Part of Transition Salt Spring’s Lighter Living Series

For anyone intrigued by the idea of cultivating their own food, or just keeping their landscape healthy - the Salt Spring Island Garden Club offers an indispensable community and wealth of expertise. Annual membership is a steal at just $25 for individuals and $35 for families (2 people living in the same household).

Meetings are held at Meaden Hall, Royal Canadian Legion, every 4th Wednesday from February to June and September to November. Visitors are welcome to drop-in ($5). Each meeting hosts a vibrant gathering featuring esteemed guest speakers. From local luminaries like Linda Gilkeson, Dan Jason and Jane Squire to globetrotting experts like Gary Lewis of Phoenix Perennials, our speakers delve into diverse topics from native plant reintroduction and growing medicinal perennials, or edible landscapes to growing vegetables in a changing climate.

Beyond insightful talks, meetings buzz with activity. Picture a mini-fall fair: a Parlour Show and Tell lets members showcase their garden triumphs with chances to win prizes. Our library is well curated with all manner of interest and specialty books, and mentors stand ready to solve your toughest horticultural puzzles. There is a “free plant table” donations for the club are welcome.

For those hungry to dive deeper, the club supports several member-led special interest groups which are open to all general members. The Incredible Edibles and the Permaculture Group are particularly food-focused. Both groups meet monthly visiting different gardens and farms, sharing success and challenges with fruits and vegetables often guided by mentor Linda Gilkeson. The groups often swap plants, cuttings and seeds, and arrange bulk buying opportunities.

Hungry for more than knowledge? Our concession, run by club volunteers, serves up delectable home-baked treats, coffee and tea. As if that weren’t enough, members receive a monthly newsletter, the Grapevine, free garden tours, 2 plant sales a year, a treasure trove of gardening tips, event calendars, and workshop announcements. Speaking of workshops, members enjoy discounts on a range of enriching sessions throughout the year, as well as discounted prices at many participating nurseries.

Members Garden Tour | Photo: Jim Matsuyama

The Salt Spring Island Garden Club isn’t just about plants; it’s a thriving community of gardeners united by passion and knowledge. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned gardener, joining up promises growth - both in your garden and in your community. Discover so much more, mark your calendar, or simply drop by! For more information check out https://ssigardenclub.cahttps://tinyurl.com/Lighter-Living