Saanich Peninsula

The CRD (Capital Regional District) offers free courses in Permaculture, Organic Food Gardening and Organic Gardening and Lawn Care. Register online or download the forms from the CRD Site.

For more information: workshop schedule, workshop descriptions.

I love a bargain, but part of the fun is sharing, right? So here's my list of places I shop to find bargains in and around Victoria.

In the past few years, there has been a proliferation of online groups, bulletin boards and forums where people can post items they are offering, and in some cases items they are in need of. Local listings include:

Check out the Farm Fresh guide (or login to islandfarmfresh.com) to find which farms are offering which fruits or veggies as pick-your own. Many berries and other produce can be flash frozen or blanched before freezing. Canning your own preserves can seem time consuming, but the results can last a whole season, and beyond.

TIP: Organize a canning exchange with friends or family to get even more variety for less work.