Saturday, Aug. 23, the site of the future botanical garden on Mason Road in West Sechelt had some old-fashioned elbow grease applied as a volunteer work party began the job of clearing Scotch broom from the land and old junk from the buildings. The team of volunteers split into two groups, one hauling old appliances, frayed roof tarps and rusty tools into piles for recycling or landfill, and the other cutting the broom plants and stacking them for green waste.
"It's a labour of love," said work team leader Mary Blockberger, treasurer of the Botanical Garden Society. "Everyone pitched in and made a real difference today. Dealing with the broom is a priority. It can get out of hand in just a couple of years, much more quickly even than blackberries." Scotch broom has been declared a noxious weed in B.C., which means it should be cut down on private or public property. Its bright yellow blossoms and strong smell are prevalent in May, and in August it disperses its seeds. The best way to control Scotch broom is to cut the plants at the base rather than try to pull out the roots. Pulling roots disturbs the soil and encourages the seeds to germinate, but by repeatedly cutting the plant down, it eventually loses its vigour and dies. This is one plant that should not be composted at home, as home composts may not reach a temperature high enough to kill weed seeds.
More work parties are planned for September at the botanical garden site. Other excellent ways to support the "grow the garden capital campaign" to buy the land and build the garden are to become a member or donate money. For information on supporting or getting involved with the Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden Society, see www.coastbotanicalgarden.org.
