Xeriscaping – gardening in a changing climate

With the end of winter approaching leaving behind the shorter days, cooler nights, and wetter conditions it is somewhat hard to imagine the warm days of summer yet to arrive. I remember most of July and August 2021 trying to minimize my watering, as the days grew hotter, my plants demanding attention sometimes multiple times a day, and my water bill a reflection on how much love those thirsty plants were given. Turning on the tap is as habitual as brushing one’s teeth, we come to expect clean water at our disposal not really contemplating where it comes from. Those that rely on well water may have another concern, will the well dry up, and if so, when?

The Sooke Garden Clubs guest, Bernie Dinter will be speaking on Xeriscaping. The term means “a system of landscaping with water conservation as the top priority”. With the summers becoming longer and hotter and with water use becoming restricted, gardens can adapt to these conditions through plant selection and management.

Bernie Dinter grew up on the campus of Shawnigan Lake School. After graduating he went on to UBC and came out with a degree in Plant Science. Bernie’s father was a gardener from 1952 to 1972 on the campus of Shawnigan Lake and began Dinters Nursery in 1973. Bernie joined the nursery full time after graduation. Dinter Nursery has been supporting gardeners in the Cowichan Valley for 48 years, drawing customers from all over Vancouver Island. Along with being a member of the Cowichan Valley Rhododendron Society, Bernie is also a member of the Duncan Rotary Club and BC Institute of Agrologists.

Sooke Garden club will be continuing with meetings and speakers through Zoom, all members can join in on Wednesday, January 26th at 7:00pm. New members are always welcome, to join, email us at sookegc@gmail.com.

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Eating Defensively by Growing Your Own