Monthly Archives: May 2011

The first in a series of herbalism workshops! If you are interested in the healing properties of plants but don’t know where to start, or if you buy herbal medicines already but are interested in taking a more DIY approach, you will dig this workshop. We will harvest herbs on site at the Compost Education Centre and make our own infusions and tinctures to take home.

The second workshop in this series (to happen sometime in June) will be on the topic of salves, but we will start getting ready for it at this workshop as well (harvesting herbs and starting them steeping in oil).

All participants will leave with the two different tinctures and a lot of new knowledge about harvesting and using common backyard and wild plants.

Workshop cost: will be between $11-15, but I will get back to participants closer to the date with an exact cost

Where: Compost Ed Centre Strawbale Building 1216 North Park St, Victoria, BC

** SPACE IS LIMITED, SO PLEASE EMAIL slugs.coordinator@gmail.com TO REGISTER! **

The first canning workshop has filled up so fast we have decided to add another session. Lindsay will be back at the Compost Ed Centre on May 31st for a chutney redux!

Date: Tuesday May 31st, 6-8 pm
Location: Compost Ed Centre Strawbale Building 1216 North Park St, Victoria, BC

Rhubarb is a fantastic harbinger of spring, and deserves to be celebrated as often as possible, including as an accompaniment for savory foods such as cheeses and meats. In this workshop, we’ll combine local rhubarb with spices, vinegar, and sugar to make a tangy chutney, preserved in glass jars for future enjoyment. We’ll also cover the basics of modern hot-water bath canning techniques, equipment, safety issues, and resources for the home canner. Each participant will take home a small jar of chutney and the recipe.
Cost: $5

** SPACE FOR THIS RAD WORKSHOP IS LIMITED, SO PLEASE EMAIL TO REGISTER: slugs.coordinator@gmail.com **

On May 20th, Jackie Robson will join Grow a Row participants and SLUGS to share her knowledge of pest and disease management in the garden. This is an amazing chance to learn from a pro-star gardener with a strong interest in food security and organic growing!

Confessing herself to be a fascinated plant fool, Jackie Robson was first motivated to learn organic growing by the simple desire to feed herself. The core idea of food security hit her all at once when talking to a friend in the mid-80′s. Her friend, Paul talked about city dwellers as sitting ducks with no ability to grow food and provide for themselves. At that moment, Jackie decided that she would learn everything she could about providing year-round organic produce. That decision has lead Jackie down some surprising, twisty turns. She was first hired as the horticulturist for the Sooke Garden Project in 1988, going on to become coordinator/instructor for the Colwood Garden Project. Jackie went on to learn about the politics of food security by working as the garden coordinator for the PATH Project, (Promoting Action Toward Health), helping to found the Wark St. Commons. Jackie continues to work for the commons with other dedicated volunteers. She also gardens and gives tours at The Sooke Harbour House and works as head gardener at Pt. Ellice House, while working with friends and neighbours to create as many beautiful and functional gardens as she can.

Suggested donation: $2 for Grow a Row Members, $5 for everyone else
Location: Greater Victoria Compost Education Centre, 1216 North Park Street, Victoria, BC

For more information on Grow a Row, check out their website: http://vicgrowarow.org/

Canning 101: Rhubarb Chutney
Tuesday May 24, 6-8 pm
Location: Compost Ed Centre Strawbale Building 1216 North Park St

Rhubarb is a fantastic harbinger of spring, and deserves to be celebrated as often as possible, including as an accompaniment for savory foods such as cheeses and meats. In this workshop, we’ll combine local rhubarb with spices, vinegar, and sugar to make a tangy chutney, preserved in glass jars for future enjoyment. We’ll also cover the basics of modern hot-water bath canning techniques, equipment, safety issues, and resources for the home canner. Each participant will take home a small jar of chutney and the recipe.
Cost: $5

** SPACE FOR THIS RAD WORKSHOP IS LIMITED, SO PLEASE EMAIL TO REGISTER: slugs.coordinator@gmail.com **

Also coming soon: backyard chickens, plant walks, making tinctures and salves, and various learning opportunities at Haliburton Farm. Stay tuned for more dates soon!