Category Archives: It’s Still Just Dirt

“Dreaming about the garden!”

By Sue Healey, Tillsonburg Horticultural Society

Here we are at the beginning of 2024; a new year, a new season, and a new hand behind “It’s Still Just Dirt”.

After many years and countless articles Angela Lassam has passed the torch, ready to try her hand at something different. I thank her for the knowledge she passed on. She introduced me to subjects that I had never considered before.

New considerations. That’s what I like best about January. Especially January in the garden. In the garden the first month of the year isn’t one of new beginnings or resolutions, it’s a quiet, in-between time. A time when all the work of a garden is either in the past or in the future. There is no weeding, watering, no sowing, or sodding.  It’s a time of afternoon naps and dreaming. Dreaming of what the garden could be or should be or will be. Full of promise and choice. Everything is worth considering in the cold, still days and oh so early nights of January.

For fuel and fodder there is nothing better for garden dreams than garden books. I want mine full of gorgeous photos and good information.  For many years I never seemed to get to the library, but my husband did and always returned with a selection of gardening books to peruse at my leisure. It became my favourite way to spend Sunday morning and is a cherished memory.

Whether they come as holiday gifts, loans from the library or as audio books, garden reading is always worth the time. There is something new to be learned or old to be reminded of. My dreams this year include rain gardens, and wasp houses, xeriscapes (dry gardens), a cutting garden, bonsai trees, flagstone paths… You can see where a January afternoon might lead.

My January list of reading includes both paper, digital and audio books.  Some are old favourites that I return to year after year, and some are new like Noel Kingsbury and Piet Oudolf’s “Planting: A New Perspective”.  This one had me at the cover photo, the intertwining of plants and layering of colour is how I like it.

Amazon’s description of the book as “an essential resource for designers and gardeners looking to create plant-rich, beautiful gardens that support biodiversity and nourish the human spirit” tells me I’ll find something worth noting beyond the usual garden advice.

For my commute I’ve chosen an audio version of Suzanne Simard’s “Finding the Mother Tree: discovering the Wisdom of the Forest”.  Simard is mentioned in other books I’ve read; “The Hidden Life of Trees” and “Entangled Life” and I now have finally made my way to it.

Audible describes the author, “Simard is a pioneer on the frontier of plant communication and intelligence, is hailed as a scientist who conveys complex, technical ideas in a way that is dazzling and profound.” ‘Plant communication and intelligence,’ how can you not be curious?

One of my beloved old favourites? It’s both a feast for the eyes and brain: “Taylor’s Encyclopedia of Garden Plants” turned 20 years old last year, but is still an excellent reference guide to a huge selection of annuals, perennials, and trees. I usually turn to it first when researching a new plant.

And when my eyes tire or the headphones become irritating, or I just need a little human contact I go to our Tillsonburg Horticultural meeting. I encourage you to drop in as a guest and stay as a member. There are horticultural societies in most towns that offer monthly meetings, a host of resources and a base of knowledge to rival any library. Check out our local Tillsonburg Horticultural Society’s website https://tillsonburghorticultural.ca/ for meeting times, speakers, and the projects they have on the go.

This January, I hope you will join me and spend the cold nights dreaming about the garden and investigating whether it’s still just dirt.

Angela Lassam's Clematis

It’s Still Just Dirt – June 2023 – Angela Lassam

Climbers for every garden

In every garden you will find climbers and vines, both annual and perennial. Climbers are commonly used to cover a fence or to transform a structure in the garden. Vines can be used in the same way but can be a ground cover although not thought of in that way by most of us. Climbers add a vertical dimension to any garden as a tower or a fence/wall of color and texture with its foliage.


It is said that climbers and vines are the same but there is a difference. Climbers are plants that have a strong root and need support and tying as they grow. Although they grow slowly, over the years they will produce a full cover of blooms throughout the season. The only care they need is to prune out the dead wood in the Spring and remove any suckers growing at soil level. Many climbers are perennial. Vines are more often annual. Vines are different in that they grow quickly and the stems are generally
very thin.


When considering a new plant, a climber will need a large space over time. Allow for its growth and the other plants around it. Climbing roses will grow up to 10 feet tall and at least 3 ft wide. Prune in Spring to allow air flow and prevent mildew. Clematis can be seen in most gardens. There have been many cultivars over the years. They can be
purple, lilac, pink and even white with single or double flowers. One is an evergreen. To grow them successfully it is said ‘heads in the sun’ and ‘feet in the shade’, It likes its roots covered in mulch or surrounded by a ground cover to keep them cool.


Wisteria will cover an arch and keep trailing everywhere without strict control and regular pruning. It is slow to flower, taking up to 5 years to become established. Then it will flower profusely when heavily pruned annually.


Virginia Creeper (Trumpet Vine) is a haven for hummingbirds with its open bright red trumpet flowers. It will become invasive over time even to the point of sending roots underground in grass.


Boston ivy if grown against a brick wall will send roots into any crevice and loosen the wall over time.


All of these are perennial so beware of their traits.


Annual climbers are most often called vines as the roots are shorter and they grow rapidly with fine thin stems. They still need a structure to grow on so that the tendrils can twine around for support. Flowers are varied, plentiful and bright. They will drop many seeds at the end of the year and often it may appear they are perennial. If you do not plan to grow the same seeds next year pick them up in the Fall. Morning glory is a common one and prolific, but the seeds are quite large and easy to pick up. Maybe
share next year with a friend. Another vine called Mexican flag has dark green heart shaped leaves and pendular flowers that start as yellow and progress to red. It creates a striking accent to a wall or fence. Sweet pea is also a vine but a short one with many delicate flowers with a strong fragrance, a nice addition to a deck fence.

Some vegetables are considered vines and can be grown for color, try scarlet runner bean. Cucumbers grown up a wire panel have large yellow flowers followed by the cucumber which can show the progress of the season to children. Make sure they have strong support. A teepee of canes is another way for support.


Do you have climbers and vines in your garden? They add another dimension to the landscape and always give a wonderful show of color all Summer. Climbers are a great way to show future young gardeners how to grow plants vertically and for gardeners to enjoy their own garden space, large or small. Happy Summer!!!!


The Tillsonburg Horticultural Society has a special event on June 24 th A Tour of Gardens – Garden Artistry 2023 with gardens each with a local artist. A bonus is a ballot for Peoples Choice on a quilted flag found at each garden. Tickets are $15 which can be purchased at Tillsonburg Garden Gate, Station Arts Centre and Annandale NHS.


Monthly meetings will resume on Tuesday September 5 th @ 7.30pm in the Senior Centre Tillsonburg Community Centre. Ken Brown, horticultural consultant and judge with tips and advice on gardening.


Everyone welcome, visit as a guest$4 or become a member for $20 annually, come join us. Check out www.tillsonburghorticultural.ca and Facebook-tillsonburghorticultural.

It’s Still Just Dirt

March Edition

Less watering and more time this Summer

Angela Lassam

It seems every year we are asked to conserve water. Climate change seems to have altered our summers making us reconsider our gardens and grass lawns.

Our lawns are the heaviest user of water so think how you can reduce the footprint in your landscape?

Making walkways with patio stones will save stress on grass when dry and makes for a more interesting view of any garden. 

 Cut down the size of your grass by cutting back edging by 1’ and place edging or an easy task is to put down a mulch edging.

Build a pond with a circulating system. The sound of running water is relaxing and the air will feel cooler for yard comfort. Stock it with fish and they will eat any mosquito eggs laid on the surface.

 Make another flower bed – who doesn’t need more space to grow a new plant? But remember to plant perennials close together to avoid weeding and conserve water. 

Better than that, plant shrubs and ground cover which make a complete soil cover and need less water as it matures.

Mulch round trees where you struggle to get shade-loving grass to grow or plant drought tolerant species or groundcover (needs no mowing).

Building a larger deck or patio will give you more space to spend entertaining instead of cutting grass. 

Set up a graveled play area for children or even for adults to exercise with bocci, ball toss, horseshoes or other games.

If you must have grass and need to reseed take a look at one with RTF  – Rhizomatous Tall Fesque. This grass is newly developed in opposition to Bluegrass,  has a shorter germination time and better appearance.

Clover is a good alternative for bare spot repair as it will stay green even when grasses have gone dormant from drought. It is bug resistant as it is a legume. West Coast Seeds have a microclover on line and other alternatives for grass.

Creeping thyme can be very attractive and considered in the ‘steppable’ group. It grows a shallow rooted mat and has tiny purple flowers and needs no mowing. It grows well in between any stones.

Another plant to try in the ‘steppable’ group is Irish Moss which is bright green in colour and drought tolerant.

There is a dwarf sedum which spreads quickly and grows to approximately 2”, soft to tread on and can be mowed.

Remember any lawn alternative will flower and be pollinator friendly so caution walking on it during flowering time.

All lawns require watering at least once a week. The soil should become moist up to  6” deep. An irrigation system on a timer is the most efficient or a sprinkler set early in the morning allowing water to soak deeply before evaporation.

Alternately save rain water in barrels directly from a downspout. You can substitute it for a rain chain which can also be part of your garden décor. Use this water either early in the day or evening to get the most benefit. 

Lastly do not mow your lawn lower than 2” to give the root system shade and if possible leave fine lawn trimmings on the grass, it will soon wilt.  A sharpened mower will give you a stress free, healthy lawn and well worth the maintenance.

Consider your outdoor space without so much grass. You will practise water conservation, have a more aesthetic garden, spend less time on maintenance and be more cost efficient. Now is the time to take a different approach to your surroundings for the future.

The Tillsonburg Horticultural Society monthly meeting will be on Tuesday April 4th in the Senior Centre Tillsonburg Community Centre @ 7.30pm. The topic ‘ Human Encounters with Wildlife’ . Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Centre Brian Salt will bring a wildlife ambassador and share his wildlife knowledge. Everyone welcome. Come join us $4 guest or annual membership $20. 

For more information check out www.tillsonburghorticultural.ca or Facebook Tillsonburghorticultural

It’s Still Just Dirt

January 2023

Squirrels in the Garden


Angela Lassam

Squirrels like all the other animals seen in our garden can be considered a ‘friend’ in Winter or a gardeners’ nightmare. In conservation areas and woodland they are a vital element in the health of the undergrowth.


They are the friendly creatures many people feed on their decks in Winter. They will become daily visitors and can be an amusement but beware they will also try to continue in other times of the year. Corn cobs left in the field by the harvester will be collected by squirrels and you can watch them carry a whole cob as big as themselves for storage – an amusing site!


The squirrel is a member of the rodent family. The most common one is called the Eastern Gray Squirrel and is native to Eastern Canada. Its color can vary from almost black, grey and even streaked with brown. The other squirrel you see is the Red Squirrel, smaller and more rounded. Both have bushy tails that reach over their whole body. They build nests high in the forks of trees called dreys, which are lined with small branches, leaves and moss. In severe winter cold they will use any old nest to keep warm, even as many as 3 or 4 squirrels together. In Spring squirrels may get into attics to nest where they can be a hazard chewing electrical wiring. They produce 2 litters of 4-8 twice a year, Spring and early Summer. Only 40% survive as hawks and owls are their main predators. They were thought to be herbivores but proven to be omnivore as well as eating any fruit and vegetables squirrels get their minerals from bones and dead vermin.


Squirrels become the gardeners’ pest when they bury their cache of nuts in the garden and lawns. Walnuts are a favorite and will lay dormant in the ground for years. They can store 1000s in one season. It may be squirrels eating your young vegetables and fruit in the garden. Squirrels are constant visitors to bird feeders and there are numerous purchases at the bird food companies to deter them. The newest one on the market has a battery operated turnstyle that switches on when a squirrel gets to the food. The squirrel goes for a very quick ride and falls off. An amusing sight but also expensive and unproven.


An alternative possible solution is to set a tray of food on the perimeter of your garden leading them away from your social space.


YouTube has many interesting ideas how to stop squirrels eat at your bird feeders. There is a cheap setup suggested www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9tn_uVbxPI using a PVC pipe with a cap fixed on the pole below the feeder. It must be at least 4ft off the ground – the distance a squirrel will jump. PVC pipe is very slippery and a squirrel cannot grip it. Any large cup shape can be a baffle but must be smooth. Greasing a feeder pole can work but must be applied daily.


I personally find a slinky fixed under the feeder works well and you can find them in Canadian Tire.


Squirrels are just a small part of our world and like many of our wildlife are a nuisance in our yards but remember if you think hard enough squirrels have a place in the whole picture even if they only provide exercise for our pets.


The next monthly meeting for the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society will be on Tuesday February 7th @ 6.30pm (NOTE THE DIFFERENT TIME) in the Seniors Centre Tillsonburg Community Centre. SEED EXCHANGE @ 6.30 pm, meeting starts 7.30 pm, speaker Andrew Fleet of Growing Chefs, Ontario with the future of food and family relationships. Social time and refreshments to follow.


All welcome; guest $4 or membership $20 annually so come join us. More info on Facebook Tillsonburghorticultural and www.Tillsonburg horticultural.ca.

Dahlias by Angela Lassam

Dahlias are one of the easiest and most rewarding flowers to grow. One or more will give you a sense of achievement for the Summer and into Fall with a fantastic array of color.

Dahlias are of the Asteraceae family with Chrysanthemum. Sunflower and Zinnia.  They come in many variations – pompoms, globe, spiky cactus and dinnerplate(growing to 5ft and flower up to15” in size) with a rainbow of colors.European explorers discovered dahlias on the hillsides of Mexico. They are still popular in Europe today. It is said that the tubers are edible, tasting like a cross between a potato and radish.

Nurseries always have the bright colored packages of Dahlias with other Summer bulbs. They are not a bulb but a tuber. The package will show you the type and color.When you open the package, you will find a bunch of tubers like a hand usually packed in peat moss. Now this time of year it will already show you its tip as sprouts will already be forming showing which is the top.

Dig a hole deep enough to allow the growth tip to be just above the soil and wide enough to spread the ‘fingers’. Adding bonemeal is a good idea. Cover and water well. It is that simple. When planting them make sure to space at least 3ft apart if possible.Slugs may eat them if they are grown too close together. Japanese beetles will burrow into the flower head   and the best way to stop this is a stroll through your garden with a bucket of soapy water and pick them off the flower. Planting a group will give you a continuousdisplay until frost arrives.

Applying fertiliser with a low nitrogen level weekly will produce the best flowers.They are one of the easiest flowers for first time gardeners as they will be almost pest free. The leaves may get very small spider webs which is a sign of spider mites.A spray of 1 gallon of water, 1 tbsp baking soda and ½ tsp Dawn dishsoapshould be applied. This is good for powdery mildew and aphids on all plants.

As soon as the first flower has wilted deadhead it ‘cut it off’ as close to the next branchof the main stem. This will allow many more flowers to form. It can also be done when the first bud appears. This will give it a chance to branch from the base of the leaves on the main stem giving you a plant that looks like a bush.

As soon as frost arrives dig up the tuber and cut off the stem. Allow it to dry off, shake clean and place it in a paper bag with peat. Remember to write the color and type on the bag. Store it in a cool place and check periodically for mold. This is all you will need to do to plant again year after year. So give any dahlia space in your garden even plant one in a large pot with a few small annuals. Sit back and enjoy!

The Tillsonburg Horticultural Society has its main fundraiser – Annual Auction and Plant Sale on Tuesday May 31st at 5pm in the Lions Auditorium Tillsonburg Community Centre. Many plants, containers and hangers, trees and shrubs, $2 $5 $10 perennial table, vegetables and herbs, draw table and then the auction at 6pm. Come and check it out asthe money raised allows us to beautify Tillsonburg.

The Junior Gardeners Program is a ‘go’ this year. Don’t forget to enrol your children.For registration forms and details see Linda Fenn at Tillsonburg Garden Gate or check Facebook Tillsonburghorticultural.Coming on July 9th is ‘Garden Artistry 2022’ a Tour of Gardens hosted with Tillsonburg Station Arts Centre. Call for more information 519 842 6151.

The next monthly meeting is Tuesday June 7th@ 7.30pm in the Senior Centre, Tillsonburg Community Complex, speaker will be Maureen Cocksedge ‘Free plants from division’. Everyone welcome.

HAPPY GARDENING!

Two Problems In The Garden

ITS STILL JUST DIRT APRIL 2022 by Angela Lassam

Everyone remembers the trees being stripped of their foliage and not being able to sit under a big Maple tree for shade, even finding it hard to go for a walk in a woodlot without being bombarded by small brown beads – yes it was the Gypsy Moth caterpillar munching away in the tree canopy. If left uncontrolled our trees and gardens will suffer dramatically.

The Gypsy moth or its new name ‘spongy moth’ was renamed because of its slur towards the Romani population as it is considered a pest. It was reintroduced to Eastern Canada arriving in soviet freighter.

After the winter when the leaves start to open on a tree the eggs will hatch and become larvae (caterpillar). The newly hatched larvae spin a fine silk thread and it is blown in the wind to infect other trees. They grow very quickly consuming up to one square metre of leaves in a short time and it is during this time we notice the devastation they create. The caterpillar is very easy to see when fully grown. It is dark brown and hairy with a row of red and blue dots. After pupation the male moth, brown in colour will fly between trees seeking the female. Its lifespan is only one week. The female moth which is a cream colour is flightless. She is very easy to see on tree trunks. She lays eggs that look like creamy sacs. There can be as many as 1000 eggs in a sac and many sacs can be seen on the trunks and limbs where they overwinter.  The cycle of the gypsy moth starts again.

There are some ways to reduce their population. When the leaves are just forming in May a bio-pesticide BTK can be sprayed on the tree as far up as you can reach. Read the instructions carefully before applying. Wear protection as suggested but it is harmless to humans as the solution has bacteria specifically for insects.

The alternative is to wrap the trunk with a band of burlap 18” wide. Tie it with string round the middle and fold downwards to create a pocket for the caterpillars to crawl into. Remove them daily into a bucket of bleach and dish soap and dispose of later. Use gloves and be careful as the hairs on the caterpillar can cause severe irritation.

Another way is to carefully scrape the egg sacs off the tree and dispose the same way as caterpillars.

There is some happy news that within three years of a severe infestation it is reported they succumb to viral and fungal pathogens.

Another problem in our garden is a tree that can be found in woodlots and many established gardens. It is the Black Walnut tree. If you have moved into a new home you may have one in your garden. They grow quickly and give a large shade canopy but it nothing will grow under it. A chemical called juglone can be found in all parts of the tree. The fruit (nuts), leaves and roots all leach juglone into the soil. Leaves and nuts should not go into the compost and the roots of this large tree make an area of 50’ from the trunk tainted with juglone. Plants will be stunted, have yellow leaves and poor flowers. There are plants that are not susceptible to its toxicity. Ones well known to gardeners are hostas, hollyhocks, astilbes, purple coneflowers, chrysanthemums, snowdrops and grape hyacinths. Also forsythia, mock orange and yucca will do well. Once any flower has been planted under a black walnut tree it cannot be transplanted in another area as the juglone can live on in it and taint the area around it.

Perennial flowers in every garden

Angela Lassam

Perennials are the backbone of any garden and show continuous color throughout the year. They are so versatile giving structure and texture to create a pleasing picture at any time. You buy them only once for years of pleasure and they need little care and attention.

A perennial is a flower that returns in the garden every year when the soil warms up putting up small buds or tips to remind us where they are.

Most perennials are good to stay in the garden. They go dormant and wait for Spring but there are some that have been introduced from warmer climates and these need to be dug up every Fall and stored to be replanted in the following year. Learning of the types of perennials will help.

Whether you are starting a new bed of flowers or adding to your landscape you will need to read the tags on your choice. The height, width, how much sun and drought tolerance are important. The time of blooming will allow you to have flowers blooming continually to give a glorious show all Summer. Your garden needs to be layered and will be beautiful if the selection of perennial flowers are carefully chosen. A little sketching of a new bed before you buy will give greater satisfaction. Remember they will grow much larger as years go by.

It is less expensive to buy bare root perennials from catalogues, stores or nurseries but their appearance can be disturbing unless you are aware of their characteristics. New gardeners may be surprised at their appearance so let me explain the differences.

Most plants are bare root which is a main centre with hairy roots. These can be planted directly in your garden after risk of frost and watered well to settle the roots. A name marker and a support is a good idea. They will soon produce leaves as the weather gets warmer. Remember the tallest towards the back of a bed. Names of a few are coneflower, poppy, shasta daisy and taller phlox. All of these can be divided in later years to replant elsewhere in your garden or share with fellow gardeners.

Other roots with eyes are called rhizomes, once planted can be left in the soil from there on. The eyes are small tips. The more eyes on the root you purchase the more flowers you can get. Astilbe, Hosta and Peony are in this group and do not require planting too deep, just cover the eyes with soft soil. Peonies will need a cage or other support as flower heads get heavy.

There are other rhizomes that have an underground stem, planted almost on top of the soil. The stem will send out roots, more stem with leaves, and flowers along its length. All irises are like this and will grow into a large clump in a few years. If your iris ’are not producing flowers it may be from the root borer so dig them up and cut away holey parts and replant. The following year – more flowers!

Tubers are bulbous roots with small growing tips which will be the flower. Some of these will need to be lifted in the Fall and stored in peat moss, then replanted the following Spring. They do not like to freeze. Their appearance in packages are tubular with thick skins. For the first year these can be potted and started indoors to give you early flowers. They need to be dug up in the Fall and stored in a dry place preferably in peat moss. Replant the following year for more joy. Dahlias are the best ones which come in all sizes and maturity dates for a continual summer color. Be sure to check the package details.

Of course bulbs should be considered perennial flowers as they will come back year after year. Spring bulbs once planted in the Fall return every year and will naturally multiply and are the first splash of color in the garden-  daffodils, tulips and crocus to name a few. Summer bulbs are the Allium and lilies which are very showy planted in groups.

The choices are endless and all gardeners have some of them in their garden because they are the basis of all landscaping both formal and heavily planted beds. They are rewarding every year and need only deadheading and watering with a fertiliser mix to give a wonderful show.

The Tillsonburg Horticultural Society has returned to its monthly meetings in the Senior Centre Auditorium, Tillsonburg Complex.

Come join us at our monthly meeting and meet like minded gardeners. See you there, become a member for $20 per year or $4 meeting (refunded on membership). Check out our website www.tillsonburghorticultural.ca and Facebook Tillsonburghorticultural for all about gardening.

Tomatoes, the #1 Favourite Vegetable

It’s Still Just Dirt, The Norfolk Tillsonburg News – August 2021
by Angela Lassam

Many people grow tomatoes even if they do not have a garden. They can be grown directly into the ground or in a pot almost anywhere. Tomatoes come in many sizes and colors, many more than red. They are at their best before being refrigerated when they lose their sweetness. As a vegetable they can be eaten raw or cooked in many ways – pizza, soups, lasagna.

The tomato was a staple food for the Aztecs back in 500 AD and was discovered by explorers in the 1500s. At first it was thought to be a poison as it was related to the Deadly Nightshade family. Seeds were taken back to Europe where tomatoes became a favourable vegetable.

Small salad tomatoes are either grape or cherry size and can be red, orange or yellow. Large tomatoes are round and generally red although gardeners will find seed for yellow and purple (heirloom variety) which are of a flatter shape. A tomato called Roma is the one used for sauces. It is cylindrical, very fleshy and matures later in the season.

For gardeners who prefer to grow tomatoes there are specific letters denoting resistance to disease. Look for VFN on seed packaging. V – verticillium wilt, F – fusarium wilt and N – nematodes.  Tomato labels have ‘Determinate’ which are bushy, two to three feet, need no staking and have a short fruiting time, ‘Indeterminate’ which mature later over a longer period but need staking and small varieties like ‘Sweetie’ are the cherry size usually eaten raw.

Tomatoes need fertilizer that is low in nitrogen otherwise you will have many leaves and the flowers will be slow to mature. It is advisable to pinch off the lower leaves for sunlight and air circulation. Many problems are caused by too much foliage allowing fungus to form. Do not water the leaves as it will damage them, try to water the roots instead. The extreme heat we are experiencing may cause flower drop reducing your yield.

Pests – aphids, flea beetles, stink bugs and white flies are common but spraying with soapy water early in the season will help with this. The tomato hornworm is different. It will defoliate your plants and the only recourse is to handpick them into a bucket of soapy water and dispose of them. Diseases are mostly fungal – leaf drop, grey mold spots, and powdery mildew can be sprayed regularly with a mixture of one gallon of water, one tbsp. baking soda, one tsp. vegetable oil and a squirt of dish soap (Dawn). Use the mixture frequently including on the underside of leaves. Blossom end rot is a sign of calcium deficiency and the soil is lacking lime which can be applied next spring.

Tomatoes are one of the most rewarding vegetables to grow and so versatile. A tomato homegrown is more sweet and fresh than any found in a grocery store so I hope everyone has enjoyed the experience. 

Check out these simple recipes    https://www.inspiredtaste.net/45038/easy-salsa/#itr-recipe-45038   https://www.aspicyperspective.com/best-homemade-salsa-recipe.

Members of the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society look out for emails for future meetings, check out Facebook and look on the website www.tillsonburghorticultural.ca for any updates. 

Ants and Who Does Not Have Them?

It’s Still Just Dirt, The Tillsonburg Norfolk News – June 2021
by Angela Lassam

Ants have been on earth forever. It is estimated at any time to be over a quadrillion (1,000,000,000,000,000) in the world. In the gardening world they are a beneficial insect although they are not the most popular one to many. You will not need to look far to find them.

Peonies are a favourite flower for ants.

The common ants – Lasius Niger are the small black ants we are familiar with. They make mounds of soil to form a colony and keep a queen who lays eggs. Ants who are called workers feed her. Her eggs turn to larvae which look like tiny grubs and complete the cycle to ants within two weeks. In August/September some ants will grow wings and mate for the next year. The male then dies and the females return to the soil for winter to repeat again the next year.

Other ants you may see are the larger carpenter ants that are found in moist decaying wood. Outdoors they are in rotted wood, logs and boards. In homes they can be in the wood structures where moisture has gone un-noticed – maybe during renovations. They tunnel making galleries and progress leaving a sawdust behind them. The moist wood then grows fungi and bacteria forms. Removal is the only answer and then you will need pest control assistance.

Fire ants found in lower USA give painful stings. They are not in Canada. The European red fire ant is similar and found here in Canada since the year 2000.They accidently arrived from Europe and were first seen in greenhouses. Outdoors they live in a very humid space under rocks, any old wood or rotted trees. They can give a very painful sting if disturbed and can create an allergic reaction even anaphylactic shock. 

The ‘good’ side for leaving ants in your garden is their activities help vegetables and flowers to grow. They are great indicators of aphids, whitefly and mealybugs being present. They are a food source for them. They travel from plant to plant searching for nectar to take back to the nest for the queen. As they move round your plants they carry pollen on their feet so they are natural pollinators. They aireate the soil when they tunnel to make temporary homes and carry dead vegetation which in turn adds compost to the soil.

They are not fussy where they make their temporary homes and you can kill them especially if you have pets or need to protect vegetables and fruit. Artificial sweeteners can be used, a 50/50 mixture of powdered sugar and baking soda or it is said a sprinkle of baby powder will work. Diatomaceous earth can work as well if you commonly use it.

Peonies are a favourite flower for ants. As the bud forms honey dew secretes at the sepals which is the best food source early in the season. They will eat any predatory insects eating the bud on their travels. It is a myth that they tickle the bud encouraging blooming. 

For cut flowers it is necessary to cut when completely in tight bud stage or you will need to plunge the heads into water and wait for the ants to surface before you make your arrangement of these beautiful flowers.

An interesting fact is the native Americans in the southwestern deserts used to eat the honeypot ants as a snack and considered as a delicacy.

Now you know how ants live in the garden you may not be so quick to kill them. They are natural pollinators and caretakers in the garden and an important part of the eco-system.

The Tillsonburg Horticultural Society have had member plant sales with excellent response so many thanks to those who visited them. Funds help us keep our town beautiful for everyone to enjoy. 

The Junior Gardeners Program has started with packages delivered to participants and they will be judged in August by member volunteers. 

Hopefully we will be able to resume monthly meetings in the fall when Covid restrictions allow.

 Updates can be found on the website www.tillsonburghorticultural.ca or Facebook-Tillsonburghorticultural.

Let’s Give Dandelions Some Space

It’s Still Just Dirt, The Tillsonburg Norfolk News – May 2021
by Angela Lassam 

There are many good reasons for us to give dandelions some space.

Dandelions have been given a bad name by the gardeners who wish for a perfect lawn. It is not the invasive weed most people think it is. 

It is a perennial herb introduced to the U.S. and Canada by the pilgrims who brought dandelions with them to use as a medicine and food crop. The yellow flowers are the first color we see after the winter and you will see fields of permanent pasture and roadsides covered with the flowers. They pop up in lawns every year even if you try to eradicate them. Many people consider them to be weeds.

The flowers are the first pollen and nectar for bees and other insects and the leaves and seeds feed birds, chipmunks and other wildlife. Later the fluffy heads will be used by hummingbirds to line their tiny nests.

For the gardener the roots will go deep (it is said they will grow 10’ to 15’ deep) and will open the hardest, poorest soil. When the plants are cut and composted they can add nutrients to the soil as they are rich in calcium, iron and potassium.

All parts of a dandelion are edible. It has a bitter, peppery taste. The root can be dried and used as a coffee substitute as it is in the Chicory family, or roasted and used as you would use turnip. The leaves can be added to a salad, pizza or made into pesto. They can be made into chips similar to kale. Remember if using leaves pick from where there has never been any pesticides or herbicides applied. The flowers can be added to a salad or make a refreshing tea. You can use the flowers to turn your hand to making a good wine.

Dandelions have been used medicinally for centuries. They are rich in vitamin A, C and K. They can be used to detoxify the body and support healthy liver and kidney function. They are reputed to be an appetite stimulant, diuretic, anti-inflammatory and able to balance blood sugar also lower cholesterol. The sap/milk in the stem is latex. It is said to cure warts and can be used to heal scrapes and cuts.

For spinners and weavers who use natural dyes the dandelion has many colour variations. The root with alum create magenta, added to tin and vinegar gives a purple, and the flowers produce a vivid yellow. 

Maybe with this knowledge you may give the ‘weed’ a second thought. It gives us our first glow of outdoor colour in the spring. Every part of a dandelion has been proven good for our gardens and our health.

I used dandelions as my subject as it is yellow. It is the colour of hope and Communities in Bloom and all gardeners are encouraged to plant ALL yellow. It is our hope to end the pandemic and get back to a new normalcy.

The Tillsonburg Horticultural Society has had a positive response to a modified Junior Gardeners Program. For any information contact Pat Zeyen –  email patzeyen@gmail.com.

There will be a Zoom meeting for members on June 1st@ 7.30 p.m. featuring Denis Flanagan. The topic will be Gardening Trends, New Varieties and Fusion Gardening. Watch for email.

All updates to Society news will be posted on the website www.tillsonburghorticultural.ca and Facebook Tillsonburghorticultural. 

  Stay safe, stay well until we can all meet again.