I think it is great that you have this awesome opportunity for people, many of the people I know would just be ringers…. I can’t wait to see who you get!

Lisa P , 2019 Volunteer

Back by Popular Demand! Professional Horticulturist Donna Balzer is seeking volunteers (“Woofer”-style) to help with her organic zone 7 edible garden on Vancouver Island. This large plot offers learning opportunities for a Horticulture student or graduate of a Permaculture Program. Work may include: pruning small fruit, propagation from woody cuttings, seeding, transplanting, greenhouse and garden work, weeding, wood mulch spreading and general garden clean-up. Bring ideas and talent, practise what you know and come excited to learn more! It is not a school opportunity but an experiential way to use what you have learned and learn more.

What I Offer: A one week (5 day) mentorship opportunity with bed and board. This is a physically challenging opportunity for  1-2 people. I expect to spend mornings with you and in return, get three to four hours of labour daily for five days, rain or shine. We have two extra bedrooms and one has an ensuite with a view of the ocean. You will be responsible for making  your own breakfast and lunch but dinners will be provided and will definitely include food from our garden (please specify any dietary concerns).Last year we made a video, took cuttings of figs and did a lot of transplanting. Click on the Link Here to see the video we made this year.

About my garden: I have an organic zone 7 garden with lemons, figs, kiwis, raspberry, persimmon, apple, hazelnuts and grapes as well as two greenhouses with seasonal vegetable plantings. I blend my own organic fertilizers based on soil tests, biochar and home-made compost. I make compost tea, have a Hugelcultur garden, seed almost year-round, and germination-test my old seeds. Most of the work is outdoors but depending on weather we can also work in the greenhouse, seed micro-greens in the kitchen, clean old pots or sharpen tools. Please expect rain and dress for it. Gloves are a must as are rubber boots.

About our location: My husband and I are on Vancouver Island just north of Nanaimo in the small town of Qualicum Beach. You can arrive by car or plane into Nanaimo, Comox or Vancouver. If you fly into Vancouver there is good bus service to the ferry into Nanaimo (Skytrain and bus to ferry at Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay.) There is a ride service available on the Island to reach our location if you do not have your own car (about $80.00 each way from airport or ferry terminal.) Once here there is no need to drive, as it is a small town with beach and shopping only a few blocks away. 

How to Apply: Send a one page letter of interest describing your background, goals and reasons why you would like to come with names and numbers of two references to [email protected] with the heading “Garden Helper 2020″ for the dates you prefer in the subject line. (choose from dates – either Jan 28-Jan 31, March 9-13 or April 1-April 5)” in the subject line. Include your email address and phone number and a back-up date if you are not chosen for your first date.

Dates available are:

January 27 to January 31

March 9 – 13

April 1 – April 5 (This is a Thursday to Sunday time period so different from above dates)

Note: This is a volunteer  opportunity. Benefits include the loan of my library, wifi, bicycles and kayaks up to and including 4 PM on the day of your last shift.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS NOON December 15, 2019. IF You are selected you will hear from me by the end of the year. Thanks to everyone in advance who applies!

PS Do you have questions about Gardening? Join in the conversation on my facebook live event every Monday by clicking right HERE.

 Donna Balzer is the Brand Ambassador for BCGreenhouse Builders and she has two greenhouses in her big backyard.