Wildfire Resilient Gardening in North Saanich: Workshop on June 28

by Bethany Couture

Wildfire resilience is becoming an increasingly important consideration for everyone across British Columbia. On Southern Vancouver Island, our summers are becoming hotter and drier, and the landscapes surrounding our homes can significantly influence how wildfires behave on our properties. The good news is that creating a wildfire-resilient landscape does not mean sacrificing beauty, biodiversity, or ecological benefits. In fact, many of the same practices that support healthy ecosystems can also help reduce wildfire risk.

Some of the most effective strategies include selecting appropriate plants and mulches, reducing fuel buildup, maintaining healthy soils, and managing water sustainably. Plants with higher moisture content, native species, deciduous shrubs, and many herbaceous perennials can provide valuable habitat for birds, pollinators and other wildlife while helping create a more fire-resilient landscape. Regular maintenance, such as removing dead branches, dried grasses, fallen leaves, and other accumulated debris, can further reduce potential ignition sources around the home. By combining fire-resilient plant choices, ongoing maintenance strategies, and ecological gardening practices, homeowners can create landscapes that are both beautiful and better prepared for future wildfire seasons.

Interested in learning more? On June 28, 2026, the North Saanich Fire Department and Bethany Couture of Garden Alchemist will be partnering to present an engaging workshop on Wildfire Resilient Gardens. Participants will learn about wildfire behaviour, how to identify vulnerable areas around their homes, and how to make informed decisions about plants, mulches, lawns, hedges, maintenance practices, and garden design. This workshop will provide practical, actionable strategies to help increase resilience, protect your home, and create a thriving, beautiful garden.