HELEN NICOLAOU, Special to The Standard
As I look back at this past year and appreciate the gains in growth around our community, I anticipate the coming of the New Year with renewed hope, embracing new ideas for the upcoming garden season.
The November meeting was well attended by members, along with guests Wilma Wotten Regional Councillor, Deborah Kiezebrink Ward 4 Councillor, and Robyn Burns Assistant Director for District 17 of the Ontario Horticultural Association.
Wilma brought greetings from the Township and commended our volunteers for their continued volunteering, including the planting and care of the gardens at The Scugog Shores Museum.
Libbi Hood was presented with the “Extra Mile Award” for her outstanding contributions for 2021. Congratulations Libbi.
Robyn Burns officiated the Election of the 2022 Executive and Board of Directors.
A Power Point presentation of the Spring Gardens of the Netherlands was enjoyed by all.
The Seasonal Swag workshop was presented by Gail Marie Cameron of Village Florist and Gifts in Nestleton; it was well attended by twenty-nine members. Gail provided an assortment of fresh boughs, dogwood, cones, outdoor red berries and an assortment of seasonal ribbons. It was an enjoyable, successful evening, with everyone leaving with a unique, lovely swag.
The Canadian Garden Council has proclaimed 2022 as a Celebration of the Canadian Garden, and in true Canadian pride, highlighting Red as the colour of the season.
So with the wintery days of January, we can browse the garden catalogues at our leisure and be inspired to dream of the “New for Spring” perennials and summer-blooming bulbs. It’s the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the great savings on orders placed early.
With the Holidays, Poinsettias are a true favourite plant for gift giving, as well as the Amaryllis. With its large exotic flowers, the Amaryllis bulb originated in the South American tropical regions. It is one of the easiest to bring to bloom, flowering anywhere, from late December to June.
Once taken out of cool storage temp. 4-10c and planted in the soil, the bulb will bloom in eight weeks. Depending on the size of the bulb, the stem will grow quickly, revealing flower buds which may produce up to four or five blooms per stem. Once finished blooming, with continued aftercare during growth and dormancy, the Amaryllis will reward with blooms again by the following holidays.
The board will be working hard planning programs and meetings for the upcoming Garden Season during the next months. The next garden club meeting will be held on March 14th, 2022.
The Pine Ridge Garden Club Wishes all a Safe and Happy Holiday Season for the New 2022 Year.