Heaths, Heathers, and Winter Wonders

Have you ever noticed how beautiful and interesting some Quadra gardens are…in the winter?  Do you wonder what plants you could use to create your own gorgeous winter garden?

In this presentation, expert Quadra gardeners Eileen Mackay and Colleen Carter will explore how to create an attractive winter garden by focusing on the “bones” or structure of your landscape. They will delve into the use of heaths, heathers and evergreens for year-round appeal, and highlight many of the other plants that can provide beauty and even blossoms during the winter months.

You will learn:

– How to create winter interest using trees, shrubs and other plants

– How to accentuate winter interest using garden structures, furniture and garden art

– How to utilize form, colour and texture in your winter garden

– Tips for composting in the winter

About Eileen:

Eileen Mackay is one of Quadra’s most well-known and treasured garden educators.  She is a regular fixture at the Garden Club where she gives a short monthly briefing on what is growing now and seasonal tips, and is always happy to provide advice on all things gardening.  She had a highly visible plot at the Community Garden until 2021 which she used to help educate other gardeners about her useful vegetable gardening techniques.  Eileen helped start both the Garden Club and the Community Garden on Quadra.

Eileen’s mother and grandmother were good gardeners and she helped in the garden from a young age.  Born in Scotland, she arrived in Canada via Australia in 1972.  She has a B.Sc in Botany, and gardened and taught High School biology for 22 years in Vancouver.  She also taught biology at North Island College for 5 years.

In 1998 Eileen moved to Quadra where she built a beautiful garden from scratch at her home in Heriot Bay.  She continues to live there with her husband Graham.

About Colleen:

With a lifelong passion for flowers, gardens and the natural world, Colleen Carter has always been drawn to all things horticultural.  Her love for horticulture led her to explore various facets of the field, from greenhouse management to landscape design.  Though largely self-taught, she has complemented her knowledge with formal education and holds certifications in horticulture, eco landscape design and permaculture design.  Her journey also includes hands-on experience in floral arranging, plant propagation and Horticulture Therapy.

Colleen spent over 20 years living in the beautiful Cowichan Valley, raising kids and living on a rural hobby farm. She is grateful to have spent that time in an area rich in farms, orchards and vineyards.  In 2006, she moved to Nanaimo BC where she operated a landscape design business.  She then moved to Read Island where she developed a property and learned a lot about boat access only, off-grid living.  

Colleen now lives on Quadra Island where she offers her garden design services.  Through her work, she strives to help others create beauty and functionality in their outdoor spaces.