Sustainable Design and Organic Gardening

About This Class:

As wildfires grow more frequent and severe, understanding how to design wildfire-resilient gardens is becoming essential for homeowners living near wilderness areas. This practical and engaging class teaches participants to assess wildfire behaviour, mimic nature’s protective strategies, and make informed choices about plants, mulches, and groundcovers. This class empowers participants to adapt to climate challenges and take proactive steps to protect their homes while enhancing the surrounding environment.

 

About the Instructors:

Jennie
With over three decades of experience in ecosystem conservation with Parks Canada and expertise in wildfire-resilient landscape design. She holds a Master’s in Environmental Management, diplomas in Forestry and Wildlands Parks Management, and certifications in Organic Master Gardening and FireSmart training. As the owner of Fire Break Landscaping on Salt Spring Island, Jennie combines her expertise in horticulture, permaculture, and forestry to promote sustainable, fire-smart gardening practices.
 

Bethany
Bethany is a sustainable horticulturist and permaculture practitioner based in Victoria, BC. She teaches permaculture at the Pacific Horticulture College and leads the public permaculture garden at the Horticulture Center of the Pacific. Through her business, Garden Alchemist, Bethany designs gardens rich in edible, medicinal, and native plants, creating beautiful and ecologically functional landscapes.

What You Will Learn:

• How to mimic nature’s wildfire resilience

• Selecting wildfire-resilient plants

• Choosing fire-resilient mulches and groundcovers

• Water and soil conservation practices for fire-smart landscapes

• Designing resilient gardens to protect your home

 

Who This Class Is For:

• Homeowners and residents near wilderness areas

• Gardening enthusiasts interested in sustainable practices

• Environmentalists and conservationists

• Landscapers and landscape designers

• Community leaders and neighbourhood groups

 

Class Summary:

• Duration: 3 hours (including lecture and Q&A)

• Materials: Includes detailed resource handouts for ongoing reference