Outside, a brisk March wind blows flakes of snow across the roads.
Too early for gardening? Yes. But never too early to talk about gardening.
It was the first meeting of the year for the Innisfil Garden Club this week and members were invited to renew their memberships, share refreshments and enjoy a Meet & Greet at the Churchill Community Centre.
About 27 gardeners, some long-time members and others new to the club, talked about everything from the Innisfil Garden Club’s 40th Anniversary this year, to tips on gardening.
Problem with moles? Try Juicy Fruit gum, placed in the burrows.
Skunk under the shed? Red hot paprika from the bulk store can drive away the pesky skunks who, when they dig up lawns in summer, are simply hunting for white grubs.
According to one member, the Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a cold June; she recommended an investment in cold frames and ready-to-use covers to protect flowering plants.
But some flowers – including cold-loving delphiniums and lupins – can be planted in the snow.
Want a bed of brightly-coloured Zinnias this year? Don’t transplant, but simply scatter the seed in an area in full sun or partial shade - and don’t over-water or mildew will be a problem.
Talk ranged from bird-watching, to gardens in Quinte and in Cuba, to some of the upcoming events in the gardening calendar, including Seedy Saturday at the Lakeshore Branch of the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library on March 30, a joint venture between the Innisfil Seed Library and the Innisfil Garden Club; and a planned Garden Tour in Cookstown, in September.
“Welcome back,” said club president, Lucy Valente, highlighting some of the activities and outlining a new goal, for the club: to get more kids involved this year.
“Getting them started with seeds and with planting – just having fun,” said Valente, describing youth outreach as a way to revitalize the club. “That’s how you continue it, with new blood, new ideas.”
The next meeting of the Innisfil Garden Club will take place Monday, April 8 at the Churchill Community Centre in Innisfil, at 7:30 p.m. Speaker will be Dugald Cameron, on Lilacs.
More gardening events:
Seedy Saturday at the BWG Public Library and Cultural Centre, 425 Holland St. West in Bradford, on Saturday, March 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Master Gardeners, guest speakers, vendors, kids’ crafts, prizes and more. Talks include Succulents at 10 a.m., Butterfly Gardening at 11 a.m., Square Foot Gardening at noon, and Seed Starting at 1 p.m. The event also launches the BWG Seed Library.
The Bond Head-Bradford Garden club holds its first meeting of 2019 at the Danube Seniors Leisure Centre, 715 Simcoe Rd. in Bradford, on Thursday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m. Guest speaker will be Master Gardener, Joan Nieman-Agapas.
Seedy Saturday at the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library’s Lakeshore Branch, 967 Innisfil Beach Rd. in Alcona takes place Saturday, March 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eighteen seed vendors, local gardening groups and businesses will have displays. Advice from Master Gardeners, a Community Seed Swap, Kids’ activities, talks that include Mariposa Moment with the Butterfly Whisperer, and Weeds for a Healthy Garden and a Healthy You. Admission is free, with a donation of non-perishable food for the Innisfil Food Bank.
Bond Head-Bradford Garden Club Anniversary meeting on Thurs., April 25 at the Danube Seniors Leisure Centre in Bradford, 715 Simcoe Rd. at 7:30 p.m. Guest Speaker is Paul Zammit, on The Importance of Pollinators. There will be a cake!
Lakeview Gardens garden centre, 1712 Killarney Beach Rd. in Lefroy, Innisfil, hosts its annual Spring Open House, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 4. Tour the greenhouses, pre-order hanging baskets, heritage tomatoes and Giant Onion sets, and get a taste of spring!
The Innisfil Garden Club hosts its Spring Flower Show and Social Tea on May 11, Mother’s Day weekend. Show entries should be delivered to the Churchill Community Centre between 9:30 and 11 a.m.; judging begins promptly at 11 a.m. Doors open to the public from noon until 1:30 p.m., to view the flowers, and enjoy a Social Tea and light lunch, only $7 per person. All welcome.
Bond Head-Bradford Garden Club’s Mother’s Day Plant and Bake Sale takes place at the Bond Head Community Hall, on County Rd. 27, Saturday, May 11, from 9 a.m. to noon. Come early for the best selection of annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, and baked goodies.
The Innisfil Garden Club meets at the Churchill Community Centre in Innisfil, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. Guest speaker is Master Gardener Dan Cooper, co-author of Gardening from a Hammock, on How to Make Your Garden Work for You. Refreshments.
The Bond Head-Bradford Garden Club holds its annual Plant Auction May 23, 7 p.m. at the Danube Seniors Leisure Centre, 715 Simcoe Rd. A great way to restock the garden at bargain prices, and a great evening of fun. Cash only, please.
Innisfil Garden Club’s Tailgate Sale, BBQ, Bake and Plant Sale takes place at the South Innisfil Arboretum, Shoreacres Drive and Sideroad 20, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 25. Vendors interested in the Tailgate Sale, please call Lucy Valente, at 705-716- 5848. To donate plants for the Plant Sale contact Mona Rea, 705-456-0132. Baking for the Bake Sale? Call Sharon Wice, 705-456-3316.
