Forest Garden Workshop

Learn how to build a Forest Garden in your backyard! 

Are you interested in growing and harvesting organic foods and medicines where you live? Come and learn how to create a naturally water-saving,  pollinator and kid-friendly gardening space! This 2-day workshop will introduce you to some of the many ways that a Forest Garden can look, what to consider when choosing a garden location and if you have what it takes to build a hugelkultur bed! 

What is a Forest Garden? 

A Forest Garden, is a low-maintenance, sustainable, food-producing garden which mimics the natural layers of a forest. Although each gardener has their own tastes, Forest Gardens typically include nut and fruit trees, shrubs, herbs, vines and perennial vegetables! By imitating our natural ecosystems, Forest Gardens are resilient to drought and pests while providing food for us and habitat for birds, bees and many more garden-helping creatures! 

Dive into an in depth discussion of permaculture principles, and observe how they are and are not applied in while visiting our very own Community Forest Garden at the Millard Learning Centre!  

Water? Irrigation? All important considerations our island. We will discuss the drawbacks and benefits of our system and what might work best for your own space! 

Workshop Hosts 

Cedana Bourne, Agriculture and Nursery Coordinator 

You can find Cedana with her hands in the soil at the Native Plant Nursery, the Learning Centre’s Food Forest and the garden and greenhouse. She is in her element when she can observe and participate in each stage of the cycle of life. She enjoys saving seeds and nurturing them through each stage of development. Cedana is a herbalist who grows or wildcrafts the plants for the formulas she creates for her apothecary. Cedana is also a Registered Holistic Nutritionist who appreciates a delicious whole foods meal.  She is a passionate preserver and loves to incorporate wild foods into all kinds of tasty creations from baking to bubbly brews to fermented concoctions.

Adam Huggins, Restoration Coordinator 

Adam has a B.Sc. in Biology and Environmental Studies, with a Diploma in the Restoration of Natural Systems, from the University of Victoria. Adam has worked on nurseries, farms, non-profits, and field studies across the Pacific North West. Adam currently manages the Conservancy’s Forage Forest at the Millard Learning Centre. The Forage Forest is a restoration-site and a native-plant garden created in collaboration with the Penelakut Elementary School, Penelakut elders and community members as well as the Galiano Community School. 

Where: 

The Millard Learning Centre

10825 Porlier Pass Road

When:

November 17-18, 2018

Registration and Payment

Please register prior to the day of the course! Registration can be completed online (see ticket options below) or by contacting Emily Francis (contact details below). 

Registration is by donation. Suggested donation is $50 – $100 sliding scale. However, no one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Payment is available online, or can be made on the first day of the Workshop cash or cheque. All cheques should be made out to: Galiano Conservancy Association 

Questions? 

If you have any questions about registration, or the workshop please contact Emily Francis, Environmental Educator, at emily.francis@galianoconservancy.ca or by calling our office at 250-539-2424