Not everybody has a green thumb and even those who do have varying shades of skill and technique.
For those who know enough to be able to grow a crop on bare pavement, as well as those of lesser degree of horticultural skill, the Milner Gardens and Woodland plant sale on the weekend had the raw materials and the advice to make home gardens bloom.
That necessary knowledge base was significantly bolstered by the presence of master gardener Bev Ford, who was on hand to answer a wide variety of gardening questions from the many gardening fans who turned out for Saturday’s big event.
The sale is one of many fundraisers for Milner Gardens and Woodland, which is administered by Vancouver Island University.
The event drew gardeners from far and wide, who are hearing about the top-quality plants on offer and the equally top-notch advice to help them make sure they thrive.
Karen and Don Wilshere of Qualicum Beach are just two of the horticultural shoppers who have made the annual plant sale a must-do on their yearly calendar.
This year, they said, they purchased a cushion flower, a fire glow, a Russian sage and a dianthus.
The next event at the popular facility on Highway 19A is the monthly Grill the Gardener event.
Held on the first Thursday of every month from May until October, this event allows gardeners to spend some quality time with top horticulturalist Kim Hammond, who walks the grounds with Milnerites adn talks about what people should do in their gardens over the coming month.
This will be the final Grill the Gardener event for the summer season.
With files from
Brenda Gough