Local produce provided by Madrona Farm.

Anyone interested in learning about organic or sustainable farming can visit Madrona Farm, 4317 Blenkinsop Rd., for a walking tour at 9 a.m. Saturday, August 14, 2010. There will also be a cooking demonstration for all to enjoy. Read more at: http://www.timescolonist.com/news/todays-paper/Farming+issues+cooking+Madrona/3389455/story.html

]]> http://blog.conservancy.bc.ca/2010/08/tour-cooking-demo-at-madrona-farm-this-saturday-august-14/feed/ 0 http://blog.conservancy.bc.ca/2010/08/a-little-hardwork-goes-a-long-way/ http://blog.conservancy.bc.ca/2010/08/a-little-hardwork-goes-a-long-way/#comments Fri, 06 Aug 2010 20:47:03 +0000 dpiper http://blog.conservancy.bc.ca/?p=8390

Photo By: Daris Piper TLC Volunteers and Tinhorn Creek Vineyard Staff Enjoy a Hard Earned Lunch

The South Okanagan-Similkameen Stewardship Program and TLC joined forces with Tinhorn Creek Vineyards in the summer of 2004 to rehabilitate a small area of antelope-brush habitat that was once natural on the Tinhorn Creek  winery property. The site was planted with over 600 shrubs, wildflowers, and bunchgrasses. The project objective was to provide additional wildlife habitat, but also to showcase the potential for landowners to effectively re-establish a natural, dryland plant community.

 On Friday July 23, 2010, TLC volunteers and Tinhorn Creek staff returned to the site, this time to do some much needed weeding. The hardworking crew removed 60 extra large garbage bags filled with invasive plants. Volunteers enjoyed lunch and beverages provided by the Tinhorn Creek Vineyards.

 Thank-you to everyone who came out to give us a helping hand!

Volunteer Planting

The Forbes Wetland Restoration project has been a 10-year initiative by the Forbes family, the Town of Oliver, The Land Conservancy of BC and the South Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship Program and restores a vital piece of rare wetland habitat and the connectivity with upper grassland habitat.

The project has been recognized by the Town of Oliver’s Communities in Bloom committee as a prime example of environmental action. It demonstrates efforts by the municipality, businesses, institutions, and residents of the community with respect to naturalization and environmental stewardship activities under the guiding principles of sustainable development.

 The Town of Oliver was evaluated in late July on its overall performance in the following criteria: tidiness, environmental action, heritage conservation, urban forestry, landscape, turf & groundcovers, floral displays, and community involvement. The evaluation is based on the local conditions and achievements of citizens, businesses, organizations, institutions and the municipal government working together towards common objectives. Talk about great team work! Congratulations everyone.

Last night Jazzi Abhkazi was a huge success for both the Garden and for TLC more specifically. Every table was occupied and ready for a Mediterranean dinner full with yogurt glazed lamb skewers, couscous salad along with a Greek Salad, and spanakopita. In the hot summer sun, guests also enjoyed a special treat of ice cream. Chairs were placed on the lawn and string performers from the Civic Orchestra of Victoria engaged the more than 50 guests in attendance with classics: ‘Barberini Minuet’, ‘Spanish Dance’. ‘Mozart Quartet #3’, ‘Winter’s Willow’, ‘Haydn Quartet #75’, ‘Danny Boy’, ‘Mozart Divertimento III’, ‘Ave Verum’, ‘Pavane’, and ‘Moon River’.

Guests from all walks of life strolled through the garden admiring the flowering clerodendrum, salvia and roses as notes filled the natural setting. Hummingbirds flew over the string quartet (The Stroud Strings) and even a bald eagle was spotted. It was as if all elements were coming together perfectly at Jazzi Abhkazi. One visitor from Norway commented on the beauty of the garden and the organization of the event, which was a highlight of his trip thus far. As the evening wrapped up, clouds moved in overhead almost a natural way to end the evening. Some guests bought plants from Abhkazi to enjoy in their own gardens and everyone left with smiles on their face.

Don’t miss next week’s Jazzi Abkhazi for your chance to enjoy some live music and great food. Admission is $10. If you’re not a TLC member you can sign up at Abkhazi Garden or online at conservancy.bc.ca. Come early to ensure a spot and to enjoy the chef’s tasty creations. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. and the band starts at 7 p.m. and plays until 8:30 p.m.

For the last few months, we have been sharing reasons for you to become a TLC Member. Now it’s your turn to tell us your reason. TLC is launching a multimedia contest to discover your reasons for becoming a TLC Member.

Go to one of your special places in B.C. and tell us via photo or video why you think it’s important for TLC to save natural areas, heritage sites, and agricultural lands throughout the province.

Enter and WIN:

1^st prize – $100 shopping spree at Mountain Equipment Co-op
2^nd prize – a fair trade organic cotton t-shirt from NATE organics
3^rd prize – one of a kind TLC swag pack

There will also be a special category, Million Reasons Challenge, with an additional prize of a $50 MEC gift certificate for individuals who document themselves and their different reasons at as many different TLC properties and events as possible. Event opportunities for the Million Reasons Challenge can be found in the TLC Summer Event Guide and on our website under our properties landing page.

For more information, on MEC or NATE organics, please visit http://mec.ca or http://nateorganics.com/. For more information and how to submit, check out the Million Reasons Contest page. Deadline for entries is August 15.

July 7^th 2010 was the first evening of musical performances to be held at Victoria’s Abkhazi Garden weekly Jazzi Abkhazi event. The band went on at 7 pm and Abkhazi Garden was ‘jumpin’.  The garden, which was purchased by TLC in 2000, will host Jazzi Abkhazi – a series of open-air musical performances and menu selections – on Wednesday evenings in July and August 2010. “What a beautiful evening for live music in the garden” one of the more than 50 guests in attendance commented. And it sure was. The weather was hot and the sun beat down on Brianne de Verteuil & Her Savvy 6 who performed while picnic dinners and ice cream was served to guests by the warm Abkhazi Garden staff and TLC volunteers. The band was dressed appropriately for a garden party and they entertained guests in the heritage garden and on the tea house patio.

 The music was a blend of 1930s and 1940s jazz and bebop and the band complimented the scenery and sounds of the garden.  Brianne de Verti led the group with her trumpeting and vocals, Joe on Clarinet, Erin on piano, Ian on drums, Steve on Bass and Julie on clarinet and trumpet and accompanied by the vocals of Claire Stewart.  One band member said that Abkhazi Garden was “the most beautiful place [they’ve] ever played”. 

 During Brianne de Verti & Her Savvy 6’s hour and a half set they performed classics like: “Dawn of the dessert”, “Rockin’ and rhythm”, “Creole love call”, “It’s wonderful”, “Humoresque”, “St. Louis Blues”, “Choo, Choo Ch’boogie”, “I love the way you make me laugh, the way you make me smile” among other Jazz and bebop hits. There was even a call out to all the Scots in the crowd before the classic “You take the high road” was performed. The band’s enthusiasm got some guests dancing in the crowd. It was appropriate to end the evening with a couple of well known tunes “This joint is jumpin”, “settled back” and Ella Fitzgerald’s rendition of “Undecided”. The band ended the evening by thanking the guests and Brianne’s memorable last words summed up the entire evening “Although us musicians could never live in this house, at least we can play at it”.

 The band was not alone in their excitement to attend Jazzi Abkhazi, one guest’s words said it all: “we’ve been waiting for this event for such a long time”. This family-friendly night drew in people of all ages, singles, families, dogs and people who just love live music. But that was not all that was special about this evening. The menu featured: BBQ prawns with grilled mango in a coconut curry vegetables and rice*. Dinner was served from 6pm to 7:15 pm and the band went on at 7 pm.

 Don’t miss next week’s Jazzi Abkhazi for your chance to enjoy some live music and great dinner creations. Admission is $10. If you’re not a TLC member you can sign up at Abkhazi Garden or online at conservancy.bc.ca. Come early to ensure a spot and to enjoy the chef’s tasty creations. Dinner is served at 6 pm and the band starts at 7 pm and plays until 8:30 pm. As a local Victoria resident I highly suggest checking out this family-oriented inexpensive event when planning your summer activities.

 Thanks!

 * Admission to each concert is $10.00.  Arrive at 6:00pm and enjoy a picnic dinner of BBQ prawns, grilled mangos, and curried vegetables served over rice, as well as vanilla ice cream in a waffle cone, and selected beverages. ($12.00 for picnic meals, $3.00 for ice cream, $2.00 for beverages)

Music Schedule

 Brianne de Verteuil and her Savvy 6

Chamber jazz/Swing tunes from the 30s & 40s

July 7, August 18

Bird on the Wire

July 14, August 11, August 25

Stroud Strings

Composed of members of the Civic Orchestra.  Light, classical, and beyond.

July 21, August 4

Windrift Woodwind Quartet

Serenade and concert classics from the 19^th and 20^th centuries

July 28

(schedule subject to change)

The perfect place to spend a summer evening!

 1964 Fairfield Road

250 598 8096

www.abkhazi.com

During the stabilization, three concrete pads were poured just outside the wall of the building. Horizontal beams were laid in place, resting on the concrete and extending under the floor of the Great Hall. From these, upright pillars were inserted to support the ceiling. All of this was done without the use of fasteners in the original wood of the structure so that this temporary support can be removed during future restoration without leaving its mark.

Changes have also happened outside of the house as volunteers have been working to improve the flower beds. Not only did the crew removed enough ivy to fill four large compost bins, but they have left their mark as beautiful tulips, iris, columbine, primulas, peonies, roses and blue bells are thriving for all to enjoy.

Keating Farm Estate will be open to visitors on Sundays from 1-4 p.m., July 4^th to September 19^th. A donation of $5 per person is requested and there is no need to book ahead. Keating Farm Estate is located in the Cowichan Valley at 5250 Miller Road near Duncan. Click here for a map and directions.

Visitors will have a chance to see the Great Hall and the adjoining panelled dining room built for Andrew Keating in 1894 by the renowned architect John Tiarks. Surrounding the house on this 27-acre property are heritage orchards, many farm buildings including the picturesque hay barn and milking parlour, and fields, forest and even a small stream. Light refreshments will be available by donation in the shade of the nut orchard.

For more information about visiting or volunteering phone 250-737-1401 or email keatingfarm@conservancy.bc.ca . Special tours can be arranged for groups of ten or more.

My Favourite Lavender-Lemon Verbena Cake
From Lynda Dowling, Happy Valley Lavender Farm

*Makes 2 dozen muffins/cupcakes, one bundt cake or a lovely 2 layer cake special enough for a birthday cake with fresh fruit!

Basic Batter:
2½ cups cake flour
3½ tsp baking powder
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp fresh, finely chopped Lemon Verbena leaves
2 tbsp fresh lavender flowers
2/3 cup butter
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup apple juice
3 eggs
1 tsp lemon extract OR 1 tbsp real lemon juice
zest of one lemon

Cream butter, sugar, and herbs. Blend dry ingredients and add to sugar & butter. Whip juice, milk, eggs, and extract. Add to dry ingredients. Mix well until smooth. Preheat oven to 350F. Choose your pans and prep with butter and dust of flour or use cupcake papers. Bake 25 minutes for muffins, approx 30 minutes for layer cake, 35 minutes for tube cake.

“Taste is a festival with local conscience. We are promoting the best of Victoria and British Columbia. It’s not just about all the great local cuisine and wine, but about the characters behind those products who walk the talk,” says Kathy McAree, festival organizer, culinary tour operator, writer and radio host. Partial proceeds from the festival will go to The Land Conservancy whose mandate focuses on land protection. “I am thoroughly impressed with TLC’s recent success saving Madrona Farm and am proud to be working with an organization with such passion and commitment.”

Photo by Rebecca Kirstein

“We are pleased to be working with Taste to bring local food security issues to the forefront of Islanders’ minds,” says Heather Skydt, TLC’s Communication Manager. “Madrona Farm is a community asset now, and future generations will benefit from its success. We are so appreciative of all the local restaurants for donating their time and money to help protect this spectacular 27-acre farm only 10 minutes from downtown Victoria.”

Taste connects festival participants directly with the maker who in turn have direct connections to the products and the land. For one ticket price, The Main Event participants can chat with winemakers, cheesemakers, chefs, cidermakers, gin distillers, and even a sakemaker as they indulge in a wide variety of local cuisine from top Victoria chefs and restaurants as well as taste wine, cider, tea, gin and even sake all produced in British Columbia.

Photo by Rebecca Kirstein

This culinary tourism experience kicks-off Thursday, July 15 at the Crystal Garden in downtown Victoria with The Main Event, an evening of BC wine tasting along with offerings of fresh and seasonal Vancouver Island cuisine.

On subsequent days, Taste will feature 10 events led by British Columbia food and wine personalities including Chef David Mincey of Camille’s and culinary Olympian Chef Brad Horen, as well as local Victoria Sommelier and Master of Wine student Louise Wilson. Wine and food seminars July 16, 17 and 18 include “Sips and Seafood” on Victoria’s inner harbour seashore at the Inn at Laurel Point, “Swine and The Vine” with a pig roast right downtown at the Hotel Grand Pacific, an inside look at BC’s sustainable seafood industry at Finest At Sea plus “Chocoholics Anonymous” with chef David Mincey.

Taste Pairs with The Land Conservancy  for Victoria’s Summer Festival of Food and Wine

Photo by Rebecca Kirstein

An Italian “long lunch” at La Piola will salute Madrona Farm and the work of The Land Conservancy on Saturday, July 17 at 1pm. Chef Cory Pelan is creating a 3-course lunch with fresh produce from Madrona Farm and local wine pairings will be enjoyed.

A special trade tasting of British Columbia wines will take place prior to The Main Event for accredited food and beverage professionals. For further information on Taste 2010 events, visit www.VictoriaTaste.com.

Tickets to The Main Event are available online and for purchase at many retailers and hotels around Victoria with a full listing on the Taste website. To attend events around Victoria Friday through Sunday, please register on-line www.VictoriaTaste.com.

For more information about Taste: Victoria’s Festival of Food and Wine, contact Kathy McAree directly at info@VictoriaTaste.com.

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Media Contact: Kathy McAree, 250-385-1527

Abkhazi Garden is pleased to host the Jazzi Abkhazi music series starting Wednesday, July 7.

Prepare to be entranced by the garden in the evening light and well entertained by an array of local musicians featuring a variety of music styles – jazz included.

Come at 6:00 and enjoy a picnic-style dinner from our restaurant.  The musicians will begin playing at 7:00 p.m.  Seating is limited so consider bringing your own chair or a blanket. 

Concert Schedule:

Bird on a Wire

A potpourri of easy-listening classics and popular tunes

July 14, August 11, August 25

Stroud Strings

Composed of members of the Civic Orchestra;  light, classical, and beyond

July 21, August 4

Windrift Woodwind Quartet

Serenade and concert classics from the 19th and 20th centuries

July 28

Brianne de Verteuil and her Savvy 6

Chamber jazz/swing tunes from the 30s & 40s

August 18

Come out and enjoy these fun-filled evenings! 
Special Event Fee: $10 per person.

Location: 1964 Fairfield Road (at Foul Bay)
250-598-8096 

Bringing together sustainable initiatives from across the board and around the region, The Organic Islands Festival and Sustainability Expo is the number one place this summer to get in touch with all the tried and true and latest and greatest steps towards greening your lifestyle. It will also be a roaring good time.

Join TLC July 10 and 11 from 10-5 at Glendale Gardens in Victoria, BC where we will be joining likeminded businesses and organizations to promote and share the vision of an organic island and a healthy future for our children. There is so much to do it’s a challenge to fit it all in one day! You can taste untold numbers of delectable delights, learn from community initiatives and organizations, check out what’s hot in sustainable technologies for your home and lifestyle and so much more. The Children’s Village will provide fun and education for the young and young at heart, while the Green Drinkery will cater to those thirsting for adult beverages. Local talent will keep the main stage lively all weekend, providing the perfect soundtrack to your eco-adventure.

Come join us in the sunshine and don’t forget your re-usable bag to haul home all your goodies, support Organic Islands’ ZERO WASTE commitment!

Tickets include entry to exhibits, presentations, entertainment, and access to ten acres of gardens and woodland.

To find out more visit http://www.organicislands.ca/

Of the original homestead there are four 100-year old apple trees that still happily produce, Lynda’s grandfather’s old chicken shed which now serves as her lavender drying shed, and a wonderful 25 foot cedar hedge that screens the farm from the 21st century traffic.

Come take a peek behind that daunting cedar and discover a timeless sanctuary of gardens and their beloved lavender! The farm provides an aesthetic getaway as well as teas, handmade cosmetics, lavender for cooking, plants, and seeds. This small farm not only attracts lavender-lovers but also butterflies, birds, and beneficial pollinators. Bird boxes, perches, and mason bee boxes have been placed throughout the property to encourage this symbiosis on the farm.

Join their celebration! The farm is open Saturday – Sunday
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Lavender Daze begin July 1, which runs from
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. every Friday – Sunday until harvest day, July 18.
Call the farm for any questions at 250-474-5767 or e-mail lynda@happyvalleylavender.com

The Gorge Canada Day Picnic will include Craigflower along with other great things to do http://www.gorgetillicum.ca/picnic.php

B.C. Binning House will be hosting their 2^nd annual Canada Day Open House: http://blog.conservancy.bc.ca/2010/06/canada-day-at-the-b-c-binning-residence/

For those in the Kootenays, TLC’s Associated Site, the SS Moyie will host Canada Day celebrations: http://www.klhs.bc.ca/events.htm

While not quite on Canada Day, Keating will open for summer teas on Sunday: http://blog.conservancy.bc.ca/2010/06/keating-farm-estate-summer-open-hours/

Abkhazi, Wildwood and the Sooke Potholes Campground are also open for their regular hours.

Madrona Farm’s Third Annual Chef Survival Challenge is taking place October 3 from noon to 5 p.m.

Get Your Tickets Today!

Located at 4317 Blenkinsop Road, Madrona Farm will once again host this spectacular event. With the recent news that Madrona Farm was saved and would remain in agricultural production forever, this event is a great way to celebrate the fruits of everyone’s labour.

For more information please visit our Chef Survival Challenge page.