Experts on gardening, tree care and wildfires will share tips this weekend
It's the season for getting our hands in the dirt! While summers are hotter and drier, and the risk of wildfire rises each year, our yards can still be lush and look beautiful. The right plant in the right place means that gardens can help protect our homes, too.
Central Saanich’s Fire Department is hosting a FireSmart Your Garden workshop this Saturday, June 21. Whether you are an experienced gardener or just getting started, this is a fun, valuable opportunity to learn more. Registration is free for residents of Central Saanich, Tsartlip and Tsawout First Nations.
Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Central Saanich Fire Station 1, 1512 Keating Cross Road
This is a great opportunity to get your gardening questions answered by an expert horticulturalist from Garden Alchemist. The workshop will include tips about how to select wildfire-resilient plants, mulches and groundcovers; water and soil conservation practices that mimic nature’s strategies; and garden design that can help protect your home.
Ryan Vantreight, the District’s FireSmart Coordinator, will walk through important FireSmart tips, while Conan O’Dell, the District’s Arborist, will be on hand to answer questions about tree bylaws and tree care.
Central Saanich is offering up to $1000 in rebates for every $2000 spent on approved wildfire mitigation efforts applied to your property. These efforts need to be based on the recommendations from a free and confidential FireSmart Wildfire Mitigation Assessment through the Fire Department.
Registration is required for the FireSmart Your Garden workshop. Space is limited and refreshments will be provided. Central Saanich residents can reserve your workshop spot(s) or book a free, confidential FireSmart home assessment at CSFiresmart.ca or by calling 250.415.8066 or emailing FireSmart@csaanich.ca.