Registration is simple:

* Mail a cheque, made out to “Pender Harbour Community School” to P.O Box 232, Madeira Park, B.C., V0N 2H0. Print the course name and date on the cheque.

* Leave a message at 604-883-2826 or at phcs@dccnet.com to say that you have mailed your cheque. Staff will immediately reserve a place for you in the course.

* PHCS staff will send you a registration form if requested, or you can download one at: www.phcommschool.ca

* You may drop off the form at the PHCS office, 5009 Gonzales Rd., Madeira Park, or at the course.

* There is a $5 discount for registering at least one week before the workshop.

General Information:

Caron Gardens contains a kilometre of pleasant woodland paths, a classroom, and 500 different rhododendrons among companion perennial plants. The gardens are located on the north shore of Hotel Lake at 4622 Beaumont Road, off Irvine’s Landing Road. Please click on the “Contact/Visit Us” button on the Home Page to find a printable map.

Ron Knight is an award-winning biology teacher (retired), a Director for the American Rhododendron Society’s B.C. Division, and an enthusiastic gardener and photographer. He is a busy speaker at garden club meetings on the Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island, and Lower Mainland. Ron has had articles and photographs published in major gardening magazines and won first prize in 3 categories of the 2007 American Rhododendron Society photography contest. All of Ron’s workshops are taught at Caron Gardens (4622 Beamont Road in Pender Harbour). The gardens feature a kilometre of pleasant woodland paths, a fully-equipped classroom, and 500 different rhododendrons with companion perennial plants. Ron’s courses are fun, and all include handouts, refreshments by Carla, and a draw for free perennials.

Fall 2008

Take Better Digital Photos

It’s easy to take spectacular photographs, even in difficult lighting situations, when you understand how to use more than just the AUTO setting on your digital camera. In this workshop, Ron Knight will teach you how to use all the main functions on your camera. You’ll also watch a digital image presentation on photo composition. Then you’ll practise shooting landscape and close-up photos in one of the Coast’s premier gardens and will receive a friendly critique of your work.

Please bring: Digital camera, manual, TV input cord, extra batteries

Saturday, October 18: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

($57)

Drip Irrigation Installation

Fall and winter are the best times to install a drip irrigation system that will be ready to automatically water your garden during the next growing season. In this workshop, Ron Knight will show you Caron Gardens’ drip irrigation system which waters its shrubs, trees, rock gardens, potted plants, hanging baskets, and flower beds. Then you’ll practice putting together drip irrigation components and will learn how to design, price, install, and maintain a complete system. It’s easy and you’ll save at least 50% off the price of materials and professional installation.

Please bring: Pen, clipboard; rainwear if necessary; plus a sketch map of your garden showing the different types of planting areas, as well as house, sundecks, out-buildings, outside taps, concrete areas, paths, fences, etc.

Saturday, October 18: 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm

($57)

Rock Wall Building (For Women)

Rocks that you collect in your neighbourhood can be mortared together to build elegant garden walls, steps, terraces, fire pits, or pond edges. During this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to lay out rock steps and walls, set the face angle, and level the top. Finally, you’ll practice mixing mortar and building a decorative wall. It’s easy and fun! Bring a friend.

Please bring: Clipboard, pen, old clothes and sturdy rubber gloves, rainwear if necessary. (Bring a lunch if you’re staying for the afternoon course, “Creative Garden Ornaments”.)

Sunday, October 19: 9:00 pm – 12:00 pm

($62)

Fall Perennial Pruning

Many perennials require pruning in the fall as opposed to early spring and this work can make a huge difference to the health and attractiveness of your plants. Pruning can rejuvenate leggy shrubs, slow the growth of large specimens, remove diseased material, and train plants to take on special shapes. In this hands-on workshop, Ron Knight will teach you the general principles needed to prune any ornamental shrub, tree, or vine with confidence. Then you’ll practice a wide variety of pruning techniques in Caron Gardens.

Please bring: By-pass pruners, pen, clipboard, rainwear if necessary

Wednesday, October 22: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

($57)

Asexual Perennial Propagation

October is one of the best months to propagate most perennials. In this workshop, Ron Knight will show you how to get lots of free perennials by buying a single shrub, tree, or vine and then propagating new plants from it by asexual means: stem cuttings, root cuttings, or divisions. Then you’ll prepare a pot of perennial cuttings to take home.

Please bring: Exacto-knife; hand pruners, large zip-lock or vegetable bag; pen or pencil; clipboard, and rainwear if necessary.

Wednesday, October 22: 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm

($57)

Creative Garden Ornaments (For Women)

Walk through any great garden and you’ll find ornaments and works of art that complement the plantings and add elements of surprise or humour. During this workshop, Ron Knight will demonstrate how you can create attractive, weather-proof glass eggs, rhubarb-leaf stepping stones, and garden gnomes. Then you’ll have fun making one of these projects to take home. (This course may be taken alone or as part of a full-day program with the morning “Rock Wall Building” workshop.)

Please bring: A large tray or container with a solid bottom, for carrying home your project; rainwear if necessary.

Sunday, October 19: 1:30 – 4:30 pm

($62)

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