Pine Ridge Garden Club News - June 2026

by Helen Nicolaou

June has had many windy, cool days which have made working in the garden, pleasant. It’s been an unusual time, having perennials bloom weeks later than anticipated. The upside of the cool weather is, it gives us time to enjoy a longer bloom time.

Driving around, you will find many u-pick strawberry farms which are open to the public. What a true delight, picking and tasting locally grown, in-season strawberries. There seems to be endless possibilities, of how to prepare strawberries, either, eaten fresh, used in baking, preserved in jam, or frozen to enjoy through the winter months.

The June 2nd meeting was well attended, as members enjoyed speaker Carly McDougall, owner of Bounty from the Boonies, Uxbridge. She talked on how to make the most use of your gardening space with her topic, “Big Food - Small Space.” Members were in awe and taken on a journey of healing and the transformation of her once small and barren yard into the productive space it has come to be today. Thank you Carly, for giving such an inspiring presentation.

The June Iris Show had 68 entries, Iris blooms were delayed but there were many other lovely specimens. Gail J. won Best in Show Horticulture, with her Bearded Iris, at over 27 1/2”. Lynda B. won Best in Show Design “June’s Joyfulness.” Joan Z. won first for her Itoh Peony, Tree Peony class. Anita J won first Flowering Tree, Branch Class, Bridlewreath Spirea. Norma H. won first for her Bearded Iris, Medium Solid Class and Jan K. won first in the Double Lilac Class. Congratulations to all the members for your entries.

Tuesday, July 7th, at 7:30 p.m., we will have Emma Murphy, from the Peterborough Master Gardeners, speak on the topic, “Like Moths to a Flame,” Effects of Lighting on Pollinators.

Gardens are progressing nicely, with the rain and cool weather this month, so we look forward to seeing many entries, from members, for The July Flower and Vegetable Show. Entries will be accepted between 6 to 6:45 p.m., on this evening. See pages 20 and 21 in the Yearbook Show Schedules, for Classes and Divisions. See the note on how to show vegetable/fruit entries and look over OJES for special instructions on quantity or information on Designs.

Coming up, on August 4th, there will be a, primarily, members-only, “The Fresh Flower Design Workshop,” with Alison, from Blackstock Country Gardens. The cost will be $20, for members, and, if space allows, $30, for non-members. Space is limited, so sign-up to reserve your place, to participate at the July meeting. More info will be available at the members table.

Looking ahead into September, members can enjoy a day on the Third Annual Self-Drive Garden Tour, visiting unique private gardens, displaying autumn colour. This will include a chance to speak with the owners and wine tasting, more details still to come.

Guests are always welcome at our monthly meetings. Refreshments and sweets are available in the kitchen. Please lug-a-mug. To become a member, see Carolyn or Kim, and see Margret for Door Prize tickets.

See you there.