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 150th 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 12th 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 5th @ 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.