With the new ban on the cosmetic use of pesticides for homeowners, the Earthwise Society is providing extra consumer support by offering more grassroots education programs on alternatives to pesticide use.

Earthwise has delivered short workshops on ecological gardening for about 15 years. New this year is the Organic Master Gardener course, which answers questions about pesticide-free gardening for both homeowners and professionals.

The first eight-week (16-session) course in South Delta has just wrapped up with six new graduates. Those in the landscape maintenance sector have benefited from the marketing value of their certificate, while home gardeners achieve the confidence to grow knowledgeably and share their knowledge with the community through volunteer outreach days.

Growing each year in popularity, this course is being offered twice more this year (spring and summer). Unique to the South Delta, the course offers students hands-on learning opportunities at the beautiful Earthwise Garden in Boundary Bay.

The demonstration garden has always been keystone of the Earthwise Society's education programs.

Registration for spring and summer sessions is now open. The spring session runs April 12 to June 9 on Monday and Wednesday mornings. The summer session runs July 5 through Aug. 26 on Monday and Thursday evenings.

To find a downloadable brochure with schedule of class topics and other course details visit www.earthwisesociety.bc.ca/programs.htm.