April 2013 Hello all!  This cold weather has been relentless, hasn’t it?  I finally saw a robin yesterday so hopefully that means there’ll be a turn in the weather and we will be able to get outside.  My garden beckons, but I need a bit more warmth to venture out there.  Soon I hope.

Our bus trip to Canada Blooms was a big success even though we didn’t quite fill the bus.   Everyone who went had a great time.  There were 17 door prizes given out consisting of gift certificates from Fred’s Workwear, Sub Venture, and Super Video.  There was a 50-50 draw which raised $130.00 giving the winner $65 and the DHS $65.  We also sold 15 new memberships so all in all it was a very successful day.  I’m sorry to say that I missed it because I was on vacation but I’ll be going next time.  Canada Blooms and the National Home Show are always amazing and a great way to get yourself into the mood to get outside and get growing.

The Dunnville Home & Garden show is rapidly approaching.  It is going to be held at the Dunnville Memorial Arena and Community Lifespan Centre on Friday April 19th and Saturday April 20th. We will have a booth there so be sure to come and visit. There will be gifts and raffles and a great chance to see what Dunnville and area has to offer in the way of home improvement, gardens and crafts.

Please plan on attending the District 9 Annual General Meeting “Spring Forum” that we are hosting at the Optimist Hall on Saturday, April 27th.  There will be a flower show with a design division, a horticulture division and a photography contest, penny sale, and guest speakers Linda Crago (Heirlooms, Lessons in Diversity) and Jack Kent of the Potting Shed (Extreme Garden Makeover).  There is a $10 charge to attend and there will be a light lunch and goodies served.  It will be a good time for all.  More information can be found on our website at www.dunnvillehortsoc.gardenontario.org

Our guest speaker for this month will be Lester Fretz.  He was a big hit with the members last year and we’re looking forward to seeing what he has for us this year.  His scheduled topics are blossom rot and other problems with tomatoes and peppers, and rooting techniques of hardwood cuttings.

Last but not least, don’t forget the Annual Plant Sale in May.  When the weather warms up and you venture out to your garden remember the DHS when you start to divide your plants.  Pot a few and set them aside to donate to the sale.  The plant sale is our biggest fundraiser of the year and last year was the most successful plant sale in the DHS’s history.  With everyone’s generous donations and hard work I’m sure we can be just as successful this year.

On a sad note, Past President Peter Prosser (1989,1990) passed away on February 25th.  I never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Prosser but I’m told that he was highly respected and very much liked by the executive and members.

Garden tip of the month:  Examine shrubs for winter damage and prune all dead and weakened wood.  Winter mulches can be removed from your roses. Plants started indoors can be hardened off outdoors in a cold frame and keep your hoe sharp—don’t allow weeds to get an early start in your garden.

 

Sue Mazi, DHS Corresponding Secretary.

 

Essential advice for the gardener: grow peas of mind, lettuce be thankful, squash selfishness, turnip to help thy neighbor, and always make thyme for loved ones. ~Author Unknown

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