The Garden Show Receives Two Prestigious Awards

GARDENS and GARDENING EXPERIENCES


Gardens and garden experiences are cultural treasures that have intrinsic value in our communities. They define our quality of life and are spaces that support communities. They are strong economic engines that incite and share passion because - Nature connects us. We care where our food comes from which encourages us to grow our own and share it with others. We care how our neighbourhoods look which encourages us to create beautiful gardens, sharing that beauty with others. Gardeners pursue exploration, education and excellence in creating magic in both public and private spaces and spread that passion.

As Henry Ford said:

“ Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success”.

This is what gardeners do in their own gardens and within the garden experiences they share with others.

The Peterborough Garden Show is one of those magical places that local gardeners generously share with others. Organized and run by volunteers from The Peterborough Horticultural Society in collaboration with the Peterborough Master Gardeners, it showcases 150 vendors, professional speakers and displays to tempt, educate and incite passion.

It is for these reasons, this show has been honoured with two prestigious awards at the 2017 International Garden Tourism Conference in March.

Garden Event of the Year and,

one of 150 Garden Experience Designations in Canada.

Plant Watch

by Cauleen Viscoff (previously published in the Peterborough Examiner)

Now that the weather is softening, and we are convinced that spring really is around the corner, there are reasons to herald its arrival other than with Easter eggs, birdsongs and flowers to pick.

There is a little-known group of folks around the world who are quietly making a difference. They are monitoring birds, insects, frogs and plants. Recording the blossom times of some plants are good indicators of climate change. We all know that our climate is making some subtle as well as some not-so-subtle changes - some better and some not so much. So what does watching plants have to do with climate change?

Plant-watching has a long tradition and a rich history throughout the world. In 1750, the Swedish scientist and artist Linnaeus, turned plant-watching into a systematic science. He made calendars of flowering times for 18 places in Sweden, noting the exact climatic conditions at the time of blooming.

This became the foundation of modern plant phenology (the science dealing with the influence of climate on the recurrence of such annual phenomena of animal and plant life as budding and bird migrations- Dictionary.com). Phenology then spread to many European countries and revealed, over the centuries, that some spring wildflowers are super-sensitive weather instruments.

More than 100 years ago in Canada, Nova Scotia's superintendent of education, Dr. Alexander H. MacKay, had students collect plant, animal, agricultural and weather phenology from 1897 to 1923. And then, in 1987, the Alberta Wildflower Survey started up and blossomed (pun intended) into a program that initiated the Alberta PlantWatch. This program then spread back to Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and now today, PlantWatch is part of our national Nature Watch series of volunteer monitoring programs designed to help identify ecological changes that may be affecting our environment.

There are PlantWatch programs in each province and territory.

PlantWatch enables "citizen scientists" (volunteers gathering research for scientists) to get involved by recording the flowering times for certain selected plant species and reporting these dates to researchers on the PlantWatch website. When the data is submitted electronically, it is instantly added to web maps showing bloom dates all across Canada ... So those observations make a difference right away!

The collection of that much data across the vast expanse of our country would be impossible for the small existing group of scientists presently working in this field.

As Canadians, we are fortunate to live in a country with such a wide variety of plant species. By participating in PlantWatch, we can learn about our country's great botanical diversity and at the same time, help scientists track the effects of global warming and climate change in Canada.

The plants chosen for this program bloom every spring, largely in response to rising temperatures. However, some species are flowering almost a month earlier than they were a century ago!. Some of these plants you are familiar with and grow in your own yards and gardens. Poplar, Common Purple Lilac, Dandelion (bet you have lots of those..), Red Maple and Trillium are just a few.

Scientists believe that climate change is affecting bloom times - a trend that is continuing. They predict that the greatest increases in temperature will be in Western and Northern Canada, while some parts of Eastern Canada may actually be cooling (although last summer was hotter than ever).

By reporting on the PlantWatch species found in our local communities, we can help researchers discover how common plants are responding to climate change, and track where those changes are taking place in Canada and at what rate.

And now, for the first time in Canada, the PlantWatch program has partnered with the Master Gardeners of Ontario. We are excited about our potential contributions to science because we believe that observing local plants can be fun, but more importantly, the data we collect can serve a greater purpose by assisting scientists, land managers and those responsible for our natural resources to help in the environmental decisions they will need to make both now and in the future.

We urge you to join us in making a difference. You don't have to be a professional, or even a gardener.

Take a look at the website; the plants are described in detail with glorious photos. Gather up your your children, grandchildren, friends and neighbours - sign up, get outside and watch spring happen - make your observations and"¦.make a difference.

Peterborough gardener Cauleen Viscoff, PlantWatch co-ordinator, Master Gardeners of Ontario Inc., can be reached at plantwatchontario@gmail.com. For more information, visit www.naturewatch.ca

2017 Perennial of the Year - Asclepias tuberosa

by Anne Milne

The Perennial of the year for 2017 is the Asclepias tuberosa, or as most of us know it, Butterfly Weed.

Butterfly weed is a hardy perennial that grows from 1/3 meter up to 1 meter (12 to 36 inches). It is a relative of milkweed, and is non-invasive. Butterfly weed is native to eastern North America. Its hardiness zones are 3 to 9.

Butterfly weed grows in clumps and produces orange or yellow clusters at the top of its stems. Blooms last from early summer to early fall. Keep the plant dead-headed to encourage reblooming. This plant likes full sun, and medium, well-drained fertile soils. It is drought tolerant, thus it does not like to be overwatered or overfertilized. It is also resistant to deer!

Butterfly weed attracts butterflies, and is also very attractive to humming birds, bees, ladybugs, and other beneficial insects. Monarch butterflies lay their eggs on the plant and the larva feed on its leaves. Monarchs also depend on its nectar as a food source.

Asclepias tuberosa can be grown from seed. Plant seeds in spring, after frost. Plants from seeds will likely not bloom for 2 or 3 years. Butterfly weed plants are also available at most reliable nurseries. Aesclepias tuberosa will also reseed itself. The seed pods will burst and float around your garden to start new plants.

Butterfly weed has few problems, but may have aphids or mealybugs. Because this plant is so vital to our Monarchy butterfly, rather than using pesticides, use your hose to spray and dislodge the pests from the plant.

Grow this plant in bunches, along with butterfly bush, bee balm and cone flowers, and you will make an outstanding display.

Written by

Anne Milne

You are invited to A DAY FOR GARDENERS

Register using this registration form (pdf) or this (docx)

A Day for Gardeners, for the new gardener who is not quite sure where to start or the home owner who loves to garden and would like to find out more, this is a workshop presented by the Peterborough and Area Master Gardeners on Saturday, March 4, 2017, 9:00 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., at Activity Haven, 180 Barnardo Ave, Peterborough ON, $30 for all day (this includes lunch).


Topics include…


• Caring for Orchids (Dianne Westlake)

• Container Gardening: Thinking Outside the Planter Box (Gary Westlake)

• The Rain Garden (Cauleen Viscoff)

• Edible Landscape (Cathy Hooper)

• Integrated Pest Management (Sue Flinders-Adams)

• Gardening Trivia: Test Your Knowledge (M.J. Pilgrim)

Victory Gardens for Bees

by Christine Freeburn

It was a very nice surprise to find in my local library, a new Canadian gardening book with a timely subject matter. Lori Weidenhammer, author of Victory Gardens for Bees published by Douglas & McIntryre, is a Vancouver based artist and educator actively involved in making Canada and the world a better place for humans and bees. This volume is beautifully illustrated with full colour photographs, seasonal planting charts, illustrated garden plans and historical facts about the original Victory Gardens. It is the type of book you can read chapter by chapter, use as a reference book or flip through for random information.

Chapter one describes the Colony Collapse Disorder, explaining that the 20,000 different species of bees worldwide are in serious danger. Currently there are 57 bee species on the endangered list. Weidenhammer gives us a clear history of what has happened over the past ten years. She suggests a bee wise program similar to the ocean wise system where we, as consumers, buy only from responsible sustainable-conscious growers and producers.

In chapter two, the author gives us the history of the original Victory Gardens along with garden plans for several bee friendly gardens. She lists sixteen essentials to creating a safe garden space for bees. By letting a few of your vegetables and herbs bolt, you will allow bees to enjoy the pollen from these plants. Did you know that 70 % of bees nest in the ground? Another reason not to dig!

Chapter three shows us some of the bee species that visit our gardens. It is well illustrated, easy to read and gives the reader so much good information about the many types of bees. After reading this chapter you will be eager to try to identify the bees in your garden.

In the following chapters, the author discusses growing specific herbs, vegetables, trees, shrubs, bulbs, perennials and annuals for a bee friendly garden. She talks about hedgerows, pastures, traditional gardens and container gardening. Each chapter has lovely photographs, charts and tips. We learn about bee habitat and how to create homes for bees. Did you know that a stumpery is an ideal spot for bees to nest and it can also be garden art?

There is also a chapter on beekeeping and the importance of having enough food for native bees as well as hive bees.

The final chapter sums up the importance of getting all generations involved in gardening, again referencing how during the world wars, Victory Gardens drew families and communities together. There are common sense tips on how to avoid bee stings, a reminder that solitary bees do not sting or sting very lightly. Weidenhammer encourages us to become bee guardians and to 'Dig for Victory!'

An index at the back, allows the reader to look up by plant or bee species. A list of sources gives you places to obtain more information and the end notes add more information.

Lori Wiedenhammer has given us a well written, beautifully illustrated, informative resource that is timely, inspirational, Canadian, and deserves to be on any concerned gardeners bookshelf.

Winter Gardening

by Christine Freeburn

When the dark days of winter are upon us, we gardeners yearn for ways to explore our passion. We devour gardening books and seed catalogues.We look at photographs of beautiful gardens and dream about the coming season. And some of us continue to garden indoors with houseplants. If that is not enough for you, why not try to over winter some of those annuals you enjoyed through the summer months.

Pelagonium x hortorum or annual geraniums are available in many different coloured flowers and some interesting leaf variations. You can have success with over wintering these annuals a few different ways. When the cooler evenings begin in September, slip some stems off your favourite geraniums, let the base dry out slightly, then plant in a small pot of good potting soil and set in a bright window. Stem cuttings should be taken just below a bud joint. Do not over water, but keep the soil slightly moist. Keep plants away from any direct heat. As your geranium continues to grow, you can prune it back to keep a nice shape and if you fertilize it, you may even get some winter blooms. When late spring arrives and frost warnings are over, you have an established plant to put in the garden or container.

Another method for over wintering geraniums is to pull the entire plant out of the dirt and stuff it into an onion bag to hang in a cool dark place. This is generally done sometime in late September or early October, removing any blossoms that are still on the plant, but leaving the leaves on. I have even had success with a stem that I ripped off a huge plant. It had green growth and a few leaves coming just like the rooted plants. After labeling the bags, hang them where it is cool and dim. By February, check on the plants, and you should see that they are sprouting leaves. Gently remove the plant from the bag, and cut slips about 4” to 6” long where there is green growth. Get some pots ready with potting soil or you can even use cell paks. Remember to label, so you know which colour has survived. Success rates vary year to year and will depend on the health of the plant when you dug it up and your storage space being cool enough with just enough light. You can also pot up the mother plant after you have cut it back. Be sure to leave some green on it and try to shape it so it will grow uniform without stems crossing over each other. Moisten your soil, but keep the plants out of direct sunlight for a few days until they get used to the brighter light. Gradually move them into a bright window or under lights.

Any ivy that you have growing in containers outside is easy to over winter. Take slips, stick in water until roots form, then pot up and put in a bright window. English Ivy (Hedera helix var. baltica), German Ivy (Delairea odorata), and Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus) are all easily rooted and can fill up an outside planter with great green textures. You can slip these from your houseplants in March or April and pot up when roots have grown.

It is recommended to spray any plants you bring indoors with a safers soap, so you are not bringing in any garden pests. There is nothing worse than wiping out your entire indoor plant collection because you harboured those little bugs from fall into the winter months.

In late spring, you will need to harden off any plants you have over wintered inside before putting in your containers. To harden off, set your plants outside, out of wind and direct sunlight for a few hours each day when temperatures have warmed. Continue to bring inside overnight until evenings are temperate and frost is over. Over wintering plants that you can pop into gardens or containers can be very satisfying and leave you extra cash to purchase more exotic flowers.

Our Clivia is flowering again

Our Clivia is flowering again.  It seems to like to flower when the roots are crammed into the pot.