Agriculture workshops

Take one workshop or sign up for a series of workshops. 

Climate-adapted Growing Series

Xeriscaping

Course ID: HGXG 001

Join Bernie Dinter to learn all about xeriscaping, landscaping that reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation. Bernie will discuss plant selection and management techniques that will enable you to create a healthy and resilient garden in a changing climate.

Next workshop date to be announced.
Fee: $20 + GST

Irrigation Design

Course ID: HGTL 001

Would you like to improve the efficiency of the irrigation system in your home garden or small farm? In this course, you will learn how to select and design a system based on your water supply, crops, soil type, drainage and the local environment. This will help you to use only the water that you need for your crops. This will be a hands-on workshop that will include a tour of the systems in place at Providence Farm.
 
Next workshop date to be announced.
Fee: $30 + GST

Rainwater Capture and Storage

Course ID: HGOL 004

Are you interested in learning to harvest and store rainwater for use in your garden or on your farm? In response to escalating water demands exacerbated by fluctuating supplies and increasingly severe weather patterns, rainwater harvesting emerges as a vital alternative water source in our region. This presentation offers an introductory exploration of rainwater harvesting, delving into fundamental concepts, design principles, regulatory considerations, and optimal approaches for small to medium-scale residential and agricultural applications. Intrinsically linked to rainwater harvesting is conservation, a theme which Gord will illuminate with practical insights drawn from his experiences nurturing a 650-tree orchard alongside his partner Ann. The orchard serves not only as a source of fruit and nuts but also as a means of land remediation, transforming a former scrap yard and gravel pit into a thriving ecosystem. Expect a dynamic and engaging session, with ample opportunity for participant interaction and inquiry, as Gord thrives on fostering dialogue and sharing knowledge.
 
Next workshop date to be announced.
Instructor: Gord Baird
Fee:  $30 + GST

Supporting Pollinators and Beneficial Insects series

Introduction to Backyard Beekeeping

Course ID: HGBK 001

Are you interested in becoming a beekeeper, or are you new to raising bees? In this course, you will learn about tools and equipment, pests and diseases of the honeybee, and other essentials for the first years of beekeeping. In addition, this workshop will explore the top pollinator plants that you could establish to provide forage for honeybees and other native pollinators.

Next workshop date to be announced.
Fee: $30 + GST

Introduction to Native Pollinators

Course ID: HGBL 001

Are you interested in learning about native pollinators in BC? This workshop will introduce you to the rich diversity of pollinator species in our region, their role in the ecosystem, and the challenges that they face. Students will also learn how they can support these species in their region.

Next workshop date to be announced.
Fee: $30 + GST

Introduction to Meadow Making

Course ID: HGBL 002

Join us to learn about establishing a native plant meadow that is inspired by Prairie-Oak/Garry Oak Ecosystems/kwetlal food systems of Southeastern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Learn techniques that can be applied to lawn, boulevard, septic field, green roof, community gardens and more, including how to remove unwanted grass, seeding and planting approaches, timing, expectations, and maintenance. Explore the benefits of planting with native plants and the wildlife rewards you might experience. This workshop will prepare you to dig into your meadow-making project!
 
Next workshop date to be announced.
Fee: $30 + GST