 President's Message
by Brenda Crawford
The days are getting longer. We will soon be in our gardens searching for those first signs of spring. Of course at this time of year we think only of the benefits of gardening for our health and well-being, not about our sore backs! Our passion for horticulture makes us want to share our knowledge and we try to do this at our open meetings. Our aim is to bring together people who share that passion. You do not have to be a member to come and find out what we are all about. Our next meeting is on Wednesday April 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Legion Hall. The guest speaker is John Powers who has spent 45 years studying and researching butterflies of the world. He has entertained the Queen, the Pope, Presidents and many other prominent people. He will be giving a delightful and amusing presentation on butterflies.
We are pleased to announce that the town has agreed to take over some of the town flower beds previously maintained by us. This gives us more time to concentrate on the remaining beds in our care. We are initiating a program called 'Community Garden Maintenance' which will allow members to sign up and join work crews to assist with these beds. With multiple people assigned to the crews the work becomes shared by the group as each person's schedule allows. Even a spare hour would be welcomed by the team. With the guidance of our garden maintenance committee, crews will clean up, plant and maintain different beds as the need arises. No experience is necessary, new gardeners will learn, and seasoned gardeners will share their knowledge. Try it for one season and see how easy it can be when we all pitch in. We will be posting sign up boards for the work crews at each open meeting.
Brenda Crawford, President
In January our youth started mother's day gifts and in February they planted clover seed. They will be working on several projects during class time which will relate to District 10 and OHA events including learning about strawberries, trilliums and roses. The children look forward to the visits from the "Flower Ladies" each month.
We have a bus trip planned for Tuesday May 20 going to Winter Wheat, lunch at the Pinecroft Tea Room, then to Family Flowers, Canadale Nurseries and Heeman's Greenhouses. Approximate cost will be $52.00. Call Reta Facey 519 284 1926 for further information.
We have 3 workshops planned for Tuesday April 22, Monday June 9 and Tuesday August 12 at 7 p.m. Location to be determined. There will be a review of the basics of preparation of entries for exhibiting, handouts, a demonstration of one of the designs in an upcoming flower show, and some "hands-on" designs. The cost will be $15 each or 3 for $40. Call Brenda at 519 284 0959 to register.
Guidelines to having good soil
- for long term success it is better to feed the soil than the plant
- feed your soil every season and every time you plant using organic matter such as compost, rotted manure and chopped leaves
- don't dig when soil is too wet or dry - it damages the soil. Work soil when a fistful of it crumbles easily
- don't walk on your flower beds. Stepping on soil compacts it, preventing air, water and nutrients from reaching the plants
- avoid over tilling. Excessive rototilling or digging destroys the soil's structure, leaving it powdery or rock hard
Source: Better Homes and Gardens - www.bhg.com
Two older ladies were sitting on a park bench outside the local town hall where a flower show was in progress. One leaned over and said"Life is so boring. We never have any fun anymore. For $5.00 I'd take my clothes off right now and streak through that stupid flower show!"
"You're on!" said the other old lady, holding up a $5 bill.
As fast as she could, the first little old lady fumbled her way out of her clothes and, completely naked, streaked through the front door of the flower show.
Waiting outside her friend soon heard a huge commotion inside the hall, followed by loud applause. The naked lady burst out through the door surrounded by a cheering crowd.
"What happened?" asked her waiting friend.
"Why, I won first prize for Best Dried Arrangement".
(2008-05-06) |
