Happy 150th Canada!!
Around my acreage this time of year, .. I see that my daffodils, tulips & crocuses have bloomed and now are dyeing back. While the lilacs, lupines, peonies, alliums and roses are coming into their own. The trees and bushes are looking healthy and green, ? but the gardening continues with weeding, applying fertilizer and mulch to help protect and beautify.
Most communities across the country will host organized celebrations for Canada Day, typically outdoor public events, such as parades, carnivals, festivals, barbecues, air and maritime shows, fireworks, and free musical concerts.,
Fly your Canadian flag, .. wear your red and white and be humble, kind and thankful; you were born or live now in the most beautiful and safest place in the world. Celebrate how lucky you are to call Canada home.
I ? Canada !!
Yesterday at the end of a long day I put that up on my staff bulletin board. This weather lately has been crazy to say the least. And not agreeable to Manitoba gardeners. Frost warning, no frost warning, hot summer weather, cold arctic winds, dreary rainy days..... where is our famous Manitoba summer? I'm seeing frustration in my customers, my staff, and feeling it myself. Last night I decided it was time for the season to start in spite of the weather. I came home after a 12 hour day and started digging out weeds and planting perennials and annuals. The first thing I planted was a large 9' high piece of driftwood! Behind it I planted a cup and saucer vine that will grow up the driftwood and create an interesting feature right in my front yard. In front of it I have a summer wine ninebark. The dark color of the ninebark makes the driftwood stand out more! When the flowers bloom on the vine and the ninebark I think it will be gorgeous!
After that I started digging out some unusual weeds that have taken over my rock garden. Roundup would have been easier but working by hand is quicker and more therapeutic! In that bed in front of lovely piece of driftwood I found at Patricia Beach I planted 3 fireworks fountain grass. I figure it will delicately fall over the driftwood! Next I moved on to the herb garden I planted along my garage. I actually made a raised herb garden using some railway ties that were lying around my yard. I put a climbing spinach vine in the middle to grow up my trellis. I put lemon balm(for tea), mint(for mohito`s), rosemary, oregano, and thyme for cooking. Then I crawled into the house, hugged the kids goodnight, and settled in for a good rest before a new day begins! Wishing everyone a good weekend and happy gardening! I would love to hear some gardening stories. If you have an interesting one send it to me. I can post the most interesting one on our blog each week! Tammy Jensen
OKAY! I am writing a blog.....
Back in January, I wanted to talk about the new annuals and combinations for the hanging baskets.
I was ALONE with my thoughts!
One Saturday afternoon, I watched a P. Allen Smith tv show (the spokesperson for Proven Winners). He took three pots
in different sizes and planted a container landscape. He believes that you should plant different plants in each pot,
with one color that unifies them.
For example:
First pot: Superbells Dreamsicle
Second pot: Coleus Sedona
Third pot: Toffee Twist Grass
This example would have a orange plant in each pot with a mixture of annuals. What an idea! I will store that one in the
back of my brain.
Then I went on a winter holiday. Cruising from Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta. Did you know that Bird of Paradise
blooms in late January in California landscapes? Well...that definitely messed up my "Prairie Gardener" brain.
Back to the cold and "Jennifer, I can't talk about the hanging baskets until I see the flowers!"
Okay, I was still on my own with my thoughts - busy organizing, painting and laminating signs.
Now, the plants have come. The baskets are done and we will keep working on the pots. On a sunny day, you have to wear shorts in the greenhouse. In a few short weeks we will move outside. I can't wait. Stop by the garden centre if you like. Smell the flowers. I would be happy to help you plan your containers.
Because..... SPRING IS ON ITS WAY!!!!!
By Jennifer Fletcher