Join gardening expert Ron Knight Saturday, April 12, at 2 p.m. at the Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden to learn the hows and whys of do-it-yourself installation of drip irrigation.
With longer stretches without summer rain, many of our garden plants will go thirsty unless we plan ahead. Tickets for this workshop are $15 for botanical members/$20 for others, available at local nurseries, Sechelt Visitor Centre, at the Garden, by calling 604-740-3969, or by donation at the door; $10 to $20 suggested.
Knight is a well-respected rhododendron grower and retired teacher who, with his wife Carla, has created a paradise garden for their collection. But rhododendrons need water most during mid-summer, when watering is restricted, to form their flower buds for the following spring. Knight has become very adept at planning and installing his own water-saving systems.
Finding ways to save water is becoming more and more important with our changing, less predictable climate.
Those with good rainwater storage or only summer-drought-loving plants have an advantage. Drip irrigation makes it much easier to grow plants that require summer water (like rhodos, vegetables and many of our flowering plants). And as water-metering will be coming to most households in the near future, this is a good time to install a system yourself.
With generous support from Sunshine Coast Credit Union, the Garden is open Friday to Wednesday, with spring hours 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (other times by prior arrangement). The Garden is at 5941 Mason Road in West Sechelt and is a fine place for a walk.
Come see the new roof-water storage system (named Tank) and the gorgeous rhodos it will supply this summer. Garden membership is very inexpensive, and members enjoy early notice of events such as this workshop and the upcoming Plant Sale May 4, as well as discounts and unlimited free visits.
See www.coastbotanicalgarden.org for more.
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