We can probably say that aside from planting bulbs for next year, or some last minute moving of perennials, our 2016 gardens are completed. What are your thoughts about the year? Many gardeners said that this year was much earlier than usual, with plants coming to bloom or maturity two to three weeks ahead of schedule. I agree!
The other day I cleaned up the last of the perennials by trimming down the hostas and daylilies. We always leave anything that has seed heads; not only does it look nice in the winter garden, but it also provides extra feeding treats for the birds. Likewise with our cranberries: they may look a little scruffy once they begin to dry up at the end of the growing season, but once winter comes, one of the prettiest sights in the winter garden is a bright sunny winter day and a collection of birds sitting on the snowy branches, munching at the berries. Beautiful!
Are you still keeping your gardening journal? One thing that we noted and were very pleased with in our garden was our extra rows of flowers that attracted many bees. After hearing the presentation about bees last year at one of the hort meetings, we wanted to put more effort into creating a spot that could help them. We planted a few shorts rows of annuals: cosmos, asters, zinnias, and sweet peas, and were rewarded with many bees in the yard. The flower rows were a small effort, but if we all do a little together, we can achieve great things for the bees! Make a note in your journal as a reminder for next spring!
So now we can sit back with a cup of tea and browse through our gardening books and magazines, or perhaps go on-line and explore new gardening worlds! I typed in “gardening – Saskatchewan websites” and found a list of not only many greenhouses but other unexpected and interesting sites.
For example, the SaskPower site talks about the Shand Greenhouse. Here’s a bit of the information listed: “Shand Greenhouse, built in 1991 adjacent to the Shand Power Station, helps to offset the environmental impacts of generating electricity for Saskatchewan communities. We invest in the environment by growing native plants to Saskatchewan, and distribute seedlings free of charge to schools, communities and individuals for conservation and wildlife habitat projects.”
I also found some interesting info at the U of S site about the Patterson Garden Arboretum. The site says this: “The University’s Arboretum was established in 1966 and contains one of the most diverse collections of trees, shrubs, and vines in the Prairie Provinces. Species from northern regions of the world as well as historic cultivars developed by pioneer plant breeders are on display. All specimens are labeled with common and scientific names. An invaluable reference for horticulture and botany, the picturesque site is also used for photography, field trips, and strolls.” Visitors are welcome anytime of the year!
And if you log on to agbio.usask.ca/community-outreach/gardenline, the list of topics at the right side of the page will connect you to some interesting and educational reading!
Speaking of that, be sure to log on to the Yorkton and District Horticultural Society website at www.yorktonhort.ca to find out what is happening with the group! Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, October 19 at 7:00 p.m. at SIGN on North Street. This is “Member Participation Night”, where members share helpful hints and gardening advice. Everyone is welcome: come and bring your gardening tips with you to share! You don’t have to be a member to attend!
Stay warm and have a great week!
