Master Gardeners Association of Alberta

MGAA Book Club: Ten Tomatoes That Changed the World, William Alexander
2026-03-15 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Edmonton) | via ZOOM
Join us on Sunday, March 15th, 2-4 p.m. For a Chat on
Ten Tomatoes That Changed the World
Last year we went deep into garden science with Robert Pavlis, Plant Science for Gardeners, this year we delve into the lighter side of gardening with Ten Tomatoes That Changed the World by Williams Alexander.
William takes a humours approach as he weaves garden foibles and plant information into an informative narrative while supplying chuckles along the way., i.e. His misadventures growing tomatoes in The $64 Tomato, a national best seller. Now in his latest book he takes us on a crazy garden adventure following in his tomato obsession to discover all about the #1 fruit in the world.
His latest book is available at Amazon, Thriftbooks and is in Libraries.
About Ten Tomatoes That Changed the World…
“Pity the tomato! Gets no respect. Never has. Lost in the dustbin of history for centuries, accused of being vile and poisonous, subjected to being picked hard-green and gassed, even used as a projectile, the poor tomato has become the avatar for our disaffection with industrial foods — while becoming the most popular vegetable in America (and, in fact, the world). Each summer, tomato festivals crop up across the country; the Heinz ketchup bottle, instantly recognizable, has earned a spot in the Smithsonian; and now the tomato is redefining the very nature of farming, moving from fields into climate-controlled mega-greenhouses the size of New England villages.

Supported by meticulous research and told in a lively, accessible voice, Ten Tomatoes That Changed the World seamlessly weaves travel, history, humor, and a little adventure (and misadventure) to follow the tomato’s trail through history. A fascinating story complete with heroes, con artists, conquistadors, and — no surprise — the Mafia, this book is a mouth-watering, informative, and entertaining guide to the food that has captured our hearts for generations.’
To join/register please email Verne at: vmwgardener@gmail.com
This is a Members Only Event

MGAA: Gardening with Alberta Native Plants with Mathis Natvik
2026-05-06 19:00
Gardening with Alberta Native Plants
In this talk Mathis will discuss the design, installation, and long-term management of native plant gardens in Calgary. Southern Alberta ecosystems are full of interesting plants that can be used to create beautiful gardens that support pollinators, birds and other wildlife in your own yard. Topics that Mathis will cover will include: Planning your garden layout and how to create different habitat zones (assessing light conditions, soil preparation, etc.). Plant Selection: Grassland Plants, Badlands Plants, Woodland Plants, Wetland Plants. Planting Design (nice plant combinations that look great).
Attracting Wildlife (creating features for wildlife), Sourcing and establishing plants (local nurseries, plant rescues, propagating your own plants!), Long-term Management (weeding needs, watering approaches, when to cut down old stalks, etc.).

Mathis Natvik is a restoration ecologist with just over 30 years of experience restoring grassland, wetland, and woodland ecosystems. His experience also includes innovative use of native plants in the urban environment including roadside wildflower meadows, green roofs, and rain gardens. Mathis has operated a private consulting firm (Natvik Design Inc) since 2000 and provided services to a variety of clients including municipalities, provincial government, NGOs, and private landowners (see www.roofgarden.ca for examples of his work). He also teaches ecological restoration at the University of Calgary in the School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape.
General Public: $15.00 — MGAA Members FREE
Register at: Treasurer@mgaab.org
This is a zoom Presentation. Talk will be recorded for ticket holders to access 1 week post-talk.
