It’s Still Just Dirt, The Tillsonburg News – December 2019
by Angela Lassam

I received an indoor living arrangement as a Christmas gift and noticed that there was no care instructions or plant labels. After Christmas you can remove all the ornaments and any arrangement can live on to give health benefits. I thought this gives me an opportunity to share my knowledge with you.

 This is a breakdown of some of the plants found in arrangements, some of which you may already know

Bamboo – tall, can reach 12’ before needs repotting. Another tall one is Snake plant or Mother-in-laws Tongue. It is hard to kill so good for a novice. Fig tree, palms and Umbrella tree are large so need space but add color and life to a large entry or similar space. Minimal watering is needed.

Hanging plants – Spider plant is a common shared plant as it multiplies well and can provide new plants from its trailing pieces. They will root easily in water and grow well for you to share. An old favorite is Philodendron, an ivy type vine which likes indirect light and can be persuaded round windows, doorways and arches or on any trellis structure. Beware they are poisonous to pets and children.

Singular plants are most often Boston Fern which is an old favorite, a Spider plant, Snake plant to name a few. Aloe Vera is a good plant for a kitchen or bathroom. It is difficult to kill, likes humidity and is the one plant that its leaves have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. You can break a leaf and use its juices as a quick first aid.

 An arrangement of indoor plants will probably have a Chinese money plant which has round penny shaped leaves or a Chinese evergreen with a variegated leaf which will produce a white flower and red berries, an ivy and maybe a type of palm. A liquid fertiliser in the water when needed will help them thrive. Spritzing shiny leaves with tepid water can be advantageous.

One small tip I learned – for aphids (small white bugs) use rubbing alcohol on a q tip , wiped on the bugs will remove them. 

Plants for indoors can reduce the VOCs in the air most of which comes from paint on walls, carpet, furniture and many cleaning products. Many indoor plants filter formaldehyde, benzene, xylene and carbon monoxide from the air. These can create the ‘sick building syndrome’. Most are poisonous to children and pets if ingested so always place out of reach or hang up.

 Any plant gives more benefits through adding life to the home space besides their air purifying uses. Watching their changes and growth adds to one’s well being and a plant as a gift is sometimes given with that thought.

As we enter the New Year I hope it will be a healthy prosperous 2020 for all. 

The next meeting for the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society will be on Tuesday January 7^th 2020 @ 7:30 p.m. in the Senior Centre, Tillsonburg Community Complex (north side by the Skate Park). Dr. Allyson MacDonald, a member, will give a presentation –  English Roses, David Austen and Beyond with a photo montage of roses at their peak followed by refreshments and social time.  Members please note it is membership renewal time, $20 for the year. New members always welcome, come for a meeting $4 or join for extra benefits. 

More information can be found on www.tillsonburghorticultural.ca or Facebook Tillsonburghorticultural.  

It’s Still Just Dirt, The Tillsonburg News – October 2019
by Angela Lassam

Everywhere the colours have become red, orange and gold. Gone are the vibrant greens and summer colours. In an effort to hold onto summer colours a little longer I decided to visit local nurseries and get their stories on the items most people looked for this year. This is a breakdown of their replies.

Annuals are the summer flowers for their endless colour. The Vista Series petunias were the most popular variety specifically for their form and un-necessary de-heading but million bells topped their sales this year. Vibrant colors and double flowers were mostly what people looked for. Geraniums were a popular designer filler as always. There was a new variety of Impatiens this year called Imar that was mildew resistant, a good choice with the wet summer we had.

Perennials are still ever popular. Pollinator plants for the bees and butterflies, (especially milkweed) were in great demand. Grasses were desired for their value against fences and their ease of maintenance.

Hydrangeas were the favourite flowering bushes especially the newer dwarf varieties as gardens become smaller. All flowering bushes are great for the bees and butterflies. Variegated leaf and early leafing bushes seemed popular.

Ornamental trees top the list for trees – redbud, dogwood and magnolias. Smaller grafted ones (lilac and hydrangeas) were chosen for the smaller landscapes. For the larger gardens native species are still requested for shade. oak, sugar maple and sycamore are the best known ones. A maple tree called Autumn Blaze with excellent characteristics was sought out this year. It is fast growing, has excellent shape, is great for shade and NO seeds. To top it off it has a brilliant fall colour.

Everyone has a place for a hanging basket, patio container or small outdoor table to enjoy some flowers. Popular fillers were petunias and million bells with vines and other trailing plants. Bright colors and various textures were sought out for the summer. No longer is it just flowers in containers but herbs, soft fruits and even vegetables were planted. People are turning to the thought of grow your own even in a pot on the patio or deck.

Now as winter approaches ideas of succulents for small spaces and tropical plants to clean our indoor air is on people’s wish lists. Easy care ensures their popularity.

I hope you have learned some ideas for next year as gardeners have the habit of changing their spaces every year.

In September the Junior Gardener Program ended on a high note with the Awards & Friendship Party. Participants received a certificate with a photo of their garden. Medals were awarded for 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd in each age group.

Pizza and ice cream was served and a draw of garden related items for the gardeners added to the event. A big thank you goes out to all the children, parents and volunteers who helped make this program a great success and hopefully an even greater one next year.

 The next monthly meeting for the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society is on Tuesday, November 5th @ 7:30 p.m. in the Senior Centre Auditorium, Tillsonburg Community Complex (north side by the skate park). This month Matt and Linda Fenn will be demonstrating decor for Christmas.

Check out the website www.tillsonburghorticultural.ca or facebook – tillsonburghorticultural for more information. Everyone welcome, join us for a meeting ($2) or become a member for only $20 per year for added benefits.

It’s Still Just Dirt, The Tillsonburg News – September 2019
by Angela Lassam

We call a person who does gardening a ‘gardener’ but it does little to paint a picture of that person’s capabilities and attributes.

Some people become gardeners because of past generations or know of a person who enjoys gardening, but have you ever thought of the words you can apply to the word gardener and think of words that describe their personality. 

A gardener long ago was someone who cut grass, trimmed hedges and had regimented beds of annual flowers. A vegetable garden, then known as a plot, was grown to help the family budget and allow for preserving for winter use. Now a gardener is someone who feels strongly about the loss of the pollinators, bats, frogs, birds and the wildlife habitat and gardens to help this. Millennials are wanting to get back to nature and teach their children through gardening how important it is to know where some of their food comes from and its quality. A new gardener may be a retiree who is just looking to enhance their surroundings without too much maintenance.

I should include farmers and horticulturalists as they do ‘gardening’ on a larger scale. They sow the seeds, take care of their soil and thus provide food for everyone. Some have not been good housekeepers of our earth in the past but have become aware of their impact worldwide and are working on improving their practices. They are leaving some scrubland to return to its natural form for all wildlife to share and thrive.

The gardeners’ character evolves from their diligence throughout their life. They show patience waiting for seeds to grow. There is hope when they watch the garden change throughout the seasons. Satisfaction when they reap the rewards of their hard work. Gardeners are generally very generous with their knowledge and sharing of plants and produce grown in their garden. They are healthier than some because of fresh food without chemicals, spending more time outdoors whether tending the garden or doing activities like walking, biking and birding.  

  So a job description of a gardener could read – eco-friendly, landscape designer, water manager, habitat builder, teacher and nature preserver and many more.

Members of the Society please remember the Photo Competition at the next meeting. Details are in the Tillogram or can be found on the website. It is easy to look through your photos, bring to the meeting and share with friends. 

The next monthly meeting for the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society is on Tuesday, October 1st @ 7:30 p.m. in the Senior Centre Auditorium, Tillsonburg Community Complex (north side by the skate park). The speaker will be Sean James, Master Gardener and writer. The topic is “It doesn’t end in August”, a month by month study from September to December and beyond in the garden.

Check out the website www.tillsonburghorticultural.ca or facebook – tillsonburghorticultural. Everyone welcome, join us for a meeting $2 or become a member for only $20 per year for added benefits.

It’s Still Just Dirt, The Tillsonburg News – August 2019
by Angela Lassam

During a walk round the garden I noticed it is becoming crowded. I am guessing it is time to consider working on the early flowering perennials. They need digging up, splitting and replanting or sharing with fellow gardeners.

There are two in particular that have distinct treatment. These are lilies and the bearded iris.

Asiatic and oriental lilies are bulbs that naturalize over time similar to any spring bulb. It is suggested to keep a profusion of blooms. You need to lift the area of the original bulb where you will find several bulblets and larger bulbs, these will give you new flowers. When the plant is turning yellow the naturalization has been completed for the year and you can do your separating. Planting is the same as spring bulbs. Place the bigger bulbs 6” in the soil and smaller ones not so deep. A clump of three or more makes for a good display. Add extra mulch over new planting to add insulation for the winter.

Daylilies are not bulbs but a root with fanlike sections of growth. A clump of daylilies with a dead centre is a sign of needing division. It is suggested to separate every two to three years for maximum blooms. Lift the root ball carefully and shake off as much soil as possible. This is when you will see the fanlike sections. Carefully pull them apart keeping three fans with roots for replanting. A hole at least 12” deep is needed and a mound left in the centre. Take the new root ball and spread the roots around the mound. Fill in making sure to leave no air pockets. A deep watering of manure tea will finish the task and help the plant establish before winter. 

Bearded iris are rhizomes and should be divided every two to three years, otherwise they will slowly flower less. The rhizomes will work to the top of the soil and rot and borer damage will occur. Gather together tools – fork or spade, hose for rinsing, scissors, knife or pruners and a tarp for easy cleanup. Using a spade or fork carefully lift all of the clump. Clean off all soil first by shaking and then using a garden hose. This will allow you to inspect for any damage. At this time you can cut the foliage down to 6” to make easier handling. Borer damage is tiny holes in the rhizome and the leaves may have dark streaks in them. Any soft spots are a sign of soft rot. Both of these need to be cut out with pruners or a sharp knife. Disinfect tools after doing this. Now you can split the rhizome to make new plants. You will have several leaf fans on the rhizome and you need one fan and a good piece of rhizome each side. Take the knife or pruners and cleanly dissect it making several new plants. Next is soil preparation. The hole does not need to be deep as Iris do not like to be far below the surface. The hole will need a mound for the rhizome to “sit” on to keep it just below the surface. Place the rhizome on the mound spreading the roots around. Top up with soil and water well. They do not need fertilizer unlike lilies.

This gardening task is best done in the morning so moisture loss is at a minimum. You will be rewarded next year with better flowers and a tidier looking flower bed. As a bonus you will have many plants to share as you will not need them, or maybe start another flower bed!

Monthly meetings for the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society will resume on Tuesday, September 3^rd @ 7:30 p.m. in the Senior Centre, Tillsonburg Community Centre. Speaker is Nick Vanderheide of Creekside Growers talking about his dahlia operation. Regular members and new always welcome. Refreshment and social time for all.

It’s Still Just Dirt, The Tillsonburg News – July 2019
by Angela Lassam

It is all looking great and growing well when suddenly the bugs and disease come to destroy your hard work. You do not need to rush to the nursery for help but look inside your home as people did many years ago. Maybe ask Grandma what she would use.

Here are a few ideas, give them a try. You really have nothing to lose as they are almost free. Some of them you may already know but hopefully there will be new ones for the avid gardener.

Epsom salts – contains magnesium sulphate, a major growing element. To help the soil before planting spread 1 cup per 100 square foot and mix well into the soil. When planting out seedlings dig the hole and place a tablespoon in the bottom cover with a small amount of soil and place plant in the hole and finish with soil. You can also apply a liquid form of 2 tablespoons of Epsom salts in 1 gallon of water around the base of any plant. Tomatoes benefit from this and will make them sweeter and less acidic. Peppers are heavy feeders and would benefit from the same. Roses will do better when planted if the root is soaked in a solution of ½ cup in 1 gallon of water. Azaleas and rhododendron turn yellow from a sulphate deficiency and an application of 1 tablespoon over the root zone will help this. Slugs will disappear where salts are sprinkled and it is non-toxic and eco-friendly.

Borax – not only for laundry. It is a great ant killer. Mix sugar, borax and water to make a paste which is easier to control and place spots where they can feed. Rodents and mice can destroy a garden, Borax mixed into the soil is a good deterrent.  Sprinkle on weeds in cracks on pathways and patio stones. Borax and lemon juice will remove rust from gardening tools. Stained gardening gloves can be cleaned with a good soaking of borax.

Coffee grounds and tea – both of these are soil enhancers and can be added to the composter. They can be mixed into the soil around plants. If you place them on top of the soil they will form a hard pad over time so mix in well.

Egg shells are a source of calcium for plants but crushed egg shells are also a deterrent for those insects that like to chew your plants. Half egg shells can make free seed pots. Pierce a hole in the bottom and fill with potting soil, add seed and place back in an egg carton. This is a good project for children who can even paint the shells.

Aspirin – use the non coated type for the garden and plant preservation. Your cut flowers will last longer with a crushed aspirin in the water. Seed soaking will aid germination through its strengthening of the plant’s immune system. As a natural fungicide spraying a solution on tomatoes can lessen the fungal diseases such as fusilarium wilt.

Milk – this one is a newer idea and uses the protein value to benefit plants. It is a complete food with all the necessary minerals your garden will use. A good form of NPK (content of fertilizer). It has certain bacteria which will work against the bad ones in the soil and will act as a fungicide too.

Vinegar and baking soda – these are the common ones most people know. The acid is normally the killer but tends to take longer than other suggestions. 

All of these are either passed on ideas or collected through reading. Some are quite logical when you start to think of their content. When you get problems in the garden you could go to a nursery for advice which could prove expensive. Alternatives found at home are definitely worth a try first.

A big thank you to those who participated in the Tour of Gardens, Beyond the Garden Gate co-hosted by the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society and Station Arts Centre, whether you purchased tickets or volunteered. It was again a great day and if you did not browse the gardens you missed a fun time. We hope to see more next year as it grows with everyone’s support.

Meanwhile happy gardening everyone. Regular monthly meetings for the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society will resume Tuesday, September 3^rd @ 7.30 p.m. in the Senior Centre Auditorium Tillsonburg Community Complex. 

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It’s Still Just Dirt, The Tillsonburg News – June 2019
by Angela Lassam

Roses deserve another chance in our gardens. In the past roses have been a huge challenge but there is a new idea to enable us to help them thrive. They did not seem to survive the cold winters although many ways have been tried. If they came through the winter they soon became pest infested or diseased.

With the new era of no insecticides and other chemical treatments new ideas have proven helpful to the average gardener and this can be seen at the new rose garden in the Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton. It has shown that companion planting is beneficial. Plants that have a strong smell keep many insects away. The allium family, Cranesbill (perennial geranium) and Lavender which comes in various colors is a good choice. Many herbs have strong smells and their flowers are very decorative. Chives has a purple flower. Parsley has decorative leaves and various mints can be allowed to go to seed creating a flower. Oregano and some thymes are a good ground cover. Annuals will not compete with the roses so try geraniums, marigolds, alyssum, million bells and pansies.

 There is some interesting reading on www.gardenia.net/guide/Underplanting-Roses.                     

 In the past mulch has been used around the roses and consequently has harboured mold which has created fungal disease. Use companion plants instead. Never water your roses on the leaves but water the soil around them. Blackspot fungus overwinters in fallen leaves and stem cankers so pruning affected canes and removing old dead leaves is a good idea.

The roses to purchase should be the older heirloom species with names that include Alba, Gallica, Centifolia and Damask. Roses grown from the Rosa Rugosa species are the most disease resistant. There is a series of roses under the group of Canadian Shield – one is called Explorer which was introduced for Canada 150 and is deep red and this year there is Chinook Sunrise which is a pale pink with orange edging. These were introduced for the more severe cold winters and rated Zone 3.

You need to decide where is the best spot in your garden for a bed. It is best positioned where it will get morning sun to dry the rose leaves and afternoon shade to prolong the blooms. Next is purchasing them. There are two types available – bare root and container. Bare root roses are packed in moist material and the canes are waxed. There is no need to remove the wax as it will naturally drop off. They need to be soaked in a bucket of water for 8-12 hours to rehydrate the roots. These are usually through mail order. In local nurseries container roses can be found but do your homework and read labels for zone as many roses are for Zone 5. 

Planting is different for roses. For bare root roses dig the hole big enough to take the roots spread well and as deep as the bud union (where it has been grafted). Add bone meal then place the rose in and fill with soil about 2/3, add water making a slurry. DO NOT tamp down, wait for water to drain. Repeat this process to ground level. After settling the bud union will be 1-2 inches below ground level. This is where it should be for winter protection. Place a temporary mound of soil around the base to encourage maximum bud break. Gently wash it away after 2-3 weeks or when new growth looks good.

Container or potted roses can be planted any time but later ones may have the roots tangled and filling the pot. In this case loosen the roots, open up the ball and trim the roots if necessary. Then plant the same as the bare root method.

Roses have been in gardens all over the world, some dating back to the 17^th Century when they were introduced from Asia to Europe. I hope you will give them another chance.

The Tillsonburg Horticultural Society with Station Arts Centre has a tour of gardens, Beyond the Garden Gate, planned for Saturday June 22^nd 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets available @ 519 842 6151 are $10 in advance or $12 on the day at any signed garden. It will be an event with something for everyone with local artisans, art, and music throughout the tour of some amazing local gardens.

Regular monthly meetings resume Tuesday, September 3^rd @ 7:30 p.m. in the Senior Centre Auditorium, Tillsonburg Community Centre. 

It’s Still Just Dirt, The Tillsonburg News – May 2019
by Angela Lassam

Roadside Ditch Lilies

All gardeners visit nurseries this time of year to buy plants to fill a spot or replace a dead one. Many of them are great to look at and appear exotic but some are very invasive and need to be used in a spot that needs ground cover or at the back of a garden where it can be controlled. Alternatively, the plant can be buried in a large container which you can lift to check that the roots have not escaped. It is more advisable to buy native plants which will thrive just as well.

Here are a few of the listed plants suggested to leave where they are growing in the wild or in the nursery.

• Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula) classified as a noxious weed grows rapidly through root system and a heavy seed producer.
• Oxeye Daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum) is a single small daisy and would fill a space but beware.
• Purple Loosestrife is very showy with colorful spikes but can multiply quickly. Often found in clumps in ditches.
• Himalayan Balsam (Poor man’s orchid or Policeman’s helmet) was imported from New Zealand and Asia. It is a very pretty purple flower and low growing but is very prolific.
• Creeping Bellflower as implies has a pretty blue flower but will travel far even under cement and appear in any cracks.
• Trumpet Vine will travel underground and pop up anywhere including your lawn year after year.
• Lily of the valley is very fragrant, pretty and one of the early flowering plants but will strangle all around it.
• We all know the “ditch” lilies on the roadside and they are a bright display of color but let them stay where they are. Yes they are very invasive like so many roadside flowers.
• Many pond plants are invasive. Water hyacinth, flowering rush, yellow flag and lotus are best avoided for a small pond. Do not throw them out into lakes or ditch waterways.
• More information on these and others can be found on www.canadianinvasives.ca.

There is more concern today for any invasion of plants in natural habitat areas. Invasive plants pose a hazard to the environment and human health. Natural waterways get clogged causing flooding and a detriment for agriculture in general.

For people who have contact with any invasive plant there can be many consequences. Severe breathing problems and skin scarring are just some impacts on people. Many plants have a sap which produces an allergic rash. Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) can cause severe and permanent dermatitis from the toxic oils in its hairs and sap. Professional removal is suggested if it arrives on your property. It is advisable to wear gloves when handling any unknown plants.

For interest Milkweed is a plant that we are encouraged to grow for the Monarch butterfly. The butterfly has no predators because it feeds on the sap in the leaves. This same sap is poisonous and can cause a rash and if a very small amount gets into the eye by rubbing after handling the plant it gives extreme pain and can cause blindness. Always wear gloves and be extremely careful. The leaves even dry in hay can be toxic to animals.

I hope this knowledge helps you to be aware and enjoy your gardens. 

The next meeting for the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society will be on Tuesday June 4^th @ 7.30 p.m. in the Senior Centre, Tillsonburg Community Complex. The speaker will be Jay Cossey, a photojournalist who will share stories of butterflies – “the miracle of metamorphosis” with a collection of butterflies and moths.

Everyone welcome. Non-members $2 per meeting or join for extra benefits. Visit us on our website at www.tillsonburghorticultural.ca or Facebook Tillsonburghorticultural for up to date news.  

It’s Still Just Dirt, The Tillsonburg News – April 2019
by Angela Lassam

It is looking great in all our gardens. The bulbs have survived the winter and are giving us our first burst of spring colour. The perennials are showing new growth, ready to display their glory in late spring and summer.

There are the usual early tasks of branch pickup, raking of leaves and fertilizing the grass. It is now that we can look at our gardens and see what we can improve upon before the mulching begins. A new homeowner can make their yard more inviting and gardeners can change up or renew their garden appearance by defining their flower beds or pathways. There are many products to choose from so here is a breakdown of a few of them.

Most flower beds can be improved by using polymer edging that can be sunk to grass level and hold the soil back from the grass. This is also good for around the base of trees if you like to mulch them. For beds that are deeper there are several options. Concrete decorative wall blocks are easy to lay and come in various shapes to form circles. Field stone will look natural and blend in well as an edge for a flower bed especially if you are trying to create a rockery. Wood used in different ways such as upright short posts placed beside each other can be decorative. For square or rectangular designs use wooden posts laid flat to create an edge. You can use wood layered up to form a raised bed for vegetables.

The same work using wood or stone can apply to making a path where you can fill in between with paving blocks, poured concrete or stone. If you desire a clean look to your pathways there are professional companies who can make edging in various textures, colours and unusual shapes. You must remember this would be permanent and needs to be considered into the landscape appearance in the future.

As a DIY project think of making some personalised stepping stones from concrete to make a path. Leaves as imprints pressed into the concrete before setting can be washed off when they are dry. Maybe grandchildren’s’ footprints or hands pressed into the top could make them personal. Shells used the same way would give the surface a grip. Glass or broken china used as a decoration could be a future talking point. You can use tin foil pans or make wooden frames as the molds. There are endless ideas and can be fun to do.

The Junior Gardeners Program has started with the registration forms available in the schools. The theme is “Planting a Rainbow Garden”. It is important that children learn where their food comes from and experience the pleasure of eating what they grow. Volunteers will judge the gardens and a Pizza Party with awards will finish the program. For further information contact Pat Zeyen phone # 519 983 2928 or email: patzeyen@gmail.com 

Coming in May the Annual Auction and Plant Sale organized by the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society has been planned for Tuesday May 21^st in the Lions Auditorium, Tillsonburg Community Complex. Doors will be open at a NEW TIME of 5:00 p.m. and the auction starts at 6:00 p.m. There will be annuals, perennials, herbs, shrubs and trees. Also a Bake Sale, draws and garden decor so something for all. Refreshments available. Proceeds allow the Society to do the work necessary to make Tillsonburg beautiful for all. 

 The next monthly meeting for the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society will be on Tuesday May 7th @ 7:30 p.m. in the Senior Centre Auditorium Tillsonburg Community Complex. Brenda Campbell from Cozyns Garden Gallery, Stratford will demonstrate planting a hanging basket and talk about what’s new this year. Everyone welcome. Non-members $2 per meeting or join for extra benefits. Visit us on our website at www.tillsonburghorticultural.ca or Facebook Tillsonburghorticultural for up to date news.    

It’s Still Just Dirt, The Tillsonburg News – March 2019
by Angela Lassam

As the days get longer we look upon our gardens and feel we should start to tidy up. The first chore to do is to work on trees and shrubs before they show signs of growth and show their leaves.

Pruning is a question often asked as to when and what to remove. It is a learning curve but all you need to know is which trees/shrubs should be pruned in early spring and why it is beneficial.

 There is a rule of four Ds-dead, dying, diseased and damaged. This will show you what needs removing. Winter weather breaks any branches that are dead. Thin branches show up easily without the leaves. You can see the vertical ones called water spouts which on fruit trees will never carry fruit. Any crossing branches will need to be cut out. These will cause disease by rubbing and cutting out will allow the tree to breathe. Fruit trees need to be very open to produce good fruit. All lower branches need to be trimmed to avoid eye poking when going under trees or enjoying the shade in summer.

You will need to start with clean sharp tools, a pair of pruners for the small work and lopping shears for larger branches. There are extendable ones for taller work. Longer strong work gloves are helpful as cuttings will be sharp and sometimes heavy. 

Most trees need pruning while dormant so early in the year is better. All cuts should be diagonal to avoid end rot. The cut will heal quickly. New growth will look good when you have shaped the tree and opened up the centre. New branches will grow in the right direction. Fruit trees will give more fruit. The more aggressive you are the better the results.

Vines and climbers need very little attention apart from the 4 Ds. Again,  remove dead, diseased, dying and damaged parts. Silver vine, passionflower and trumpet vine flower on new wood. Mandevilla flowers on old wood and needs very little pruning. All vines need training to your desired shape and trimmed to allow air for them to breathe.

Grape vines if grown cordoned need vigorous pruning. Cut them back in early spring to the rusty brown wood as they only form clusters on new wood. Any bleeding is only water and will do no harm.  

Shrubs that flower early can in general be pruned when being deadheaded as they flower on old wood. Forsythia, Dogwood and Rhododendron are some of these shrubs. Hydrangea paniculata, rose of Sharon and buddleja are different. They set their buds on new wood. They often bloom best if they have been cut back while dormant in late winter to encourage more new wood to form.

An interesting fact about lilacs – a layer of wood ashes and preferably hardwood provide them with many minerals (copper, zinc and calcium) and trace elements that is an extra benefit for them.                                

Perennials can be improved by being cut back in the fall unless you like to see the flower heads for interest in the winter snow. They will need the centre to be cleaned out as soon as new bottom growth is seen. This is also the time to judge whether cleaning and pruning is enough or if they need to be split up to improve flowering. Remember the Horticultural Society has its annual plant auction in May and now is the time for members to pot up some plants as a contribution.

Pruning is difficult for gardeners as it appears destructive and harsh but the rewards will be seen in the summer. It seems that pruning is a constant task for the gardener who knows there is always something to be done. 

The next monthly meeting for the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society will be on Tuesday 2^nd April @ 7.30 p.m. in the Senior Centre, Tillsonburg Community Centre. The speaker will be David Chapman with the topic of “Storm Chasing in Ontario” featuring a video of a super cell tornado. Everyone welcome. there is a $2 per meeting fee or join for extra benefits. For further information on the society look on Facebook tillsonburghorticultural or www.tillsonburghorticultural.ca