Large Leaf Lupine: a (Bee-Friendly) Native Plant We Love

June 21, 2010

Purple Blooms of a large leaf lupine. (Photo: Copyright (c) by Gary A. Monroe. USDA @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database)

Happy International Pollinator Week!

Introducing a native plant that is also friendly to birds and bees. Lupinus polyphyllus, as it’s scientifically known, is a wildflower native to much of Canada, excluding the prairies and territories. Lupine flowers bloom in brilliant blues, purples, and pinks in long dense clusters along the plant’s stem. They can be spotted in moist and open habitats from June to September and attract hummingbirds and butterflies, making them a great choice for your bird and butterfly gardens.

Are you in or around Toronto? Join Evergreen for the Pollinator Festival at Evergreen Brick Works this Sunday.

Learn more about the large leaf lupine and other native wildflowers from Evergreen’s Native Plant Database.

Comments Off | Gardening, Green Tips, Native Species, Vancouver | Permalink
Posted by Allison from Evergreen British Columbia

Meet Stephanie Levy, Project Manager, Common Grounds

May 6, 2010

Stephanie Levy, Project Manager, Common Grounds (Photo: Evergreen)

A graduate of environmental science, Stephanie Levy joined the BC Common Grounds team in May 2009 and we are very lucky to have her on our team! Read dispatches from Stephanie’s 2009 trip to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen here and here.

How are you involved? I’m the project manager of stewardship for Evergreen BC, I’m on the Steering Committee for the Canadian Environmental Network Youth Caucus, I’m in the Founding Committee of an international youth engagement project called YEGO, and I’m the official Youth Delegate on the Canadian Delegation to the Commission on Sustainable Development.

What motivates you? The growing numbers of opportunities for youth. There are many areas that truly lack youth engagement policies, but where we are today is eons ahead of even a decade ago.  I am a product of individuals and organizations taking the time to mentor me, and I work so hard to give that back.

Which environmental issue most concerns you? One environmental issue in and of itself does not concern me as much as the larger picture does. I’m concerned most about the general indifference we have towards people who have lost as we have gained, and our disinclination to let go of bad habits.

What gives you optimism? Seeing those who work to improve lives and give their time to restore the planet. These people are literally making the earth better. They inspire me, and give me optimism.

Inspired? Join Stephanie at a planting or stewardship event near you!

Comments Off | Staff, Vancouver | Permalink
Posted by Allison from Evergreen British Columbia

Spotlight on Pacific Bleeding Heart

April 19, 2010

Locket-shaped hearts of the Pacific bleeding heart. (Photo: Brother Alfred Brousseau @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database)

Native only to British Columbia in Canada, Dicentra formosa, or Pacific bleeding heart, is an excellent choice for any urban garden in BC. It thrives in moist environments with sun, partial shade or full shade and its purple/pink locket-shaped flowers are a major attraction for hummingbirds and other wildlife from May to June.

Learn more about Pacific bleeding heart and other native wildflowers from Evergreen’s Native Plant Database.

Comments Off | Gardening, Vancouver | Permalink
Posted by Allison from Evergreen British Columbia

Going for Green at the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games

March 11, 2010

Olympic rings Vancouver 2010 (Photo: Miss Barabanov on Flickr (used under Creative Commons license))

As residents of Vancouver, we staffers at Evergreen BC’s office have been first-hand witnesses to some dramatic changes in the year leading up to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. I, myself have been overwhelmed by some of the transformations the City’s infrastructure and the national unity and identity the Games have helped to further.

But are they sustainable?

Read the rest of this entry »

2 Comments | Issues, Vancouver | Permalink
Posted by Allison from Evergreen British Columbia

Evergreen BC’s First Annual Volunteer Appreciation Party

January 26, 2010

It’s been almost a week and I still keep dreaming about the delicious local, vegan food that was served by Radha Yoga and Eatery at Evergreen BC’s First Annual Volunteer Appreciation Party. Really though, what made the night such a success was the company of our dedicated volunteers. We are indebted to our volunteers and were thrilled to host our first organization wide appreciation party to say thank you for all your hard work throughout 2009.

Volunteers and Evergreen enjoying the local food buffet and some good conversation. (Photo: Steph Levy)

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1 Comment | Events, Vancouver, Volunteer | Permalink
Posted by Allison from Evergreen British Columbia

Canada’s Federal Positions Face Criticism at COP15

December 17, 2009

Toronto Mayor, David Miller, accepting the Fossil of the Day Award. (Photo: Stephanie Levy)

In this update from Copenhagen, Stephanie Levy speaks to the intense criticism Canada has come under for our positions in the COP15 climate change negotiations, both on the home front and on the international stage. She also shares her hope based on what political leaders at the municipal and provincial levels are doing despite our national positions:

The past few days have been incredibly interesting, albeit frustrating.  As the whole world knows, Canada has been doing its best to obstruct a fair and ambitious deal.  I was in the Conference Centre on Friday night when Canada won both first and second place fossil awards. But when Toronto Mayor, David Miller, stepped up to accept the award, saying that he came as an embarrassed Canadian, I felt hope.  Vancouver Mayor, Gregor Robertson, was in our office Monday morning for an interview and said: “As a country, Canada has been despicable with carbon emissions.  We need to change that.”
Read the rest of this entry »

3 Comments | News, Staff, Vancouver | Permalink
Posted by Allison from Evergreen British Columbia

Evergreen at COP15 in Copenhagen, Denmark

December 10, 2009

Stephanie Levy at COP15. (Photo: Stephanie Levy)

This past Monday, delegations from 192 countries representing government, the corporate community and civil society convened in Copenhagen, Denmark for the 15th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15). Our very own Stephanie Levy, Project Manager for the Mahon Park Stewardship Project in British Columbia, is among the thousands of concerned citizens attending COP15. She was chosen by the Global Observatory out of a pool of international applicants to attend and provide her own global insight on the climate change negotiations.

COP15 will be running until December 18, and Stephanie will be blogging about her experience and perspectives throughout its duration. Today, she shares her initial thoughts on the conference and its host country, Denmark:

“Kongens Nytorv” he said, over-pronouncing each word.  “I’m sorry, can you say that again?”  “KONGENS N-Y-T-O-R-V,” he sighed.  “Okay,” I said, “one more time, in my good ear.”

Read the rest of this entry »

6 Comments | News, Staff, Vancouver | Permalink
Posted by Allison from Evergreen British Columbia

Mayor of North Vancouver Hosts Volunteer Appreciation Event

December 9, 2009

Local feast at the Mayor's. (Photo: Stephanie Levy)

This fall we wanted to show our appreciation for the passionate stewards of the Mahon Park Stewardship Project in North Vancouver, B.C., in a way that was meaningful, local and didn’t require catering. In a flash of inspiration we asked the Mayor of North Vancouver, Darrell Mussatto, if we could host a party at his house, and lucky for us, he agreed!
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Comments Off | Stewardship and Planting, Vancouver, Volunteer | Permalink
Posted by Allison from Evergreen British Columbia

Natural Pest Control Workshop — December 2 7-8:30PM

November 30, 2009

Garden Fresh Veggies (Photo: John Shinnick, Vancouver City Hall Community Gardener)

Join me this Wednesday, December 2 to learn how to prevent your hard earned harvest from being decimated by bugs and diseases.  Arzeena Hamir, an agronomist specializing in organic vegetable gardening, has courteously agreed to host a Natural Pest Control Workshop for Evergreen.

The workshop will take place from 7-8:30PM in the Strathcona Room at Vancouver City Hall off 12th Avenue. The cost is pay what you can, with a suggested donation of $5 to $10.

If you’re new to organic gardening like me, this workshop is a must. I hope to see you there!

Comments Off | Events, Gardening, Vancouver | Permalink
Posted by Allison from Evergreen British Columbia

New Arbour for the Vancouver City Hall Community Garden

November 13, 2009

Arbour and communal gardens. (Photo: John Shinnick, City Hall community gardener)

Recently, I spent a beautiful day with 25 dedicated gardeners at the Vancouver City Hall Community Garden, where we constructed an entrance way arbour. This was our first work party at the garden, and we were happy for the great turn-out, sunny weather and amazing results! The garden now features a beautifully constructed entrance way arbour, two full perimeter gardens and a calming healing garden.

Check out the below video to see the community gardeners hammering away on the arbour and partaking in the funky “compact dance” to prepare the soil for planting!

More photos and event details are available on the Facebook group courtesy of community gardener, John Shinnick.

1 Comment | Events, Food, Gardening, Vancouver, Video | Permalink
Posted by Allison from Evergreen British Columbia

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