Jeff De Jong - Plants that earn their keep!

All things gardening!

CV Horticultural Society Meeting

• When: March 16, 2026
• Where: Florence Filberg Centre & Via Zoom
• What Time: Doors open at 6.30pm, meeting at 7.15pm
• Speaker: Jeff De Jong
• Topic: Plants that earn their keep
• Website: https://comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca
• Media Contact: DJ Smith –

Comox Valley Horticultural Society kicks off 2026 with a bang (and a plant sale!)

The Comox Valley Horticultural Society (CVHS) is thrilled to welcome over 400 green-thumbed members — and their curious friends — to the first in-person meeting of 2026. Mark your calendars: Monday, March 16 at the Florence Filberg Centre in Courtenay, with doors opening at 6:30 PM and the main event getting underway at 7:15 PM.

The evening's star? Horticulturist and all-around plant whisperer Jeff De Jong from Victoria, who'll be sharing his crowd-favourite talk: “Plants That Earn Their Keep.” Think of it as a no-nonsense guide to getting maximum joy (and maximum bang for your loonie) out of your Pacific Northwest garden.

Why Your Garden Needs This Talk

Living in the Pacific Northwest is a gardener's dream — mild winters, a long growing season, and more plant choices than you can shake a trowel at. But it’s not all roses (literally). Tricky topography, poor soils, and the occasional deer eyeing your prized hostas can keep gardeners on their toes.

Jeff will arm attendees with his personal A-list of trees, shrubs, and perennials that look great, survive the challenges of our climate, and keep our gardens a place of genuine joy. Expect practical tips, plenty of plant inspiration, and just the right amount of nerding out over botany.

About Jeff De Jong

Jeff has spent the past 21 years gardening and teaching on Vancouver Island, lending his expertise as an instructor in UVic’s Continuing Education department and as a sought-after guest speaker for gardening clubs across BC. He’s also led international garden tours, so yes — this man has seen some gardens. When he’s not teaching or touring, Jeff is painting watercolors, learning pottery, and gardening in Port Angeles with his partner David and their dog Lucy.

Bonus: Bring-a-Friend & Plant Sale!

This meeting features the beloved Spring-a-Friend event, where non-members can attend for FREE. So, drag your neighbor, your coworker, your family member who keeps buying plants at the grocery store — everyone is welcome.

In-person attendees will also have the chance to browse a plant sale before the meeting. Because let’s be honest — there’s always room for one more plant.

Can't Make It In Person? Join via Zoom!

CVHS members will receive a separate Zoom invitation. Non-members can register online for just $5.50 at www.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca Registration must be completed by 5:00 PM on Friday, March 13 (two days processing time required). CVHS 2026 memberships are also available on the website, or by downloading and mailing in a registration form. Join the community — your garden will thank you.