exhibit their programs and wares at a subsidized rate. Workshops and talks on a wide range
of topics are presented throughout the year. The garden surrounding the Calgary
Horticultural Society office has been transformed into a teaching garden, providing space for workshops and demonstrations on yard-smart modifi- cations such as rain gardens, redirected downspouts for use with rain barrels and composting, as well as how to grow a wide range of ornamentals and vegetables. The Community Gardens program,
now in its 15th year, provides educa- tion, a network of
resources, exper-
tise and collaborative connections to provide start-up assistance for new gardens and ongoing support for estab- lished ones. Included is an informa- tive website and searchable database to locate gardens, education workshops and kitchen table talks for garden lead- ers and a twice monthly e-newsletter. The society works closely with the city of Calgary parks department and many other organizations in the city and province that form the community garden network. Partnering with the city of Calgary’s
yard smart program the club developed the water wise education series: work- shops that engage, educate and empow- er Calgarians to reduce outdoor water consumption and manage storm water on their properties, while learning to garden successfully. The program has three parts: Beauty on a budget — for begin-
ners. This two hour workshop was developed and is delivered by Kath Smyth, staff horticulturist, together with city water services and is part of the city’s yard smart program. The goal is to teach beginner gardeners how to build successful,
The society grounds contain many teaching gardens.
The CHS is part of Calgary’s yard smart program.
shares for members to share plant mate- rial and information about plants, their cultures and habits. The garlic co-operative exchange,
environmentally
friendly water-wise gardens in Calgary. Compost workshop — This three
hour workshop delves into topics of soil, composting benefits and tech- niques and the impact of gardening. Digging in: yard smart makeover
workshop — for intermediate garden- ers. This is an in-depth, half-day work- shop that provides the opportunity to receive hands-on experience transform- ing a garden. Participants walk away with resources and an understanding of the steps involved in creating and main- taining a yard-smart garden. The group hosts spring and fall plant
localgardener.net
traditionally a community gardens event, celebrates and promotes grow- ing heritage garlic hardy to Calgary and maintaining the cultivation of varieties of heritage garlic for future generations. Over the past four years, the society has collaborated with Fort Calgary, Ingle- wood and McClure Fellowship commu- nity gardens in growing heritage garlic in support of this exchange. Each year, the garlic co-op has seen an increase in both the number of gardeners partici- pating and the public’s interest in local- ly grown hardneck heritage garlic. Last year, 81 people participated in exchang- ing 38 garlic varieties (257 garlic bulbs). As
the society moves forward it
strives to keep pace with the needs of Calgary gardeners. With the help of its many members and dedicated volun- teers the Calgary Horticultural Society continues to be a busy, vibrant organi- zation. x
Executive director, Colleen McCrack- en and member, Tom Martin.
Perennial plants of the year. Fall 2016 • 41
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