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It's Still Just Dirt

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Angela Lassam - It's Still Just Dirt

First I wish to thank Penny Esseltine for her very interesting articles and constant updates on the gardening world. Members of the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society have certainly had inspiration and thoughtful moments reading her column. I hope that I can fill her shoes.

I am new to this and hope throughout my articles to encourage any reader to get active, healthy and enjoy the outdoors whilst reaping the rewards of the efforts made gardening however big or small. My musings may bring a smile or question and please pardon me as I am sure at some time that my English heritage will pop up and create a stir.

Although our winter has been strange - even the iris by the Legion woke up mid January - but guess what? Winter has caught up to us and we are into the ‘black and white’ world now. The birds are looking for food so please remember them as they are our good friends at other times of the year. It does seem as if the world has gone crazy, everywhere getting some very unusual happenings.

Time is on our side and has given us the chance to digest some of the colourful catalogues we all receive in our mail and maybe tag some oldies along with some new experimental choices. Personally they show me some wonderful colours that I am sure we all wish to emulate. Next is to order seeds and think on to preparing our seed trays. Maybe sort out our gardening cupboard, scrub those pots and forgotten tools or even find the first tools we need.

Although I missed the last meeting I understand it was uplifting for many of us cooped up indoors. Many pictures of so many types and colours. Dr Albert Mok is well known for his vast knowledge on orchids which are becoming more available to us in the winter time in the garden centres and even big box stores.

Next month comes our first chance to see new growth even if most of it will be in the upcoming gardening shows.

The first is Stratford, March 3rd-6th, in its 16th year. The theme is Dig It and makes me wonder how they will display this. Thursday features the local lavender people Steed, located in Sparta. Friday is Paul Zammit (our June speaker). Saturday is HGTV’s Carson Arthur and Sunday Frankie 'Flowers' of Cityline. So the question is which day to go? Maybe check the weather and take a ride.

Canada Blooms in Toronto, March 11-20th, is a must for me. This year it’s 20 years old and the theme is It’s a Party. How fitting that is and no doubt it will be very colourful. The local nurseries have arranged bus trips in the past and are doing so again this year. It is a great day out and maybe team up with a friend for company and who knows it could result in a new member for our club and a future gardener in the making. The colours and smells are always a great encouragement and the market gives us new things to try every year. The Home Show in the same building gives us some great outdoor furniture ideas too.

Our next month’s meeting will feature Dennis Huck from Colour Paradise Greenhouses on March 1st at 7:30 p.m. in the Senior Centre Auditorium at the Tillsonburg Community Centre. Members and non-members welcome.

For information about the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society visit tillsonburghorticultural.ca online.

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