Orange was chosen “for it’s warm and inviting qualities” and to “symbolize growth, optimism and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.” This colour was selected by Communities In Bloom and the Canadian Garden Council for Canada in 2024.
Plan to add orange annual, perennial and native plants to your garden this year.
📷 THS Member gardens
Last night, the THS general meeting was interesting and informative.
President Christine welcomed 85+ members and guests. Secretary Barb V shared March Board meeting motions passed and Treasurer Frank detailed the financial position of the THS.
Barb Q welcomed guest speaker Chris Streib B.SC (Kin), registered physiotherapist and owner of Talbot Trail Physio and Dayna Cartier, B. HK.
Chris presented “Bend like a Sapling, Don’t Break like a Twig…”
Chris stressed the importance of warming up and stretching before you start gardening. Also set time limits and break up gardening tasks to avoid stress and strain. Chris touched on common injuries, how to prevent, recover and know when to take a break. Thank you Chris and Dayna!
Tillsonburg are you ready?
We are in the path of “totality” in the Total Eclipse of the Sun on Monday April 8, 2024. Director Cathy shared excellent information in preparation for this awesome lifetime event. The Eclipse will begin at 2:02pm and finish at 4:30pm. At 3:16:43 p.m., Full Totality begins. The sun will be blocked by the moon and remain this way for 2 minutes and 8 seconds.
Cathy stressed “Safety First” while watching the Solar Eclipse!
NEVER view the sun with the naked eye or by looking through unfiltered optical devices like binoculars, telescopes, or your cellphone. You require special solar filters to use these to view the sun.
* Do not use sunglasses or regular camera filters. They are NOT strong enough!
* The only time you can view the sun without solar glasses is when full totality occurs. This will last for 2.08 minutes.
* Buy specially designed Solar Eclipse glasses from a reputable source with ISO150/23122 certification.
Cathy shared a Pin-hole Projector. When using the Pin-Hole Projector, you place your back to the sun and look through the projector to safely view the sun. There are many resources on the internet for this fun family project.
Next total solar eclipse with full totality in Tillsonburg will be October 26, 2144 at 2:31pm!
President Christine, introduced community garden chairpersons and requested members to volunteer and sign up to assist in the gardens. She shared information regarding the Annual Garden Auction on May 21st and finally details for the Spring Buying Tour on May 30th. More details to follow on the THS spring events.
“Support the Hort”
Congratulations to Anne, she was spotted with her “tin mug” at the April meeting. Anne received a sweet prize.
Next General Meeting ~ May 7, 2024,
Brandon Thompson, Cannabis Benefits.
When: Tuesday April 2, 2024
Time: 7:30pm
Where: Senior Centre ~ Tillsonburg Community Centre (Entrance with green awning)
Guests are welcome (non-members) to attend for $4.00. The 2024 annual membership at the cost of $20 will be available for purchase. “Come as a guest, stay as a member.”
Guest Speaker: Chris Streib B.SC (Kin), registered physiotherapist and owner of Talbot Trail Physio in Aylmer.
Chris will present “Bend like a Sapling, Don’t Break like a Twig…”
The importance of warming up and stretching before you head out into the garden this spring! Gardening is one of the most popular past times, especially for older people. As we age, injuries can take the pleasure out of our gardens. Chris will help all of us, no matter if we are “mature” gardeners or young, to keep us injury free and back getting our fingers dirty in the garden.
☕️ “Lug A Mug” ~ The THS is encouraging members to bring their own mug for a hot or cold beverage and dessert following the meeting. Be Spotted with a mug, win a prize! Congratulations to Louise, March meeting prize winner.
Next General Meeting ~ May 7, 2024.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
😷Following Public Health guidelines, there are no COVID vaccine requirements and no masking, though you are welcome to wear a mask, should you feel more comfortable.
March general meeting was interesting and informative. We had a full house of 90+ members and guest.
The highlight was “It’s March Madness – 2024 Panel of Knowledge!” THS members submitted great gardening questions to the expert panel, Jim Mabee, Master Gardener; Cheryl Losch, Master Gardener; and Matt Fenn, Tillsonburg Garden Gate.
Questions??
🌿Dividing Eucomis ?
🌿What is the difference between “Proven Winners” and “No Name” plants?
🌿White cedar damage, what caused this and what do I do?
🌿Yuccas, how do I keep it from spreading and taking over my flower bed?
🌿Pots, pots and more pots! Recycle and reuse!
🌿Patiently waiting for my plants to wake up for the next growing season? Timing and signs of growth?
🌿Red bud tree bark is cracking and peeling away at ground level ? Help!
🌿Difference between compost and mulch?
🌿Pruning my wisteria?
🌿 Has Canada come out with a new Hardiness Zone Map?
🌿Golden Chain tree dilemma?
🌿How often should l amend the soil in my perennial and annual lower garden? Can you use the soul from previous years con in your garden?
🌿What is the difference between Dipladenia and Mandevilla plants? Care and overwintering indoors?
Thank you to Cheryl, Jim, Matt and THS members for sending great questions.
Answers, ask a THS member !
President Christine shared information about the 16th Annual Garden Auction and Plant Sale on May 21st. This is the THS annual fundraising event!
Planning your 2024 garden, consider planting “Orange”. It is the colour to plant in 2024!
“Lug A Mug” ~ Louise was spotted with her mug at the March meeting social and received a sweet gift. Great response to “Lug A Mug” from membership!
April 2, 2024 General Meeting –
Bend like a Sapling, Don’t Break like a Twig….. The importance of warming up and stretching before you head out into the garden this spring!
Chris Streib B.SC (kin) is a registered physiotherapist and owner of Talbot Trail Physiotherapy.
Photo Credit: Linda and Pat
We had a full house last night at the February General Meeting. A warm welcome to many new members.
Guest speaker Denise Hodgins, Garden Coach and Designer shared her vast knowledge of “Starting Seeds and Cuttings”. It was an excellent presentation.
Marian presented Volunteer Awards for 5, 10 and 15 years THS members. Congratulations to Angela, Marg, Jean and Judi. We appreciate your dedication to our horticultural society and community.
The seed exchange was a great success with an impressive selection of seeds. Thank you to Angela & Sue for organizing and Jean for assisting.
When: Tuesday March 5, 2024
Time: 7:30pm
Where: Senior Centre ~ Tillsonburg Community Centre
Guests are welcome (non-members) to attend for $4.00. The 2024 annual membership at the cost of $20 will be available for purchase. “We Support The Hort.”
🌿So excited to bring back the “March Plant Madness and the Panel of Knowledge.”
🌿You have questions, we have answers! Join Panel of Knowledge ~ Jim Mabee, Master Gardener; Cheryl Losch, Master Gardener; and Matt Fenn, Tillsonburg Garden Gate, as they answer selected questions about anything plant/tree/shrub related.
🌿All questions will be placed in a draw and selected for the panel to answer. Everyone who sends in a question will be eligible for a draw prize donated by Tillsonburg Garden Gate Ltd.
☕️ “Lug A Mug” ~ The THS is encouraging members to bring their own mug for a hot or cold beverage and dessert following the meeting. Be Spotted with a mug, win a prize! Congratulations to Vivian, February meeting prize winner.
🌷 Next General Meeting ~ April 2, 2024.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
😷Following Public Health guidelines, there are no COVID vaccine requirements and no masking, though you are welcome to wear a mask, should you feel more comfortable.
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.”
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.