The “Seed Exchange” will be held prior the February 6th General Meeting from 6:30 – 7:30pm. Bring your harvested seeds in clearly labelled packets with planting details. Also used seed packets that you no longer need can be in the seed exchange. Knowledgable volunteers will be able to answer any queries.
“Leave some seeds, take some seeds and enjoy the friendship this event may bring.”
By Sue Healey, Tillsonburg Horticultural Society
February 2024
A garden for every window ~
February can be a hard month to endure in Southwestern Ontario. Even though it’s a short one, this month seems to drag on and on. We are deep into the winter and spring seems a long way off. We’ve had storms, and real winter driving, already there are too many coats and boots in the back hall and too many puddles to be avoided. But if there is snow and sun, February can be fine, dazzling even. If it’s overcast, as so much of January was, we must search a little harder for brightness.
I look to my windows and the houseplants crowded around each one for my dose of brightness. Potted plants were my first horticultural love. Having no access or funding for an outdoor garden, I began with one potted succulent: String of Pearls. It was dead within a month, but not before it had me hooked. In the intervening 30 years there have been more successes than failures and my collection now contains many old friends. I am fortunate enough to have unobstructed windows on three sides: north, east, and south. None are as large as I’d like but we make do, as gardeners must, and each window now hosts its own unique, attendant garden.
Northern windows offer a soft, indirect light and is the weakest of the four. Ficus and ferns, both of which do well in less light live comfortably side by side. To boost humidity pebble trays filled with water, are scattered among the pots, receiving a watering whenever the living things do. Rabbits foot fern (polypodium aureum) is a great fern for the indoors. Able to survive in drier conditions, rounded, silvery fronds stand above hairy, brown rhizomes (hence the common name) that crawl across the surface of the soil. Rex Begonias fit in nicely here, their broad leaves adding flashes of colour among the greenery. Consistent moisture is key to Begonia health. Smaller leaved “eyelash” begonias are as hardy as they come and easily propagated from leaf cuttings.
Southern and Western windows offer plentiful, intense light. This is a prime location for sun lovers such as succulents, euphorbias and peperomia, some even blooming during the winter months. Gasteria, with their ridged stacks of spikes, is one of the easiest succulents to grow and sends out tall stems, adorned with delicate bells throughout the winter. The family is a huge one and cultivars come in a variety of sizes and textures. Euphorbia too, is a vast family, containing unique and often imposing, architectural plants that thrive in the dry, winter conditions so commonly found indoors.
But in February, the east window is my favourite. Here is where and when the orchids bloom. The morning light, humidity level, night-time temperature and weekly watering have combined to give them what they want. They reward me with blooms that last until spring. Beginning in late January, the stems begin to stretch towards the light, shy little buds already formed but held close. Throughout the month of February, the buds fatten until at last they unfurl into rounded, pristine blossoms with faces like dragons. Mine are Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis), the easiest of the lot to grow. Coming in a wide range of colours and patterns, they’re also the easiest to obtain. They like it warm during the day and cooler at night, no wet feet, and a washing of the leaves periodically. Orchids will rest between bloom periods but should be cared for regularly during this period. Given the correct conditions plants can bloom annually for decades. Moth orchids are just a gateway plant into a genus that is as varied as it is vast. There are around 25,000 species that make up the orchid family, each one a marvel of colour and form and often, scent.
Whether you have one window or many there is a plant for you. There is a wide range of easily accessible specimens for every situation. Artificial lighting has come so far in the last decade that you don’t even need windows to grow beautiful, healthy plants. I believe that everyone should care for a green thing. They are good for us. A plant’s tenacity and ingenuity inspire consideration and wonder. Their fragility reminds us that all things need care. Many a visitor has left my home carrying one of my plants and I in turn, have left many with a gift of my own. These gifts are what line my windowsills. They remind me of the giver and brighten the dullest winter’s day.
Learn how to make more plants at the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society’s general meeting on the first Tuesday of the month. February’s speaker is Denise Hodgkins who will be discussing propagation methods. For members of the society, there will be a seed swap starting at 6:30 the same evening. Bring some of your collected seed and leave with something new!
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.
Join us for the THS Annual General Meeting on Tuesday January 2, 2024 at 7:30 pm ~ Senior Centre, Tillsonburg Complex. Guest speaker will be Master Gardener Nancy Abra presenting “Bugs and Diseases in our Gardens”.
If you don’t follow us on social media, you may not be aware that Bert Newman Park was extensively vandalized and damaged between Friday night and Saturday morning. We will share with you these photos.
This is very sad to see. The garden was photographed earlier in the week by Pat Zeyen and the garden was beautiful and coming into its full glory.
If anyone would like to assist with a “one off” volunteering to repair and rebuild this garden, we would greatly appreciate it. Please let us know via any means you feel comfortable contacting us.
*Update to story* our wonderful team of Volunteers, Les Lonsbary, Potters Road Nurseries and Tillsonburg Garden Gate have all donated time and plants Bert Newman Park.
A big thank you to all who helped with this, including Joyce, Kelly, Cathy, Rick & Connie, and Jan and of course Potters Road Nurseries and Tillsonburg Garden Gate.
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.
Tonight is the night!
Time to register for the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society Junior Gardener Program 2023 ~ “Know Your Roots”.
A gardening program for children age 6-14 in the Tillsonburg area. Children grow their home gardens independently.
Benefits of gardening for children –
Mental health
Scientific understanding
Sensory awareness
Using tools
Healthy eating
Responsibility & patience
Body control & fine motor skills
Register your children early by completing the registration form and emailing to patzeyen@gmail.com
Registered children will receive a planting package of seeds, bulbs, plants and a gardening booklet.
Planting packages will be available June 3rd & 4th at Tillsonburg Garden Gate. Registration fee of $3 will be collected.
Children can elect to have their garden judged in August, if they wish. Prizes will be awarded.
Additional information on THS Facebook: Tillsonburg Horticultural
Instagram: tillsonburghort
or email patzeyen@gmail.com
Angela Lassam
Growing Strawberries and other soft fruit
When you are deciding what to do in your vegetable garden consider trying to incorporate some soft fruit. If you do not have any garden but would like to have fresh home-grown fruit this summer plant up a pot or container to enjoy. It is easy to grow most of the common fruit we use in smoothies, fruit salad even garnish for a salad.
Strawberries are the most favoured fruit all over the world and always available but they are the easiest of fruits to grow and when in season are sweeter, fresh and easy to acquire or pick your own locally. You only need to buy a few plants the first season. One plant can increase to several within the first year. They can be purchased either as a potted plant to go directly in the soil or as a bare root with just a compact crown. ‘Albion’ is a good versatile everbearing type, hardy to zone 2.
Before planting the bare root stock you will need to place them in water for a few hours. Plant them 1ft apart and at least 2ft between the rows to form a strawberry bed keeping the crown above the soil. They need at least 6 hours of sunlight. Apply a slow release fertilizer and top dress with straw to protect the roots and help prevent mold forming. They need daily watering. Do not plant where you have had verticillium wilt or fusilarium which is common on tomatoes. After fruiting each plant will put out runners and will root to make new plants. They can be left between the old ones or nipped off and replanted to make the strawberry bed larger.
The strawberry is not a true fruit as its seeds are on the fleshy outer membrane- the yellow seeds, as many as 200 on a single fruit. The fruit is high in vitamin C and manganese and 90% water. It is the protein creating the red colour that causes allergens; specifically hay fever, hives and in some cases dermatitis.
Raspberries are one of the fruits often used in smoothies but best when eaten as a dessert or snack. As with strawberries they are easy to grow and sweetest when fresh picked in season. A few plants will produce a good yield and multiply quickly. They look like green sticks called canes.
They can be found potted up ready to plant or as bare roots. As soon as last frost has passed find a location protected from winds and where they can be supported. Soak the bare roots a few hours before planting. They need to be 18” apart allowing for extra canes to form. As they grow they will need supporting with a trellis or wire, they can grow up to 5’. They like compost dressing and watering frequently. After they have finished fruiting they need the fruit canes pruned to the ground. Leave any new canes for next year and any suckers can be cut out and replanted for next year increasing your raspberry patch. Everbearing are the easier canes to buy as they fruit first year and need to be pruned completely at year end. Heirlooms fruit on second year canes and you need to prune out only those that have fruited.
The raspberry is a perennial of the buckwheat family, hardy to zone 3. It is the same as the strawberry, not a true fruit as it has its seeds in the drupelets – the fleshy part of the fruit which numbers over 100 per fruit. The other difference is it leaves the core on the stem. The raspberry is usually pest free but look out for the Japanese beetle and spider mites.
Interesting note – both these fruits are on the top of a list in California called “Dirty Dozen” for the highest pesticide contamination.
Growing your own fruit is the best way we can be sure we can enjoy its freshness and is good for our health and well being.
The next meeting for the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society is on Tuesday May 2nd 7.30pm in the Senior Centre Tillsonburg Community Centre. The topic is ‘New hostas for 2023’ with Shirley Kosh, Riverbend Gardens & Nursery. Bring cash, plants for sale. Social time. Guest $4 or $20 annual membership. More information www.tillsonburghorticultural.ca or Facebook-Tillsonburghorticultural. Everyone welcome.
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