Pine Ridge Garden Club News

HELEN NICOLAOU, Special to The Standard

SCUGOG: This week has inspired many a gardener to flock to the garden centres. A special weekend for all Mothers, and with the long weekend just around the corner, we have been in a panic to buy up the colourful planters and annuals to fill our gardens and make the most of our short summer season. But beware; although the days are bright and warm, the nights are cool. Newly purchased perennials will be fine, but the tender annuals and vegetable transplants will be set back and suffer during an unexpected frost. Best to wait till after the May long weekend, possibly even the first week in June, for transplanting. As always, it depends on your location and microclimate.

The District 17 AGM on Saturday, April 29th, hosted by the Cannington Horticultural Society and held at St. Paul's Leaksdale Church, was a wonderful day enjoyed by several members of the Pine Ridge Garden Club.

As a first-time participant, I appreciated all the planning involved in the organization of such a well-run event. From the unique table centrepieces, silent auction, the three competition rooms, lovely served lunch and vendors to amuse us in between the two great speakers. There certainly was no downtime.

Our Team Challenge Display Titled "Welcome Pollinators," created by Norma Haney, Helen Nicolaou and Shelley Brock, earned us an amazing second-place ribbon. Shelley received a Best in Show in The Horticultural class with her superb flowering almond branch. Norma received two second-place awards in the photography class, and Libbi Hood received a ribbon in the miniature design class. Congratulations, everyone, on your efforts.

Tuesday, May 2nd, at the Nestleton Hall meeting, speaker Joanne Shaw gave us great tips on "How to Design a Low Maintenance Garden" Joanne recommended using the new compact shrubs and perennials, which would be easier to manage in the space created. The Spring Flower Show filled the air at the hall with delicate scents from the many Narcissus and Hyacinth blooms. Delaine Dyer won Best in Show in the Design Class for her line design arrangement, "Understated Elegance," and Helen Nicolaou won Best in Show in the Horticultural Class with her succulent planter. It was wonderful to see entries submitted by new members. Please continue; you did great!

Tuesday, June 6th, at 7:30 p.m., speaker Leif Peterson, photographer, will be presenting "Mother Nature What a Show Off"- offering tips on taking not only good pictures but great ones. Iris is the star of "The June Iris Show" Please check the June Iris Schedule in your yearbook for details regarding proper size requirements, number of stalks, and any extra tips in the OJES booklet for classes where highlighted. All entries must be labelled and submitted between 6 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. There will be refreshments and door prizes. Remember to Lug your Mug. Guests are always welcome.

Gardeners, it's Here. Come out on Saturday, May 20th, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Nestleton Hall, where the Pine Ridge Garden Club will be holding the "Annual Plant, Bake and Yard Sale Fundraiser." There will be a great selection of plants, homemade baked goods, yard sale treasures and door prizes. Come early for the best selection. See you all there.

PineRidgeGardenClub.com