Comox Valley Growers and Seed Savers is introducing a Multiply 1000 Beans campaign.
This Thursday, Dr. Royann Petrell, local bean grower extraordinaire, professor emeritus at UBC, and a biological engineer, will present on Growing and Saving Beans Successfully in the Comox Valley.
Petrell grows at least 16 different beans, which are her major source of protein. Some of these are known varieties — Pinto, Black, Turtle, and Italian Canaloni, but others have evolved on her rural property, ones with names like Van Island Speckled Bays, Browns, Purples, and Eggs.
As the first part of the campaign, each of 20 seed savers will take 50 beans to plant for next year, and multiply the harvest.
"We hope the 1,000 bean seeds will become 5000," says Susan Holvenstot, CVGSS chair.
To reach Creekside, take Cumberland Road, turn left on Arden, and the first left on Morello. Follow to the end, Lambert, and park on the street. Creekside Commons, a co-housing community, requests that no shoes are worn inside, so bring slippers, and a mug.
Refreshments will be served and door prizes drawn. All gardeners, new, experienced and wannabes are warmly invited.
Call Holvenstot for more details at 250-334-2375.
— Comox Valley Growers and Seed Savers