Speakers 2021

Dear Friends,

It’s been a long time since we’ve been able to meet in person. We encourage members to participate in our Monthly General Meeting on Zoom. Each month a speaker shares their expertise on a variety of gardening subjects. Zoom is especially helpful for those who are hard of hearing or don’t like to drive at night.

We’re getting very close to when we can offer hybrid meetings with both Zoom + In-Person options. (We had a successful test in Sept. 2021). Through the winter flu season, we expect to remain with Zoom-only meetings but look forward to life opening up again in the spring.

Thankfully, being out in the garden is safe! 🙂

Wishing you all good health and hoping to see you soon,
Carole Carver,
Past President, View Royal Garden Club
(January 2022)

JANUARY 27, 2021 – via Zoom
SMALL FRUITS, THE UNDER-UTILIZED EDIBLE PLANTS – with Bernie Dinter,
Bernie will be speaking on small fruits that grow on shrubs, canes and vines that produce delicious fruit from June to frost, depending on the variety. They can be part of your garden in any sunny location. An overview of their cultural requirements will be given of the major types and some lesser-known ones. Consider adding an edible dimension to your landscape.
Dinter Nursery
Bio – Bernie Dinter is the owner of Dinter Nursery located 5 km south of Duncan on Hwy. #1. It’s a full-service nursery with growing facilities that his family started in 1973. It’s grown to serve customers from all over southern Vancouver Island with its extensive selection of plant material. Bernie is a member of the ‘Cowichan Valley Rhododendron Society’ and ‘BC Institute of Agrologists’. In January 2014 Bernie was a finalist in the Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards in the Agriculture category.

FEBRUARY 24, 2021 – via Zoom
SOIL TIPS FOR SPRING with Leslie Cox, the Duchess of Dirt
The health and beauty of your garden begins underground. In this slide presentation, you will learn about soil composition, soil pH and what you should be doing to build a healthy soil environment for your plants.
The Duchess of Dirt (website)
Complete Organic Soil Recipe
Soil Blend Recipes
pH Preferences of Plants
Bio – Leslie & her husband John (the Duke of Compost) operate their nursery in Black Creek. Leslie expands her chores by garden writing, teaching, speaking, consulting and helping folks with designs.

MARCH 24, 2021 – via Zoom
THE EUROPEAN FIRE ANT with Dr. Robert Higgins
The European fire ant is an invasive species that was introduced around 1900 into the Boston area. It did not spread extensively for several decades, although it was reported in Quebec back in 1915. Perhaps about 30-40 years ago it began to significantly expand its range. The European Fire Ant has found its way into British Columbia. Dr. Higgins will be discussing how to identify them, the areas where they inhabit, their characteristics and effects on the natural ecosystem.
Dr. Robert Higgins
Bio – Dr. Robert Higgins works at the Dept. of Biological Sciences at Thompson Rivers University.

APRIL 28, 2021 – via Zoom
HOW THE MOST IMPORTANT GARDENING TOOL IS YOUR PRUNING SHEARS with Bernie Dinter
Introduction to the principles of pruning. This is an activity that is carried on year round in the garden as plants have different pruning requirements.
Dinter Nursery
Bio – Bernie Dinter is the owner of Dinter Nursery located 5 km south of Duncan on Hwy. #1. It’s a full-service nursery with growing facilities that his family started in 1973. It’s grown to serve customers from all over southern Vancouver Island with its extensive selection of plant material. Bernie is a member of the ‘Cowichan Valley Rhododendron Society’ and ‘BC Institute of Agrologists’. In January 2014 Bernie was a finalist in the Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards in the Agriculture category.

MAY 26, 2021 – via Zoom
WHAT BIRDS SAY with Ann Nightingale
Join us on May 26 for an entertaining talk covering many of the songs you might be hearing around your neighbourhood this time of year. You might even leave the talk knowing the names of a few more of your vocal neighbours!
http://vibigyear.ca/
Bio – Lifelong Vancouver Island resident Ann Nightingale started birding almost 30 years ago. In that time, she’s learned so much about birds. She organises Victoria’s Christmas Bird Count, is heavily involved with the Rocky Point Bird Observatory as well as The Victoria Natural History Society. Retired from University Administration, Ann now considers herself a “bird evangelist” and loves to share what she’s found out with others.

JUNE 23, 2021 – via Zoom
PEONIES with Malcolm Ho
While living in Calgary, Malcolm grew 60 Herbaceous Peonies in his garden. He brought them with him when he moved to Ladysmith. His passion has blossomed with 250 peonies, including Tree Peonies, in his garden. Malcolm will discuss peony origin & distribution, types, planting, cultivation, propagation, diseases, and cut flower care.
Bio– Malcolm Ho was an Architect-Planner with the City of Calgary for 25 years. He is currently retired and living up-island where he can garden year-round.

JULY – Enjoy your summer garden 🙂
no meeting in July

AUGUST 25, 2021 – via Zoom
TASTY MEDICINAL PLANTS with Ana Dushyna
There are lots of different Herbs to buy in stores or to grow in our garden. During this evening you can discover the Herbs that are both Culinary and Medicinal. We will learn history and traditions of usage, will hear how to add more flavour to our meal and everyday life (with healthy and very tasty recipes)
Bio – Ana Dushyna is a Botanical pharmacology specialist, Master of Science in Pharmacy, Speaker, certified Landscaper and Herbal garden designer.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 – via Zoom
THE PASSIONAATE SPRING GARDEN, with Pamela & Elke of Botanus
Pamela and Elke of Botanus, , a mail order nursery in Abbotsford, explain their favourite bulbs. Drawing from their years of experience and a sincere
desire to inspire a love of gardening, they offer a presentation to inform, excite
and inspire.
Botanus, may we introduce ourselves …

OCTOBER 227, 2021 – via Zoom
CONTAINER BOG GARDENING, with Justin Dunning
When mentioning bogs, most people conjure up images of mucky, stinky, and mosquito-infested areas. Nothing could be further from the truth! Bogs are wonderful, lush, biodiverse wetlands that host some of the most interesting diversity of plants and animals. From orchids to carnivorous plants, many of these plants can be grown in cultivation and add a unique accent to any garden or patio. Container bog gardening offers a chance to grow these wonderful plants without the need for any major garden renovation, expensive installations, or large dedicated spaces. Justin will focus on carnivorous plants and their companions.
Bio – Justin divides his time between his job at Victoria’s Butterfly Gardens (Living Collections Manager), Victoria Orchid Society & tramping through the woods spotting nature at its finest. Catch up with him there, or on Instagram where he is captainplantman

NOVEMBER 25, 2020 – via Zoom
Enjoy the annual Mini-Show Awards Celebration
November will be a poignant time for those of us who have enjoyed the Christmas Potluck over the years. No Pickled Pineapple this year! But we are making plans for a great virtual party, with door prizes and a lovely video. We recommend that you plan to have your dessert and favourite beverage ready to enjoy during the meeting. And don’t forget your Santa hat or Christmas sweater!
(It does not include a speaker presentation nor a mini show.)

DECEMBER – Enjoy the Holiday Season 🙂
no meeting in December.

View Royal Garden Club

growing friendships…

Speakers 2021

Archives