Upcoming events
Virtual Seedy Saturday Registration is now open!
February 19th – 21st, 2021
Seedy event organizers from across the province will join FarmFolk CityFolk in an opportunity to connect with BC community organizations, seed businesses, non-profit organizations, and learn about seed saving.
Click here to view the full schedule for the conference.
Gardening for Garry Oak Ecosystems
with Kristen Miskelly
Hosted By: Victoria Compost Education Centre
Date: Wednesday, March 17th, 2021; 7pm-8pm
Location: Compost Education Centre ONLINE
REGISTER HERE!
Over the last 10,000 years Victoria’s relatively dry climate in composition with Indigenous land management activities have resulted in a unique array of plant species. Many of these native plants are well-suited to home gardens and some are drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and edible. Participants will gain a better understanding of how gardening with native plants can help maintain local biodiversity, including the wildlife that depends on our native flora. This workshop will also give an overview of to turn underutilized lawned spaces to wildflower meadows.
Native Seeds for Gardens and Restoration
with Kristen Miskelly
Hosted By: Victoria Compost Education Centre
Date: Wednesday, March 31st, 2021; 7pm-8pm
Location: Compost Education Centre ONLINE
REGISTER HERE!
The role of native seed in restoration and gardening is expanding in the Victoria region. Seed is a cost-effective way of introducing native plants to a variety of spaces – everything from larger restoration projects, lawn to meadow, to creating patches of wildflowers in home gardens. This workshop will focus on topics related to native seed production, the fundamentals of growing native plants from seed, and practical tips on ensuring success when using native seed.
Past Events
Seedy Saturday Workshop with Cowichan Green Community
Meadow Making - Growing native plants to support local biodiversity and pollinator health
Hosted by: Hannah Auer of The Resiliency Project, featuring Kristen Miskelly of Saanich Native Plants
Please join us on Saturday, January 30th for virtual workshops along with live Q&A.
Check the 'about' tab for more information and registration!
Register here
When we integrate native plants into our landscapes, we support the health of the ecosystem, create habitat for pollinators and other beneficial insects and help restore healthy food webs. In this workshop, Hannah will share the local effort to create pollinator habitat throughout our community, and how you can get involved in The Resiliency Project and contribute to the movement. Kristen will share the work she does at Saanich Native Plants, supporting many local restoration efforts and growing native plants for the public. There will be a Q&A session with Kristen, where you can ask any of your questions regarding native plants.
POLLINATOR STEWARD WEBINAR SERIES 2020
Join us this spring and summer 2020 for an interactive webinar series!
Registration is open
Webinars will cover the why and how of supporting pollinators through habitat creation and maintenance, outreach, and citizen science. Discover why bees and other pollinators are so important, common misconceptions that are hindering conservation, how to create and maintain habitat (with specific information for Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands), how to maximize benefits through outreach and education, and how to observe and monitor pollinators. Join local experts with the opportunity to ask questions during the live webinars. For land managers, farmers, students, and gardeners.
https://islandpollinatorinitiative.ca/new-webinars
Did you know LIVE RECORDINGS of these webinars are posted to Island Pollinator Initiative ?
This webinar series is brought to you by Pollinator Partnership Canada with support by Saanich Native Plants, Habitat Acquisition Trust, and Parks Canada
Consent Based Harvest and Wild Rose Medicine
with Beangka ElliottSign up here
All webinar ticket sales got to the Tsartlip Pollinator Meadow. Saanich Native Plants is matching all sales through plant and seed donations to the project!
Photo (right): Beangka Elliott
Gardening for Garry Oak Ecosystems CANCELLED
with Kristen Miskelly
Hosted By: Victoria Compost Education Centre
Date: Saturday, March 14th, 2020; 1pm-3pm
Location: Compost Education Centre
REGISTER HERE!
Over the last 10,000 years Victoria’s relatively dry climate in composition with Indigenous land management activities have resulted in a unique array of plant species. Many of these native plants are well-suited to home gardens and some are drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and edible. Participants will gain a better understanding of how gardening with native plants can help maintain local biodiversity, including the wildlife that depends on our native flora. This workshop will also give an overview of to turn underutilized lawned spaces to wildflower meadows.
Bee Day: Our Future Flies on the Wings of Pollinators
Hosted by the Royal BC Museum and Pollinator Partnership Canada
Saturday, February 22nd, 2020; 9am-3pm
Location: Royal BC Museum
Join us for a day of learning about bees and other pollinators!
This event is being hosted by the Royal BC Museum and Pollinator Partnership Canada and includes a series of talks by leading pollinator and conservation scientists (including from Saanich Native Plants!). The workshop is designed as a kick off for the Youth Pollinator Leadership Team Program. The Youth Pollinator Leadership Team is a group of young adults that will be leading a pollinator monitoring and outreach program in the City of Victoria. While the day is part of the training process for the leadership team, we are pleased to open this up to the public so that more people can learn about our wonderful and diverse pollinators.
All ages are welcome, and everyone is invited for just a portion of the day or for the whole day.
Click here for more info
Event: Fall Edible Native Plants With Beangka Elliott
UPDATE: *SOLD OUT*
This workshop will fill quickly so register today!
Our Biggest Plant Sale yet!
Saturday, October 19th
9am to 4pm
Selected flats 25% off and 20% off everything else! We're taking orders in advance through the week so that you can just stop by to pick your plants up with ease.
25% off full flats of Roemer's Fescue, Woolly Sunflower, Douglas' Aster, Yarrow, Canada Goldenrod, Tufted Hairgrass, Yellow-eyed Grass, Graceful Cinquefoil, Fringecup, Coastal Sage, Entire-leaved Gumweed. Sea Blush, Large-leaved Avens, Small-flowered Alumroot and more! *seeds and bare bulbs excluded from sale*
Send advance orders to info@saanichnativeplants.com
We've decided to have a seed sale this week! This is a 2 for 1 sale on $5 packets of Douglas' aster, Stinging Nettle, Farewell-to-spring, Blue-eyed Grass, Great Camas, Graceful Cinquefoil, Coastal Sage, and Mountain Sneezeweed. Feel free contact us and we can set your packets aside for pick up at your convenience. We are also happy to mail your seeds.
Native Hedgerow Planting
UVic Campus Community Garden Monday May 27th;10:30am-1:30pm
Join us for a native hedgerow planting with the UVic Campus Community Garden on May 27th! It's an opportunity to lend a helping hand and also learn about the value of native hedgerows while honing your plant identification skills
Bee Inspired and Meet Your Local Pollinators
with Queen Bee and the Bateman Foundation Gallery of Nature
6:30p.m.
Bateman Foundation Gallery of Nature
FREE but Registration Required
Join us on May 23rd for a tantalizing and informative talk about all things pollinators.
Tickets are FREE but limited, so book your space early to avoid disappointment. Registration is essential.
One out of every three bites of food that we eat is made possible by pollinators like honey bees. In recognition of World Bee Day on May 20th, we are delighted to welcome Lisa Mellett from Queen Bee Farms, along with special guests. Doors open at 6:30pm, and the evening will begin with a drinks reception, again generously hosted by Spinnakers Brewpub. The talk will begin at 7:15pm, with a hands-on presentation to excite your senses, product samples and a few surprises too!
Here’s a little of what you can expect:
- Meet your pollinator friends, with information on specific pollinators
- Learn about how you can make a difference and cultivate an environment that supports them
- Hear an introduction to Native plant species of Southern Vancouver Island, and see live native plant specimens courtesy of Saanich Native Plants
- Enjoy an immersive experience; participants can expect to see, hear, touch, taste and even smell during the presentation!
The Foundation already offers popular Organic Teas and Mug & Tea Gift Sets in partnership with Queen Bee Farms – but we look forward to the launch of a brand new Robert Bateman Artisan Tea & Honey Gift Set at this exclusive event!
Proceeds from the sale of these beautiful gift sets support both the Bateman Foundation and pollinator conservation.
Farmer Meet and Greet and Plant Sale!
Sunday, May 5th
11am-3pm
741 Haliburton Road
Did you know that Saanich Native Plants has been part of Haliburton Farm since 2013?
The Farmers of Haliburton Farm would like to welcome you to the Farm Sunday, May 5th. Saanich Native Plants is offering 20% off all native plants from 11am-3pm!
The Story of Vancouver Island as Told By Plants
with James Miskelly
Hosted By: View Royal Garden Club
Date: Wednesday, March 27th, 2019; 7:30pm-9pm
Location: Esquimalt United Church
Gardening for Garry Oak Ecosytems
with Kristen Miskelly
Hosted By: Victoria Compost Education Centre
Date: Saturday, March 23rd, 2019; 1pm-3pm
Location: Compost Education Centre
Over the last 10,000 years Victoria’s dry climate and Indigenous land management activities have resulted in a unique array of plant species. Lucky for us, many of these are well-suited to home gardens and some are even drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and edible!
Participants will gain a better understanding of how gardening with native plants can help maintain local biodiversity, including the wildlife that depends on our native flora. This workshop will also give an overview of the great potential Victoria has in turning lawned areas to wildflower meadows.
Register HereYou can also register for the event by calling the compost ed office at 250 386 9676 or by contacting office@compost.bc.ca
Hiding in Plain Sight: Hidden Plant Diversity in the Victoria Area and where to find them
With James Miskelly; Hosted by the Native Plant Study Group
Date: March 21st, 2019
Location: University of Victoria; MacLaurin Bldg, Rm D-288 in D-Wing
The Victoria area is home to the highest diversity of vascular plants in BC, but this diversity isn’t always apparent in our natural areas. A lot of native plants are hiding in plain sight, while others are in decline or have already disappeared. What sorts of factors have resulted in such a high diversity of native plants, and what kinds of factors threaten this diversity? Are there species missing from our local parks and if so, how can we know which ones?
The speaker, James Miskelly, is co-owner of Saanich Native Plants, and a life-long naturalist who has worked in the ecology and conservation of Garry oak ecosystems for the last 20 years. He works mainly on rare plants, restoration, and grigs.
Growing and Saving Seed From Native Plants
By Victoria Seed Library
Date: Wednesday, March 20th, 2019; 7pm-8:30pm
Location: Greater Victoria Public Library - Central Branch
Join Kristen Miskelly from Saanich Native Plants for an introduction to growing a variety of native plants from seed in your garden. Some discussion will also focus on practices for saving and sharing seed from native species. This event is FREE!
Presented in partnership with The LifeCycles Project and the greater Victoria Public Library
Native Plants for Home Gardens and Wildflower Meadows
Hosted by the Metchosin Garden Club
Metchosin has an array of native plants well-suited to home gardens and even making wildflower meadows! Join Kristen Miskelly from Saanich Native Plants to learn more about native plants that help maintain local biodiversity. This talk will also give an overview of turning lawned areas into wildflower meadows.
Join us at a Seedy Saturday's this spring for our native plants, seeds, and outreach materials!
Saanich Seedy Saturday
January 12th, 201910am-2pm
Location: The Gardens at HCP
Hosted by Haliburton Community Organic Farm
Galiano Seedy Saturday
January 26th, 20199am-4pm
Location: 141 Sturdies Bay Rd.
Hosted by Seed Library of Galiano Society
Victoria Seedy Saturday
February 16th, 201910am-4pm
Location: Victoria Conference Centre
Hosted by The James Bay Market Society
Growing Native Food Plants with Kristen Miskelly of Saanich Native Plants @ 12pm
Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society Winter Events
January 31st 10am-1pm
Join the Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society and Saanich Native plants on January 31st 10am - 1pm for planting native trees along Somenos Creek. Somenos Wildlife Society has several events this winter to help improve habitat in the marsh including a wetland planting on Jan. 22nd and removing invasive species from along the creek on Feb. 8th.
Riparian Habitat Restoration: Enhancing Red-legged Frog Habitat
With the Habitat AcquisitionTrust!Friday, November 30th
10 am - 3 pm
We will be visiting a privately owned conservation area to do invasive species removal of Yellow Archangel (Lamium gableobdolon) and planting a riparian corridor. If you’re interested in learning how to identify some riparian plants this is a great event for you!
We also promote ride-sharing, so be sure to ask us how to be a part in that, be it driver or rider. HAT provides all the training, tools and a complimentary lunch at each of our events. There will be a raffle to win a prize, such as a HAT hat, bird box, or one year free membership!
RSVP to HAT for location details.
p. 250 995-2428
email: hatmail@hat.bc.ca
Nootka Rose Tea and Jam Workshop
Sunday November 11th, 1pm-3pm
LocationJoin us for a FREE workshop on the benefits, uses and harvesting of rose hips (Nootka Rose, Rosa nutkana). There will be a presentation about Nootka Rose, a short walk to harvest rose hips, and then we will make wild rose tea and rose hip jam. Please wear appropriate footwear as we’ll be outside for part of the workshop.
Hosted by Beangka Elliott and Julia Daly
Lochside Garry Oak Meadow Restoration Project
You're Invited to the Planting Event!
Saturday September 22nd
9:00am-12pm NOTE TIME CHANGE
Interested in learning about improving biodiversity in urban areas? Join Saanich Native Plants, Peninsula Streams Society, and Pollinator Partnership Canada to help plant and seed the new Lochside Wildflower Meadow! This half acre meadow along the Lochside Trail will provide habitat for wildlife and opportunities for people to learn about native plants, pollinators, and restoration. We will be planting native grasses and other meadow wildflowers suited to clay meadow (ever wonder what plants are adapted to winter flooding and dry summers?). We have also designed vernal pool areas that will be home to some unusual and rare species. Pollinator Partnership Canada, who has been working with students this past year on baseline monitoring of pollinators, can help answer your questions about the more than 200 native bee species and other pollinators in our area!
Meet beside the Lochside Trail (across from the George Tripp BC Hydro substation) at 4050 Lochside Drive. Limited parking is available here, and we encourage carpooling, walking, cycling, etc. Look for the Peninsula Streams Society signage and tent. Map --> https://goo.gl/maps/8vtfBV3kFXq
Additional project details here: http://peninsulastreams.ca/blenkinsop
Lochside Garry Oak Meadow Restoration Project Community Meeting
Thursday September 6th
6:30p.m.-8:00p.m.
Saanich Native Plants has partnered with Peninsula Streams Society and Pollinator Partnership Canada to create a wildflower meadow beside the Lochside trail on BC Hydro Land! Come to the upcoming community meeting on September 6th to learn more about the Lochside Garry Oak Meadow.
The meeting will be onsite, starting at 6:30 PM.
Meet beside the Lochside Trail (across from the George Tripp BC Hydro substation) at 4050 Lochside Drive. Limited parking is available here, and we encourage carpooling, walking, cycling, etc. Look for the Peninsula Streams Society signage and tent. Map --> https://goo.gl/maps/8vtfBV3kFXq
Additional project details here: http://peninsulastreams.ca/blenkinsop
This meadow will be planted with native grasses and other wildflowers and will feature clay meadow, vernal pools, and an interpretative area. A hedgerow of Black Hawthorn, Trembling Aspen, June Plum, and Garry Oak borders the existing meadow. Pollinator Partnership has been working with students this past year on baseline monitoring of pollinators. We are excited about providing habitat for pollinator species as well as continued opportunities for students & community members to learn about native plants, pollinators, and restoration. We will be posting a community planting and seeding event shorty for the end of September.
SUNDAY SERIES: Butterflies and Bees
June 10th 1-2:30p.m.
This FREE guided walk with Terena O’Hara and James Miskelly is for people interested in learning more about native bees and butterflies including how to identify them, what their needs are, and what you can do to help. Meet at the picnic tables outside the Haliburton Farmhouse at 741 Haliburton Road at 1pm.
This workshop is part of our Sunday Series, offering Free workshops on Sunday's through spring and summer.
To learn more about pollinators before the walk visit Island Pollinator Initiative
SUNDAY SERIES: Native Grasses
June 3rd 9-10a.m.
Join Kristen Miskelly of Saanich Native Plants for a FREE workshop on native grasses. We'll be focusing on identification and ecology of the grasses. We will also practice identifying common non-native grasses. Meet at 9am in front of the farmhouse. Look for the yellow mailbox that marks the lane.
This is part of our Sunday Series, offering Free workshops on Sunday's through spring and summer. Meet at 741 Haliburton Road at 9am. FREE
Friday May 1st 11am-5:30pm. 25% of all sales is being donated to the Tsawout Community.
Spring Plant Sale!
May 12th 2018 10a.m.-2p.m.
Compost Education CentreCome by the Saanich Native Plants table for native plants and seeds!
Ecology and Restoration of Garry Oak Ecosystems
Kristen Miskelly, James Miskelly, Leigh Joseph/Styawat
Join us in May for a 4-day workshop about Garry Oak Ecosystem Restoration
with Royal Roads University
May 19th, 20th, 26th 27th
9am-3pm
For more info and registration click here
This course is for anyone interested in learning more about Garry Oak Ecosystems and how to enhance/restore them. In the classroom and field, we will study the ecology of southern Vancouver Island, plant identification, wildlife, restoration and enhancement, human history of our area, and more! Numerous field trips to key sites will emphasize restoration techniques and identification. This course will provide a foundation for people working in Garry Oak Ecosystem land management, as well as landowners who would like to maintain or enhance habitat on their properties.
Day 1: Leigh Joseph/Styawat, from the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) First Nations will be teaching about the cultural significance of Garry Oak Ecosystems, key food plants within GOE’s, and cultural and spiritual connection to the land through plants. Students who are part of this course are invited to a community Camas pitcook at SṈIDȻEȽ (Tod Inlet).
To learn more about Leigh visit https://www.leighjoseph.com/
SUNDAY SERIES: Native Plant Walk
April 29th 9a.m.
James Miskelly will be leading a native plant walk through the nursery and native seed garden at Saanich Native Plants at 9am on Sunday. Come if you are interested in learning more about local plants and identifying them!
This is part of our Sunday Series, offering Free workshops on Sunday's through spring and summer. Meet at 741 Haliburton Road at 9am. FREE
Meadowscaping for Biodiversity
Horticultural Centre of the Pacific
April 28, 2018 @ 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Are you a homeowner or land manager interested in creating a native wildflower meadow in place of lawn or field? Join Kristen Miskelly of Saanich Native Plants to learn what you need to know to create a successful meadow, including which native species to use, how to prepare and plant your area, and how to keep it thriving for years to come.
HCP Members $45
Non-Members $60
To register, call 250 479 6162
Sunday Series: Stinging Nettle
April 22nd 10-11am
Stinging Nettle is a fascinating plant with many uses. Beangka Elliott will share some of her expertise and knowledge about this fascinating plant and there will be stinging nettle tea for tasting! Bring rubber boots for a short walk to look at this plant growing.
This is part of our Sunday Series, offering Free workshops on Sunday's through spring and summer.
Meet at 741 Haliburton Road at 10am
Stinging Nettle, Urtica dioica
Thank you to our supporters, partners, and customers!
Please join us April 20th 4pm to 7pm at our nursery location to celebrate the 5th year anniversary of Saanich Native Plants
- Drinks and Snacks by Hoyne and Standard Pizza
- 10% off all plants 4-7pm
- Tours
741 Haliburton Road, Saanich, BC
Please RSVP to info@saanichativeplants.com
Sunday Series:Welcoming Migrant and Resident Birds to Your Garden
FREE Workshops on Sunday's!
Sunday, April 15th 8am-9am
Join Saanich Native Plants staff member Julia Daly on a walk through Haliburton Community Organic Farm to look for early spring arrivals (e.g. Rufous hummingbird, swallows, warblers, flycatchers) and other amazing birds of southeastern Vancouver Island. We’ll explore how different native plants provide vital resources, including food, nesting materials and habitat to native bird species in our area. Bring binoculars if you have them.
This is part of our Sunday Series, offering Free workshops on Sunday's through spring and summer.
We'll meet 8:00 a.m. Sunday April 15th at 741 Haliburton Road
Natural Landscaping in the Victoria Area
Victoria Compost Education Centre
Saturday, April 14th 1-3pm
Register here!Over the last 10,000 years Victoria’s dry climate and Indigenous land management activities have resulted in a unique array of plant species. Lucky for us, many of these are well-suited to home gardens and some are even drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and edible!
Participants will gain a better understanding of how gardening with native plants can help maintain local biodiversity, including the wildlife that depends on our native flora. This workshop will also give an overview of the great potential Victoria has in turning lawned areas to wildflower meadows.
Hosted by the Compost Education Centre
https://www.compost.bc.ca/
https://www.facebook.com/composteducation/
Sunday Series: Black Cottonwood
FREE Native Plant Demo’s!
Sunday March 25th 10:30am @ Saanich Native Plants
Saanich Native Plants will be hosting a series of native plant demo’s over the spring and summer on Sunday’s. Join us Sunday March 25th at 10:30 for an introduction to Black Cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa ssp. trichocarpa) and its many uses with Beangka Elliott and Julia Daly.Beangka Elliott brings experience with native plant restoration projects, including the SNIDCEL resiliency project and Project Reclaim: WSÁNEĆ youth food justice. With family ties in WSÁNEĆ and Songhees nations, Beangka incorporates cultural knowledge to her work with native plants. She has been teaching cultural/ethnobotanical classes to a wide range of groups, from youth as young as five to adults in post secondary education. Beangka has a keen interest in using native plants as food and medicine and practices this in daily life.
With Saanich Native Plants since 2018, Julia comes with experience in plant identification, species at risk management, ecological restoration and native plant gardening. Raised in Saanich, she has been passionate about plants, birds, wildlife and geography for as long as she can remember, and now shares these interests with her two young children. Julia looks forward to meeting you at the nursery and assisting with native plant selection and site planning on Sundays. Julia holds a B.Sc. in Geography (UVic 2012) and Diploma in Applied Coastal Ecology (Northwest Community College, Prince Rupert 2008)
Nature of the Native Plant Garden
Horticultural Centre of the Pacific
March 24, 2018 @ 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Native plants in home gardens are not only beautiful, but also a way to help maintain local biodiversity, promote positive human connections, and foster an appreciation of nature. Participants will learn about Victoria’s local ecology, including its abundance of unique plant species well-suited to home gardens, and the wildlife that depend on them. Edible, deer resistant, and drought tolerant species will be highlighted.
HCP Members $45
Non-Members $60
To register, call 250 479 6162
For more info and to register Click Here
Propagating and Growing Native Plants Workshop
FREE Workshop!
Greater Victoria Public Library
Thu, 22 March 2018
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Join Kristen Miskelly of Saanich Native Plants for an in-depth look at propagating and growing native plants in the Capital Region. Kristen is the co-founder of Saanich Native Plants and has extensive experience in the region propagating and growing native plants in a variety of contexts. She'll discuss suitable plants in different locales and strategies for propagating and growing a wide variety of native plants.
Register Here!
The Story of Vancouver Island as Told by Plants
Floating Ideas Lecture- Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea
March 12th 2018 with James Miskelly
The vegetation of southern Vancouver Island has been shaped by a variety of forces over the last ten thousand years. Ice ages and warm spells have left behind a curious juxtaposition of species that seem to belong in the frozen north beside species that may be more at home in the southern deserts. Landscape-scale management by Coast Salish civilizations over millennia has likewise left tell-tale signs in the plant community. In the last two hundred years, vegetation has been altered at an unprecedented rate. What do you see when you look at a forest, marsh, or meadow? What ancient stories do the plants tell?
Identify + Grow Native Plants | For Indigenous Community Members
Join Project Reclaim Youth at Saanich Native Plants Saturday, March 10th to learn how to identify, grow and use native plants from the WSÁNEĆ and Songhees/Lekwungen territory.
This event is open to all indigenous folks from the south island, although adults are encouraged to bring an indigenous youth along with them!
Please RSVP through this event, by text/call at 250-415-0201, or leave a comment that you will join us!
Food, Refreshments, Door Prizes and Transportation will be provided!
Contact: Beangka Elliott | beangkaelliott@gmail.com
Victoria Seedy Saturday
Saturday, February 17th
10am- 3:30pm Victoria Conference Centre
This year we are partnering with
the Native Plant Study Group for Victoria Seedy Saturday! Come to learn more
about native plants, hear about some of the great speakers and activities put
on by NPSG, and pick up a few plants or seeds. 10% of all plant and seed proceeds go to Native Plant Study Group Community Restoration Grant Fund!
We are bringing along some
spring favorites like Great Camas, White Fawn-Lily, Broad-leaved Shootingstar,
Western Trillium and more! Our packaged spring wildflower seed mixes can be sown now, and you can always trust
that our wildflower seeds are true local natives that are from field grown
plants without the use of herbicides, pesticides (including neonicotinoids of
course), or chemical fertilizers.
Check out http://npsg.ca/. Next meeting Thursday February 15th
Become a Certified Pollinator Steward!
Pollinator Partnership Canada and Habitat Acquisition Trust
Become a Bee-Ambassador. Restore and manage your public or private land to benefit pollinators. Learn about bees and other pollinators, how to enhance populations, and engage others.February 16th and 22nd
For more information email Lora: lm@pollinator.org
http://islandpollinatorinitiative.ca/
Native Plants For Home Gardens and Wildflower Meadows
Victoria Horticultural Society
Tuesday February 6th 6:30p.m. -9 p.m.
Garth Homer Centre, 813 Darwin Avenue
Soil Workshop before the presentation with Michael Cowan from Edibella Organic Landscapes. Event starts at 6:30 and talk begins at 8p.m. Register here.
Are you interested in including native plants into your garden or starting a wildflower meadow? Join Kristen Miskelly of Saanich Native Plants to learn about the many native plants well suited to home gardens, the conditions they prefer, and planting tips. This talk will also give an overview of how to create a wildflower meadow from scratch and show you some examples of where this is already happening.
Permaculture Design Program
Pacific Rim College
Permaculture Design and Resilient Ecosystems - A new program being offered through Pacific Rim College! Staring January 2018.
A 1-year program that prepares graduates to be leaders in the field of permaculture and sustainable food and medicine systems. Individuals wishing to learn more about Permaculture Design and Resilient Ecosystems without enrolling in the full program are welcome.
Join Saanich Native Plants for Botany and Plant Identification. Gain a better understanding of plant diversity in our region and hone your botanical skills including identification, terminology, and plant morphology.
https://www.pacificrimcollege.com/faculties-programs/school-of-permaculture-design/
Become a Certified Bee-Friendly Farmer!
Pollinator Partnership Canada and Habitat Acquisition Trust
Enhance biodiversity, reduce input costs, and increase yields. You will learn about managed and native bees, and other beneficial insects, and how to enhance habitat on your farm. Site visit and hands on mason and bumble bee home creation. Guides and other take-homes included. Co-hosted by Habitat Acquisition Trust, Pollinator Partnership Canada, and Saanich Native Plants.January 27th and 28th 2018
SPACE IS LIMITED! Tell us in ~100 words why you would like to enhance native bees or other beneficial insects on your farm and what you plan to do on your farm to create more habitat.
For more information or to send in your application, email Lora: lm@pollinator.org
http://islandpollinatorinitiative.ca/
Interested in the Use of Native Seed in Meadow Restoration? Which plants to use? How and when to sow seed? And the need to dream BIG when it comes to restoration!?
Native Seed in Meadow Restoration
A presentation for the 13th Annual Research Colloquium of the Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team
Friday November 17th, 2017, 9am–4:30pm
University of Victoria, Cadboro Commons
http://www.goert.ca/activities/2017/10/goert-13th-research-colloquium-2017-program-and-registration/
Creating a Biodiverse Landscape
with the Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society
Sunday, October 15th at 9 AM - 1 PM
Location: Dinter Nursery, 2205 Phipps Road, Duncan
Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society and Saanich Native Plants will be at Dinter Nursery to talk about how to make your own backyard a biodiverse landscape. We will be discussing using native plants in your garden, and talking about how to select, grow, and propagate these plants.
Treats and coffee!
FREE EVENT
http://dinternursery.ca/ http://www.somenosmarsh.com/
Native Biodiversity Hedgerow Planting
with the Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society
Sunday, October 15th at 9 AM - 1 PM
Location: Somenos Marsh Conservation Area, Duncan
Do you like to get your hands dirty? Do you want to learn more about native plants and the benefits they provide? If yes, then you should come to this event! The Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society is teaming up with Saanich Native Plants to host this informative and fun work party.
Treats and coffee are on us!
FREE EVENT
http://www.somenosmarsh.com/
Native Wildflower Seeding Event
with Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society
Saturday September 9th
9-12pm
Somenos Marsh Conservation Area
Join the SMWS and Saanich Native Plants in seeding native wildflowers at the Somenos Marsh Open Air Classroom. We are working on improving the biodiverstiy of the Somenos Marsh Conservation Area by removing exotic invasive plants and introducing native species that are adapted to the gravelly meadow habitat near the parking lot. (First pullout after Beverly Corners heading north on highway).
We will be preparing the site by raking and hand weeding then spreading a native wildflower mix that will germinate in the spring. We will also do a nature walk if time permits!
Please dress for the weather and bring water.
We will provide tools, snacks and drinks.
For more information or to RSVP please contact Elizabeth at programs@somenosmarsh.com or 250-884-0749.
Thanks to our funders at Environment and Climate Change Canada!!
HALIBURTON ECOFARM SCHOOL
October 20th-24th 9:00-4:30pm at Haliburton Farm (offering the program in four 5-day modules, one each for Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer.).Several experts from Haliburton Farm, in partnership with Royal Roads University, have put together a special educational opportunity that starts this October. The Haliburton EcoFarm School teaches organic food growing along with how to restore and enhance biodiversity on Farmlands, as well as connections with human health. Learn fundamental skills and knowledge for growing crops plus local ecology and techniques for ecosystem enhancement that improve crop yield and native habitats.
Biologists from Saanich Native Plants will be teaching:
- Ecosystem Restoration and Enhancement
- Ecology of Southern Vancouver Island
- Making wildflower meadows for pollinator benefits to Farms
- Introduction to Indigenous Food Systems
Also learn from John-Bradley Williams (W̱SÁNEĆ and Ahousat Nation) about Plants, Foods, and Medicines of the Saanich Peninsula
EcoFarm Fall Fundamentals is now open for registration at: 
https://secure.royalroads.ca/csco…/ecofarm-fall-fundamentals
Join Sunday, September 11th 11am to 1pm for the EcoFarm Information Session at 741 Haliburton Road
https://haliburtonfarm.org/educa…/haliburton-ecofarm-school/
Plants, Foods, and Medicines of the Saanich Peninsula
Haliburton Biodiversity Project
To register email halibiodiversity@gmail.com
Sunday July 23rd 2017
10am-12pm
Lawn to Meadow - WORKSHOP
May 13th 2017
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Horticultural Centre of the Pacific, 505 Quayle Road, Victoria
with Kristen Miskelly
This workshop will provide practical advice on how to convert conventional lawn to meadow habitat using a variety of techniques. Kristen Miskelly, biologist and owner of Saanich Native Plants, will guide participants through developing a site plan, site preparation, planning materials, and maintenance. Participants will go home with some of the tools needed to embark on their own lawn to meadow restorations.
Members $45
Non-Members $60
To sign up: Please call 250 479 6162.
http://hcp.ca/event/lawn-to-native-meadow/
Parks Canada BioBlitz 2017 — Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites
What do bats, birds, bees, butterflies, beetles and flies have in common? They are all pollinators! For this BioBlitz, we will be focusing our identification efforts on pollinators and the native plants that support them. What will YOU discover?
When? 24-hours, from 4 pm Friday, May 12 to 4 pm Saturday, May 13 2017
Where? Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites, 603 Fort Rodd Hill Rd, Victoria, BC
What is a BioBlitz? A race against the clock to find and identify as many plants and animals as we can in 24-hours. This gives us a better idea of regional biodiversity and helps you learn more about local species and the roles they play in ecosystems.
Saanich Native Plants will have plants available at the event and leading pollinator walks!
The exquisite Garry Oak Learning Meadow at Fort Rodd Hill
Ecology and Restoration of Garry Oak Ecosystems
April 29th, April 30th, May 6th
9a.m.-3p.m.
Royal Roads University, Continuing Studies
Facilitators: Kristen and James Miskelly
Registration Open
Garry oak ecosystems are among the most endangered habitats in Canada – reduced to less than 5% of their original range. Remaining areas are often degraded by invasive species and other stressors. Restoration can aid the recovery of these special places and provide a pathway for positive connections between nature and human communities. This course examines the ecology, plant identification, plants, and natural history of Garry oak ecosystems. You’ll learn field-tested practical techniques for enhancing degraded areas and methods for converting fields and lawns to native meadow. Field trips included.
Nature of the Native Plant Garden - WORKSHOP
April 8th 2017 THIS SATURDAY!
1:30p.m.-4:30p.m.
Horticultural Centre of the Pacific, 505 Quayle Road, Victoria
with Kristen Miskelly
Many people are interested in environmentally friendly and low maintenance gardens that will attract birds, butterflies, and other wildlife to their garden. By gardening with native plants, you can bring the beauty of southern Vancouver Island into your own backyard while also providing numerous other benefits.
Kristen Miskelly, biologist and owner of Saanich Native Plants, will provide information on our local ecology, caring for and maintaining a native plant garden, native plant identification, propagation techniques, and benefits of native plants to wildlife.
Special emphasis will be placed on the use of edible, deer resistant and drought tolerant species.
$45 HCP Members
$60 Non Members
To sign up: Please call 250 479 6162.
http://hcp.ca/event/the-native-plant-garden/
Growing Native Plants from Seed
Join Saanich Native Plants with the Victoria Seed Library for learning how to grow native plants from seed! Native species typically have a different set of needs than those of conventional garden and vegetable species – come learn what they are! This free workshop will be a practical first step to learning how to identify, collect, and propagate native species from seed. Species that can be used for food production will be highlighted. Native seeds will be available for taking home!
Tuesday, April 4th 7:00 p.m.
Greater Victoria Public Library
FREE EVENT
Register at gvpl.ca (link under 'tickets') or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information. Registration begins February 27.
http://https://www.facebook.com/
Haliburton EcoFarm School
Openhouse this Saturday 12pm-2pm!
Program begins March 24th
Have you checked out the new Haliburton EcoFarm School?!
Certified organic farming methods, ecosystem restoration & biodiversity, and holistic nutrition.
Lead Instructors: Elmarie Roberts, Kristen Miskelly, Rhona McAdam
Please be sure to check out the EcoFarm webpage or contact Ann Eastman, the Program Coordinator, for more information at ecofarmschool@gmail.com
Enhancing Biodiversity with Native Plants
- A Presentation for the Mill Bay Garden Club
Small spaces can be reservoirs of biodiversity, including home gardens. Join Saanich Native Plants with the Mill Bay Garden Club for a presentation about Enhancing Biodiversity with Native Plants in Home Gardens. We’ll be discussing local ecology, wildlife and what we can do to help in our own spaces using native plants. We’re bringing some plants along!
When: Tuesday Nov. 22 2016
Doors: 6:30; Talk: 7:45
Where: Mill Bay Community League Hall, 1001 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Rd
To learn more about the Mill Bay Garden Club or to join visit
https://www.facebook.com/
Rain Garden Design Workshops
Join Saanich Native Plants to learn about the diversity of plants that can be used in raingardens around Victoria. We will discuss species options, comparisons of raingardens to natural wetlands, and wildlife/habitat values.
Where: Fernwood Community Centre
When: Tuesday, October 25th
Time: 6:30-8:30p.m.
Cost: $30
To register, call 250-381-1552 x100
Henderson's Checkermallow (Sidalcea hendersonii)- one of many suitable native species suitable for local raingardens that are often overlooked
The Native Plant Study Group Presents....
Trials and Tribulations of Cooking with Native Plants
with Kristen Miskelly & Paige Erickson-McGeeThursday, September 15, 2016 at 7pm
Kristen and Paige will bring their shared passion for native plants, delicious food, and enjoying it all with friends. From berries to clover rhizomes to seeds, they will share their successes (and flops) of collecting, growing, preparing, preserving, and eating native plant foods. They may even bring some delicious samples along to share.
UVic, MacLaurin Bldg, Rm D-116
Non member drop-in fee: $5. Students: FREE.
Remember $2.50 for parking at UVic.
http://www.npsg.ca/
Growing Native Plants From Seed
Come learn how to identify, collect, and propagate native species from seed!Growing native plants from seed can help enhance biodiversity, and can also be a terrific source of food for people. Native species typically have a different set of needs than those of conventional garden and vegetable species. This free workshop will be a practical first step to learning how to identify, collect, and propagate native species from seed. Species that can be used for food production will be highlighted. Native seeds will be available for taking home!
Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information. Registration begins September 6. Presented in partnership with LifeCycles (
http://
The Compost Education Centre Spring Plant Sale is less than a week away! We'll be there with our native plants and seeds!
May 7th, 10am to 2pm
1216 North Park Street
Cobble Hill Seedy Saturday
Saturday March 12th 10 AM-3 PM
Cobble Hill Hall 3550 Watson Ave, Cobble Hill, BC
Gardening with Native Plants
Master Gardener's Workshop
Registration Required
Saturday November 14th.
8:30-4pm
Room D114, Maclaurin Building, UVic
Saanich Native Plants: “The Nature of the Native Plant Garden: Restoration Techniques and Ecological Benefits”
In Bloom Wildflower Festival
Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve
Saturday, May 9, 2015
10:00am–2:00 pm
Calling all nature lovers, native plant gardeners and curious ecologists of all ages!
Come and experience the Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve
at the height of its beauty at this family friendly nature festival.
This year's In Bloom Wildflower Festival promises to be a fun-filled day
of hands-on discovery and community fun
http://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/where-we-work/british-columbia/stories/in-bloom.html
Detail of a camas painting by Colin Elder.
Metchosin Talk and Walk
Using Native Plants in Your Home Garden
Friday April 17 7:00 pm
4450 Happy Valley Road, Metchosin BC
Kristen and James Miskelly will be here to talk about which native plants to use in your home garden, and
about the benefits of doing so! They started a native plant nursery in 2013, and will share some highlights from the
past couple of years. Kristen and James are both biologists passionate about local ecosystems, restoration,
conservation, and native plants, of course! James works mostly with rare species, ecological restoration, and ento-
mology. Kristen is the nursery manager and lead grower and also works as a contract botanist.
http://
Cowichan Valley Garden Club
Wednesday April 8 7:00 pm
486 Jubilee Road, Duncan
We'll be talking about the use of native plants in home gardens, including growing techniques, selecting appropriate plants for your site, and plants that will encourage pollinators and other wildlife.
http://www.cowichanvalleygardenclub.com/dates-and-speakers/
Cobble Hill Seedy Saturday
Saturday March 14
10-3pm
A great way to kickstart spring! We'll be at this event with our native plants and seeds. Check out our plant list in case there is something specific you would like us to bring along.
https://www.facebook.com/SCHFIAS
http://www.cobblehillfair.ca/
