Gardening Speaker Series
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Town of Whitby
Whitby in Bloom is a beautification program that promotes environmental responsibility and civic pride.
Whitby in Bloom presents annual events including webinars and speaker series. The webinars and speakers focus on horticultural, landscape and environmentally responsible projects.
2024 Gardening Webinar Speaker Series
Are you a beginner gardener or don’t know where to start?
Learn tips and tricks to spruce up your garden by attending one, or all, of our free seminars in partnership with Durham Master Gardeners.
Register for one or all of the online webinars. All webinars begin at 7 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Edible Flowers – March 6 |
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Not all flowers are safe to eat, but those that are can offer a unique burst of flavour and colour to many dishes. Join us to learn which flowers are safe to eat and best practices for growing and harvesting. Speaker: Sherry DodsonSherry has been an active member with the Durham Master Gardeners since 2011. She completed the Horticulturist Certificate from the University of Guelph in 2014 and received her Certificate in Horticultural Therapy in 2016 from the Toronto Botanical Garden. From 2017 to 2022 she enjoyed working as a Horticultural Therapy Practitioner at WindReach Farm in Ashburn, Ontario. Sherry believes that people and plants are naturally connected, and she is passionate about working with those connections to support people who need help to feel better, move easier and be more physically active, and be more positive in their lives. She is committed to growing plants in harmony with nature, supporting birds, butterflies, and other pollinators. |
Garden Myths – March 13 |
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Let’s take a look at some common garden myths and use science-based information to debunk them. We will provide you with current information and advice to use in your gardens. Speaker: Helen Vander Bly |
Seed Saving – April 3 |
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This presentation will provide you with the information and inspiration to begin collecting and storing your own seeds. Speaker: Sarah PowellSarah inherited her instinct for gardening from her mother and grandmother. Starting with houseplants at Queen’s University and moving on to small urban gardens in Toronto, she now cultivates four acres of trees, meadow, turf and perennials, fighting a constant battle with invasive species and loving the ability to plan and dream as the garden grows. Sarah has been a writer, producer and director of commercials for car companies, and is happy to be pursuing her Master Gardener training at Dalhousie and volunteering in her community of Newcastle. |
2024 Gardening Speaker Series
The Brooklin Whitby Garden Club brings experienced gardeners and authors to Whitby to share their knowledge and expertise.
Learn tips and tricks to spruce up your garden by attending one, or all, of these free seminars!
Register for one or all of the in person seminars. All seminars begin at 7:30 p.m.
All are welcome to attend the social gathering and flower shows that take place before the speaker beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Please note: These seminars take place in person at Brooklin United Church located at 19 Cassels Rd E, Whitby, ON L1M 1A4
Rethinking Beauty: Inspiring Gardeners in a Changing World - March 27 |
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Join the inspiring and enthusiastic Paul Zammit as he challenges you to think about the meaning of beauty in a world of climate change and biodiversity. His hugely entertaining talks attract international audiences of all ages. |
The Language of Gardening - April 24 |
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What exactly IS a Perennial, Annual, Shrub, etc., and why does it matter to know? Tubers ... corms bulbs...stolons...rhizomes...fibrous... they are all roots, but knowing what the differences are helps understand best maintenance. What do the terms "Hardy" or "Tender" on the plant labels mean when you're considering a purchase or how to grow? What exactly is a "Hardiness Zone" and how does this determine what you can grow in YOUR garden? Botanical Latin plant names? Learn about this in this incredible seminar. |
Little Forests-Big results - May 22 |
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Find out how forests as small as a few parking spaces can have an outsized impact on local ecology and how you can plant your own tiny forest. |
Contact Us
Helen grew up on a farm in Eastern Ontario where her love of the outdoors was nourished. She is particularly interested in composting, vegetable gardening and native plants. Since retiring in 2015 she has been spending a lot of time in her gardens in Whitby and at the cottage in the Algonquin Highlands. Helen has recently completed the Master Gardener training through the University of Guelph and looks forward to being a life long learner. She has been a member of the Durham Master Gardeners since 2018.
Speaker: Tanya Bignell
Tanya has always loved flowers and dabbling with gardening in her own backyard. Upon her retirement in July 2021, she decided to take her interest in gardening up a notch. She joined the Durham Master Gardeners in March 2022 and is currently enlisted in the Guelph University Horticultural studies. With her newfound knowledge, her wish is to help her family and friends cultivate a love of gardening, while working towards her ‘dream garden’ in her own backyard.
Speaker: Rita Barrell