Join us for a talk on SPRING BULBS!

GARY LEWIS

Plantsman | Author | Speaker | Nursery Owner

Known for his beautiful, information-packed yet accessible talks and his award-winning

nursery Phoenix Perennials, Gary Lewis is a plantsman that will excite and inspire

gardeners of all levels and professionals across the green industry on a variety of topics.

His new encyclopedia, The Complete Book of Ground Covers, is a textbook for the

temperate gardening world on this most useful and important group of plants.

Join us on October 25th when Gary will introduce you to a wide range of spring-

flowering bulbs and how to grow them with a mix of Power Point and show and tell.

Bulbs are a diverse, fascinating and easy-to-grow group of plants. Planting them in the fall for spring blooms can take your garden and containers to the next level offering beauty and colour when perennials and shrubs are still dormant. Bulbs can also be tucked into small spaces, planted under ground covers, added to mixed containers, and planted between existing plants to add extra layers of interest.

I am pleased to inform everyone that our fall visit to Linnaea Nurseries in Langley has been confirmed for Saturday, October 3rd! This visit will take place rain or shine.

Please remember that in order to go to Linnaea, you must be a member in good standing for 2026. If you are unsure of your membership status, please contact Ysa Luz at: yltg1700@gmail.com.

If you are new to the Garden Club, this is a trip that you won’t want to miss. Linnaea is a wholesale nursery and does not sell to the general public. While we do not receive wholesale prices, we do receive a sizeable discount on all plants-----the larger the plants, the bigger the savings. If you are landscaping a new property or redoing an existing garden, Linnaea is the place to go. Even if you “don’t need” or “don’t have room for” any more plants, Linnaea is a fun place to visit and, you can always find room for one more “treasure”. Remember that the fall is the best time for planting.

Linnaea specializes in indigenous trees, plants, ferns, shrubs and grasses, but also carries a great variety of other plants. The inventory is always changing so each visit presents new surprises. Please note that the online Linnaea catalogue is not available for our use. Also, John has requested that club members do not phone the nursery with questions about plant availability. Linnaea is a whole sale nursery and is not staffed for this purpose. John Folkerts and other members of his family will be happy to assist you and answer any questions on October 3rd.

If you wish to take part in this tour, please e-mail me, Pam Miller, at pe7miller@gmail.com and I will put your name on my list. I would also appreciate knowing if you will be alone or accompanied by someone else. Everyone is responsible for their own transportation to and from Linnaea. However, if you wish to go and don’t have a ride, please let me know and I will see if I can help.

Directions and other relevant information will be sent out approximately one week before our visit. As John and Wendy like to know approximately how many people will be coming, please let me know if your plans change.

Thank you,

Pam Miller

pe7miller@gmail.com

Please show your order confirmation email at the time of pick-up

PICK-UP LOCATION:

Collins Hall, 1120 Miller Rd, Bowen Island, BC

Any uncollected bulbs will be donated

PICK-UP DATES:

Friday, September 25

3:00 - 6:00 PM

Saturday, September 26

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Please show your order confirmation email at the time of pick-up

PICK-UP LOCATION:

Collins Hall, 1120 Miller Rd, Bowen Island, BC

Any uncollected bulbs will be donated

PICK-UP DATES:

Friday, September 25

3:00 - 6:00 PM

Saturday, September 26

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

CANCELLED!! September Open Garden

Many gardeners look to insects as the enemy. However, science shows us that of the 1.5 million known insect species in the world, over 97% are beneficial or harmless. Most of the insects we encounter every day provide valuable ecological services such as pollination, nutrient recycling, food for wildlife, even pesticide-free pest control. It is important to recognize their contributions in our gardens and the natural Bowen landscapes that we cherish. Join naturalist Will Husby as he introduces the biodiversity of insect neighbours whose lives and labours are essential to maintaining sustainable gardens and ecosystems.

Will Husby’s Bio

Will Husby likes to describe himself as a “recovering entomologist” (insect scientist).

After a brief ten-year career as a research biologist, he moved on to a career as a science educator with Alberta Parks and Edmonton’s John Jansen Nature Centre. This work evolved into his starting a science communication consulting company working on education projects and exhibits for national and provincial parks, museums, and nature centres across Canada.

Will uses his nature photography in many of his projects.

He has lived on Bowen Island for over 30 years. Most of the photos you will see in his presentation were taken on Bowen Island.

Open Garden - Ronda Tuyp

1741 Arbutus Point Road, Bowen Island

This is a very amateur garden plan superimposed onto the Site Plan from our architect, Allan Halcomb of Moss Creek. Ronda worked with Tom Roocroft carving out leveled outcroppings created by boulders and granite stepping stones brought in from Northwest Landscape Supply and Britannia gravel pit. Tom worked his excavation magic alonside contractor Albert Schaly, Al Pedlay, and Matti Evard as the house began to take shape. (2014 to 2017) Removing deeply entrenched thickets of European Blackberry; burning stumps and debris from the old house. The only botanical artifacts retained from the site were a huckleberry bush and a Japanese maple which we moved to the top of the driveway. The rock gardens and meadow spaces developed serendipitously as we worked up the slope from beach to street. Pacific Northwest native trees - black hawthorn, Garry oak, and contorted pines - were planted, and in place of Arbutus menziesii we planted Acer griseum (paperbark maple).

The property was fenced on boundary lines, though not to keep out wildlife. We therefore planned and planted to welcome the deer, especially in the meadow areas. We rarely use our irrigation system except during priods of extreme heat and drought in the summer months. Our builders recommended a groundwater collection system draining into four 1,000-gallon tanks in the basement, making us selfsufficient utilizing Treegators (slow release watering bags) to the young trees throughout the hot dry summers that followed.

Open Garden - Katherine & John Lawrence

105 Baker Road, Bowen Island

Most of you will know the Lawrences' garden from the past. There have however been changes. The big garden lot has been sold and bereft of enough to do a second garden has been developed on the landward side of the house. A bridge extends from the back deck over attractive rock outcroppings to a new area of raised beds in a fenced compound; and flower beds in the under story of mature trees. On the ocean side a wealth of flowers and scrubs that have survived the winds and rains of the past, now bask in a new, less gritty regime, of gentler winters and longer, drier summers.

Open Garden - Jlonka Bally-Brorn

1055 Harding Road, Bowen Island

Mid-Island Paradise?

No water views but we have wells to look at. The place is always "in progress" with Jlonka's finds and Marcel's attempts to control nature (that is what their son says), but there is no control. It is evolution on borrowed land. Little organization, but lots to look at. If you have a need to dig bring gardening tools and seeds; go crazy. You can visit the pond and the baby willows or have a glass of wine on the deck. Bring suggestions - we are always learning and growing. So much to see and everything you see has a story. So ask questions.

Open Garden & AGM

Andrew Plews

Join us in the woodland garden of Andrew Plewes for our Annual General Meeting. The house and gardens of this extensive property are located in a thickly wooded lot above Josephine Lake. You cannot miss the house, which is decked out in pastel colours of lime green and yellow, capped by a red roof. Josephine Lake Road is about as remote as you can be on this beguiling island of ours. Andrew Plewes, our host for the day, has been hard at work creating a wide network of trails through the understorey of the forest. They encompass a fine bridge and a viewing platform with easy chairs, from which to contemplate the waters of Josephine Lake. Garden beds seek shelter around the skirts of the house.

Get Ready to Grow—Our Fabulous Plant Sale is Back!

Join us rain or shine in the Legion parking lot for a vibrant selection of beautiful plants, all donated with care by our dedicated club members.

Every purchase helps our club bloom, with 100% of the proceeds supporting our club activities and community projects.

Come for the plants, stay for the fun—don’t miss it!

Helpful Info for Our Plant Sellers

If you’re selling plants, please arrive a little early to set up your display. Bringing your own table is ideal, but feel free to get creative—plants can also be arranged on the ground or on a tarp.

Can’t stay to sell your own plants? No problem! Just reach out to us, and we’ll happily include them at another seller’s table.

To Keep Things Simple:

• Label each plant clearly with its name and price.

• We’ll handle all payments at a central table, so you can focus on chatting with fellow plant lovers.

• The sale is rain or shine! Umbrellas or canopies are great to have on hand if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

• At the end of the sale, please remember to take home any unsold plants.

Thanks so much for being part of our plant sale—we couldn’t do it without you!

Host: Michael and Diana Kaile

'Pop up Garden' at the home of Michael and Diana Kaile

Micheal and Diana have generously offered to open their garden to the Garden Club for  Sunday visits on May 3rd from 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm

The garden will be familiar to most members but the benign winter has released a riot of colour and heady fragrance to charm and delight the senses. Please make the occasion a celebration of Spring in a beautiful garden. 

GROWING & PROPAGATING RHODODENDRONS

By Everhard van Lidth de Jeude

Sunday, April 19,

2-4 pm

602 Collins Road

*Please carpool to this event as parking is limited.

Linnaea Nurseries in Langley (3666 224 street) has been confirmed for Saturday, April 18th. This visit will take place rain or shine. In the past, we have found that even though it has been raining heavily on Bowen, the weather has been far nicer at Linnaea and even if it isn’t, there are many greenhouses in which to take cover.

If you are new to the Garden Club, this is a trip that you won’t want to miss. Linnaea is a wholesale nursery and does not sell to the general public. While we do not receive wholesale prices, we do receive a sizeable discount on all plants-----the larger the plants, the bigger the savings. If you are landscaping a new property or redoing an existing garden, Linnaea is the place to go. Even if you “don’t need” or “don’t have room for” any more plants, Linnaea is a fun place to visit and, you can always find room for one more “treasure”.

Please remember that to go to Linnaea, you must be a member in good standing for 2026.

A Winter Garden – Kathy Leishman

The garden was planned for winter and early spring interest. It seemed logical as there is an overstory of firs, and the slope receives the slanting rays of the winter sun. Needless to say, it’s very shady in the summer.

Three Hamamelis, a Pieris, a Camellia Donation, and some chunky Boxwood were initially planted. Corylopsis spicata and C. pauciflora were added, Rhododendron augustinii (not really for winter, but has good structure), and then a good number of snowdrops imported from Britain, and Helleborus from the Heronswood Nursery in Washington. Cyclamen hederifolium and C. coum were purchased at plant sales….they are the perfect plant for winter joy, and self-sow in odd corners. (Deer proof).

Ferns and small grasses like Millium e. Aureum adds a textural change. Iris foetidissima has good architectural leaves and is bomb proof for dryish shade. It has a strong presence in the early winter with orange seed capsules, which are good for picking.

I haven’t had too much luck with Trilliums or Erythroniums as the soil is a little too dry in the summer. The one Erythronium which has spread is E. americanum. It has fine, mottled leaves. And there is Trillium erectum, which has crimson flowers; this I brought from my first garden in Ontario, where it is native. There are various Anemones and a Sanguinaria, all pretty in late winter, then hibernating in the summer.

Basically, this small woodsy garden has added much pleasure to the winter months….there is a promise of new growth, and the thrill of finding the first flower of the season.

***LOCATION CHANGE - NOW AT COLLINS HALL***

By Kristina Linder

Hello!

My name is Kristina Linder. I grew up in Sweden, and I've lived in Canada since the early 80's. I love our West Coast climate for gardening! Ever since I was a little girl, I have been fascinated (possibly somewhat obsessed?) with plants and how to grow them. Most of my adult life has been spent working in retail nurseries and floral shops, and at this point in my life, I have discovered how much fun it is to share my passion for gardening and my experiences with others. A couple of years ago, I was presented with an opportunity to start a YouTube channel, and I would like to invite you to simply Google 'YouTube gardening with Kristina Linder'. I'd love for your Club members to check it out, and please, any time, ask any questions you may have. I love it when my viewers interact!

I have been invited to talk at your February garden club meeting about hanging baskets. I am planning a presentation about how to build a colorful basket in early spring, that, with a couple of simple updates throughout the year, will look beautiful all the way into the following Christmas season. I will also discuss some (perhaps more unorthodox options) for things you can grow in hanging baskets, and ways to maximise performance so your baskets look like a million bucks through the seasons.

I look forward to seeing everyone on the 21 of February!

Kristina

By Jill Wright

Hydrangeas are an integral part of the summer garden and it helps that their beautiful flowers last for months. My presentation will cover identifying just a few of the 80 species in the Hydrangea genus, what the flower heads look like in the late winter and of course some pruning tips.   

Jill Wright grew up on a  farm in Saskatchewan but really was an urban girl at heart and has lived in Richmond for the past 40 years.  After a lengthy and structured career with the Royal Bank, Jill was able to use her artistic flair in the many gardens  she created or remodeled. The switch in careers started when she completed the Master Gardeners program at Van Dusen and the Garden Design Program at UBC.  The achievement that she is most proud of is coordinating the adoption of Paulik Park by the Richmond Garden Club in 2008.  She oversees the 20 plus volunteers that maintain the park gardens.

Join us for the Garden Club’s annual Winter party!

Bring a sweet or savoury plate to share, preferably finger food in the interest of food safety.

Beverages will be supplied.

By Carla Skuce, BIM’s Manager of Environment and Park Planning

Discover how Bowen Island is tackling the growing challenge of invasive species. In this presentation, Carla will share insights into the municipality's management strategies on public lands, the unique challenges we face locally, and the successes and lessons learned along the way. You'll also learn practical tips for controlling invasive plants in your own garden, and how our collective efforts can help protect Bowen’s natural landscapes for the future.

Carla studied forest and natural areas management before getting her BSc in Environmental Science. She has been involved in invasive species management for almost 15 years, from donning Tyvek suits to grapple with hogweed to mapping yellow flag iris from her kayak. Currently, her work is focused on parks planning, environmental protection, and climate action.

Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Ecological Restoration Team

Kilarney Lagoon, Crippen Park

Come help plant native species along a sensitive riparian area at Crippen Regional Park! This conservation zone provides vital habitat for a variety of waterfowl, songbirds, and both adult & juvenile salmonids. Join us as we plant native tree and shrub species and install protective cages around them to support their successful establishment and increase the biodiversity along the slopes of this valuable riparian ecosystem! We will provide you with all the information and tools needed for the work we will be doing. This includes eye protection and gloves, although if people prefer to use their own gloves they are welcome to do so. Please arrive dressed for the weather (rain or shine), in clothing that can get dirty, with appropriate footwear. Please bring water bottles and a snack if you tend to get hungry while working. We will provide light snacks and water for refilling water bottles. A few things to note about the site: • The site is a 10-minute walk from the Snug Cove Ferry Terminal. • Those taking a ferry can board the 9:20AM sailing from Horseshoe Bay to Bowen Island and board the 12:35PM sailing off island (or stay and enjoy a Saturday on Bowen Island!). • The site is in a public area, be mindful or sharp or hazardous litter. • There is a washroom that's about a 10-15 minute walk from our worksite. For additional information and to register: Crippen Regional Park, Lagoon Enhancement

By Laura Doheny, Hunter’s Garden Vancouver Store Manager

Laura will be speaking on selecting plants for a changing environment.

I am pleased to inform everyone that our Fall visit to Linnaea Nurseries in Langley has been confirmed for Saturday, October 4th. This visit will take place rain or shine. In the past, we have found that even though it has been raining heavily on Bowen, the weather has been far nicer at Linnaea, and even if it isn’t, there are many greenhouses in which to take cover.

Please remember that in order to go to Linnaea, you must be a member in good standing for 2025. If you are unsure of your membership status, please contact Ysa Luz at: yltg1700@gmail.com. I would appreciate you did this prior to signing up, as it will save me a considerable amount of work.

If you are new to the Garden Club, this is a trip that you won’t want to miss. Linnaea is a wholesale nursery and does not sell to the general public. While we do not receive wholesale prices, we do receive a sizeable discount on all plants-----the larger the plants, the bigger the savings. If you are landscaping a new property or redoing an existing garden, Linnaea is the place to go. Even if you “don’t need” or “don’t have room for” any more plants, Linnaea is a fun place to visit, and you can always find room for one more “treasure”.

Linnaea specializes in indigenous trees, plants, ferns, shrubs, and grasses, but also carries a great variety of other plants. The inventory is always changing, so each visit presents new surprises.

Please note that the online Linnaea catalogue is not available for our use.

Additionally, John has requested that club members refrain from phoning the nursery with questions about plant availability. Linnaea is a wholesale nursery and is not staffed for this purpose. You will just have to wait until October 4th to see what plants are in stock. John Folkerts and other family members will be happy to assist you and answer any questions on the 4th.

If you wish to participate in this tour, please email me, Pam, at pe7miller@gmail.com, and I will add your name to my list. I would also appreciate knowing if you will be alone or accompanied by someone else.

Everyone is responsible for their own transportation to and from Linnaea. However, if you want to go and don’t know anyone who is going, please let me know, and I will see if I can help you out.

I will send out directions and other relevant information approximately one week before our visit.

As there have been a few issues during past visits, I ask that everyone please take the time to read and follow the instructions outlined in this upcoming document.

John and Wendy would like to know approximately how many people will be coming, so please let me know if your plans change and you are unable to attend.

Thank you, Pam Miller

Please show your order confirmation email at the time of pick-up

PICK-UP LOCATION:

Collins Hall, 1120 Miller Rd, Bowen Island, BC

Any uncollected bulbs will be donated

PICK-UP DATES:

Friday, September 26

3:00 - 6:00 PM

Saturday, September 27

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Please show your order confirmation email at the time of pick-up

PICK-UP LOCATION:

Collins Hall, 1120 Miller Rd, Bowen Island, BC

Any uncollected bulbs will be donated

PICK-UP DATES:

Friday, September 26

3:00 - 6:00 PM

Saturday, September 27

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

OPEN GARDEN

Jacquie and Dave Walsh

This property was part of a parcel homesteaded dating back to 1908 when  Dave’s great-grandparents Sarah and Jacob Dorman purchased it.  Jacquie and Dave’s new house was built in 2013/14.

The garden has been a work in progress since 2012 when clearing of many areas began.  Most of the ‘newer’ trees, mature shrubs, and perennials were transplanted into the existing framework of older trees and shrubs from Jacquie’s garden in West Van in 2013. Many other specimens were added over the years as gifts, divisions, and salvaged cast-offs from various sources.

In other words, the plant material dictated the design of the garden, not the other way around.

Depending on late summer and fall weather there should be various things of interest at this time of year. Foliage colour of deciduous trees will be the main one. There will be a range of them on various varieties of Japanese, Paperbark and Vine maples, Dawn Redwood, and Antarctic Beech among others. There should be some shrubs such as Euonymus alatus and Hibiscus colouring up as well and also grasses and possibly a few roses and perennials still in flower.

Meet Steve Edwards, Bowen's new FireSmart Coordinator!

The FireSmart Coordinator plays a key role in reducing wildfire risk through education, property assessments, and mitigation efforts. Working under Bowen Island Fire Rescue and in line with provincial guidelines, Steve leads the development and delivery of FireSmart initiatives across the community.

Steve is a longtime resident of the Sea-to-Sky corridor, from North Vancouver to a decade in Squamish, and has proudly called Bowen Island home for the past seven years. With 16 years as a volunteer in the fire service, Steve brings a dedication to public safety and a love of Bowen’s natural landscapes, often explored alongside his two dogs. He’s excited to help bring the FireSmart BC Program to life on Bowen and support the community in staying wildfire-resilient.

Patty Root Smith’s Garden

This south facing one acre garden was started in 2002, two years before the house was finished. I have easy access to the beach with paths one on each side of the property. There is a 500 gallon tank that collects ground water.

I have many beautiful unusual plants in the garden. The first tree I planted is Magnolia officinalis var. biloba which I purchased at a plant auction at UBC. Because I am interested in evergreen plants to give texture and a framework to the garden, I have used Ceanothus Pt. Reyes as a groundcover under the cedars, and have planted shrubs like Rhaphiolepsis, Helwingia and Podocarpus to border the pathways.

I am an artist, and have had great fun creating things which I have picked up while beach combing over the years. I built my garden shed which has a green roof, and the table on the patio is still usable after 18 years.

I’m enjoying my garden as it matures.

Two Open Gardens

Gardens of Dee Elliott & Raf & Diana Izdebski

Dee Elliot 1641 Whitesails Drive

In the mid 70’s, 1641 Whitesails was built as a typical seasonal panabode cottage.  Like the  rest of the homes in Tunstall Bay it was inhabited by the original owners only in the summer months and an occasional weekend. The Elliotts moved in and became full time residents 38 years ago.  It was not until the early 2000’s that improvements started on the house and property.  Andre Chollat was key in hardscaping and developing the initial garden as it presents today.  Over the years I’ve depended on and am very grateful to many others who helped and guided me in plant choices (Su Rickett),  other subtle changes, and the never ending maintenance .  The front yard is hidden from the road but offers wonderful views of Tunstall Bay from the decks while the backyard is a  private oasis of greenery with trails leading to quiet spaces.

Finally my home and garden has become my happy hermitage - a place I peacefully putter about wondering what I can change next...

Raf & Diana Izdebski 1637 Whitesails Drive

Our love of growing plants started well before we moved to Bowen.  When we purchased our 1/4 acre lot in 2012 we knew we wanted to grow food, have a greenhouse and continue our passion for rare and unusual plants (including many tropicals). We like to test the limits of what can be grown in zone 8b such as citrus, guavas, pawpaws, avocados, nectarines and peaches.

Our garden is a mix of food producing plants and rare and exotic ornamental species resulting in a unique garden that has something for everyone to explore.

Hosted by Linda & John Carvajal

This year's AGM is generously being hosted by one of our board members Linda Carvajal and her husband John who live in the Cowan Point area.  As many of you will know this is a newer area of development on the island so things are still maturing. Linda has created a welcoming and lovely garden in a relatively small space featuring a variety of trees, shrubs, ground cover, ferns, grasses as well as perennials, bulbs and tubers.   Here's what she has to say:

Our front yard, where I initially put all of my focus, is approximately 40’  by 40’ and over planted for a cottage look. It will eventually be quite shady when all the trees mature which is what I want. The south side of the house is full-sun.

I pick plants by structure, texture, colour and blooming time so that something is always happening. I am not good at remembering plant names, I try to but always forget in the end when people ask and I am not a knowledgeable gardener. My only goal is to create a beautiful space to relax in. It makes me Happy.