Just a reminder! The Yorkton and District Horticultural Society Fall Plant and Bulb Sale takes place from 9:30 a.m. till 5 p.m. at the Parkland Mall on Friday, September 25; it’s still early enough to plant some exciting new perennials in your garden, and have a head start for next spring! If you are searching for a specific plant, be sure to be there when the sale begins for best selection! Great plants at great prices! Another thing to mark down: the SHA Provincial Convention and AGM, will be held in Yorkton on October 23 and 24 and hosted by our group. Just log on to www.yorktonhort.ca for all the details and plan to join us!
Did you know that September 23, 2015 is National Tree Day in Canada? Visit www.treecanada.ca to find out all about it. The site says: “National Tree Day will serve as a celebration for all Canadians to appreciate the great benefits that trees provide us - clean air, wildlife habitat, reducing energy demand and connecting with nature. On March 2, 2011 a private members motion to declare the Wednesday of National Forest Week, National Tree Day, received consent from the House of Commons. The motion was presented by Royal Galipeau, M.P., at the urging of Tree Canada.”
Trees help us grow clean air. The site explains; “The trees we see growing in the urban and rural landscape, from backyards and campgrounds to forests and street corners, are more than symbols of our natural heritage. They also help to clean the air and reduce the impact of carbon emissions. Trees are half carbon, and absorb carbon from the air to survive. That means tree-planting is a natural and beautiful way to combat climate change.”
This program does wonderful things in the country. Besides creating awareness of the importance of trees, not only for beauty but as a way to make our environment healthy, the program also helps with very special projects. Here’s something to think about: in the aftermath of some of nature’s worst storms, have you ever wondered what happens to the trees? Tree Canada is there to assist. I learned this on their website: “Operation ReLeaf programs have helped communities to recover from natural disasters and pests for more than a decade. From floods and forest fires to beetles and tornadoes, when Canada’s landscapes and cities face threats from the elements, Tree Canada is there to support the recovery process. Our current ReLeaf projects are Emerald Ash Borer ReLeaf, Alberta Urban Forest ReLeaf and Alberta Mountain Pine Beetle ReLeaf. Past projects included ReLeaf for Goderich, ON following a devastating tornado, BC Coast ReLeaf, ReLeaf for the ’98 Ice Storm and many others.”
We all know that trees give us so much; their benefits are priceless. I saw a wonderful ad for the Woodland Trust in a magazine when we were in England; it listed some of the benefits of trees. Can you guess how many they listed? Take a guess! Thirteen! They were: oxygen, fruit, play, blossoms, wildlife, beauty, shelter, compost, timber, firewood, crafts, stable soil, and water management. The ad said that “Tress planted on unproductive land can yield a winter’s worth of firewood and protect crops, livestock and buildings all year round. They create lasting homes for wildlife, purify the air and form places to cherish and enjoy. The benefits trees bring are priceless.” Isn’t that true!
So some sunny, crisp afternoon, make a cup of tea and take it outside and sit and enjoy the trees in your yard or neighborhood. They are truly a gift of nature, a gift from God. Hope to see you at the sale on Friday; have a good week!
