April 2004: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the BC Landscape & Nursery Association (BCLNA) are appealing to BC residents to assist in a recall of Camellia plants that were imported from Monrovia Nursery in Azusa, California.

The recall is being conducted to remove any plants that may be infected with the plant disease Sudden Oak Death (SOD) from the environment. BCLNA will be sent to the homes of people who own potentially infected Camellias, to remove them in a manner that will prevent spreading of the disease.

Anyone who may have a Camellia from Monrovia is asked to:
* Have ready the name of the garden centre where they purchased the Camellia and the approximate purchase date. * Do NOT touch the plant. Leave it undisturbed in the garden. Suspect plants should be removed ONLY by qualified staff to prevent further spread of the disease. * Do NOT take the plant or its leaves to garden centres. (Plants can be tested only at an accredited laboratory.)

An appreciation package, including a coupon that can be redeemed at a garden centre, will be given to each person that has a Camellia removed.

The CFIA has been sampling plant material at Canadian nurseries and garden centres that received plants from California after being notified by US officials in March that CFIA has suspended entry into Canada of all plants from Monrovia Nursery and any SOD-susceptible plants from California, pending assurances by California that their exports are free of SOD. The CFIA is also continuing to survey, sample and test susceptible plant material previously received from California. It is anticipated that more premises may be found to be affected.

Sudden Oak Death is a disease caused by Phytophthora ramorum, a fungus-like pathogen that has killed tens of thousands of oak trees in California and is known to affect and kill other nursery plants including Viburnum.

For more information about the recall, please call 604-666-4179 in the Greater Vancouver area, 1-877-666-4179 elsewhere.

For more information on Sudden Oak Death, please see the CFIA web site at www.inspection.gc.ca

THE GOLDEN GARDENS PROJECT

The Golden Garden Project is about involving a diverse community of interested people in Vancouver and creating an opportunity that empowers and inspires senior citizens living in private institutions. This project is sponsored by Farm Folk City Folk. Therapeutic gardens provide a local haven that can feature flowers, herbs, shrubs and edible plants in a way that seniors can access, enjoy and tend to in a supported way (e.g. despite limited mobility).

If you are interested in contributing to this project or would like to know more, please call Ann Duffy at 604.739.7966, cell: 604.312.7251, or email at annduffy24@hotmail.com

BOOK FREE TOURS OF THE SEATTLE CHINESE GARDEN

The Seattle Chinese Garden Society is an independant, non-profit organization engaged in planning and building an authentic six acre Szechuan-style garden in West Seattle.

Visit them for a free guided tour the first Saturday of every month. The site is at South Seattle Community College, 6000 16th Avenue SW, north parking lot entrance. Call Renee Visich at 206.282.8040 for more information or contact her by email at renee@seattle-chinese-gardening.org

ENGELER FARM LAUNCHES FIELD TO TABLE COOKING SCHOOL

Vancouver Island's first field-to-table cooking school launches a series of classes, tours and private special events at the bucolic five acre Engeler Farm nestled in the lush Cowichan Valley. Call Mara Jernigan at 250.743.4267 or visit their website www.engelerfarm.com

ORGANIC FARM APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

Would you like to get some healthy S.O.I.L. under your fingernails? The Stewards of Irreplaceable Land, through the Soil Organic Farm Apprenticeship Program, provide an opportunity to live and learn on one of many organic farms. This volunteer opportunity is open to anyone over 18 years of age, who is healthy, self-motivated and eager to learn. For more information and an application, send a Stamped Self-Addressed Envelop to Mary Alice Johnson, PO Box 807, Sooke, BC V0S 1N0 or by email at alm@islandnet.com

MEDICINAL HERB GARDEN TOURS AT BASTYR UNIVERSITY

Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington has a unique garden in Saint Edward State Park, just outside Seattle. It's unique in that it showcases medicinal herbs, along with culinary herbs in an organic, sustainable manner. It's also a very peaceful, beautiful place. There's a gazebo and a pond which provide a welcoming haven for humans and critters. The garden is a teaching tool for Bastyr University's various programs in natural health sciences: oriental medicine, naturopathic medicine and botanical medicine. Started six years ago, the garden is a student-run operation. Tours are free, but please call beforehand to ensure the availability of a guide. Contact Susan Levin or Kathleen Warren at 425.602.3370 or 425.602.3103.