Sigrie Kendrick - Jan 29, 2025 / 11:00 am | Story: 530201
Photo: Judie Steeves
A cluster of colourful climate-resilient xeriscape annuals and perennials in a drought-tolerant flower border.
Following several years of erratic weather, on Feb. 28th you can learn how to create climate-resilient landscapes at a workshop organized by the Okanagan Xeriscape Association.
The day-long educational event will bring together a variety of experts to address various aspects of combatting the challenges brought on by climate change. Join us for the Creating Climate-Resilient Landscapes workshop, designed to educate, inspire and connect landscape professionals and enthusiastic gardeners with like-minded organizations in the Okanagan.
It will be held at the Capri Hotel and Conference Centre in Kelowna. Visit our website at www.okanaganxeriscape.org for all the details and to purchase your tickets for the event.
This is not limited to industry professionals. Anyone with a keen interest in creating climate-resilient landscapes is welcome.
Based on feedback received after the last OXA workshop for professionals, we decided to offer an early breakfast session on the principles of xeriscape for those new to the concept or looking to refresh and reinforce their knowledge.
The day will start at 7 a.m. with my session, the Seven Principles of Xeriscape. The main program will start at 8 a.m. with registration and then an introduction from Anna Warwick Sears. In her role as the executive director of the Okanagan Basin Water Board, she will focus on water management and sustainability, and why we should care about water conservation.
The question of how we conserve water used on the landscape will be addressed by a variety of speakers following her address:
• Mario Lanthier, with Crop Health Advising and Research, will speak about tree root management, which is so vital to the establishment of healthy, drought-tolerant trees.
• Ed Hoppe, with the City of Kelowna, will discuss the Water Smart program which is focused on understanding water use and reducing unnecessary water use.
• Ashley Hignell, from Foxglove Nursery, will discuss the newest xeriscape plants and other nursery updates.
• Robert Hogue, with Pegasus Horticulture, will focus on how to select drought-tolerant trees.
• Gordon Hiebert, with Cabin Operations, will talk about regenerative landscaping, restoring the environment and improving sustainability.
• Stephanie Aiken, with Urban Systems, will discuss inviting pollinators to your garden and creating meadow landscapes.
The last speaker of the day will loop around again to why we should care about water conservation and about fire prevention.
Dennis Craig is the assistant fire chief for the City of Kelowna, where he has been involved with the FireSmart initiative for more than eight years. After being deployed to multiple large wildfires with the B.C. Wildlfire Service, Craig is passionate about FireSmart and the importance of conserving water and creating landscapes which help fight fires.
We could not make this workshop a reality without the support of our sponsors—British Columbia FireSmart, the City of Kelowna, the Okanagan Basin Water Board, Sawchuk Developments, the Make Water Work campaign, Rotary Kelowna and Foxglove Nursery. We Thank them all.
Join us for this workshop. Our sponsor support allows us to offer tickets for just $55 per person ($50 for members) and each ticket includes lunch and two coffee breaks.
If you are unable to make this workshop, your next opportunity to meet us in person and have your xeriscape questions answered will be March 9 at the Master Gardener’s Seedy Sunday event taking place at the Parkinson Recreation Centre.
The Okanagan Xeriscape Association is grateful for the ongoing financial support of the Okanagan Basin Water Board and is proud to be collaborating with them on the Make Water Work campaign. Check out the Make Water Work plant list at makewaterwork.ca.
Sigrie Kendrick is a master gardener and executive-director of the Okanagan Xeriscape Association.
This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
Sigrie Kendrick - Jan 15, 2025 / 11:00 am | Story: 527567
Photo: Contributed
Seed packets for xeriscape perennials lure gardeners to start planting gardens inside now for colour later outdoors.
It’s official, the self-proclaimed “crazy plant lady” is already excited to start seeds, even though it is still the middle of winter.
Whether you take planting to an extreme as I tend to do, with hundreds of plants started or just a few, starting perennial plants from seed offers an economical and deeply satisfying way to establish a flourishing garden that will return season after season.
Unlike annuals, most perennial seeds need to undergo a period of cold, called “stratification,” to germinate successfully. The process mimics nature, with seeds dropping in fall to undergo winter cold, then sprout with the warming of spring.
For many species, starting seeds in late winter or very early spring provides this natural cold treatment. Some gardeners even choose to winter-sow, which amounts to planting seeds outdoors in containers during winter months, allowing nature to handle the stratification process.
Other seeds require a treatment called “scarification,” which involves deliberately damaging or weakening a seed’s hard outer coat to improve germination rates, by allowing oxygen and water to penetrate more easily.
Common scarification methods include mechanical abrasion with sandpaper, nicking the seed coat with a knife or briefly soaking seeds in hot water. Those processes mimic natural ones, such as passing through an animal’s digestive tract or weathering in the environment.
The technique is especially vital for plants with hard seed coats, such as those found in the Fabaceae, or legume, family.
To start your perennial seeds successfully, you’ll need a high-quality seed starting mix, clean containers with drainage holes, clear plastic covers or bags for humidity, a bright location or grow lights, plant markers and fresh seeds. I also find heat mats to be invaluable for germination and growth.
Your growing medium should be sterile and well-draining to prevent damping-off disease, a common problem that kills young seedlings. Pre-moisten the soil before planting, aiming for the consistency of a wrung-out sponge.
Most perennial seeds should be surface-sown or covered with only a thin layer of soil, as many require light for germination. After sowing, maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging the soil. A spray bottle helps provide gentle hydration without disturbing the seeds. Maintain temperatures between 18 C and 24°C for optimal germination, though requirements vary by species.
The germination period for perennials can range from a few days to several months, depending on the species. Keep detailed records of planting dates and expected germination times to avoid giving up too soon on slower-growing varieties.
Perhaps the biggest challenge when growing perennials from seed is patience. Many species germinate erratically or take several weeks to emerge. Additionally, most perennials won’t flower in their first year as they focus the first year of growth on developing a strong root system. Understanding those natural growth patterns helps you to set realistic expectations.
While starting perennials from seed requires more time and patience than buying mature plants, the investment pays significant dividends. Beyond the considerable cost savings, you’ll gain access to unusual varieties rarely found at your local nursery, develop a deeper understanding of plant life cycles, and experience the satisfaction of nurturing plants from their very beginning.
As your tiny seedlings mature into strong, flowering plants that return year after year, you’ll find the extra effort was time well spent to create your own personalized garden.
The Okanagan Xeriscape Association is grateful for the ongoing financial support of the Okanagan Basin Water Board and is proud to collaborate with it on the Make Water Work campaign. Check out the Make Water Work plant list at makewaterwork.ca.
Sigrie Kendrick is a master gardener and executive-director of the non-profit Okanagan Xeriscape Association.
This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
Sigrie Kendrick - Jan 1, 2025 / 11:00 am | Story: 525365
Photo: Contributed
The berries of native Mountain Ash trees provide much-needed feed for a variety of birds through the winter months: just one worthy reason to plant them.
The Okanagan Valley's unique climate and ecology make it a crucial habitat for both year-round resident birds and winter visitors.
By thoughtfully selecting and planting native trees and shrubs that provide food during the harsh winter months, homeowners and landowners can create vital food sources for local bird populations while maintaining our region's natural biodiversity.
Western Mountain Ash (Sorbus scopulina) stands out as one of the most valuable winter food sources for Okanagan birds. Its bright red berries persist well into winter, providing essential sustenance for Grosbeaks, Cedar Waxwings, and Northern Flickers. These hardy trees thrive in the Okanagan's climate and can reach heights of 20 feet, making them excellent landscape focal points while serving as natural bird feeders.
The Western Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia) locally known as “Saskatoon”, offers multiple benefits throughout the year. While its berries are primarily available in summer, any remaining dried fruit provides emergency winter food for birds. The dense branching structure also offers crucial shelter during harsh weather conditions, making it an excellent addition to any bird-friendly landscape.
Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa), a signature tree of the Okanagan landscape, supports numerous winter birds, particularly seed-eating species like the threatened White-headed Woodpecker, Pygmy Nuthatch and Black-capped Chickadee. The large cones produce nutrient-rich seeds that become accessible throughout winter as the cones gradually open.
According to the South Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship Program there are approximately 55 species of birds and mammals, some endangered, that depend on these pines for food and shelter.
Oregon Grape (Berberis aquifolium) proves invaluable in winter bird gardens. Its blue-black berries, high in natural sugars, often remain on the plant throughout winter, providing vital energy for various bird species. This evergreen shrub's dense foliage also offers essential winter cover for smaller birds.
Red-Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) produces bluish-white berries that, while not a preferred food source, become increasingly important as other food options diminish during late winter. The plant's bright red stems add striking winter interest to the landscape while providing shelter for ground-feeding birds.
Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) holds its white berries well into winter, offering an important food source for ground-feeding birds like Dark-eyed Juncos and Spotted Towhees. While these berries are not typically first-choice food for birds, they become crucial during periods of severe weather when other food sources are depleted.
When establishing a winter bird habitat, consider creating multiple vegetation layers. Plant tall trees like Ponderosa Pine and Western Mountain Ash as backdrop elements, medium-sized shrubs like Western Serviceberry in the middle ground, and lower-growing Oregon Grape as ground cover. This layered approach mimics natural habitat structure and provides diverse feeding opportunities for different bird species.
Group plantings of the same species together rather than scattering individual plants throughout the landscape. Clusters of three to five plants create more visible and accessible food sources for birds while establishing more robust plant communities that better withstand harsh Okanagan winters.
Consider sun exposure and soil conditions when selecting planting locations. Most native Okanagan species prefer well-drained soils and full sun exposure, though Red-Osier Dogwood can tolerate partial shade and moister conditions. Proper plant placement ensures healthy growth and maximum fruit production.
While native plants generally require minimal maintenance, some care during the establishment period ensures long-term success. Water deeply but infrequently during the first two growing seasons to encourage deep root development. Avoid fall fertilization which may promote late-season growth vulnerable to winter damage.
Resist the urge to prune away all berries and fruits in fall cleanup. These food sources become increasingly valuable as winter progresses and natural food becomes scarcer. Similarly, leave some leaf litter under shrubs and trees, as ground-feeding birds often forage for seeds and hibernating insects in this natural mulch.
Beyond providing crucial winter bird food, establishing native plants creates year-round habitat value. These plantings support native pollinators during flowering periods, provide nesting sites in spring, and offer summer shade and shelter. As plants mature, they become increasingly valuable components of the local ecosystem, contributing to the Okanagan Valley's biodiversity while providing endless opportunities for bird watching and nature appreciation throughout the winter months.
The Okanagan Xeriscape Association is grateful for the ongoing financial support of the Okanagan Basin Water Board and is proud to be collaborating with them on their Make Water Work campaign. Check out its Make Water Work plant list at makewaterwork.ca.
Sigrie Kendrick is a master gardener and executive-director of the non-profit Okanagan Xeriscape Association.
This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
Sigrie Kendrick - Dec 18, 2024 / 11:00 am | Story: 523410
Photo: Judie Steeves
This pot full of succulents, mainly in the sedum family, is a good example of an indoor plant that requires extremely low quantities of water to thrive, indoors or out. It goes out during the warmer seasons of the year.
In a world where water conservation is increasingly critical and urban dwellers seek low-maintenance greenery, xeric houseplants prove a wise botanical choice.
These remarkable plants have adapted to survive in environments with minimal water, serving as a testament to nature’s incredible resilience.
Xeric plants, derived from the Greek word “xeros” meaning dry, have evolved extraordinary survival mechanisms in response to arid conditions. Unlike their thirsty counterparts that demand frequent watering, these plants have developed specialized structures and physiological adaptations that allow them to thrive where others would quickly fail to thrive and ultimately perish.
The magic of xeric plants lies in their remarkable evolutionary strategies. Many feature thick, waxy cuticles on their leaves that minimize water loss, succulent tissues that store water like living reservoirs, and extensive root systems designed to capture even the slightest moisture. Some have reduced leaf surfaces, dramatically decreasing evaporation, while others have grey-green or silvery leaves which protect against intense sunlight by reflecting heat away from the plant.
Cacti exemplify these adaptations most dramatically. Their photosynthetic stems, known as pads, replace traditional leaves, allowing them to conduct critical plant processes while minimizing water loss. Their spines are actually modified leaves which protect them from predators and decrease evaporation from their pads.
Species like the Bunny Ears Cactus (Optunia microdasys) and Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) make excellent additions to indoor spaces with minimal care requirements.
Cacti are long lived and slow growing so do not require regular re-potting. Although often grown as a houseplant and called a Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) should be noted as having significantly different requirements from its desert cousins, happiest in a shady, high humidity environment.
Many succulents make excellent xeric houseplants. Genera like Echeveria, Haworthia, and Sedum offer incredible diversity, from rosette-shaped specimens to trailing varieties. These plants store water in their thick, fleshy leaves and stems, allowing them to survive extended periods without supplemental irrigation.
One of the most striking architectural xeric houseplants can be found in the Agave genus, also known as Century plants in reference to the long time these plants take to flower.
Agaves feature a large rosette of rigid fleshy, spiny leaves above an extremely short stem often in shades of blue-grey.
I am always delighted to spend time working down at Sandhu Nursery in Osoyoos as it has specimens there that are up to six feet tall and wide and truly stunning. A similarly structured plant is the more readily available Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata) which stands out with its upright, sword-like leaves that not only conserve water but also help to purify indoor air.
Successful xeric plant cultivation centres on understanding their fundamental needs. Overwatering remains their primary threat, often causing root rot which quickly kills xeric plants and is more likely to lead to plant death than any stress caused by drought.
The key is to mimic their natural habitat with bright light and infrequent, deep watering, allowing soil to completely dry between watering. They like sun, sun, and more sun and as such should be sited in a south or west-facing location.
Well-draining soil is non-negotiable. A mix of standard potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite creates an environment that prevents water retention while providing necessary nutrients. Porous terra cotta pots are a fantastic choice for your xeric houseplants as they aid in evaporation.
Xeric houseplants are more than just plants but can act as living sculptures, transforming interior spaces with their diverse forms, offering designers and homeowners incredible aesthetic flexibility.
These plants represent a perfect intersection of beauty, functionality, and environmental consciousness. As with any new gardening endeavour, I suggest that those seeking to introduce these remarkable plants into their lives: start small. A single, well-chosen specimen can begin a fascinating journey into the world of drought-defying marvels.
Visit the Okanagan Xeriscape Association website to familiarize yourself with the many benefits of membership to the Okanagan Xeriscape Association and consider giving a membership as a gift to either yourself or a loved one this holiday season.
The Okanagan Xeriscape Association is grateful for the ongoing financial support of the Okanagan Basin Water Board and is proud to be collaborating with them on the Make Water Work campaign. Check out their Make Water Work plant list at makewaterwork.ca.
Sigrie Kendrick is a master gardener and executive-director of the non-profit Okanagan Xeriscape Association.
This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
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