Mixing it up in the Urban Garden: BEYOND BEAUTY. A one day Gardening Conference

Building ecosystems doesn’t have to mean sacrificing aesthetics or functionality – rather it goes beyond beauty to unlock new opportunities to create greener, more sustainable spaces that improve our resilience to a changing climate.

Every small patch of green helps to create and protect habitat for plants, insects, animals and humans; however, some simple actions can be taken to enhance these spaces.

The Victoria Master Gardeners have invited five speakers who will present practical ways to ensure each yard, patio, or balcony in our area is designed to create and maintain biodiversity while still retaining its beauty.

Speakers Include:

Dr. Doug Tallamy, well know author of ‘Nature’s Best hope’, will focus on the concept of Homegrown National Park (HNP): a national challenge to create diverse ecosystems in our yards, communities, farms, and surrounding lands by reducing lawn, planting natives, and removing invasives.

Heidi Hitchcock’s presentation will focus on landscaping with a variety of native and non-native plants that nurture the ecosystem while still “creating small moments of beauty and interest.”

Maria Valana will walk attendees through the fundamentals of mindfully growing strong, healthy plants from seed – from deciphering the seed package to nurturing vulnerable seedlings in the garden.

Dr. Brian Starzomski will use his BC Parks Citizen Science Project to highlight how to participate in Citizen Science iNaturalist Projects; how this information is used to inform policy or to further research; how gardeners can set up their own Citizen Science Projects to collect information on biodiversity; and how such a project can be used to inform gardening decisions.

Dr. Tom Smiley will discuss how urban trees are vital to the health of our communities. These treasures are prone to a variety of problems including water stress and soil compaction. He will provide information about the extent of these issues; and describe methods to improve the health of the trees in our cities.

Plus! – A silent auction and many local garden supply vendors to help you kick off the 2025 gardening season in style!

Others Details

Category: Community | Gardening / Horticultural