Bring your bee houses that have been out for the growing season and we will learn how to harvest the cocoons of our native mason bees, and do that harvesting together. We will identify any pests and parasites that we encounter, learn how to clean the cocoons properly leaving the houses ready for the spring. […]
In situ composting, or soil building in the form of Sheet Mulching is a fast process of building fertile soil where there isn’t any, converting lawn landscapes into active growing gardens, or simply adding more nutrients to existing gardens. We’ll first learn about the principles behind sheet mulching and why/how it works, then we’ll build […]
In this workshop students will learn the main steps used in cultivating mushrooms at home using low tech methods. The lecture will include basic fungal biology, information on tools needed to grow mushrooms, making liquid culture, grain spawn and preparation of straw for Oyster mushrooms and for King Stropharia. For the hands-on part, students will […]
What is the recipe for compost success and why does composting matter? This workshop will explore the answers to these questions, and will offer instructions on what it takes to produce an amendment for your garden that is rich in beneficial microorganisms and nutrients! We’ll cover the 6 factors for composting success, how to choose […]
If you have a mason bee nesting box out this Summer and are not sure what to do next, then this class is for you. Cleaning your nesting box and cocoons is vital for the health of the bees and an essential task for the mason bee keeper. The purpose is to save viable cocoons […]
The Victoria Horticultural Society will meet on Nov. 4, 2025 from 7:15 to 9:00 PM at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre (3277 Douglas St). Our speaker is Bryan Emery, who will address the topic “Exploring the world of Sinningias (Gloxinia) beyond the ‘Florist Gloxinia’ ,“including their use in gardens and containers. Bryan is the owner of Bryan’s […]
We’ll cover options that are available for composting without a yard. Surprisingly, there are many, and we’ll discover the benefits and drawbacks to each so you can determine the system that is right for your life & home. We’ll learn about: -countertop electric food dehydrators & “composters” -private food scrap pick up, municipal food scrap […]
Biodiversity Begins at Home Wylie Thomas talks about Biodiversity loss as accelerating globally, with scientists warning it could rival past mass extinctions. Here in Oak Bay, however, each of us can take meaningful action. By planting native species from our local Garry Oak ecosystem, into our gardens, we can support biodiversity while creating landscapes more […]
If you are a new gardener, new to Victoria or just want to brush up on your plant knowledge, this is a great place to get started. This is a monthly class where participants will be introduced to 20 new plants which fit with our local climate. Plants are selected for our local growing conditions […]
If you are a new gardener, new to Victoria or just want to brush up on your plant knowledge, this is a great place to get started. This is a monthly class where participants will be introduced to 20 new plants which fit with our local climate. Plants are selected for our local growing conditions […]
Join the Compost Education Centre for a 5 part “Grow the Best Garden” series that will lead you from planning, to soil, to planting, to harvesting success! Join us for a series that explores a wide variety of incredibly important gardening topics, from planning and planting, to harvest and seed saving! Whether you’re a novice […]
Join the Compost Education Centre for a 5 part “Grow the Best Garden” series that will lead you from planning, to soil, to planting, to harvesting success! Join us for a series that explores a wide variety of incredibly important gardening topics, from planning and planting, to harvest and seed saving! Whether you’re a novice […]