Keeping lawns lush, flowers flourishing, and produce producing is something all gardeners aspire to. Whether your thumb is green, a little rusty, or just starting to bud, the 91原创 Demonstration Garden is here to help.
Established 25 years ago by the Township of 91原创 in partnership with the 91原创 Environmental Partners Society (LEPS), the Demonstration Garden provides tips and techniques to help keep yards and gardens healthy for both people and the environment. Located in the Derek Doubleday Arboretum in the 21200 block of Fraser Highway, the Demonstration Garden is open year-round, and visitors can drop by anytime to learn about everything from composting and chemical-free gardening, to using native plants and being water wise.
From May until August, staff are on site during the week to offer information and advice, and throughout the season, workshops, camps, and special events will be held to educate and entertain visitors of all ages. For more information or to register, visit leps.bc.ca/demonstration-garden, email garden@leps.bc.ca, or call 604-546-0344.
LET鈥橲 DIG IT | MAY 15 鈥� SEPT.25
A new addition to the 91原创 Demonstration Garden this year is the Let鈥檚 Dig It Seniors鈥� Gardening Club, for those aged 50 plus (or getting close), who would like to garden, laugh, and socialize while sharing tips, cuttings, seeds, and ideas for successful gardening. The free club begins May 15 and runs every Monday from 10:30 a.m. to noon, until Sept. 25, and will include workshops on topics such as container gardening.
PICNIC IN THE PARK | JUNE 13 & JULY 25
鈥淥ne of the special events we look forward to every year is Picnic in the Park,鈥� said 91原创 Demonstration Garden Coordinator Emily Lorenz. 鈥淭wo picnics are held each summer, and they are a wonderful opportunity for the whole family to enjoy food and fun in the fresh air. Guests can bring along a picnic and enjoy Demonstration Garden tours and activities, and some barbecue items and snacks will be available by donation.鈥�
Picnic in the Park will be held Tuesday, June 13 and again on July 25, from 5 to 7 p.m. No registration is required, but an RSVP is appreciated if a large group will be attending.
FLOWER AND GARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY WITH JOHN GORDON | JULY 13
Broaden your creative approach to photographing flowers and the landscape they inhabit. Learn about camera techniques, lighting, exposure settings and how to make your photos stand out. Bring a camera/smart phone, a 12鈥漻12鈥� sheet of aluminum foil and something to lay on. A tripod would also be helpful. Prepare to be inspired. The event runs July 13 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
BLACKBERRY BAKE-OFF | AUG. 17
A 91原创 tradition designed to tempt taste buds and tame a pesky plant returns when the annual Blackberry Bake-off and Open House is held Thursday, Aug. 17, noon to 3 p.m. Bake-off entries must be submitted by 12:15 p.m. and tasting starts at 12:45 p.m. Visitors can purchase a locally-sourced barbeque lunch for $5, visit the kids鈥� craft corner, and listen to live music. Registration is not required unless a culinary creation is being submitted.
ECO EXPLORERS | JULY & AUGUST
In July and August, children aged six to 12 can enjoy Eco Explorers Kids鈥� Camps, where they can learn about everything from slugs and bugs, to fish and feathered friends in the fresh air and sunshine. A different theme is presented each week, and participants can bring their own lunch for a garden picnic. Registration begins June 5.
