves special recognition? Are you keen to help raise awareness in the benefits of trees and their protection? Nominate a tree and share its story. Find more info and a nomination form at: https://comoxvalleynaturalist.bc.ca/nominate-a-tree-2024-toty/

Happy Holidays from your friends at the Comox Valley Horticultural Society! …and a gift idea for the gardener …

We have a year full of great events planned for 2024, starting with our January Zoom meeting with the always enjoyable Brian Minter, who will discuss what’s new and exciting for our 2024 gardens. Other planned speakers/topics during the year include: Janelle Collette (A Case for Camassias), Harry Burton (Introduction to Grafting), Richard Bernier (House Plants), Linda Gilkeson (Resilient Gardens for a Changing Climate), and Thierry Vrain (Soils).

If you are in need of a gift for a gardener, or aspiring gardener, please consider a year’s membership in the CVHS—prices remain at $20 for an individual, $30 for a family (no inflation or shinkflation here!). The benefits of membership are many: newsletters, interesting meetings including speakers, plants sales and contests, our on-line gardening Forum, and discounts at select gardening-related businesses. We are also planning more of the ever-popular Open Garden Tours (last year we held 10!).

To find out more, or to purchase, please visit: Membership | Comox Valley Horticultural Society (comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca).

Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season!

Wreath Making at Santa’s Workshop

We had an excellent day with two sessions of wreath making. Big thanks to Nina, our creative advisor, and our two lovely workshop organizers, June and Sonia.

November 20, 2023 Zoom Meeting with Speaker Ben Weiss – All About Mulch

Many thanks to Ben for his excellent talk about mulches. While his research concerns hydromulch, a very promising, earth-friendly mulch for potential use in commercial operations, he also shared some excellent information about mulches that the home gardener can use. Some interesting topics discussed include:

• If you are building a garden bed from scratch, consider using the Hügelkultur method (which uses a great deal of mulch). Start with large branches, top with soil, then layer with smaller and smaller compostable plant materials. The gradual decay of this biomass will be a consistent source of long-term nutrients. There are many articles about Hügelkultur available on the Web--here is just one: https://www.permaculture.co.uk/articles/the-many-benefits-of-hugelkultur/

• Ben’s favourite mulch is cacao hulls. When spread, it grows a fungal mat between the hulls that most weeds can’t pe*****te. As well, its smells like chocolate when it rains! If anyone knows of a local source for cacao hulls, we would appreciate your input in the Comments area below.

• Don’t create a mulch volcano around a tree trunk (when mulch is placed around and up the base of a tree trunk covering the bark and root flare). This will eventually kill your tree by permanently shading and keeping the base of the tree in constant contact with moisture allowing for rot, bacterial and fungal infections. It can also cause root girdling that could cut into the tree cambium layer—which, if severed around the trunk circumference, will eventually kill your tree. Follow the ‘3-3-3 Rule’: Spread a 3-inch layer of mulch in a 3-foot donut around the tree making sure to leave at least 3-inches between the mulch and tree stem.

We wish Ben much luck in his further study of this important subject of organic hydromulch. Ben’s presentation can be viewed via our Forum here (non members can also view): https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/november-20-2023-zoom-meeting-with-speaker-ben-weiss-all-about-mulch/1519