WORKSHOP (by videoconference): Learn how to can with Chef Emerie; Monday, 2012 October 22 @ 1pm, UofL L1170A (in the Library!) -- RSVP REQUIRED

CampusRoots is trying something a bit different this fall ... tapping into a videoconference on canning sponsorted by a number of local organizations.  Many thanks to the Chinook Arch Regional Library System RISE Videoconference Network and to the University of Lethbridge CRDC for bringing this videoconference onto campus.

Bernardin Executive Chef Emerie Brine will demonstrate how we can preserve the bounty of our gardens and the summer's fruits by canning and will be using the following recipes to guide the discussion:

• Spiced Cranberry Preserves
• Freezer Jam
• Fiesta Corn Salsa

Please RSVP by emailing campusroots@uleth.ca.

If you are curious, examples of some of Chef Emerie's past sessions may be viewed at:  http://www.bernardin.ca/pages/media/106.php



Chef Emerie’s visit is provided by Bernardin™ in association with :  

       The Interfaith Chinook 
Country Kitchen

  

Date: Monday, October 22
Time: 1pm - 3pm
Location: University of Lethbridge, Library, L1170A (print a campus map)

Cost: Free
RSVP:  campusroots@uleth.ca

"Fall into Spring!" Fundraiser: CampusRoots and Vesey's team up for to raise development funds for Garden

In waning days of this summer, why not look forward to next spring … especially spring flowers!  As a fundraiser, the Campus Roots Community Garden Association is proud to be working with Vesey's Bulbs to bring you a selection of quality fall flower bulbs at great prices.  Funds raised will be used to match a development grant received to expand the Garden.

Fall bulbs are planted in the fall and are among the earliest blooming flowers in the spring. Bulbs are a fun and low-maintenance way to add colour and texture to your garden. They can even be grown in pots, both indoors and out, and are great for cut flowers. Returning year after year, bulbs make great naturalizers. 

Details on the fundraising program:

-All bulbs are guaranteed to meet with your approval upon delivery

-No additional shipping costs or taxes

-Every package comes with planting information

-50% of total sales will help Campus Roots improve the campus community garden

Order deadlines:

Early-bird: September 7, 2012 (bulbs ship starting mid-September)

Final: September 28, 2012 (bulbs ship early October)

Samples: 

Tulips: 12 for $10

Daffodils: 15 for $10

Dutch Iris: 25 for $10

Giant Allium: 6 for $10

Snow Crocus: 35 for $10

Check out the full catalogue and if you have any questions or are ready to make your order, please contact us at campusroots@uleth.ca.

Watermelon Recipe

The next time you cut into a watermelon that isn't quite ripe yet and you aren't sure what to do with it, you could try this quick, refreshing and tasty cold juice:

• crush some ice cubes
• add slices of watermelon
• add a little bit of sugar to sweeten
• squeeze a bit of lime or lemon juice
• add some chopped fresh mint leaves
• ...blend ...blend ...blend

...and enjoy!

Try adding other ingredients like bananas or strawberries. Or, try making a sorbet, popsicles, or a frozen yogurt treat. Or maybe you'd prefer a delicious watermelon and feta cheese salad?

Just please, don't despair - put a smile on, get creative and enjoy!

WORKSHOP: The Berkeley Composting Method – Building the Ingredients of Good Soil … Fast!; Wednesday, 2012 April 18 @ 7pm, UofL AH116

Typically, it takes approximately 1 year to turn kitchen scraps to "black gold".  Interested in creating garden-ready compost in just 2-3 weeks?!  Thought so …

In this workshop, Julia Mitchell and Jason Baranec of Southern Alberta Permaculture, will introduce you to a rapid composting method developed by Robert D. Raabe, Professor of Plant Pathology, Berkeley appropriately called (you guessed it!) the “Berkeley Method" of composting.

WARNING: This workshop will be hands-on as we will show you step-by-step how to create your own Berkeley Compost pile. Please come dressed to get a little dirty! It is recommended you bring work gloves.

Date: Wednesday, 2012 April 18
Time: 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Location: University of Lethbridge, Anderson Hall Room #116 (print a campus map)
Cost: Free to CRCGA members; $3 for non-members

Presenters: Julia Mitchell and Jason Baranec of Southern Alberta Permaculture

Based in Lethbridge, Alberta, Southern Alberta Permaculture (SAP) designs sustainable human habitat that is founded on working with nature. A sustainable system is one that maintains itself or produces a surplus. SAP incorporates ecological design solutions that seek to produce more than they consume. SAP encourages individuals and families to spend more time in their garden and less in their grocery. A renewed focus on improving our surrounding ecologies and benefiting from natural resources could have a very positive impact on present and future generations.

GARDENER ORIENTATION: Wednesday, 2012 April 11 @ 7pm in UofL PE264

The orientation for both new and returning gardeners will be held on Wednesday, April 11 in room PE264 (across from Tim Horton’s in the Wellness Centre) starting at 7pm. This meeting is mandatory for all gardeners.  It is very important that all gardeners attend.

The agenda (in no particular order!) will include:

·         Meet and greet  -- know who you are gardening with!

·         Orientation to the Garden’s regulations and gardener etiquette and rules

·         Completion of gardening agreements and distribution of keys

·         SEED EXCHANGE!  -- We always buy more seed than can be used in our respective gardens so bring along the extras and swap them with others!

WORKSHOP: Understanding Soil; 2012 March 21@ 7pm, UofL AH116

Soil is more than just the dirt we walk on. It is probably the single most important natural body on the planet.  Healthy soil is a complex community of life and actually supports the most diverse ecosystem on the planet, including the plants we all depend on for life. Graeme Greenlee, Soil Scientist, will talk about the components of soil; the amounts of each; and the importance of organic matter as it affects soil structure, soil tilth and soil fertility. He will also speak specifically to the issue of soil fertility and how to influence it to our advantage.

Date: Wednesday, 2012 March 21
Time:  7:00pm to 9:00pm
Location: University of Lethbridge, Anderson Hall Room 116
                (print a map)
Cost: Free to CRCGA members; $3 for non-members

Presenter: Graeme Greenlee

Graeme Greenlee has a B.Sc. in Agriculture and a M.Sc. in Soil Science.  He has 40 years of experience working as a soil scientist for Agriculture Canada, the government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Alberta Research Council, Alberta Agriculture, and finally, as a “soils consultant” based here in Lethbridge. 

Mark your calendars for other upcoming CRCGA workshops:
> April 18: The Berkeley Composting Method

Lyndon Penner, CBC Gardening Guru, Star Attraction at SACPA / WomanSpace Fundraiser - 2012 March 2

On MARCH 2 join SACPA and Womanspace for a joint fundraiser with CBC Radio's gardening guru Lyndon Penner

Hold on to your Tilley hats because Lyndon is pulling out all the stops for this evening. He will be presenting A Garden of Earthly Delights in which he will discuss the things that go on in your garden that might make you blush. With Lyndon and his photos of voluptuous veggies and fecund fruits we must warn you that sideways glances and knowing giggles are to be expected. This is the sort of evening that will get you thinking of warm soil between your fingers and long summer nights caressing your beloved blooms.

If you are ready for Spring and all the expectation of your garden then you really must attend. The fundraiser includes a delicious meal prepared and served by Country Kitchen Catering and the presentation by Lyndon Penner. Tickets are $50 each, half of which is a donation to Womanspace Resource Centre and Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA), two local non-profits who depend on community donations.

Tickets are available during regular SACPA session or from the Womanspace Office (403-329-8338) or SACPA (403-330-9530) or by emailing lisa@sacpa.ca.

WORKSHOP: Companion Planting for the Vegetable Garden; Wednesday, 2012 February 15 @ 7pm, UofL AH116

Companion planting is the practice of growing compatible plants together, and has been practiced by gardeners for centuries. This has long been a valuable tool in organic gardening.

This workshop will explore the physiology behind this ecologically sound gardening practice. We will see how companion planting complements inter-cropping and crop rotation to improve the soil environment and plant yields. The focus will be on companion planting for use in vegetable gardening. Examples of species that can be used to attract beneficial insects, and predators to keep pests in check will be reviewed.

Date:  Wednesday, 2012 February 15
Time:  7:00pm to 9:00pm
Location: University of Lethbridge, Anderson Hall Room 116
          (print a map)
Cost: Free to CRCGA members; $3 for non-members

Presenter:  Joanna Fraser of JoJo Garden Design and Consulting

JoJo Garden Design and Consulting is owned and operated as a home based business by Joanna Fraser.    The business has been operational since 2002, first at ‘arms length’ with Plants Etc (formerly Perma Green Garden Centre) until it closed in 2004.  The services offered include planning, planting, yard design, maintenance and garden soil assessments.   Joanna also writes and conducts workshops on gardening topics.

Mark your calendars for other upcoming CRCGA workshops:
> March 21: Understanding Soil
> April 18: The Berkeley Composting Method

WORKSHOP: Permaculture 101 -- Working with Nature; Wednesday, 2012 January 25 @ 7pm in UofL AH116

Learn the fundamental concepts behind permaculture and how it can be applied in daily life with Jason Baranec of Southern Alberta Permaculture (SAP). There is no question that this session will get you thinking about confronting cultural, environmental, and energy-supply change and provide new perspective in becoming a more sustainable and energy efficient member of the community.

Date: Wednesday, 2012 January 25
Time:  7:00pm to 9:00pm
Location: University of Lethbridge, Anderson Hall Room #116 (print a campus map)
Cost: Free to CRCGA members; $3 for non-members

Presenter:  Jason Baranec of Southern Alberta Permaculture

Based in Lethbridge, Alberta, Southern Alberta Permaculture (SAP) designs sustainable human habitat that is founded on working with nature.  A sustainable system is one that maintains itself or produces a surplus. SAP incorporates ecological design solutions that seek to produce more than they consume.  SAP encourages individuals and families to spend more time in their garden and less in their grocery. A renewed focus on improving our surrounding ecologies and benefiting from natural resources could have a very positive impact on present and future generations.

Mark your calendars for other upcoming CRCGA workshops:
> February 15: Companion Planting
> March 21: Understanding Soil
> April 18: The Berkeley Composting Method