OVER THE BACK FENCE
February/March, by Lynn Near
"Back Fence" photo by Monica Skinner
"Every gardener knows that under the
cloak of winter lies a miracle ... a seed
waiting to sprout, a bulb opening to the
light, a bud straining to unfurl. And the
anticipation nurtures our dream."
Barbara Winkler
(Reprinted from the "Trillium", Ont. Hort. Society's Newsletter.)
We rest, looking out over the white expanse in the back yard, and dream of spring awakenings. Indeed, spring cannot be far behind when the first seed catalogue has already appeared in our mailbox!
To order your own, for a fresh breath of spring, here are a few websites:
info@damseeds.com (William Dam Seeds).
www.floralandhardy.ca (Hosta, Heucheras and Daylillies).
www.dominion-seed-house.com
www.oscseeds.com
www.brecksbulbs.ca/catalog_request
www.botanus.com
For further inspiration and daydreaming we are also looking forward to the many upcoming gardening forums that the winter days bring to our area. I, myself, have already attended the wonderful Gardeners' forum of the Galt Horticultural Society this last week - what an inspiration to see beautiful slides of guest speakers' gardens and to hear their plans for new ideas to come! Dave Hobson, Sonia Day and Rob Howard, veteran gardeners and humourists, never fail to provide an entertaining afternoon. The Galt Society has excellent programs to offer. More on these as summer arrives!
In the meantime, here is a partial list of events that may help feed your winter's horticultural passions and dreams:
Meadowville Nursery 5th Annual Orchid Show, Feb 20 & 21.
More info: www.meadowvillegardencentre.com/event.asp
The Belgian Nursery
Cactus Festival, Jan 24 - Feb 24
Hawaii and Caribbean Days, March
Guelph and Wellington County Master Gardeners "Day In The Garden"
14th Annual Garden Conference, Sunday Feb. 28, 2010
**Note - new, larger location!
Victoria Park East Golf Club, 1096 Victoria Road South, Guelph, ON.
Theme: "Life After Pesticides".
More info: www.gwmastergardeners.mgoi.ca
Stratford Garden Festival
March 4 - 7
More info: www.stratfordgardenfestival.com
Get a Jump on Spring!
The first taste of the 2010 growing season will take place at the annual Get a Jump on Spring event presented by the Toronto Botanical Gardens and the Ontario Horticultural Association District 5 on Saturday, Feb 20 from 10 am to 4 pm. The event will offer mini lectures and demonstrations on everything from Sumptuous and Seductive Succulents to Critter Management on the Garden.
MORE INFO: www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca
ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS - HAMILTON
Several traveling shows to pass our cold days!
More info: www.rbg.ca
Mark you calendars for the grand dame of all spring shows:
CANADA BLOOMS: The Flower & Garden Festival, March 17-21, 2010.
Direct Energy Centre, Hall A & B (Note the new location).
More info: info@canadblooms.com
(Note: The Guelph Society is once again taking a bus on Wed. March 17, for those interested.)
Contact: www.guelphhort.org
Now who says gardeners and garden clubs hibernate in the winter? Step on out and catch a breathe of spring at some of these fine shows.
Yours in gardening, Lynn Near (klgardener85@yahoo.com)
