The WestShore Centre for Learning and Training is helping residents get ready for the growing season with its annual plant sale this weekend.
As part of the second annual community garden plant sale fundraiser, students in the sustainable resources class at the Colwood campus will be selling a variety of vegetable starts including more than 25 varieties of heirloom and organic tomatoes – many of which can’t be found in big box stores.
B.C.-grown blueberry, raspberry and strawberry plants will be available, as well as herbs and herb garden planters.
For the last four months the grade 11 students have been planting under the guidance of Jennifer Freeman of Zero Mile Solutions. It’s been a great learning opportunity for them.
“The plants are grown by students so it’s a powerful learning opportunity for them to learn about food security and local agricultural practices,” teacher Debbie Lodewijk said. “They’re learning how to set up a business, they’re learning how to work. Putting on an event this big, they’re find a tonne of empowerment in it.”
This year the school has also partnered with C&C Growers from Saanich to offer hanging flower baskets, fuscia hanging baskets and annual flowers. Saanich Native Plants will also be offering a wide variety of native plant species.
In addition, Earl Claxton Jr., an elder of T’sawout First Nation, will be on hand to share his knowledge about native plant species.
Marge Emery will be offering information about propagation and care of mason bees, and Judy Campbell will be selling the cedar wood creations her husband makes including cedar planter boxes, wishing wells, garden benches and lattice.
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Last year’s plant sale raised $3,700, which went towards the school’s greenhouse and this year Lodewijk hopes to raise $5,000, which will support the school’s community garden project in the summer.
The plant sale takes place on Saturday, May 12 at 2139 Sooke Rd. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Blueberry, raspberry and strawberry planters can be pre-ordered by contacting Lodewijk at dlodewjk@sd62.bc.ca.