Events & Workshops

Rainwater Harvesting Options: Save it for a Sunny Day
Local experts from Rainwater Connection will provide hands-on examples of all the rainwater system components and discuss different design options so that you can use “sky water” to irrigate your garden.

• Lantzville Legion | Sat. March 23, 1:30 – 3:00pm
• Errington War Memorial Hall | Sat. March 30, 10:30am – 12:00pm

Living Soil, Lovely Garden!
Organic Master Gardener Connie Kuramoto demonstrates simple techniques for enriching your soil – mulching, lasagna layering, groundcovers, and more. Soil specialist Kathleen Millar introduces the importance of the tiny critters that make up a healthy ‘Soil Food Web’ to create an environment where water is stored easily, pests are naturally kept in check, and plants thrive.

• Nanoose Place | Sat. April 6, 10:30am – 12:00pm

Lawn Alternatives and Xeriscaping
There are many beautiful alternatives to turf grass that require little upkeep. Local expert landscaper Amy Robson will discuss options for Groundcovers, Xeriscaping, Naturescaping, Artificial Turf and Permeable Pavers: Have your yard look vibrant without chemicals or excess water.

• Parksville City Hall Forum | Sat. Apr 13, 10:30am – 12:00pm
• Oliver Woods Centre Nanaimo |Sat. Apr 27, 10:30am – 12:00pm

Efficient Irrigation: Be Smart with your Sprinkler System
Do you have an in-ground irrigation system? There may be leaks, clogs and inefficient nozzles that are wasting water and costing you money! Learn what to look for when getting your sprinkler system ready for the summer.

• Qualicum Beach Civic Centre |Sat. May 4, 10:30am – 12:00pm
• Lantzville Legion | Sat. May 11, 10:30am – 12:00pm

Living on the Water: Landscaping for Streamside Landowners
Some of us are lucky enough to live on a creek or stream. Landscaping practices by the streamside are unique; different than for your average yard. This in-situ workshop takes place at the beautiful Miller Road Park, where biologist Dave Clough will talk about stream life, backyard activity awareness, stormwater management and demonstrate native plant landscaping. Participants will come away with knowledge of how to care for their streamside property and take home a native plant seedling to get started planting!

• Miller Road Park (beside Hatchery, French Creek) | Sat. May 25, 1:30 – 3:00pm

Workshop Registration

Please register for the workshops you wish to attend. Registration starts on March 13th and is done through RDN Recreation and Parks at 1-888-828-2069 or email recparks@rdn.bc.ca.

View Past Workshop Presentations

• DeTox Your Home
• Water Footprint (Water Wise Veggie Gardening Intro)
• Water Wise Veggie Gardening
• How to Inspect your Irrigation System
• Soil as a Sponge
• Rainwater Harvesting Systems

• Pesticide Free Gardening
• Home Greywater Systems
• Naturally Healthy Gardens
• Efficient Irrigation Presentation Hand-out
• Plant Health Management
• Rainwater Collection Part 1
• Rainwater Collection Part 2

Other Related Courses and Workshops

• Permaculture BC
  Permaculture is a design system that is inspired by nature and rooted in science and ethics. It covers everything from organic agriculture to rainwater harvesting to greywater reuse to community building. Check out the courses offered at: http://permaculturebc.com/
• Gaia College
  Gaia College offers online and in-class courses in the areas of organic gardening, holistic land management and environmentally sustainable technologies. If you are interested, visit: www.gaiacollege.ca
• Nanaimo Community Gardens Association
  The Nanaimo Community Gardens Association offers workshops on a variety of gardening topics. For more information visit: www.nanaimocommunitygardens.ca