VIU Horticulture in the News

Hot Topic: Propagation Research Exciting undergraduate research by Madeline Clarke at Vancouver Island University is focused on trials to provide information related to growing Arbutus in a nursery setting with traditional and newer technologies that are available on the market. The objective is to establish if using a bound media plug can reduce or eliminate transplant shock symptoms and find out which type of plug is most effective in achieving the main objective. Clarke's work will answer the question: is root disturbance the main cause for transplant shock related deaths of Arbutus seedlings? Originally the plants were going to be grown in a greenhouse setting, but Madeline had to adapt the trial due to COVID-19, and will be growing them from home in an outdoor setting. She is expecting to complete the trial end of October/November 2020.

Vancouver Island University April 16, 2020 Congratulations to Jessica Gemella, Horticulture Program Chair and Instructor , recipient of the Teaching Design and Practice that Employs Experiential Learning Award at Vancouver Island University.

Nanaimo Bulletin April, 27 2020 VIU horticulture facility boosts cultivation for Nanaimo Foodshare’s Good Food Box program

Kathleen Bortolin - Curriculum, Teaching and Learning Specialist December 17, 2019 Jessica Gemella shares her reflections on some of these changes, paying particular attention to assessment, professionalism, team work, and something Kathleen calls the Pedagogy of the Poinsettia.

Nanaimo News Bulletin October 19, 2019 "Vancouver Island University and Nanaimo Foodshare have expressed interest in partnering with the city on “agriculture, horticulture, experiential learning and/or research at the park".

Nanaimo News Bulletin August 31, 2017 Vancouver Island’s coal heritage remembered at Nanaimo park in a "...natural garden setting designed by local landscape architect Jessica Gemella and VIU horticulture students".