An upcoming workshop aims to help residents with limited space maximize the potential of their home gardens.
Whether working with pots and planters on a small balcony or one of those highly sought-after community garden plots, the UBC Farm’s “Growing in Small Places; Edible, Biodiverse, and Multi-functional Plantings” workshop will help gardeners make the most with whatever space they have available.
The course covers how to maximize the potential of available space through effective choice and consideration for plant types, placement, permaculture strategy, and biodiversity. The workshop will be led by Sarah Orlowski, a master herbalist who holds a certificate in permaculture design and has trained in First Nations herbal traditions.
Attendees will learn about choices for scent gardens, herbs, various species that best suit their garden type, and of course, how to get the best yield from available space. They’re also encouraged to bring in questions about their own gardens, as this workshop is a great place for ideas and inspiration.
As a preview of the course, Orlowski was willing to offer readers of The Campus Resident some advice and insight for gardening in small spaces.
When working with limited space, she says there are three main possibilities. This includes plants that can grow well in pots and planter boxes, things that can grow vertically in trellises, and using dwarf species of large plants and trees.
Considerations for available sun and shade should also be taken into account to determine the suitability of growing things like leafy greens and flowers, as well as how much maintenance certain plants may require.
The “Growing in Small Spaces: Edible, Biodiverse, and Multi-functional Plantings” workshop takes place on April 11 at UBC Farm, located at 3461 Ross Dr. in Wesbrook Place. Cost is $59.85 and $52.50 for students and seniors. To sign up, visit ubcfarm.ubc.ca.
OLIVIA HAI LAI JIAO IS A STUDENT AT UNIVERSITY HILL SECONDARY SCHOOL.