Water-resilient gardening in times of drought
Area D residents are invited to “Water-resilient gardening in times of drought” workshop on Wed June 26th
Campbell River, BC – Strathcona Regional District invites Area D residents to a “Water-resilient gardening in times of drought” workshop on Wednesday June 26, 2019 at the Oyster Bay Resorts Hall, 4357 South Island Highway.
6:30 pm: Doors open, displays
7:00 – 7:30 pm: Presentation – Water-resilient gardening, Q&A
7:30 – 7:45 pm: Break & refreshments
7:45 – 8:15 pm: Presentation, Permaculture, Q&A
8:15 – 9:00 pm: Q&A, displays
The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development has declared that Vancouver Island is at a Level 3 drought rating: “This means very dry conditions with potentially serious ecosystem and socioeconomic impacts”.
The presentations and displays will provide residents of Area D with valuable tips to:
- Landscape for maximum water efficiency
- Use drought tolerant grasses and plants
- Build healthy, water-retentive soil (economically)
- Create a “hot compost” for rich compost in 18 days
- Work towards self-sustaining garden beds and kitchen gardens
- Choose timers that work on Stage 1 and 2 restrictions
- Revisit micro and drip -irrigation equipment
Note: Area D starts south of Jubilee Parkway, outside the City of Campbell River municipal boundary and ends at the Oyster River. The northern Electoral Area D water service area ends a little bit south of York Road, for which Stage 2 watering restrictions will start on July 1st. The early 2019 drought is already prompting Area D residents to water outside of Stage 1 restrictions, stating, concerns that “they’ve been away, and their grass is dying”.
For more information on Stage 1 and 2 restrictions visit www.srd.ca/services/water/
To those residents we would like to repeat the classic advice given throughout all BC municipalities:
- Raise your lawn mower to 2.5 – 3”. This improves the health of your grass and reduces water lost to evaporation
- Mulch – leave your grass clippings in the grass
- Aerate and lime in spring
- Check your soil type and depth: If less than 8 inches of good loam, use a cycle and soak irrigation schedule
Consider investing in a timer that can be adjusted for Stage 1 and 2 restrictions, that can be set to cycle and soak, and that can even be set via your cell phone from anywhere in the world.
Please pre-register for the workshop as space is limited: Call 250-203-1820 or email Water@srd.ca
The Strathcona Regional District is a partnership of four electoral areas and five municipalities providing services to approximately 44, 671 residents.
-30-
Media contact:
Luisa Richardson, Water Conservation Educator
Tel: 250-203-1820 | Email: water@srd.ca