Edith Smeesters short bio
Edith Smeesters is an author and respected lecturer on ecological approaches to gardening and landscaping. Mrs. Smeesters has written many books including: “Pelouses écologiques et autres couvre-sols” (Ecological lawns and other Ground Covers, 2008), “Solutions écologiques en horticulture” (Ecological Solutions in Horticulture, 2005), “Aménagement paysager adapté à la sécheresse” (Xeriscaping, 2004), “Pelouses et couvre-sols” (2000, out of print), (Lawns and Ground Covers) and “Le compostage domestique” (Backyard Composting, 2003, out of print). Her most recent book is “Guide du jardinage écologique” (Organic Gardening Guide, 2013)
Mrs. Smeesters received a degree in biology from Leuven University, Belgium. She has lived in Quebec since 1970 where she became involved in the environmental movement. She has given hundreds of conferences and training sessions on ecological horticulture. Mrs. Smeesters worked diligently as a leader in the Coalition for the Alternatives to Pesticides and in implementing the Quebec Pesticide Code of 2003 which created a ban on the use of many types of lawn pesticides.
Mrs Smeesters has received many prizes for her exceptional environmental work and is a
Conferences offered by Edith Smeesters
Organic lawn care and alternatives
It’s possible to have a dense lush lawn with natural products and organic methods. But no need to have a golf course at home. You can have a low-maintenance lawn by choosing the right species and accepting biodiversity. But there are also alternatives to lawns: ground covers, flowering meadows, xeriscaping and so on. Great alternatives are possible for the profit of pollinators.
Organic pest control
Despite our best efforts to have a beautiful garden, some bugs love our lawn, fruit and vegetables just as much as we do. Japanese beetles, slugs, caterpillars, grubs, etc… How can we control them without toxic products? There are organic solutions, and it all starts with prevention!
The organic vegetable garden
Growing your own vegetables economically, ecologically and with a minimum of effort! This is a dream for many gardeners. Whether it’s a large private vegetable garden, a community garden or part of your flower garden, it’s a useful and fun activity that connects us to the soil. This lecture will tell you how to work the soil without hurting your back, how to improve it with compost, mulch and natural fertilizers. Also, how to avoid pest and disease, as there are many tips and tricks to avoid pesticides in the garden.
Water management in the garden
This talk summarizes the water issues facing cities and municipalities. How to conserve and save water in the garden, how to plan landscapes with water shortages and, above all: which plants are best adapted to drought.
A colorful conference featuring dozens of drought-tolerant and drought-resistant plants that are also resistant to pests!
Composting at home
Most municipalities in Quebec now offer brown bin collection of organics. But it’s easy to make compost at home and get a wonderful, free amendment for your vegetable garden or flower beds. Have you had bad experiences in the past? Edith will explain how to avoid the inconveniences all year round.