Category: Resource
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Lilacs
by Heidi Reiter With the right care and selection, Lilacs (Syringa vulgaris) can thrive in the Pacific Northwest and reward gardeners with decades of fragrant blooms. Whether planted as hedge, a focal point, or part of mixed border, these classic shrubs bring timeless beauty and a sense of springtime nostalgia to any garden. To cultivate and…
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Japanese Beetles
by Julie Cohen Background To date, Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica) have not been found on Vancouver Island, largely thanks to a concerted effort to contain their 2017 arrival in Vancouver. First detected in the False Creek area of Vancouver by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) during routine annual surveillance. Exactly how the beetles arrived…
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You Asked Us – August 2025
Q. What type of rose best tolerates some shade? While most roses require sun there are many varieties that will tolerate partial shade. This meansthey will still need to receive at least 4 – 5 hours of sun per day to thrive. There are both shruband climbing varieties that will grow in semi-shaded areas. The…
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AN INTRODUCTION TO SUSTAINABLE GARDENING
By Anne Patterson After several years of prolonged droughts, watering restrictions, extreme heat and cold, and the threat of wildfires, are you looking for ways to cope with the new normal? Read on as Thompson Shuswap Master Gardener Anne Patterson offers some excellent information that will enhance your understanding of soil health, waterwise plant choices,…
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Xeriscaping in the North
Shanna Hunt, MGiT 2024–2025, has carefully compiled comprehensive information on xeriscaping, with a particular focus on best practices for cultivating plants in the unique climate and soil conditions of the Prince George region. Her work provides valuable insights into drought-resistant landscaping techniques, offering guidance on plant selection, water conservation methods, and sustainable gardening strategies tailored…
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A Pruning Tale
Lots of tips and takeaways in this post. This winter’s crop of Vancouver Master Gardener sprouts was awarded an extra trellis: training in the form of a two-hour session on pruning with Laurelle Oldford-Down. Out we trekked to Art’s Nursery, armed with pruners, loppers, gloves and rain gear. Thank heavens for the rain gear: “when…
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Seed Library
A Seed Library operates much like a book library: you “borrow” seeds and later return an equal or greater number of seeds after growing your plants. Unlike a seed exchange, you don’t need to provide seeds upfront, making this particularly helpful for gardening beginners. At the Prince George Seed Library, we encourage borrowers to let…
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Growing Vegetables: Enhancing Success Through Companion Planting
Shari Featherstone, MGiT 2024-2025, recently presented a lecture on Companion Planting at the 2025 Prince George Seedy Saturday. She was also invite to present at the Vanderhoof Seedy Saturday and Williams Lake Seedy Saturday events. Here’s her presentation, with additional resources for you to read.
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Is My Compost Ready?
Chris Endicott, MGiT 2024-2025, writes about composting and how to know when it’s ready for use in your gardens.
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New Plants for Okanagan Gardens
Presentation: New Plants for Okanagan Gardens Presenter: Ken Salvail Date: Saturday November 2, 2024 Location: Benvoulin Church Occasion: Annual General Meeting of the Okanagan Master Gardeners New Plants for Okanagan Gardens Here are some nice new plants to try in the Okanagan Valley as suggested by Horticulturalist Ken Salvail. Achillea Agastache Artemisia Weigela Aster Calamagrostis…