Wednesday, April 18, 2012


VICTORIA NATIVE PLANT GARDEN TOUR

SUNDAY 29 APRIL 2012, 1PM-5PM

Join us for a very special garden tour. See Garry oak ecosystems’ and other native plant species in five very different private gardens around Victoria. Some gardens are small, others are much larger; some are young, others are older; some contain high plant species diversity, others have mass plantings of a few species.

All gardens are interesting and will inspire you as you see original landscaping, native grasses, flowering camas, seablush, spring gold or shooting stars in private gardens, which are not usually open to the public.

Meet most of us garden owners to get information and tips on gardening with native plants and see some “before and after” pictures. But most of all, feel our enthusiasm and sense of fun. This will be a Sunday afternoon not like others. Bring your friends and children.

* Saanich, 3232 Frechette Street, near Hillside Mall (Jennifer and Eric Sleigh)

Sunny residential front yard converted from common shrubs and lawn to native plant garden, now in its second spring. An example of a native garden in its infancy, built by hand on weekends and evenings, with ~60 different species. Before and after pictures will be available for those wanting to see the transition over the last 2 years.

* Oak Bay, 2646 Cranmore Road (Louise Goulet and Michael McIlvaney)

Groomed 3-year old garden with 1000s of salvaged native plants in front yard /side of house. ~1700 sq. feet of different habitats including meadow, woodland and artificial pond/stream with ~150 labeled plant species. Ornamental garden is also open at the back. Pamphlets on gardening with native plants available (donation appreciated).

* Oak Bay, 2203 Kinross Street (Jennifer Sutton)

Five years ago, the front lawn was converted to a drought resistant, mainly native garden. The garden has not been watered since 2008. The sod removed to create pathways was used to build three raised berms. Pictures showing the transformation will be available.

* Oak Bay, 2125 Landsdowne Road (Philip Symons and Marya Nijland)

Drought resistant, very natural-looking 6-year old garden in front yard, with interesting landscaping. Boulders, grasses and red-osier dogwood give structure and colour beyond springtime's burst of blooms.

* Victoria/Oak Bay border, to the left of 1843 Crescent Avenue (Owned by City of Victoria but planted/maintained by the late Pat Boyle and her husband Neil) Neil will be absent

Mostly mature large 10-year old garden, with mass plantings of red columbine, great camas, shooting star, western buttercup and native grasses in Garry oak open woodland/meadow.

Tour organized by members of the Native Plant Study Group [www.npsg.ca] in collaboration with the Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team [www.goert.ca] and Habitat Acquisition Trust [www.hat.bc.ca]. See these websites for lots of information on gardening with native plants.

Birgit Piskor plant and Sculpture Sale


 Birgit Piskor will be having a plant sale ; April 28 and 29 from 10am - 3pm
offering many difficult to find perennials and grasses (over 1500 one
gallon plants).

Her sculpture gallery and studio will also be open with all
sculpture up to 60% off.

Here are a few of Birgit's  'must haves'

Molinia 'Edith Dudszus'


Cephalaria gigantea


Veronicastrum 'Fascination'


Sidalcea 'My Love'


Verbena hastata


Plant and Sculpture Sale
April 28 and 29, 10am to 3pm
1500 one gallon difficult to find perennials and grasses.

Sculpture up to 60% off
570 Niagara Street - that's at the corner of Niagara and South Turner, plant sale is in the back so come down the South Turner side of the property not to the front door.

A bit about Birgit's garden:

Birgit Piskor's Garden is an internationally toured, award-winning garden in James
Bay. It has been featured in two issues of Fine Gardening magazine,
the Sunset Western Landscaping gallery section as well as appearing in
several other gardening books. The documentary program, Recreating
Eden, filmed an episode here in season 5.

This year her garden and sculpture will be featured in the August edition of the esteemed magazine, Garden's
Illustrated.This is your chance to get a sneak preview and buy some of Birgit's amazing plant material.

On April 28 and 29 from 10am - 3pm Birgit will be having a plant sale
offering many difficult to find perennials and grasses (over 1500 one
gallon plants).
As well, my sculpture gallery and studio will be open with all
sculpture up to 70% off.

Check our Birgit's  website  www.birgitpiskor.comwww.birgitpiskor.com

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