HELEN NICOLOAU,
Pine Ridge Garden Club
SCUGOG: The Pine Ridge Garden Club's first meeting of 2023 was held on March 14th and was well attended. Our president, Libbi Hood, welcomed everyone, including some new members.
Our talented members provided a variety of Sweet and Savoury treats to enjoy, during the presentation on Scotney Castle and Gardens, by speaker Libbi Hood. This was followed by a presentation from Norma Haney, who took the mystery out of the how, what and where of entering specimens in the upcoming shows, of design ideas and how to use the Pine Ridge Garden Club Yearbook.
On Tuesday, April 4th, at 7:30 p.m., Katherine Mathewson of the Durham Master Gardeners will be speaking on "Soil – It Begins Here." Come out to see what is involved in taking the guesswork out of giving your plants the best chance of growing which will continue to reward your efforts, during the summer season, through autumn and beyond.
There is still time to register for the District 17 Annual General Meeting, hosted by the Cannington Horticultural Society, on Saturday, April 29th. It includes speakers, a silent auction, door prizes and lunch, all for $30. The last day to reserve your seat will be at the Tuesday, April 4th meeting. You must be registered to enter the competitions.
Our popular Annual Plant, Bake and Yard Sale Fundraiser, this year, is quickly coming up. It will be held on Saturday, May 20th, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Nestleton Hall. We are looking for our members to grow tomatoes, peppers, herbs or flowers from seed, as well as donate perennials, shrubs and houseplants. Donations are greatly appreciated. More details will be announced at the April 4th meeting.
With warmer sunny days, since the time change, a casual stroll around the yard brings us to take notice of some spring tasks ahead. You may want to plant fruit trees or wonder how to give plants a good start to the growing and producing season.
Dormant spray helps and is done only in early spring. It is a combination of Horticultural Oil and Lime Sulphur and is recommended to be applied onto hardy landscape plants, while they are completely dormant and before buds turn green. Here is a list of a few, various fruit trees, roses, ornamental shrubs, evergreens (cedars, green Junipers, euonymus) and trees such as (hawthorn, crab apple and honey locust).
In addition, dormant spray is helpful in the treatment of overwintering insects, such as scale and mites, insect eggs and diseases. Spraying the soil as well as the plant helps to control black spots and powdery mildew on roses.
Spray this on calm days, with no rain forecasted, to ensure proper coverage and treatment. The morning is best, so the plant has time to become completely dry by evening. To prevent plant damage, you should apply the spray when temperatures are no lower than 5°C with no risk of frost overnight.
Be sure to read all instructions on safe handling and which plants benefit from the dormant application before applying any insecticide or herbicide. This includes Natural and Organic solutions.
We're looking forward to seeing everyone at the next meeting, for an informative evening with refreshments, door prizes and good old chit-chat. Guests are always welcome.
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