villagevibe May 2010
News and views from the heart of Fernwood
Plant a Row—Grow a Row Program sprouts up in Fernwood Local non-profits hope to grow 1 tonne of food for those in need in new pilot project
›› Compost Ed Centre Staff Are you a Fernwood gardener? Do you live in Fernwood and are interested in learning how to garden? Do you want to know what to do with all the extra zucchini you yield each year? Then the “Plant a Row – Grow a Row” project is for you! This national initiative began in1988 in Winnipeg and has grown to include over 85 communities across Canada. The premise is simple – why not plant an extra row of vegetables to give to those in need? Here in Victoria, we are all aware of growing rates of poverty and homelessness, many of us are also aware of growing concern around food security and the safety and transportation of our food; which is why many are turning to their backyards and community gardens to grow their own food. The Plant a Row – Grow a Row project allows gardeners to help others in an innovative way while helping themselves by growing their own food. In the pilot year, the project will be launched in the Fernwood neighbourhood, and the goal is to get 100 gardeners (experienced or beginner) to commit to donating extra food. Gardeners will have access to a convenient weekly drop-off location at the Fernwood Community Centre and staff and volunteers from the Greater Victoria Compost Education Centre and Lifecycles Project Society will then weigh all food and give part to Fernwood NRG’s Best Babies program which helps at-risk mothers with prenatal and postnatal nutrition. The rest will go to Our Place. The goal for the first year is 1 tonne of donated food. Interested, but just a beginner gardener? Not to worry: the Greater Victoria Compost Education Centre will be providing free courses and support
The Compost Ed Centre prepares local organic plant starts in advance of their Saturday, May 15th Organic Plant Sale event.
to beginners. As well, there will be lots of opportunities at the regular Community Harvest Celebrations to speak with more experienced neighbours and get tips. There will also be a free course for those interested in learning more about winter gardening. “We think this is a great way to help local shelters as well as teach and support local gardeners in growing their own food year-round” says Nadine Brodeur, Executive Director of the Greater
Victoria Compost Education Centre. Brodeur continues “Each year some plants do extraordinarily well and there are only so many new recipes you can try; this gives new and experienced gardeners a way to proactively help others while “rescuing” any vegetables that may just go bad or be composted otherwise”. For more information check out the Greater Victoria Compost Education Centre website at www.compost.bc.ca or
Neighbourhood Non-Profit
Feature
Gleanings
Coop de Ville page 3
Haultain Beautification Project page 4
May Gardening page 6
if you want to sign-up call the centre at (250) 386-WORM between their business hours of Wednesday to Saturday from 10am- 4pm. You can also attend their annual Organic Plant Sale on Saturday, May15th from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. which will have a sign-up table and information for participants along with plenty of local organic plant starts to buy, live music, and free courses on growing tomatoes and salad greens for the public.
in this issue To get the Vibe digitally, sign up at fernwoodnrg.ca
villagevibe Published by Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group Editor Lee Herrin Founding Editor Lisa Helps Contributors
Lee Herrin Ashleigh Kolla Andrea Mattson Stacey Curtis Dorothy Field
Johanna Henderson Deryk Houston Margaret Hantiuk Kate Lackey
Art
Amy Cousins Dorothy Field Steve Carey Margaret Hantiuk Johanna Henderson Production
Johanna Henderson Contact us
1240 Gladstone Street Victoria, BC V8T 1G6 T 250.381.1552 F 250.381.1509 vibe@fernwoodnrg.ca www.villagevibe.ca The views expressed in the Village Vibe do not necessarily reflect the views of Fernwood NRG.
declaration of principles & values ›› We are committed to creating a socially, environmentally,
and economically sustainable neighbourhood;
››
We are committed to ensuring neighbourhood control or ownership of neighbourhood institutions and assets;
››
We are committed to the creation and support of neighbourhood employment; We are committed to engaging the dreams, resources, and talents of our neighbours and to fostering new links between them;
››
We are committed to taking action in response to neighbourhood issues, ideas, and initiatives;
››
We are committed to governing our organization and serving our neighbourhood democratically with a maximum of openness, inclusivity and kindness;
››
We are committed to developing the skills, capacity, self‑worth, and excellence of our neighbours and ourselves;
››
We are committed to focusing on the future while preserving our neighbourhood’s heritage and diversity;
››
We are committed to creating neighbourhood places that are vibrant, beautiful, healthy, and alive;
››
›› Lee Herrin At Fernwood NRG’s Annual General Meeting in December 2009, our membership passed a motion that the organization strike an ad hoc committee consisting of one board member, one staff member, one previous contributor and no more than four interested Fernwood residents to create an editorial group to oversee the production of this newspaper. The Board of Directors, at their March 25th meeting, struck the ad hoc committee with initial membership of Matt Takach (board member), Lee Herrin (staff member), Johanna Henderson (previous contributor), and Stacy Curtis (interested resident). Any residents of the neighbourhood who are interested in joining the ad hoc committee are invited to submit an expression of interest to the attention of the Board of Directors of Fernwood NRG. Up to three additional members will be selected by the Board to join the committee. The committee meets monthly to decide upon the content of the coming month’s issue, to identify writers for the content, and to assign other tasks as required. The committee’s first meeting was held in early April to plan this edition of the Vibe. We hope you enjoy it! However, you don’t need to join a committee to help produce this paper! We are always looking for fresh voices for the paper, whether it’s opinion, news, fiction, photos, art, comics, a poem, or
whatever you think we should print. We’re happy with the format right now, and so welcome contributions along the lines of what we’re currently printing, but we’re also open to new ideas especially if they’re personal responses to what’s going on in Fernwood. For example, last month’s reflection by Phoebe Ramsay, “A neighbourhood together” was a topical, personal and intensely local response to a traumatic neighbourhood event. We were happy to print it. And if writing isn’t your thing, we’re also happy to print photographic essays on our back page “Scene in Fernwood.” Just be sure to send us at least a dozen high quality photos that we can crop. The photos should relate to each other and should tell a story about the neighbourhood or its people.
For details on submission guidelines, please see www.fernwoodnrg.ca/villagevibe/submission-guidelines. So how about it, Fernwood? Ever wanted to see your name in print? Think you’ve got something to say, or a story to tell, in whatever form? Drops us a line at vibe@fernwoodnrg.ca and pitch your idea, or send in a submission. Just remember, keep it Fernwood! Erratum: in last month’s Editorial, I indicated the Fernwood Community Association was organizing a community meeting with Mayor Fortin in May. I was misinformed by the Mayor’s Office—the Mayor’s meeting is with the FCA board, not with the neighbourhood. Unfortunately, we learned the correct information from the FCA only after the paper had gone to print. I apologize for the error.
Separating the fertile from the flammable in 10 words or less —
Fernwood
Dead Wood
gardens compost happy laying chickens flowers growing
pavement sterility battery hens lawn dying
our resources prudently self-reliant;
››
The future of the Village Vibe
We are committed to using and to becoming financially
››
Editorial:
and, most of all, We are committed to having fun!
page 2
Buzz:
Explore the healing power of energy ›› Andrea Mattson Energy Expo is your opportunity to learn more about holistic health and metaphysics, and it’s coming to Fernwood Community Centre May 15th and 16th. Over 40 healing and intuitive arts practitioners, teachers and exhibitors from throughout Vancouver Island and the local community will unite to offer workshops, healing sessions and psychic readings. The inspiration is to create a grassroots community event to join together all those seeking wisdom, healing, peace, love and light in an atmosphere of non-judgment, fun, enlightenment and respect. Energy is the life force; it is nature’s medicine. As nature’s beauty is vast and diverse so are the myriad ways of healing. Energy Expo’s goal is to raise public consciousness as to what holistic health is, how people can benefit from it and where they can find it locally. Energy Expo 2010 is for those who wish to find positive solutions to renew vitality and strengthen connection. Healthy individuals equal a healthy community, which equals a healthy world. Local professionals offer guests over 20 workshops throughout the 2-day celebration in Gladstone Avenue’s Fernwood
villagevibe May 2010
Community Centre.The main exhibition space—the Community Centre’s gymnasium-—is host to over 30 vendors; the upstairs multi-purpose room acts as the central workshop space, with a second sectioned-off workshop space in the gymnasium. Workshops include: Shamanism – “Putting the Power Back into Power Animals”; Palmistry; “Journey of the Fool – Walking the Tarot”; Kundalini Yoga: “A Healing Journey”; The Spirit of Aloha; Chakra Belly dance; Psychic or Medium; “5 Rhythms Dance”; “Marketing 101 for Holistic Practitioners”; “Australian Bush Flower Essences for Family Wellness”; “The Power of Positivity”; “Healing and intention - ingredients for health”; Reiki Healing circle; “Glutathione and our Health”; “Cowabunga Meditation.” Each day will begin with a sound healing and stretch to open the heart and mind to the limitless possibilities of your true potential. The cost of admission is $10, which allows in-and-out privileges for the full 2-day period. Energy Expo wants Victoria and area to experience the eclectic, artistic vibrations of Fernwood by supporting local businesses, establishments and the area’s Community Centre. Come for a visit, have your palm read, grab a bite in the square,
throw a ball in the park, and come back for a workshop (see the Expo’s website for full descriptions and a schedule). A portion of the Expo’s proceeds go to further Fernwood Community Centre’s work with recreation programs and low income housing. This is a chance for Fernwood to shine and for all of us to show why we are so proud to be at home in this neighbourhood. Tickets are available at: She Said Gallery (in the square); Red Gate Intuitive Arts Centre (Belmont and Pembroke, above Shambhala Centre); Dragon Horse Books (in Sidney); and Full Circle Gallery (downtown Victoria). Kids under 12 get in free.
News and views from the heart of Fernwood
Neighbourhood Non-Profit:
Coop de Ville ›› Ashleigh Kolla The much anticipated Coop de Ville will be happening once again! As urban awareness around food production increases, events such as the Coop de Ville are becoming more popular and essential. The main idea of having a Fernwood community chicken coop tour is to not only allow for people to know where the coops are, but also to offer some education on how to set up your own coop. Once you are able to establish an efficient coop, you can have
happy laying chickens. What better way to learn on a Saturday afternoon than jump on your bike and tour your own neighbourhood? The bicycle chicken coop tour will showcase urban farmers’ coops and participants will be able to question them on their personal coop journey. This year a new twist has been added. Inspired by a past Coop de Ville, the last urban farmer on the tour is currently setting up her coop and would like to hear everyone’s ideas that they have learned about other coops applied to her yard. The goal for this year is to have
an interactive tour that engages people of all ages and living situations. This is a family friendly event, so better dust off the tricycles too! The tour will be Saturday May 15th from 1–5 p.m., starting at 1270 Walnut Avenue. For participant numbers, interested people are asked to email Ashleigh at aekolla@gmail.com so that numbers will be verified. This is a bike tour, but if interested, non-bike owners are encouraged to inquire. Starting your own coop is really just a bike ride away!
Interview: Director of Family Programs Fernwood NRG’s new Director of Family Programs, Denyse Koo, sits down with the Vibe for a Q&A session VV: What first attracted you to Fernwood? Denyse: The opportunity to combine two passions: children and families, and human resource management. VV: What is your experience with the area? Denyse: In 1987, I came down to have a meeting with the social worker regarding a client, and it was a very negative environment. It didn’t have a good reputation. However, I’m now at Fernwood NRG because the organization has helped to change the community, to make it a more vibrant area with lots of opportunity. The position that I’m in offers me the chance to combine my past professional experience and my current focus of human resource management to provide services and programs to families and children.
VV: What are some of the other things you did before you came here? Denyse: I’ve done everything from contract services for what was then the Ministry of Social Services and Housing ro being a teacher. For the longest part of my career was as a Child Life Specialist at Victoria General Hospital, where I taught kids about their medical conditions and operations they were having at the Hospital. I was a teacher in China for a year, and
taught 150 children in four classes. I’ve run family daycares, I’ve run group centres, and I’ve been a community programmer, among other things. VV: What do you do in your spare time? Denyse: I used to do search and rescue. I’m currently with the Red Cross Disaster Management Team, Help Fill a Dream Foundation, and Scouts Canada. And the BC Human Resource Management Association. VV: What does quality childcare mean to you? Denyse: Quality child care is safe, it’s nurturing, it’s supportive of families, it’s affordable, it’s educational and it’s respectful of individual needs, cultures and diverse family units. VV: What do you like best about working here so far? Denyse: I like the team. There’s lots of hidden skills and talents, and it’s going to be really neat to find out other people’s backgrounds and what they bring to the organization. VV: What are you most excited about
doing at the NRG in the next year? Denyse: Supporting the staff to be a stronger team, and helping to get things in place so they have confidence, and can put energy into their jobs—the frontline jobs with the children. And developing family programs at the Community Centre. VV: What’s your 2020 vision for Fernwood NRG? Denyse: I see continued programs for families, from the time people find out they’re pregnant – all the prenatal things, and Best Babies programs – to the time the children are born, going through our programs for all the different age groups, and programs for parents in all the different age groups, going to the teen years. I see things for whole families, from toddlers to seniors—kids to grandparents—and I see a full, busy schedule at the Centre. VV: Are you open to suggestions? Denyse: I am open to new ideas. People are welcome to contact me, either in person, by phone (250-381-1552 ext. 105) or by e-mail (denyse@fernwoodnrg.ca) with their ideas.
FernFest 2010: call for volunteers ››
Kate Lackey
Summer is just around the corner—time for picnics, beach naps and FernFest! Let’s come together to celebrate Fernwood and our many talented and energetic residents. During the solstice weekend of June 18th and 19th the square will once again come alive with music, food, live entertainment and fun activities for the whole family. For
over a decade your community has been cultivating this vibrant event, helping to connect neighbours and showcase our gifts. Your willingness to volunteer and amazing abilities are the key to making this day a brilliant and memorable one. We would love to have you share and showcase your talents. There are many possible volunteer opportunities and we welcome any suggestions you may have to make this event really come alive.
Volunteer Possibilities
• • • • • • • •
Silent Auction table Beer Garden Postering Ticket Sales Zero Waste & Recycling Centre Event set up & tear down Decorations Musicians and Entertainers
• • • • •
General helpers Family event stations Photographers Seniors Lunch Servers Flaggers
For more information, to volunteer, or to share your FernFest ideas, contact Kate Lackey at kate@fernwoodnrg.ca.
Celebrate the sunshine with us! Join us daily from 11:30 1302 Gladstone www.fernwoodnrg.ca
412-2001 May 2010
villagevibe page 3
feature:
Haultain at Belmont’s Corner Project ›› Stacey Curtis The name of the group is Haultain at Belmont, sometimes referred to as “The Corners,” and originally titled Haultain at Belmont Beautification Project. While the crew of 7 community organizers have shrunk their group’s title, their project to beautify the intersection has done the opposite: grown as tall as the trees they’ve planted and blossomed like the bulbs they buried. “We started with guerrilla gardening— put bulbs under trees and planted flowers,” says Kay Marshall. In 2002 Marshall and her across-the-street neighbour Lisa MacDonell stared up at the grey, concrete corners and said “it looks pretty bare and run down. Surely we could do something.” In 2004 Haultain at Belmont received a $3,000 matching grant from the city. It took near a year to get the grant, but paying for plants and bulbs out of pocket was becoming an unrealistic expense. “Now that we’re an established group, the city works really well with us,” says Marshall. MacDonell notes that “people were very receptive once the bulbs [now donated from the Beacon Hill nursery] started coming up. They started chatting a bit more. It’s unbelievable the impact a few bulbs can have.” The momentum the flowers ignited turned out to be just what the city ordered. “It’s our ongoing labour that [counts as] the match to the grant,” says Marshall. The funds purchased benches, bike racks and concrete flower planters. Shortly after installing their own bike racks, Marshall came home to drilling on the Corners. The city’s Greenway program—a 50-year plan to create a Greenway corridor and link destinations through non-motorized transport—had been awarded extra funding. “Oh, it’s a gift,” the drillers said, turning to Marshall. “We heard about your project. Where would you like your extra bike racks?” Other spirited gifts include a bench, donated from a local family in memoriam of their grandfather who liked sitting at the Corners, 3 plum trees (south-east corner), gifted from a family who was so touched by the revitalization that they wanted to contribute, and 2 bonus plum
Clockwise from top left: Julie Macdonell and designer Mila Czemerys pose in Haultain Corners t-shirts; Koffi showcases its greener wares; new benches and cement planters frame the Haultain/Belmont intersection; tiles painted by residents add some life to standard cement garbage cans.
trees (north-west corner) the City threw in when planting the family’s gift. Most recently, Haultain at Belmont was rewarded a $25,000 matching grant. This summer they break ground to bulb-out the sidewalks and slow down traffic at no
cost to parking-space availability. “What we know from workshops we’ve been to,” says Marshall, “when there’s something to look at (the corners) and you narrow the space, traffic slows down.” While the flowers, trees and benches
created the look and warmth to keep graffiti taggers away, Marshall notes that the project went dormant from ’05 to ’07; she greatly acknowledges Michael Manhas and Alan Pang of Koffi—part of Haultain at Belmont’s group of 7—for the
Denise Savoie
Member of Parliament for Victoria
: 970 Blanshard Street Victoria, BC V8W 2H3 telephone: 363-3600 e-mail: Savoie.d@parl.gc.ca on the web: www.denisesavoie.ca
Your voice in Ottawa page 4
villagevibe May 2010
News and views from the heart of Fernwood
project’s new life. “The Koffi shop helped us create what we were starting—a place where people want to be. There’s knitting groups, scrabble groups, baby groups. [It’s] the heartbeat of Corners.” Two of Koffi’s baristas/local artists have climbed on board, designing t-shirts that feature the Corners’ signposts and the Mayor of the Corners: Dexter the Cat. T-shirts are available at Koffi and a portion of the proceeds go to the beautification fund. With Haultain designated the official border between Fernwood and Oaklands, the group is eligible for support from both
communities; a gift they return. When Oaklands was awarded an art grant to build 7 linked montages of their community, Haultain at Belmont’s crew created the historical story board on the south-east corner, complete with photos of rowboats paddling down Haultain Street in the 1935 flood. When scheduling commitments permit, the steering committee organizes a 500-person block party, providing room for street hockey, a stage with live entertainment, pocket markets, a large bbq, kids activities and a dunk tank. In 2008 and 2009 kids, adults and even the mayor
painted over 400 tiles, some of which can be seen on the Corners’ garbage cans. “We call it guerrilla garbage canning,” says Marshall. “The kids love it because they’re right at eye level. They’re all looking for their own tiles.” “The kids run the stations when we have community parties,” says MacDonell. “We don’t go to church but this provides what that old church used to provide: a sense of community, safety and being a part of something. My son will come back and say ‘somebody just tagged the corners. They’re quite protective of it.’” The Corners collective is Lisa MacDonell,
Walking Fernwood’s Hidden Stream ›› Dorothy Field On Sunday, March 28th, a group of people involved in the Fernwood Community Mapping Project met at the Cornerstone to walk Fernwood’s buried stream. Dan Doherty was our leader and guru, having traced its path by following dips in the landscape over a number of years. The stream, unnamed on the Lost Streams of Victoria map, flowed from Harris Lake which lay along Stanley between Vining and Grant. We decided to name it Harris Stream until we receive official word to the contrary. From the Cornerstone, we walked to Pembroke and Stanley, down Oregon to Bay, along Garden, down Haultain to Cook, and then down Kings to Quadra. The stream bed flowed through what are now numerous private properties, but we avoided the temptation to traipse through backyards. We fantasize deputizing ourselves as official mappers next time, replete with badges and following the stream wherever it leads. Dan pointed out how you can look down a street and see the low spots where the stream once ran. We noticed the prevalence of willows, cottonwoods, and birch along the stream’s route, a sure indication of water. Our stalwart
group drew attention from neighbours along the route. We chatted about the wetness of their basements, boggy areas, and stories of former duck hunters. They cheered on our endeavours as we forged ahead. The original stream emptied into Rock Bay at the foot of Princess. We only went as far as Cafe Fantastico where we stopped for some welcome refreshment. The walk was a great way to get a better feel for the lay of Fernwood’s land. The stream is now culverted underground as part of the city storm drain system which empties into Rock Bay. Unlike Bowker Creek, which is still very much in evidence and has been the focus of some wonderful stream reparation projects, our stream’s voice has largely been silenced, along with our lost oak meadows, camas fields and the pastoral past of Hillside Farm. Still, we had a sense we could hear it sing when we slowed down to listen. The mapping project is still in its early stages. We have plans for other exploratory walks. Email Dorothy Field (dotter@ seaside.net) if you have any natural landscape stories to share, or want to be involved in any way. We’ll put you on the mailing list and keep you up to date.
Kay Marshall, Barb Donaldson, Jim Kerr, Heidi Graham, Alan Pang, Michael Manhas and each member of the Fernwood/Oaklands community that smiles at their beautified corners. “Looking back on it,” says Marshall, “none of this would have been possible without starting with small changes. People began to see possibilities and that made it possible for all of this to have grown on its own. That’s what growing community spirit [our motto] is about. It takes on a life of its own.”
Fernwood Bites local fare in an urban square
a food & drink tasting event featuring local eateries & chefs, Beer & Wine, live music & silent auction A fundraiser for a new neighbourhood chest
Sunday June 20 6-9PM in Fernwood Square visit fernwoodnrg.ca for info
www.fernwoodnrg.ca
May 2010
villagevibe page 5
Artist’s Aside:
The colour black ›› Deryk Houston The colour black is one of those pigments that we associate with darkness and death. It also comes to mind when I think of the fear mongering that is being sowed by western governments regarding Iran’s civilian nuclear program. Governments are very good at framing issues and it is no surprise that the recent nuclear agreement between Russia and the USA came at the time it did. The familiar horse trading deals were hard at work no doubt. America received the much-needed support from Russia it wanted for the implementations of more severe sanctions on Iran and Russia was granted a better deal on the nuclear missiles count. Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for an agreement that does “something” to reduce the world’s nuclear missile numbers. Keep in mind though that it is impossible to verify the honest stockpile of either party to begin with. But it is a good symbolic gesture. Most of us who have been following the issue of Iran and how it is being denied a civilian nuclear program, have always asked why Iran should not have the same rights as everyone else. (The enjoyment of maintaining their sovereignty over control of the entire enrichment fuel cycle, just
like every other nuclear nation). Iran signed a non proliferation treaty and its facilities are completely open to inspections. (Some nations, such as Israel, refuse to do the same over their own nuclear arsenals). Iran is entitled to a civilian nuclear program under international law. It offered to have its nuclear material refined to a higher level by Russia in order to assure the world that it was not interested in refining the materials to higher levels of enrichment. This offer was turned down by the west because Iran wanted the refined material exchange to take place on its own soil, thereby assuring that it would not get cheated out of it’s precious resource after handing it over. There has been a daily, well-orchestrated effort by the west to raise the fear level about Iran without any real evidence. This happened before, with the invasion of Iraq regarding its weapons of mass destruction. (I went to Iraq during that time to learn for myself and I was astonished how little the facts matched what our governments were telling us.) Every day for the past year I have watched the media report on Iran’s nuclear program and they constantly harp on about the terrorist threat that Iran presents to the
world. For example: Valerie Plame Wilson, a former covert CIA operations officer, pointed out on CNN that enough nuclear material to make a bomb could be fitted into a shoebox. This could be delivered in any one of the thousands of shipping containers that arrive at cities such as Los Angeles. She asked the question “…what happens if Iran is successful in obtaining this…and…in fact…obtaining a nuclear weapon in their arsenal?” This former CIA officer does not offer any evidence or proof that Iran posses such highly enriched material for a bomb. She chose not to mention that every possible drop of Iran’s uranium is monitored by international inspectors and accounted for. Iran’s program of refinement is well within the limits needed for civilian power or medical use. The west employs this strategy of fear in order to get support from the public and that fear takes hold even when the America’s National Intelligence committee recently played down any threat of an Iranian nuclear weapon. In fact they said that Iran appears “less determined” to develop nuclear weapons than US intelligence had previously thought. The problem Iran faces is that if it wants to develop nuclear power for civilian use
only, it would automatically have the same knowledge required to make a nuclear bomb. Iran’s Supreme Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a fatwa saying the production, stockpiling and use of nuclear weapons was forbidden under Islam. Iran is being asked to prove that they do not have something and that is an impossible thing to do. Iraq faced the same problem. Every time Iraq said that they didn’t have “weapons of mass destruction” our governments told us that they were just good at hiding them and so the crippling sanctions stayed in place for years. (When Leslie Stall on “Sixty Minutes” pointed out to secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, that several hundred thousand children had died as a direct result of sanctions, Ms. Albright said that the price was worth it.) We need to let our governments know that we will not accept this. The best way to avoid the next war in the middle east is to treat people with fairness and respect. This is the best way to secure a safer world for everyone. “Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give the appearance of solidity to pure wind” — George Orwell
should be cut back to good wood or point of origin. Stake perennials that need it as they first come up as it’s much easier. There are many pretty and handy products on the market now, but even tomato cages or bamboo canes (or sticks) and twine will do the trick. Tie vines and climbers to their trellises as they grow. If you are harvesting rhubarb, twist off
(don’t cut) the larger stalks and stop harvesting when the stalks are weak and thin. Asparagus should be cut with a sharp knife (don’t pull) and stop harvesting when the stalks weaken as well—usually in 6 to 8 weeks. Both should be dressed well with compost, compost tea or seasoil (or an equivalent natural fertilizer). Take a stroll to enjoy the many fragrant and lovely beauties in the May garden!
Garden Gleanings:
May in the garden ›› Margaret Hantiuk
We are referring to the Timber Press Guide to Gardening in the Pacific Northwest, by Carol W. and Norman Hall as we go through the gardening year. Despite the late spring chilly spell, we seem to be finally moving into seasonal temperatures, and that means frost free nights with the soil finally warming up enough to plant out our starters and potted plants, and to sow even more veggies. Tender veggies (tomatoes, cukes, squash, string and pole beans, corn) should be either protected, in greenhouses, coldframes or on trays moved in at night, unless your veggie bed is in a warm, sheltered spot. Any tender annuals should be sheltered with remay cloth, cloches or even burlap if a sudden cold snap at the beginning of May suggests a frosty night. Very tender annuals (zinnias, coleus, new guinea impatiens) and veggies (peppers, eggplant, tomatoes) shouldn’t be planted out till June. Warmer weather means that the soil will start drying out (especially with wind) and so little plants or plantings near warm, south facing walls and fences may need regular watering in dry spells. The best time to water is mornings at this time of year as damp foliage when nights are still cool encourages foliage diseases. Watering deeply at ground level and less often is better than lightly and frequently. It promotes deeper root growth so plants are less susceptible to drought stress. That being said, new plants page 6
will need to be watered more often than established ones. Container plants will need to be watered regularly as well, especially those in terracotta pots. It’s good to fertilize most plants and shrubs as they put on their spring growth and as they flower. Try a 2-inch mulch of compost or seasoil, compost tea, or a light sprinkling of an organic fertilizer scratched gently into the soil around the rootzone. A small amount of low numbered granular, slow release chemical fertilizer works but will not improve the soil itself unless accompanied with a thick mulch of leaf mold. It’s best to avoid the high numbered fertilizers, as they can easily ‘burn’ plants and burn them out too! Deadheading flowers on shrubs, such as rhodos, flowering perennials and even spring bulbs such as daffodils (leave the foliage intact until yellowed) will not only make your garden look fresh and appealing, it also helps the plant stay vital. Keep weeding, becoming familiar with the invasives (English ivy, Scotch broom, common daphne, bindweed or morning glory, bishop’s weed, buttercup, dandelion, thistles among many) that may be in your yard, being vigilant with them at all times. Winter blooming heathers may be sheared lightly after blooming (not into old wood) and other spring blooming shrubs should be pruned back after bloom. Old, congested shrubs may have up to 1/3 of old wood cut back to ground to rejuvenate them. Dead, damaged and diseased stock
villagevibe May 2010
News and views from the heart of Fernwood
What’s on in Fernwood: May Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Sunday Storytime 9:30am
Kundalini Yoga 5:45-7:00pm
Parent & Tot Playgroup 9:30-11:30am
Parent & Babe Playgroup 9:30-11:30am
Parent & Tot Playgroup 9:30-11:30am
Drop-In Karate 1:00-2:30pm
LifeRing Secular Recovery 7:30-8:45pm
Hatha Yoga 3:30-5:00pm
Bluegrass Jams 7:30-10:00pm
Drop-In Co-Ed Hockey 7:00-9:30pm
Seniors’ Exercise, Lunch and Activities 11:00am-2:00pm
Work party 3:00pm @ Springridge Commons.
Drop-In Hatha Yoga 3:00-4:30pm Drop-In Soccer 5:00-6:30pm
Nuu-Chah-Nuth Drum Group 7:30-9:30pm
Victoria Folk Music Society Open Stage 7:00pm @ Norway House
Drop-In Co-Ed Hockey 7:00-9:30pm
Fernwood Youth Fridays 7:00-9:30pm
Open Mic 8:30-11:30pm @ the Fernwood Inn.
Fernwood Legal Information Clinic 6:00pm @ 1923 Fernwood Rd. Victoria Bluegrass Association Jam 7:30-10:00pm @ Orange Hall
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
Sunday Storytime 9:30am
Kundalini Yoga 5:45-7:00pm
Parent & Tot Playgroup 9:30-11:30am
Parent & Babe Playgroup 9:30-11:30am
Parent & Tot Playgroup 9:30-11:30am
Drop-In Karate 1:00-2:30pm
LifeRing Secular Recovery 7:30-8:45pm
Hatha Yoga 3:30-5:00pm
The Spirituality Cafe 7:30-9:00pm @ Shine Cafe (1548 Fort St.)
Drop-In Co-Ed Hockey 7:00-9:30pm
Seniors’ Exercise, Lunch and Activities 11:00am-2:00pm
Work party 3:00pm @ Springridge Commons.
Raven String Quartet 3:00pm @ St. Barnabas Anglican Church Drop-In Hatha Yoga 3:00-4:30pm
Nuu-Chah-Nuth Drum Group 7:30-9:30pm
Drop-In Soccer 5:00-6:30pm
Drop-In Co-Ed Hockey 7:00-9:30pm Fernwood Legal Information Clinic 6:00pm @ 1923 Fernwood Rd.
Bluegrass Jams 7:30-10:00pm
Fernwood Youth Fridays 7:00-9:30pm
Open Mic 8:30-11:30pm @ the Fernwood Inn.
Victoria Bluegrass Association Jam 7:30-10:00pm @ Orange Hall
Victoria Folk Music Society Open Stage 7:00pm @ Norway House
Where’s that event? Fernwood NRG 1240 Gladstone Ave.
Fernwood Inn 1302 Gladstone Ave.
Cornerstone Cafe 1301 Gladstone Ave.
Orange Hall 1620 Fernwood Rd.
Belfry Theatre 1291 Gladstone Ave.
Norway House 1110 Hillside Ave.
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
Sunday Storytime 9:30am
Kundalini Yoga 5:45-7:00pm
Parent & Tot Playgroup 9:30-11:30am
Parent & Babe Playgroup 9:30-11:30am
Parent & Tot Playgroup 9:30-11:30am
Drop-In Karate 1:00-2:30pm
LifeRing Secular Recovery 7:30-8:45pm
Hatha Yoga 3:30-5:00pm
Bluegrass Jams 7:30-10:00pm
Drop-In Co-Ed Hockey 7:00-9:30pm
Seniors’ Exercise, Lunch and Activities 11:00am-2:00pm
Work party 3:00pm @ Springridge Commons.
Drop-In Hatha Yoga 3:00-4:30pm Drop-In Soccer 5:00-6:30pm
Nuu-Chah-Nuth Drum Group 7:30-9:30pm
Victoria Folk Music Society Open Stage 7:00pm @ Norway House
30
31
Oak & Orca School 8th Annual Bioregional Fair 11:00-3:00pm @ 2738 Higgins Street
Kundalini Yoga 5:45-7:00pm
Drop-In Karate 1:00-2:30pm
Fernwood Legal Information Clinic 6:00pm @ 1923 Fernwood Rd. Victoria Bluegrass Association Jam 7:30-10:00pm @ Orange Hall
Candlelight Compline 8:00pm @ St. Barnabas Anglican Church
Sunday Storytime 9:30am
Drop-In Co-Ed Hockey 7:00-9:30pm
Open Mic 8:30-11:30pm @ the Fernwood Inn.
Fernwood Youth Fridays 7:00-9:30pm
Like the work of Fernwood NRG? Go to CanadaHelps.org and make a donation.
LifeRing Secular Recovery 7:30-8:45pm Nuu-Chah-Nuth Drum Group 7:30-9:30pm
Drop-In Hatha Yoga 3:00-4:30pm Drop-In Soccer 5:00-6:30pm Victoria Folk Music Society Open Stage 7:00pm @ Norway House
The Fernwood Real Estate market is soaring! • Sales and prices continue to reach all-time highs with buyers anxiously awaiting the next home listing! • Sell your home faster and for more money with a neighbourhood expert!
Stay up with us.
Call Zamian today and start packing www.ZamianSellsFernwood.com
The Cornerstone Cafe is now open until 9:00 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. www.fernwoodnrg.ca
250.514.1533
May 2010
villagevibe page 7
Scene in Fernwood : Earthfest