“Where Gardeners come to Bloom” We meet at the Nestleton Hall the first Tuesday of every month, except for March which will be the second Tuesday, at 7:30pm. There are no meetings in January and February.
Membership is open to anyone who loves learning how to start a garden in any container or plot of land to any seasoned gardener who wishes to expand their knowledge, all in a warm and friendly environment.
For the low price of $20 single membership, $25 family (two adults at the same address) you will get far more out of the meetings with speakers, seasonal gardening tips and more.
Just click on the ”Membership” tab above for our form.
Here’s an article by our own Helen, from the Standard, May edition:
The cool, wet weather has made it difficult to get any gardening done. That being said the cool weather has prolonged the blooming period of many spring bulbs and shrubs for us to enjoy. You may have noticed that the lilac bushes are looking spectacular this spring as well. The cool temperatures seemed to have intensified flower pigments giving an exceptional colourful display. Fruit trees were covered in blooms, but there were few pollinators out due to the cold, wet days and blooms may not be pollinated to produce much fruit . With these cold and wet conditions, watch for diseases, root rot and slug damage on your plants. If your garden is in a low area that lacks drainage you will need to either move the plant to a drier location and/or replace the plant with one that prefers wet soil. Also, although our hands have been idle all winter and anxious to start planting, try to resist walking on wet soil as the soil will become compacted and will affect drainage and aeration. Once the soil has reached 50f/10c the micro-organisms in the soil become active and will provide nutrients to your newly planted seedlings and annuals. Until then your plants cannot absorb nutrients that are available even in fertile soil. Apply a soluble fertilizer to annuals and vegetables to give them a boost at planting time.
The cool spring certainly produced many lovely specimens for the May 6 “Spring Flower Show” There was a record number of entries of Narcissus blooms in the Trumpet class. Shelley B was awarded a first for her Flowering Almond in the Flowering Shrub class, while Norma H won first for her Munchkin entry in the Design class. Lynda B won Best in Show Horticulture, in the “Any Other Tulip” class with her bi-coloured Parrot Tulip
and Helen N won Best in Show Design, for her “Branching Out” entry. Gini Sage spoke on “The Benefits of Companion Planting.” Great information was shared on how herbs planted with vegetables ward off pests or the use of flowers such as marigolds and zinnias attract pollinators and predatory insects helping to grow healthy vegetables and reduce pests naturally.
Clouds were threatening, but the Rain Gods gave us a break on the morning of Saturday May 17, for The Annual Plant, Bake and Yard Sale Fundraiser. Tomatoes, perennials and shrubs quickly sold out. Tasty baked goods and yard sale treasures were found and given a new purpose. Vince was a welcome vendor from Vinces Sharpening this year and was kept busy sharpening hand tools. Thank-you to all our members for your time, kind donations and support from the gardening community in making the event a great success. Many thanks to Century Gardens, Foodland, Vos and Food Basics for your lovely donations of hanging baskets, planter and gift card for the Door Prize Table.
Coming up, Tuesday June 3 at 7:30, Silvia Strobl will speak on “Invasive Species- What can Gardeners Do?” Iris’ will be the Stars at “The June Iris Show.” New and Seasoned Members are encouraged to enter the show. Please place your entry in between 6:15-7:00. Judging will begin promptly at 7:15. No stress, there will be assistants to help with filling out entry tags for placement of your specimens at the Workstation Table. Its fun to get involved, by sharing what you grow, we all learn from each other. Come out for an evening of Garden Info, see Shelley for Door Prizes, Carolyn to become a member, Goodies and Refreshments. Guests are Welcome
See you there
August Meeting:
Tues., August 5th: Norma Haney- PRGC, and Barb Twiner- OHA Judge will be demonstrating floral arrangement techniques.
Avery from Vandermere Nursery speaking on “Maximizing your garden small spaces”. Our president Libbi is on the right.
Welcome to our new board for 2025! (top row) Janice, Jacquelyn, Carolyn, DeeDi, Norma, and Margaret; (lower row) Libbi, Gloria, Helen, and Kim
pine ridge garden club 