Spring Festival This Weekend!

UBC is holding its Spring Festival and Plant Sale this Saturday May 8, 2010. Festivities will include food garden tours, children's activities and discounts on the canopy walk.

I went to the VanDusen Gardens Plant Sale a couple of weeks ago and had a great time. If you're not exactly sure about what you're doing — and how many of us are? — it's helpful to have Master Gardeners on hand to give advice. The prices at these sales are as cheap as they get and the plants are very well cared for.

If you are looking for classes or local resources visit: http://vancouvercommunities.com/outdoor/year-round-activities/gardening.

The UBC Farm's drop-in volunteer program seems like a particularly good way to learn about food gardens without having to fork over lots of cash for classes.

Happy planting!

Master Photography Workshops

There's a huge number of professional and amateur photographers in Vancouver, but I'm surprised by how few of them have heard of Vancouver Photo Workshops. This company offers all sorts of classes and workshops in addition to free "industry parties" and a brilliant Master Series.

Marc Koegel, the owner of the operation, brings in his favourite photographers from around the world to lead intensive workshops. For those of us who can't afford the luxury of one of these classes, Marc also hosts public seminars where the photographer shares his or her work along with some secrets to success.

For about $20, how can you go wrong? I've definitely been entertained by industry leaders who make hundreds of thousands PER SHOOT. And even if our styles or interests are different there is usually something to take away. Plus, the VPW circle tends to be a very friendly bunch.

Tomorrow's seminar is with the internationally acclaimed photographer Arthur Meyerson and I'll be there with a notebook in hand!