Pine Ridge Garden Club News

by Helen Nicolaou

Early snow and frigid winds caught many of us off guard before we could complete the garden duties. However, with the return of recent warm temperatures, there was a chance to finish tucking in perennials. Tender ones like roses will need six inches of mulch as well, and newly transplanted plants need to be watered and protected with about 2-3 inches of leaves/mulch to survive the winter. Many gardeners were dividing their time between putting up holiday lights and decorations and raking leaves. Lastly, before closing the garden shed for the season, this would be a good time to clean the garden tools. Clean the dirt off and treat the wood handles with linseed oil or something similar to protect them from decay. Also, spray lubricant on the metal blades of loppers, pruners and hedge trimmers to keep your tools rust-free and trouble-free come spring.

Tuesday, November 4th, was a special evening as registered members gathered and became designers during the Holiday Planter Workshop. All participants received the required bundle of materials, with plenty of extra greens to finish their designs. Many had brought in decorations, which really added a personalised touch. Congratulations, all designs were beautifully done to proudly display to welcome friends, family or passersby for the Holidays.  This was a large design that required the assistance of many to be a success, beginning with Norma H. and Helen N. for collecting and organising the materials needed to complete the design, and for providing instruction on the materials. Thank you also to several board members, Carolyn H., Kim O., and Jackie H., for their help in gathering the evergreens needed. And also thank you to Joan Z. for allowing Norma and me to make the trip to her farm for the gorgeous texture only balsam fir and white pine can give, for that professional touch. Thank you to Jill S. and Krystal L. for serving up the sweets and tea/coffee for the evening. It was a fun, social night for everyone.

Norma H. has researched and brought to our attention, artificial outdoor berries should not be used in any outdoor designs, as wintering birds have eaten them and perished due to their toxicity. Members, please remove the berries from your designs promptly after Christmas, and we also “encourage everyone to remove the artificial berries from commercially bought designs as well.”

Our final Pine Ridge Garden Club meeting for 2025 will be held on Tuesday, December 2nd, at 6:30 p.m. Be ready for a treat as we will be setting up for a full Potluck Supper. This evening will include our Year-End Annual General Meeting, the results of the Photo Competition, the Election of Officers, Awards, and Door Prizes.