Category Archives: News

“Dreaming about the garden!”

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.

Bert Newman Park Vandalized * Updated

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.

Angela Lassam's Clematis

It’s Still Just Dirt – June 2023 – Angela Lassam

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.

2023 Junior Gardener Program Registration is now OPEN!

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

Tillsonburg-Junior-Gardener-2023-Registration-FormDownload

ITS STILL JUST DIRT APRIL 2023

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.

It’s Still Just Dirt

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

It’s Still Just Dirt

January 2023

Squirrels in the Garden


Angela Lassam

Squirrels like all the other animals seen in our garden can be considered a ‘friend’ in Winter or a gardeners’ nightmare. In conservation areas and woodland they are a vital element in the health of the undergrowth.


They are the friendly creatures many people feed on their decks in Winter. They will become daily visitors and can be an amusement but beware they will also try to continue in other times of the year. Corn cobs left in the field by the harvester will be collected by squirrels and you can watch them carry a whole cob as big as themselves for storage – an amusing site!


The squirrel is a member of the rodent family. The most common one is called the Eastern Gray Squirrel and is native to Eastern Canada. Its color can vary from almost black, grey and even streaked with brown. The other squirrel you see is the Red Squirrel, smaller and more rounded. Both have bushy tails that reach over their whole body. They build nests high in the forks of trees called dreys, which are lined with small branches, leaves and moss. In severe winter cold they will use any old nest to keep warm, even as many as 3 or 4 squirrels together. In Spring squirrels may get into attics to nest where they can be a hazard chewing electrical wiring. They produce 2 litters of 4-8 twice a year, Spring and early Summer. Only 40% survive as hawks and owls are their main predators. They were thought to be herbivores but proven to be omnivore as well as eating any fruit and vegetables squirrels get their minerals from bones and dead vermin.


Squirrels become the gardeners’ pest when they bury their cache of nuts in the garden and lawns. Walnuts are a favorite and will lay dormant in the ground for years. They can store 1000s in one season. It may be squirrels eating your young vegetables and fruit in the garden. Squirrels are constant visitors to bird feeders and there are numerous purchases at the bird food companies to deter them. The newest one on the market has a battery operated turnstyle that switches on when a squirrel gets to the food. The squirrel goes for a very quick ride and falls off. An amusing sight but also expensive and unproven.


An alternative possible solution is to set a tray of food on the perimeter of your garden leading them away from your social space.


YouTube has many interesting ideas how to stop squirrels eat at your bird feeders. There is a cheap setup suggested www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9tn_uVbxPI using a PVC pipe with a cap fixed on the pole below the feeder. It must be at least 4ft off the ground – the distance a squirrel will jump. PVC pipe is very slippery and a squirrel cannot grip it. Any large cup shape can be a baffle but must be smooth. Greasing a feeder pole can work but must be applied daily.


I personally find a slinky fixed under the feeder works well and you can find them in Canadian Tire.


Squirrels are just a small part of our world and like many of our wildlife are a nuisance in our yards but remember if you think hard enough squirrels have a place in the whole picture even if they only provide exercise for our pets.


The next monthly meeting for the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society will be on Tuesday February 7th @ 6.30pm (NOTE THE DIFFERENT TIME) in the Seniors Centre Tillsonburg Community Centre. SEED EXCHANGE @ 6.30 pm, meeting starts 7.30 pm, speaker Andrew Fleet of Growing Chefs, Ontario with the future of food and family relationships. Social time and refreshments to follow.


All welcome; guest $4 or membership $20 annually so come join us. More info on Facebook Tillsonburghorticultural and www.Tillsonburg horticultural.ca.

Dahlias by Angela Lassam

Dahlias are one of the easiest and most rewarding flowers to grow. One or more will give you a sense of achievement for the Summer and into Fall with a fantastic array of color.

Dahlias are of the Asteraceae family with Chrysanthemum. Sunflower and Zinnia.  They come in many variations – pompoms, globe, spiky cactus and dinnerplate(growing to 5ft and flower up to15” in size) with a rainbow of colors.European explorers discovered dahlias on the hillsides of Mexico. They are still popular in Europe today. It is said that the tubers are edible, tasting like a cross between a potato and radish.

Nurseries always have the bright colored packages of Dahlias with other Summer bulbs. They are not a bulb but a tuber. The package will show you the type and color.When you open the package, you will find a bunch of tubers like a hand usually packed in peat moss. Now this time of year it will already show you its tip as sprouts will already be forming showing which is the top.

Dig a hole deep enough to allow the growth tip to be just above the soil and wide enough to spread the ‘fingers’. Adding bonemeal is a good idea. Cover and water well. It is that simple. When planting them make sure to space at least 3ft apart if possible.Slugs may eat them if they are grown too close together. Japanese beetles will burrow into the flower head   and the best way to stop this is a stroll through your garden with a bucket of soapy water and pick them off the flower. Planting a group will give you a continuousdisplay until frost arrives.

Applying fertiliser with a low nitrogen level weekly will produce the best flowers.They are one of the easiest flowers for first time gardeners as they will be almost pest free. The leaves may get very small spider webs which is a sign of spider mites.A spray of 1 gallon of water, 1 tbsp baking soda and ½ tsp Dawn dishsoapshould be applied. This is good for powdery mildew and aphids on all plants.

As soon as the first flower has wilted deadhead it ‘cut it off’ as close to the next branchof the main stem. This will allow many more flowers to form. It can also be done when the first bud appears. This will give it a chance to branch from the base of the leaves on the main stem giving you a plant that looks like a bush.

As soon as frost arrives dig up the tuber and cut off the stem. Allow it to dry off, shake clean and place it in a paper bag with peat. Remember to write the color and type on the bag. Store it in a cool place and check periodically for mold. This is all you will need to do to plant again year after year. So give any dahlia space in your garden even plant one in a large pot with a few small annuals. Sit back and enjoy!

The Tillsonburg Horticultural Society has its main fundraiser – Annual Auction and Plant Sale on Tuesday May 31st at 5pm in the Lions Auditorium Tillsonburg Community Centre. Many plants, containers and hangers, trees and shrubs, $2 $5 $10 perennial table, vegetables and herbs, draw table and then the auction at 6pm. Come and check it out asthe money raised allows us to beautify Tillsonburg.

The Junior Gardeners Program is a ‘go’ this year. Don’t forget to enrol your children.For registration forms and details see Linda Fenn at Tillsonburg Garden Gate or check Facebook Tillsonburghorticultural.Coming on July 9th is ‘Garden Artistry 2022’ a Tour of Gardens hosted with Tillsonburg Station Arts Centre. Call for more information 519 842 6151.

The next monthly meeting is Tuesday June 7th@ 7.30pm in the Senior Centre, Tillsonburg Community Complex, speaker will be Maureen Cocksedge ‘Free plants from division’. Everyone welcome.

HAPPY GARDENING!