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ESSEX HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION
FEBRUARY 2006 NEWSLETTER
February is the shortest month of the year and with it being so warm lately it makes you think that spring
is right around the corner. I'm getting the itch to start seeds after looking thru seed catalogues. If it's still too early the spring house cleaning has started, with the
hopes that as soon as spring kicks in, Im free of the house again for months. At our executive meeting we finished going thru the Constitution of our club. I must say
thank you to Neil Thomas [up there in Heaven] who, over looked it and made our work so easy. There was only a slight variation made and with any luck the Constitution will
be available for your viewing at this February Meeting. A big thank you to the executive for doing what I think, is boring work but is important. Our budget for this
year moved along quickly also, as we had applied for our grants last month. We followed thru with last years motion to give Holy Name, Maplewood and the Sun Parlor Schools $100.
each to assist them with their Schools in Bloom participation. With regards to the flower beds in town, we are looking for planting ideas. The judges in the Communities
in Bloom suggested that the beds reflect some of the murals. We are looking for volunteers to be responsible for a bed - to plant and maintain it for the summer and fall.
We are also exploring the possibility of getting trees from ERCA for the
schools and for our members. We'll keep you posted.
Stacey and Dan Hildenbrand are working to set up a Web Page for our club.
It might carry our monthly newsletter and pictures of our events in connection with the O.H.A. main web page. I'm astounded that they can manipulate this computer at all; I
have just wiped out half of this note and had to restart. It's Valentine's Day to-day [the day that I'm writing] when you read this, give your loved one a big hug and a kiss
and they will be wondering what's up with you, as you will be running a little bit late or else they will be lucky that it happened twice in one month. Enjoy life as we only make
it around once.
Kathy
As most of you are aware the town of Essex (Ward 1) has applied to enter this years competition.
Our first meeting is later this month. Discussions will centre on how to increase our score from last year. As part of the committee, Kathie, Teresa and I are looking
for improvements in the flower and landscaping areas. We encourage the entire club to help with ideas for these areas and also, if asked, to assist in the improvements.
ERCA has been approached for native trees and shrubs for planting throughout the town.
Tim OHagan
OF THIS AND THAT
.
Have you renewed your Membership? NO? DO IT N0W
.Bonnie will help you. It
only costs $7.00 to belong to this GROWING organization..
SPRING IS ON THE HORIZON
..Celebrate Spring. Bring branches indoors to force bloom. Try
Forsythia, Plum, Apricot, Peach, Cherry > Has anyone ever tried lilac?
The Naturalized Landscape Course will soon be starting. If you want more information call
259
2407.
Take Geranium cuttings; By the end of April they should have some good roots.
FROM YOUR SECRETARY
.
Hello, Fellow Gardeners,
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I hope you are all enjoying this unusual Winter. I trust Wiarton Willy is correct and that we will have an
early Spring; Im getting anxious to get outside.
"Winter Blooms" at St. Clair College will give us a head start ! I am looking forward to going
and I hope to see many of you there too.
Kathy, Tim and I will be attending the Communities In Bloom Seminar at Colasanti's on March 1st. We
will give a report at the March General Meeting.
OHA
COMMEMORATIVE STAMPS
A COLLECTOR'S ITEM
.
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Just a reminder that March 8th Canada Post will issue four new domestic rate stamps (51 cents) celebrating
the best of Canadian Gardens, and commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Ontario Horticultural Association. The stamps are truly beautiful! Debbie Adams, stamp designer,
has illustrated the four main types of gardens with the wildlife that each would attract
.sunny flower gardens -- shade gardens -- rock gardens -- water gardens.
Quantities are limited so contact your local Post Office - 776 7781 - or call Canada Post at 1-800-565-4362
Have you thought of the OHA CONVENTION PHOTO COMPETITION? 2006 This cold
weather would be a perfect time for you to go through all your hort-photos! This year digital pictures are accepted. Kathy has all the info. Deadline is June 1st, 2006.
Enjoy the season, Teresa
YOUTH GARDENER COMING PROGRAM
Hi Everyone,
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Here's information about upcoming events for the Youth Gardening Club as well as the Snack List for
everyone. Put it on your fridge as a reminder of your month. We still need snacks for September, October and November. If there are any questions or thoughts
about any of the ideas for the months to come, call me at 776-9262.
Here is our exciting list of events to come:
March 15th: making Eggheads, Flubber and Starting our Herb Gardens.
April 19th: Mosaic pots, planting flower seed in them and Dried Bean Pictures.
May 17th : Claymations, making your stepping stone
Please note Everyone bring in at least 1 cup worth of (beads, or colorful pebbles
or broken pottery (please e no sharp edges), something that you think would look nice in a stepping stone.
June 21st: Beading garden decorations and making wind chimes
:One Saturday / Sunday in June, I will hopefully be ready to plant the vegetable
garden with the intentions of planting the usual row for the food bank. Anyone interested in helping, just let me know. The official date to be announced.
Also the above topics may be subject to change depending on availability of materials or a more interesting
topic may arise.
September 20th, October 18th, November 22nd topics are to be announced.
SNACK SCHEDULE
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Thank-you everyone for volunteering to bring in the snacks for your month. The Gardening club is a success
because of your contributions.
MARCH Carrie Augustine (Andrea)
APRIL Lee Anne Curtis (Kevin)
MAY Hedi Lee (Mary-Evelyn)
JUNE Carol (Grace)
Thank you in advance, Deb Ramsay
ALONG THE GRAHAM SIDE ROAD
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Around the middle of January the weather was so warm that I could not believe that the forsythia bush
was not budding out. I cut a few branches and put them in water. By February 9th they were blooming and continue to look cheery, today. February 19th.
Last week two large ash trees in our front yard fell under the saw. These were
14" and 16" in diameter and one we cut down last fall was 9-10" in diameter. There is a larger one near the ditch waiting for the hydro company to take down and two smaller ones
going next year. This is very sad, as my parents planted these trees and these trees helped block our view of the road and traffic going by, at the same time providing us complete
privacy and quiet. There will be fewer trees to provide cooling shade and perches for the birds and animals. ................. Lynn Imeson
Did you know that?
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·
dry teasel heads were once used by clothiers to raise the nap on wool cloth?
·
Canterbury bells were used in the
1800s in pots to decorate halls and staircases and were also used in front of fireplaces to conceal them during the warm months?
·
the purple flowers of motherwort are usually always hidden as they tend to be covered by moss
and dry leaves where they grow in moist soil at the foot of large trees?
·
larkspur is thus named as the flower
resembles the spurred Lark's foot?
·
mythical writings referred to the iris as having descended from a rainbow as these were the colours
of the attendant of Juno?
·
ice plant is so called as the dew-drops
that cover the leaves when in the shade appear to be frozen crystals when in sunlight?
·
hydrangea was used to describe a braggart
as its flowers were not followed by fruit? It was felt that this resembled the actions of a boaster where his words were not followed by reliable results. The most common use for
hydrangea over the years has been as a diuretic to increase the flow of urine and remove impurities from the system.
·
gladiators mixed fennel into their food as they believed it would increase their strength?
·
columbine has been associated with
folly but historians of mythology do not know why?
·
Native grown Iceland Moss was used in remedies for coughs and consumptions in the 1800s in North
America? As the demand for it grew, it was also imported from Norway, Iceland and Lapland where it had been used as a source of food; boiled in broth or milk or dried and made into
bread.
- Information gleaned from Flora's Lexicon, The Language of Flowers, Crosby, Nicholas, Lee & Co., Boston,
USA 1860
Reprinted by Algrove Publishing - Classic Reprint Series, Ottawa Canada 2001
Lynn Imeson
ADOPT A TREE PROGRAM YOUTH GARDENERS CLUB
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The Adopt-a-Tree program has been adapted since October 2003. Mandated by our Executive, it is a vital part of our club and
the children are encouraged to participate in its study. Up until now, we have two young recipients who have successfully completed the criteria. They are Mary-Evelyn Lee,
April 2005 and Fletcher Clugston, February 2006 (photo on left). More are inspired to do so at their age appropriate level. Below is a detailed explanation of this venture.
Throughout Canada, trees grow in all shapes and sizes. Tree watching is a great
hobby, especially if you choose one and study it through the year. The Essex and District Horticultural Society Youth Gardeners will each be adopting a tree and watching it throughout
the seasons. After a year of documenting their work, a certificate and medal will be presented. Below are the criteria to follow during the changing seasons of your adopted
tree.
*Keep a scrapbook of your findings with each item dated. First, name and
describe your tree. Note where it is located by drawing a simple map.
*Draw sketches or take photographs of your tree each season. See if the shape
changes.
*Make a bark rubbing by using strong, thin paper. Attach the paper to the trunk and rub firmly in one direction only with a crayon. Slowly the bark pattern will appear.
If the bark is very rough, put some newspaper under the paper so that it does not tear. Label your bark rubbing with an arrow to show which is the top and bottom.
Here are some ideas to add to your tree project.
WINTER--This is the best time to draw the shape of your tree. Notice how the
branches grow and divide and the directions they take. This is a good time to take a bark rubbing.
SPRING - Record when the buds come into leaf. How are the buds arranged on the
twig--opposite or alternate?
SUMMER - Measure the length of shade that your tree makes. Look for insects, nests
or animals that inhabit in it.
AUTUMN - Collect fruit from your tree, if it is a fruit tree. Count the seeds
in the fruit. Record when the first fruit falls. Press leaves or do leaf rubbings.
The intention of this program is to guide the children to appreciate trees and
the good they are for us. We hope their annual observations and recordings of their favourite
tree will merit lifelong value and enjoyment. Thank you to Youth Coordinator, Deborah Ramsey for continuing the syllabus.
Carol Anne Taylor
COMING EVENTS
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March 2,3,4,5, STRATFORD GARDEN FESTIVAL
March 4
WINTER BLOOMS LANDSCAPE AND GARDEN EXPO
ST.CLAIR COLLEGE 10.00 A.M - 4.00 P.M Fee: $5.00
March 8 12 CANADA
BLOOMS TORONTO
March 14 ESSEX HORT CLUB EXECUTIVE MEETING KINSMEN
FIELDHOUSE 7.30 PM
March 15 YOUTH GARDENERS MEETING KINSMEN
FIELDHOUSE 6.00 7.30 PM
March 16 18 SUCCESS WITH GARDENING SHOW
TORONTO
March 18 OHA DISTRICT 11 SPRING MEETING BRIGDEN
March 22 ESSEX HORT CLUB REGULAR MEETING KINSMEN FIELDHOUSE 7.30 P.M.
SPEAKER NANCY KNOWLES on KIDS GARDENING AT
THEIR SCHOOL
March 21, OR 22, OR 23 ARBORETUM,, GUELPH PRUNING
WORKSHOP 1.00 4.30 P.M.
March 31 DUCK WORKSHOP 9:00 AM 4:00 PM ARBORETUM
April 6 9 RBG GARDEN SHOW
April 26 ESSEX HORT CLUB REGULAR MEETING PLANT & SEED EXCHANGE
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