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 1st, 2nd and 3rd 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.
