Ask the Coach

Ask the Coach

Urban Oasis will be at BC Women's home show and sale, where Sandra Nelson will answer your gardening questions.

October 4th & 5th

Pearkes Recreation Centre

3100 Tillicum Rd

Victoria, BC

GMO Free Vancouver Island ?

I was at a Greendrinks event last night, and was made aware of a movement to make Vancouver Island GMO free. I think this is a very important safegaurd for the worlds food supply, and have noted other Islands around the world also looking toward this kind of action. If you would like to read more, click on the title to link to a full article, and further comments.
Sandra

Kingsbrae Gardens 10yr Anniversary

Kingsbrae Gardens was started 10 years ago as a way to give back to St. Andrews by some wealthy long-time residents. Today it is a sprawling much-loved 27-acre estate distinguished by its sense of humour. Story by Kate Wallace.

http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/salon/article/338412

Lily Show

Stop by the Lily Show this weekend, then take in some Sidney by the Sea Canada day festivities.


North American Lily Society, Inc.presents 61st Annual International Lily Conference and Show "Seaside Scentsation"
on 2 - 6 July 2008
hosted byThe Victoria Lily SocietyatMary Winspear Centre2243 Beacon AvenueSidney, British Columbia V8L 1W9

http://members.shaw.ca/lilynet/viclil/

Summer

What happened to Spring?

The weather hasn't cooperated, but the flowers held up their part of the bargain. Spring bulbs have bowed out, and the summer show is taking the stage.

Another signpost of summer is the appearance of my Arisaema in the shade border. This unusual specimen remains dormant winter through Spring, suddenly appearing with the warmth.

I know it's Summer because in my yard the blooms of the bearded Iris tell me so. I was recently told they are grandma flowers, as are Oriental poppies.... hmmfff, I love mine!

Both these flowers are great examples how nature can make something spectacular from nothing.

The ground my beardies, and poppies grow in is dry and scrappy, yet these plants coax enormous luxuriant blooms from it. Froo froo, or exotic I can't walk by them without pausing to take in their beauty.