It’s Still Just Dirt, The Tillsonburg News – September 2018
by Angela Lassam

More butterflies this summer!

It appears we have been treated to many butterflies in our gardens this year. There is a variety of possible reasons but some say it is just Mother Nature doing her ‘thing’.

 The cold winter destroyed many parasites. This was helpful to many insects including butterflies. Yellow jackets are one of the most destructive eating butterflies in the caterpillar stage and as they emerge from the chrysalis whilst they are drying their wings before flight. The parasitic wasp is another killer. It is called a parasitoid which lays its eggs in the caterpillar of many butterflies and feeds on it throughout this stage. Spider mites are a common pest too. You can swab them with rubbing alcohol which kills them on contact or use an insecticidal soap which will not harm butterflies. Dawn dish soap solution is a natural alternative. Any pesticides used will taint plants and butterflies will not use them.  Swallowtails have a defense where they emit a foul odor from an appendage on their head although it is not very successful. Another advantage from the cold winter was the killing off of mold.

 The surge in temperatures in spring encouraged heavy leaf growth and subsequently provided good protection for the eggs laid. Later this allowed the caterpillars to roam freely under the leaves. Birds could not find them so easily.

There are many butterflies in Ontario so here are just a few with certain characteristics. Monarchs and swallowtails are very distinct and are the ones we most recognize. A tortoiseshell could be mistaken for a monarch but the lower wings have a black line through them not found on a monarch. They can be found as far as Northern Ontario. Their caterpillars feed on nettles. Commas are also orange and black but they have yellowish dots on the lower wing edges. The mourning cloak is black, blue and yellow and is one of the first to arrive and lay its eggs in willow and poplar. The adults like tree sap and any rotted fruit. The viceroy is another one similar to a monarch but it stays all winter and hibernates. The late caterpillar will cocoon itself in a willow leaf and wait until the catkins form in spring when it will emerge to change into a chrysalis and then an adult. 

Migration of butterflies has already started and only a few cabbage whites and sulphurs can be seen. Migration charts can be followed online www.maps.journeynorth.org/maps. There is also a website that is doing research into numbers of Monarch butterflies and if you would like to participate or follow it just take a look at the following www.mission-monarch.org . 

A good trip to maybe see monarchs and other butterflies is to visit the Point Pelee region where many of them rest before going south for the winter. Leamington is slowly becoming the ‘butterfly town’ to visit but anywhere there are shrubs on the shoreline of Lake Erie you may find resting butterflies later in the day especially late August when they start and into October depending on the weather.

If you would like to read and see many pictures of butterflies browse the following website…………very enjoyable!  https://insectsofsouthernontario.ca/category/butterflies/

 Everyone can be commended in the efforts to return some space to wild habitat and grow wild flowers. Gardeners have been encouraged to leave a corner for wild flowers and to plant many different flowers for the nectar as food. Farmers have been asked to participate in programs to nurture wetlands. Roadside spraying has been stopped allowing wild flowers to return. Nurseries sell plants and shrubs with labels specifically showing their benefits to insects. Everyone seems to have a desire to make our environment more natural.

A reminder for the junior gardeners who participated in the program and congratulations to all those who had their gardens judged. The Pizza Party and awards will be on September 25 @ 5.30pm in the Senior Centre Auditorium Tillsonburg Community Centre.   A big thank you goes to all of those who planted a garden and the parental encouragement. 

The Photo Competition is coming up at the next meeting and details can be found in the Tillogram or on the website. Please take out your photos and participate – there will be prizes and results at the November meeting.

The next monthly meeting will be on Tuesday October 2^nd @ 7.30pm in the Senior Centre Auditorium Tillsonburg Community Centre. The speaker will be Andrew Fleet of Growing Chefs! Ontario. He will talk about getting children excited about wholesome, healthy foods. All welcome. Check us out on Facebook tillsonburghorticultural and our website at tillsonburghorticultural.ca. Visitors are welcome so come join in and become a member for extra benefits. 

It’s Still Just Dirt, The Tillsonburg News – August 2018
by Angela Lassam

Now is the time to prepare all the excess produce we have grown to be used in the winter. Canning and preserving was a mammoth task in years past. It filled many kitchens with smells and heat with all surfaces covered with jars filled with fruit and vegetables.

Today it is much easier to store fruit and vegetables. For fruit freeze drying is one of the best ways. Simply clean, allow to dry after washing and bag them. Remove all excess air out by suction before storing in a freezer. Jams can be made at a later time. Fruit at any time can be taken from a freezer and added to ice cream as dessert or made into pies easily even using store purchased pie shells.

Vegetables appear to need more time to prepare but are well worth the effort. Most root vegetables will do well for several months after harvest. Potatoes only need to be placed in fresh air and allowed to be completely dry before handling. Rub all the dirt off and discard any damaged potatoes. Store the good potatoes in brown paper bags or bushel baskets covered to keep dark. Place in a cool place below 15 degrees C. if possible. A garage is a good place if it does not go below the freezing point. Carrots can stay in the ground until freezing temperatures. Then they must be pulled up, laid on newspaper to dry and then rubbed clean. A Rubbermaid tub is ideal for storage. Fill it in layers with carrots and sand or sawdust. Store in the same place as potatoes. Squash must be cut when completely finished growing leaving a small piece of the stem. Allow to dry completely. If there is any moisture on the skin they will rot quickly. A Rubbermaid tub is good to use but do not place the squash too close together and leave the lid off for aeration. I have successfully done this with squash and used them at Christmas time. A string bag is another way to store them and hang it up like other vegetables.

Onions need extra care before they can be stored for use in the winter months. They must be completely finished growing in the garden patch. This can be decided by the spike turning yellow and appearing to dry from the top down. To speed up this process before frost time simply bend the spike a little above the ground. They will quickly dry down and then can be pulled up for storage. Lay them out on dry ground on newspaper to absorb moisture and allow the skins to dry off. I use my garage floor for this. When the green part has dried completely you can cut it off. The onions can then be stored the same way in a string bag to keep them dry and airy. 

Lastly tomatoes can be saved for winter use in several ways. Simply wash them and put them in large bags and place in a freezer. In winter you can take out as many as you need and plunge in boiling water. The skins will split and can be easily peeled off even when the flesh is partly frozen. Use them as you would any canned tomatoes for soups, sauces or filler in many casseroles. Alternately freeze tomatoes overnight and plunge in boiling water the next day to remove skins and boil them. Freeze small portions in containers for use in winter.

It is worth the effort to know that the food we will be preparing is our own produce and that no chemicals have been used to promote growth and perfection.

Monthly meetings resume on Tuesday September 4^th @ 7.30 p.m. in the Senior Centre Auditorium at the Tillsonburg Community Centre. The topic is Fall Decorating with Hilde Makkink  of Sunflower Farm, Tillsonburg who will be demonstrating  for us.

A reminder for members that the Grow and Show Flower Competition is at this meeting. Categories can be found in the Tillogram or website. (Participation can be fun!) Everyone welcome. For more information look on Facebook at Tillsonburghorticultural or on the website www.tillsonburghorticultural.ca.

It’s Still Just Dirt, The Tillsonburg News – July 2018
by Angela Lassam

Without bees there would be no fresh food. The bees are one of the most important pollinators. Agriculture increasingly realises the natural value of bees and contract with beekeepers to pollinate crops. You may notice bee hives placed strategically on field sidelines especially melon fields locally. When vegetables and fruit are grown in our gardens we naturally get the pollination done for us. The wild habitat they need is disappearing fast as population needs rise so there is an urgency to allow wild spaces to be replanted with relevant vegetation. Gardeners can help too by growing flowers, vegetables and fruit with good and easy access. A corner of the garden could be planted with wild flowers where they can forage naturally.

There are over 40,000 species of bees worldwide and 1,000 of those are found in Canada. Bees have a round body covered in feathery hairs which transport the pollen as they feed and collect for the nest. They have two pairs of clear wings, large compound eyes and a proboscis to collect the pollen. They have a four stage life cycle – egg, larva, pupa and adult. Not all bees survive over the winter. Honey bees gather inside the hive in what is described as a cluster to survive.

Bees do not naturally sting unless stepped on or attacked when foraging for food. The honey bee can only sting once and then will die. They are not normally aggressive and should not be confused with a wasp. Wasps will sting repeatedly and in swarms. They can be distinguished by their very different appearance to the bee. A wasp has a narrow, thin, shiny body with bright coloring and longer thin legs. In spring they will eat insects but come summertime they invade any rotten garbage to eat the sugars collecting there.

In the garden we can help the bees by growing many plants in all seasons. In spring there is crocus, hyacinth and daffodils. For summer any fruit, cosmos, snapdragons, borage, beans and peas to name a few. For fall grow zinnias, asters, goldenrod and echinacea. There are many more worth mentioning but all have flower heads that are single and easy to reach in to get the pollen.

Now some fun facts about bees. They are the only insect that can make food that we can eat. They recognize the human face. They fly at 24 km/hr. They love caffeine.

The past garden tour in conjunction with the Station Arts Centre at the beginning of the month was very well supported and many thanks to all those who purchased tickets. Many hours went into the preparation of the gardens by the garden owners and the volunteer support so thanks there too. Plans are already in progress for another wonderful day next year.

In August there will be a workshop with Mitchell Hewson. The workshop is Saturday, August 11 from 1 to 4 p.m.  Two different creams will be made by each participant. Mitchell Hewson, world renowned Horticultural Therapist will lead the hands-on workshop as well as teach about the healing properties of essential oils.  Mitchell was extremely well received by the members when he was the society’s guest speaker last October.  Contact Judi Misener at judimisener@gmail.com.  Non- members are welcome. Open to everyone!

Lastly monthly meetings resume on Tuesday, September 4 @ 7.30 p.m. in the Senior Centre Auditorium, Tillsonburg Community Centre. Topic is Fall Decorating with Hilde Makkink of Sunflower Farm, Tillsonburg.

Everyone welcome.  For more information look on Facebook Tillsonburghorticultural or check the website www.tillsonburghorticultural.ca  

It’s Still Just Dirt, The Tillsonburg News – June 2018
by Angela Lassam

June is the start of the Japanese beetle invasion on our gardens. No garden will avoid this destruction. It happens as soon as all the hard work is done to get our gardens doing well.

The Japanese beetle originally was confined to Japan. It was only found there as it was surrounded by water and had natural enemies like the parasitic wasp. The beetles arrived in North America as grubs in the soil on iris roots and were first found in a nursery in New Jersey in 1916. A law was introduced in 1912 for no plants allowed in soil to enter the country but it was not implemented at that time. By 1920 an eradication program was dropped as there were just too many beetles to control. In USA it is a huge problem and it is reported that after spraying they can be shoveled up in bucketfuls.

The beetle is very noticeable approx. ½” in size and quite colorful. It is a mix of copper and metallic blue/green and very rarely only one but several appear together. Their cycle runs over two years. They lay eggs in the soil beginning early June where they turn into tiny white grubs approximately ¼” and stay there eating the roots of grass or other plants growing up to 1”. They go deeper over the winter resurfacing late spring as beetles to start the cycle again. Their adult stage is only 40 days long but during that time they are very prolific and destructive.

There are several ways to reduce the infestation at different times of their life cycle. The grass can be treated with nematodes which will kill the larvae in the soil. An alternative treatment of milky spore can be used. It is a longer term treatment but it is more expensive as larger areas need to be treated.

A homemade solution of 2 tbsp of dish soap and 1 gallon of water will treat 1000 sq. ft. sprayed on obvious affected areas in early morning. It will bring the grubs up and will be natural food for the birds.

As adults they can be handpicked into a bucket of soapy water. There are traps for them available in nurseries. They need to be placed away from any vegetation (edge of property). There is controversy about these as they actually can draw them from the neighborhood.

There are companion plants that deter them especially marigolds and geraniums. Geraniums make them dizzy when near them and they will drop to the soil where they can be easily picked up into a bucket of soapy water.

There are some plants they will not eat in the vegetable patch. Squash, onions, lettuce, parsley, spinach and potatoes are just a few. Some trees are also disliked –  Red bud, Dogwood, Red Maple. Shrubs affected could be Rose of Sharon and Burning Bush. They do like most fruit trees, beans and especially Canna lilies.

Good luck with you war on these pests and I hope it helps some of the many gardeners plagued by these “pretty” beetles.

The Horticultural Society has three Summer events planned over the period that there will be no meetings. The first one is the “Beyond the Garden Gate” garden tour taking place on Saturday July 7^th, 11am – 4 pm, rain or shine. Tickets are $10 in advance obtainable at Station Arts Centre, Merle Norman or Tillsonburg Garden Gate. Also contact any board member for one or more, $12 on the day at any of the gardens. This event is open to everyone. 

Beyond the Garden Gate Tour in Tillsonburg coming up on July 7.

The tour comprises of six gardens, all easy travelling distance around Tillsonburg with stops at Tillsonburg Garden Gate and Station Arts Centre. Each location will have a local artisan either artistic or musical. Tillsonburg Garden Gate is giving ticket holders a discount on any purchase for the weekend. Station Arts Centre as usual is admission free. Purchase of a ticket gives you a detailed map and description of all that is available on the tour so come out and see what some of our members achieve with their gardens and enjoy a pleasant drive.

The second event is a social Garden Party/Potluck Supper on Thursday, 26^th July with an afternoon of games, quizs, contests, antique display and music. This event runs from 4 – 8 pm with potluck supper @ 5:30 pm. Watch Facebook for more details, check in the Tillogram or email host Angela Lassam farmer@kwic.com phone 519 936 8117. All members welcome (with spouse/partner/friend too) just bring a potluck dish to share, come and have some fun.

The third event has been prepared as members have requested a workshop. The workshop is Saturday, August 11th from 1 to 4.  Two different creams will be made by each participant. Mitchell Hewson, world renowned Horticultural Therapist will lead the hands-on workshop as well as teach about the healing properties of essential oils. Mitchell was extremely well received by the members when he was the Society’s guest speaker last October.  Contact Judi Misener at judimisener@gmail.com.  Non members are welcome, open to everyone!

Normal monthly meetings will resume on Tuesday, September 4^th  @ 7:30 pm in the Senior Centre Auditorium Tillsonburg Community Centre.  For more information look on Facebook Tillsonburghorticultural or the website www.tillsonburghorticultural.ca .

It’s Still Just Dirt, The Tillsonburg News – May 2018
by Angela Lassam

Evergreens are a major part of any landscape or garden design because the colour does not vary with the seasons although some may become dull throughout the winter months. They are generally the basis and add structure to any space.

We all know that spruce and pine and other conifers are evergreen but we may not think of the many shrubs and plants that are also in the evergreen family. To identify an evergreen look to its botanical name where you should find sempervirens which in Latin is always (semper) and green (virens).

Holly, mountain laurel and euonymus come in the evergreen bush/shrub class and most gardeners have at least one of these in their gardens.

Rhododendron is also evergreen with its shiny leaves and can grow very large. In late spring they will produce an abundance of flowers in a huge variety of colors.

Boxwood is a great bush to give definition to pathways and intricate designs. It is used in topiary as it is a slow grower and easy to prune into intricate shapes. Boxwood was used extensively in Victorian gardens to edge walkways and make interesting scenery.

Periwinkle, ivy and many groundcovers are also evergreens although maybe we do not consider them to be. There are succulents that come in the evergreen family that we are all familiar with being hens and chicks and yucca. Heather is an evergreen and it is common to find these in rock gardens. It can also be used as a groundcover.

The Town-wide Commercial Urn Beautification Project has had a slow start this year no doubt due to the cold weather and so many businesses purchasing them for the Canada 150^th  last year. This year the society hopes to continue this program. Orders for an insert package or a complete urn has been extended so please contact Kathy McCormick 5194034035 or email k.mccor7013@gmail.com for more info.

The arrangement this year will be very colourful with bright pink dipladenia, yellow mini canna lilies and white million bells. They will match the large urns on Broadway and will be delivered to your door. This is available to all businesses. You not need to be on Broadway to participate so please consider purchasing one or more.

Lastly the Garden Auction in its 12^th year was a huge success once again. Many volunteers spent the earlier part of the day in preparation and thanks to all of you for that. Thanks go out to all who attended and participated to make it such a huge boost to our funds. This allows the Society to keep our town looking great in so many ways.

The next monthly meeting will be on Tuesday, June 5^{th  @}  7.30pm in the Seniors Auditorium, Tillsonburg Community Centre. The speaker will be Stefan Weber from St. Williams Nursery and Ecology Centre in St. Williams which is a great source for all native plants and trees in Ontario. Everyone welcome. For members there will be signups for the summer social and a workshop so check your Tillogram for details.

More info can be found on  www.tillsonburghorticultural.ca. Also follow us on facebook Tillsonburghorticultural. 

It’s Still Just Dirt, The Tillsonburg News – April 2018
by Angela Lassam

Although it appears early to think of plants with the prolonged cold weather it is time to start seeds indoors. There are some seeds that need a little help to start their germination. It is a task that will get your seeds to germinate a little quicker. 

Scarification is a method commonly used by gardeners to speed up the germination stage. This word may sound like a complicated process but it is not. It is simply a way to open up the seed to allow moisture to start the growth. There are several ways to do this according to the size of the seed and the thickness of its outer layer. Seeds with a shell-like skin need to be rubbed with a rasp or heavy sandpaper until a white inner part can be seen. Another method is to rub smaller seeds between two pieces of sandpaper until white can be seen on them. Seeds with an eye (hilum) or scar where it was attached to the ovary inside the fruit needs care. The seed needs to be nicked with a small knife or nail clippers on the opposite side to the eye. All types of beans are among the easiest to see and prepare in this way.

Many seeds can benefit from scarification. Flowers that come to mind are morning glory, nasturtium, moonflower, sweet peas and castor beans (remember these are poisonous!). Vegetables are any beans, peas, squash and cucumber. 

As soon as you have done this stage the seeds must be soaked in room temperature water for 12 hours and then planted immediately to avoid molding. Most seeds will benefit from a prior soaking especially if they are going to be planted in lighter soils.

Stratification is also suggested for speedier germination. This is very different from scarification although it may sound similar. It simulates the embryonic dormancy phase. The method used is to soak seeds in room temperature water for a few hours and then place in a plastic bag in damp peat moss. Seal the bag and place overnight in a refrigerator. This will mimic a cold wet spring. This process is a common approach for milkweed seeds and most perennials.

The commercial urn beautification project started last year is coming up soon and a sample of the urn will be on display at the Home & Garden Springfest on 20^th – 22nd April in the Tillsonburg Community Complex. If you would like to purchase either an urn or insert (maybe more!) contact Kathy McCormick, 519-403-4035 or email: k.mccor7013@gmail.com.

A reminder that the annual plant auction is coming on May 15^th in the Lions Auditorium, Tillsonburg Community Complex. Hopefully members are thinking about what they can contribute to make this event the best ever yet. Every year it grows even bigger. It is open to everyone so please mark your calendar and join in. 

The next monthly meeting for the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society will be on Tuesday May 1st @ 7.30 p.m. in the Senior Centre Auditorium, Tillsonburg Community Complex. Bob and Ann Granatier from Trails End Iris Gardens, Brantford will talk about irises. 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.