By Deb Zynomirski
To The Haldimand Press
As I write this update, it is pouring down rain and a balmy 9 degrees! Not exactly the December weather we were expecting, but I for one am glad for the mild days. As 2020 draws to a close, I’m sure we are also glad to say goodbye to a difficult year.
I would like to thank the many Dunnville Horticultural Society (DHS) members and the Dunnville community for supporting our recent food drive for the Salvation Army. We were thrilled to collect 317 pounds of food for those in need in our little town!
As Christmas approaches, take some time to enjoy the great outdoors. The Thompson Creek Eco Centre has recently installed bluebird boxes along the trail around the Tallgrass Prairie. In addition, two large barn swallow nesting structures have been erected towards the west end of the park. It would be hard to miss them!
The project co-chairs are Debbie Thomas, and (Lead) Dan McKay. A great deal of time was invested by Dan in researching, building, and designing these structures. Egger Truck and Machine assisted with the installation, along with many dedicated volunteers. Next year we are hoping to welcome barn swallows, tree swallows, bluebirds, and other at-risk species to Thompson Creek.
Are you stuck for a gift idea for the gardener on your list? DHS has a limited number of Pollen Bee Nest homes for sale. They attract solitary bee pollinators which tend to be non-aggressive, and provide a home for them to lay eggs and nurture new bees. The cost is $25 for non-members, and $20 for members. We can provide front door drop off delivery. Contact me, Deb Zynomirski, to place an order.
Speaking of members, if you would like to purchase your 2021 membership, you may do so by mail. Simply send a cheque or money order ($10 single or $15 couple) to “Dunnville Horticultural Society”, PO Box 274, Station Main, Dunnville, N1A 2X5.
Finally, many of us will purchase or receive a beautiful pointsettia plant over the holidays. I must admit, I have killed many of these plants over the years, either from neglect or from too much kindness! One of our members, Marlene Link, offered advice some time ago on caring for your pointsettia: keep soil moist to the touch, water thoroughly, drain well before putting on a saucer (to avoid root rot), and place in a sunny location. I have followed this advice and successfully transplanted Christmas pointsettias to my garden in late May, where they continued to thrive!
Speaking of thriving … we are looking forward to doing just that in 2021! Although our monthly Program Nights are still on hiatus, your DHS Board continues to work behind the scenes, planning for next year. In the meantime, you can keep up with us on our website at dunnvillehortandgardenclub.org. You can also contact me for more information at debzyn@gmail.com.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, and a safe, happy, and healthy 2021!
Deb Zynomirski is the President of the Dunnville Horticultural Society.