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HomeGrown: Release your inner gardener

Township of Langley has a heap of agriculture-related activities lined up this summer
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Lisa Dreves, stewardship coordinator at Langley Environmental Partners Society (LEPS), chops a pepper during a canning demonstration at the Langley Eats Local event last year.

From composting tips and growing plants that flourish with little water, to attracting beneficial bugs and gardening without chemicals, the Langley Demonstration Garden is a mecca for learning about everything good for your yard and garden —  and the environment.

Located in the Derek Doubleday Arboretum in the 21200 block of Fraser Highway, the Demonstration Garden is run by the Township of Langley in partnership with the Langley Environmental Partners Society (LEPS). Visitors can drop by anytime throughout the year to discover sustainable gardening techniques, and staff are on site weekdays from May until August to provide advice and information.

As well, community events and a number of workshops will be held this season to educate people of all ages and interests. For more information or to register, call 604-546-0344 or email garden@leps.bc.ca. Workshops are for participants aged 14 and over. Registration is required at least one week in advance, unless otherwise noted.

Garden Smart Workshops

Training Fruit Trees to Produce More Fruit

Thursday, June 2, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

This workshop will cover summer fruit tree pruning to reduce suckers and encourage more fruit production in future years. Learn about using mesh bags as non-chemical barriers to prevent codling moth and apple maggot infestations. RSVP to garden@leps.bc.ca by May 26.

Intro to Hot Water Bath Canning

Monday, June 6, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Don’t have time to attend a three-hour workshop? Join us for this condensed session. Participants will learn how easy and inexpensive it can be to safely preserve fruit and vegetables at home. RSVP by May 30.

Mosaic Tile Garden Art

Saturday, June 18, 10 a.m. - noon

Learn an easy method to upcycle broken pottery and tiles into a garden stepping stone that you can take home. Use supplied materials or bring your own broken dishes, shells, stones, beads, jewelry, or other trinkets. For participants 12+ years. RSVP by June 10.

All Season Vegetable Gardening

Monday, June 20, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

On the West Coast, you can harvest fresh vegetables from your garden 365 days a year. Learn the tricks of planning a winter vegetable garden, which vegetables are most successful, and receive recipes.  RSVP by June 13.

Traditional Uses of Plants

Saturday, June 25, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Ever wonder how first peoples of this area found food before farms and grocery stores?  Learn from local Elder Karen Gabriel the many ways First Nations people use plants for food, medicine, dyes, and more. RSVP by June 17.

Container Gardening for Kids

Saturday, July 16, 10 a.m. - noon

Do you have trouble getting your kids to eat their vegetables? Once they grow their own, they will be happy to eat them. This hands-on workshop is for children aged 4 - 7 years old and requires caregiver participation.  RSVP by July 8.

Creating a Pollinators’ Paradise

Wednesday, July 20, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Learn about local pollinators, discuss their role in the local environment, and discover the principles and benefits of planting a pollinator garden.  RSVP by July 13.

Intro to Pressure Canning

Thursday, Aug. 11, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Don’t have time to attend a three-hour workshop? Join us for this condensed session. Participants will learn to take the fear out of pressure canning.  RSVP by August 2.

Backyard Composting

Tuesday, Aug 23, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Make black gold in your backyard. Learn what type of composting fits your needs and how to quickly turn yard trimmings and fruit and vegetable scraps into rich organic fertilizer. Great for beginners and experienced compost users who want to troubleshoot their compost systems.

 

Community Events

Picnics in the Park

Tuesday, June 14, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Monday, July 18, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Bring along a picnic and join us for garden tours and fun activities for the whole family. Some barbecue items and snacks will be available by donation.

Blackberry Bake-off and Open House

Thursday, Aug. 18, noon - 3 p.m.

This popular annual tradition continues! Enter a blackberry creation in the Bake-off for the chance to win local fame as Langley’s best blackberry chef. Bake-off entries must be submitted by 12:15pm, and tasting starts at 12:45 p.m.. Enjoy a locally-sourced barbecue for just $5, visit the kids’ craft corner, and groove to live music. No registration necessary unless entering a culinary creation.