A Gulf Islands gardener

Award-winning journalist, broadcaster, author and environmental activist Des Kennedy will be presenting A Gulf Islands Gardener in the Gardens of Ireland at the Heritage Playhouse March 9 at 7 p.m. The slide show chronicles his 2002 trip to his ancestral home in the company of other eccentric gardeners from across Canada. He also will be presenting the Ten Commandments of Gardening, a satirical look at the do's and don'ts of gardening. The Gibsons Garden Club will round out the evening with a silent auction and refreshments.

When passionate gardeners are not out in their gardens, they are reading books or watching TV shows on their favourite subject, looking for inspiration. Kennedy has provided that inspiration for many years, through books, magazine articles and TV programs.

I first met Kennedy on CBC's The Canadian Gardener, as David Tarrant interviewed him at the Denman Island garden Kennedy has shared for 30 years with partner Sandy. That island garden has since been featured in numerous books, magazines and calendars. Later, Kennedy's how-to spots on the CBC news became a highlight for gardeners. In 2003, Kennedy was featured in the HGTV production Recreating Eden. The hour-long episode, entitled A Garden Sanctuary Where Activism Blooms, provided an in-depth look at Kennedy's background and his passion for saving Denman Island from clear-cut logging -including posing for a "tastefully nude" calendar to raise awareness and support for the campaign. Now when I receive the latest issue of Garden Wise magazine I turn to the last page to read Kennedy's Earthwords. His comments on gardening's highs and lows remind me I am not alone in my struggle with the plant kingdom. Kennedy motivates gardeners to observe, learn and enjoy. Many of his books have been nominated for the Leacock medal for humour and will be available for sale and autographing. Tickets are available for $10 in advance at AC Electronics in Gibsons, can be reserved by calling 604-885-4595, or at the door starting at 6 p.m. on March 9.