The April meeting of the Maryborough Horticultural Society featured Jill Welsh of Harriston as guest speaker. She provides a pruning and landscape service.
Welsh began by describing the most important part of her job – her tools. She always wears gloves and safety glasses and wears knee pads when working on her knees. She demonstrated how and when she uses her pruners, snippers, long-handled loppers, curved saw and shears.
Welsh explained where to cut a branch when pruning. She noted it is important to keep the smaller branches at the bottom of a tree at first to help the tree grow faster and stronger. As the tree grows trim to have the branches well spaced. Welsh reminded everyone to never cut more than 30 per cent out of a tree or shrub at one time. A good time to prune trees is before the leaves come out so you can see what you are doing.
After many questions, president, Jo Houston thanked Welsh for her presentation.
A lunch prepared by Rosemary Nibourg and Linda Timmerman was served. The business meeting followed. Minutes were read and treasurer Clara Bauman reported on the group’s financial standing. Details were discussed involving the preparation and watering of some of the flower beds which members look after. The society’s annual plant and bake sale will take place on the morning of May 11 in front of Gourlay’s store. Baking, a variety of plants and perennials will be available at this sale.
The next meeting will be held on May 28 at the Moorefield Optimist Hall. The speaker will be Willa Wick and the annual Spring Flower Show will take place.
submitted by Linda Timmerman
