Earthwise August workshops focus on biodiversity

Summer is well underway, and what better place to spend those sunny August days than in the beautiful Earthwise Garden?

If you’re looking for a great reason to come and explore the Garden, Earthwise is excited to be offering a series of fun and educational workshops that will focus on urban biodiversity. As a bonus, they have added a very special workshop that will help rid you of a pesky summer problem- mosquitoes- in the most natural way possible.

Late summer and fall are especially critical times to provide forage for pollinators, and the first August workshop will explore the pollinator gardens at Earthwise and help you select plants for your own pollinator gardens at home.

Pollinator populations are in decline for many reasons, including loss of habitat and pesticide use, and this workshop will teach you how to make a difference by planting eco-friendly gardens that provide a steady source of pollen and nectar throughout the growing season. This workshop will run on Thursday, Aug. 12 from noon to 1 p.m.

And what would a B.C. summer be without mosquitoes? If you’ve been searching for a natural solution to mosquito troubles, visit Earthwise on Thursday, Aug. 19 from noon to 1 p.m. to discover some natural ways to deter those sneaky summer pests.

Participate in some interactive gardening activities that will show you what to plant in your garden to repel mosquitoes, learn how to make your own herbal mosquito repellent spray using essential oils, and make a beeswax and plantain salve to soothe itchy mosquito bites. Participants will go home with a bottle of their own natural mosquito repellant spray and a small container of plantain salve!

The final August workshop, held on Aug. 26 from noon to 1 p.m. will explore the beauty and benefits of native plants. Many plants that are indigenous to the Pacific Northwest will not only beautify your landscapes, but also contribute to the health of our local ecosystems. Learn why native plants are critical in supporting local wildlife populations, and why indigenous plants often require less care than others.

For more information about the workshops, and to register, visit www.earthwisesociety.bc.ca and email info@earthwisesociety.bc.ca.