Perhaps you have kids at home this summer and are looking for a way to get them outside and more connected to nature. Or maybe you are someone who is interested in gardening and could use a little inspiration and the chance to pick up some new skills.
No matter what your age or gardening experience level, Earthwise Society has the perfect workshop for you. Earthwise will be running two new education series this summer - one for aspiring young gardeners, and one for adults.
The children’s gardening program, called Earthwise Lil Sprouts Gardening Club, is a four-week series of fun-filled garden-themed workshops specifically designed for kids. Each workshop will include an interactive lesson, garden exploration, and a related hands-on activity to help kids develop a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship, local agriculture and the food they eat, the beauty of nature, and what they can do to help create a healthy and sustainable future.
Each week will cover a different theme.
The first week of Lil Sprouts introduces children to growing plants from seed, composting, and food gardening.
Week two explores the Power of Pollinators: why our pollinating friends are so important to us and what we can do to help them thrive.
The third week delves into the mysterious world of Plant Science, where kids will learn everything they ever wanted to know about plants- and more.
The series wraps up with a super fun mythical Magic in the Garden day, where kids will create their own magic wands, take part in a fantasy scavenger hunt, paint some magical rock creatures, and enjoy a special garden themed tea party where they will make iced tea with ingredients fresh from the garden!
The Lil Sprouts Garden Club runs on July 13, 20, 27 and Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to noon.
For adults itching to get into the garden and grow their knowledge this summer, Earthwise is offering four separate interactive workshops using the beautiful Earthwise Garden as an outdoor classroom.
If you have ever wondered how to extend your growing season later into the fall and winter, the first workshop will show you how to plan and plant now for your late season harvests, using the brand new Demonstration Food Garden plots as an example.
The second workshop is all about composting. Learn why it’s important for healthy soils, and how to get the best results from your home composting system.
August workshops will focus on urban biodiversity. Late summer and fall are especially critical times to provide forage for pollinators, and the first August workshop will explore the pollinator gardens at Earthwise and help you select plants for your own pollinator gardens at home. The final workshop will discuss the beauty and benefits of native plants. Many plants that are indigenous to the Pacific Northwest will not only beautify your landscapes, but also contribute to the health of our local ecosystems. Get some local inspiration for your gardens!
Adult workshops will run from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, July 10 and 24, and from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursdays, Aug. 12 and Aug. 26.
For more information about the workshops, and to register, visit: www.earthwisesociety.bc.ca and email [email protected].
