Happy Canada Day! Whatever your day entails, please pause for a moment in gratitude for this amazing country that is our home. We are truly blessed to live here.
Since we’re being patriotic today, here’s a pop quiz! What is the provincial grass of Saskatchewan? If you guessed the needle and thread grass, you’re right!
Provincial tree? The white or paper birch. Provincial fruit? The yummy Saskatoon berry.
Of course, we have to talk about our beautiful provincial flower, lilium philadelphicum, the western red lily. This stunning flower is native to North America, growing in fields, along ditches, and in lightly wooded areas. In 1941, the western lily became our provincial flower and appears on our provincial flag.
Did you know that the western lily is protected? It is protected under the “Provincial Emblems and Honours Act” which states that “No person shall pick, cut down, dig, pull up, injure or destroy, in whole or in part, whether in blossom or not, the plant that produces the flower that is the floral emblem of Saskatchewan.” How lucky that such legislation is in place to protect the lily for future generations. As Canadian songstress Joni Mitchell sang “Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone” in that wonderful song “Big Yellow Taxi”, we surely must protect these special plants before it is too late.
(As gardeners, we know very well about the delicate balance in nature; while our lily is officially protected, we should always be aware of “unofficially” protecting other wild plants that may not be protected under the law, but still should be treated with the same care to ensure their place in the future. Because when they are gone, they are gone. That would be a sad legacy indeed.)
But how lucky we are that Saskatchewan is so rich in horticultural learning opportunity! If you would like to experience a new gardening adventure within our beautiful province, let me tell you about the Saskatchewan Horticultural Association Annual Bus Tour. This is a three day “gardener’s getaway” that takes place July 17, 18 and 19. Saskatoon is the base for this tour which goes to local gardens as well as places of special horticultural interest such as the greenhouses, orchards, test plots, and Patterson arboretum at the University of Saskatchewan; a micro green grower, Meewasin, a grower that specializes in cut flowers for market sales, and much more! The fee includes most meals, accommodations and admission fees; all you have to do it get on the bus, relax, and take it all in! If you are interested, call Denise at (306) 331-9181. Any interested gardeners are welcome!
Closer to home, and for one exciting day only, I also would like to remind you about the Yorkton and District Horticultural Society “Annual Fruit, Flower, and Vegetable Show”, Tuesday, August 11 from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at St. Gerard’s Parish Complex. I know it is still several weeks away, but please mark it on your calendar! The show gives you a chance to see a wide and beautiful selection of plants and floral displays, and you can also enjoy tea and dainties! What a nice way to spend an afternoon! Please plan to join us, and bring a friend!
Find out more about these and the group’s activities at www.yorktonhort.ca
Wishing you a Happy Canada Day; I hope you can enjoy some time in your garden today! Have a great week, and on hot days, be sure to wear a hat!
