The Yorkton and District Horticultural Society recently had their annual meeting and Christmas gathering. A room full of gardeners generates a lot of energy, let me tell you!
Thank you to everyone who attended and helped in any way to make the event so much fun!
A special thank you to Blair and Scott from the Yorkton Film Festival who brought some interesting gardening films for us to see — thank you very much — and a big thank you to Stan and the staff at St. Mary’s Cultural Centre for a delicious meal!
You know how I love to read, and now that we are not gardening, it’s the perfect chance read and brush up on our gardening knowledge. The library has a great selection of gardening and horticultural books; stretch your gardening wings and take out a book on something that is totally new to you, like Japanese gardens or growing orchids. You may not be planning to do these things, but it is still good mental exercise to learn something new, the photos are always inspiring, and who knows? You might find a new gardening avenue that you want to explore.
And if you want to learn in a different way, the Yorkton Film Festival (in the Godfrey Dean Building on Smith Street) has some films that pertain to horticulture and agriculture in their film library. You can borrow these films on DVD free of charge, make your popcorn, and watch them from the comfort of home. Just give them a call (782-7077), ask them about the topic you’d like, and they can try to find a film for you! Then when you’re done, just return them to the office.
I wonder what the top items on a gardener’s Christmas list would be? If I was being a garden elf and making a list for Santa to peruse, it would probably be hard to think of only just a few items… but how would this compare with your list? Garden books: I think these are always good to have for a reference and inspiration. Any of Lois Hole’s wonderful practical books, or the informative and interesting books by Lyndon Penner, written with prairie growing conditions in mind. A small library of great gardening books (including one on annuals, one on perennials, and one on vegetables) can give you so much practical, working information.
Garden tools: a handy pair of secateurs. I think next to a hoe and rake, these have to be one of the most used garden implements. There is always something to snip, and sharp secateurs can go through grasses and branches so easily. Garden gloves: I have a couple pairs, in cotton and leather. Both kinds are handy, not only to protect our hands but to give an extra grip when pulling at stubborn branches or weeds. Perhaps some gardeners don’t wear gloves, but once you start, it is very comfortable. Garden ornaments: I know many gardeners like to create little “vignettes” with garden ornaments. Perhaps a lovely statue tucked in among cascading ferns; or a clay lantern among some low-growing perennials; or maybe a wind chime to sway and tinkle in the summer breeze. These are always interesting additions to any garden.
I think every gardener always has “a new plant” on their wish list at any time of year! We’ve already received a couple seed catalogues, hurrah! Browsing through the pages of beautiful plants might give you ideas for a “plant IOU” to any gardeners on your Christmas list.
As you can see, all these items focus on the next gardening year: and that is something every gardener thinks about even as they are putting their garden tools away in the fall! It’s a joyous way to think!
Visit us at www.yorktonhort.ca and have a great week!
