Spring has sprung, the sun is shining and the birds are singing. It’s gardening time.
Gardening is not limited to planting seeds in a vegetable garden. Different types of gardening include, but are not limited to: rock, woodland, wildflower, window box, herb kitchen, water and straw bale.
On April 30 Drayton librarians Joanne Wiersma and Bep Vandenberg lead a group of gardeners through a Carnegie Café workshop titled “Gardening 101” at the Drayton Library.
“Gardening is a healthy hobby that provides a daily dose of Vitamin D, fresh air, exercise and a cardio workout, improving mental health and well being and reduces stress,” said Wiersma.
She added plants can be grown from seed or purchased at a greenhouse. She suggested planning extensive gardens or plant containers to create beauty. Benefits include fresh vegetables, herbs and flowers.
Opportunities exist to meet with fellow gardening enthusiasts by joining a garden club or horticultural society, she noted.
When establishing a new garden, Wiersma suggested:
– assess the property: check for areas of full sun and shade, determine the hours of sunlight and the location of trees and shrubs;
– start with a map: map out the assessed property;
– find the zone: assigned to the area and plants suited to the zone (Mapleton Township is in Zone 5);
– consider what to include: colour schemes, height, width;
– shopping for plants: take the map and ask questions, consider budget, ease, care, room to grow, flowering plants and various seasons; and
– plant and maintain: fertilize, weed and water.
Dress up the front of the house with a mix of trees, shrubs and flowers, Wiersma suggested. She said to put Tall plants in the back and shorter plants in the front and use a mix of perennials and annuals to produce curb appeal. Hanging baskets accent a front porch, she noted.
Other tips from Wiersma included:
– feature small, low maintenance water gardens on a deck or patio;
– woodland path gardens are low-maintenance, partially shaded areas that fill out over time; and
– rose gardens are visually appealing.
“Herb gardens add colour and fragrance to the kitchen or back deck. Incorporate fresh herbs into meal time planning throughout the year,” Wiersma said.
Common herbs are mint, basil, oregano, chives, lemongrass, lavender, rosemary and parsley. Herbs can be dried or frozen. Mint should be contained to one container to prevent spreading.
Plant a vegetable garden in a raised bed where poor soils exist, drainage is an issue and space is limited. Wood borders or metal troughs are suitable.
Raised beds are of particular interest to gardeners with limited mobility or health issues.
Planters can be made of wood, metal or plastic. Plant for spring or summer and use containers with good drainage.
“Filler, spiller and thriller are words to remember when using planters,” Wiersma said. “The thriller fills the center of the container adding height. Plants used as the filler actually fill in the container and plants like ivy are the spiller, that tumbles over the side of the container.”
Wiersma recommended investing in basic good quality tools that will last. Basic tools include a rake, hoe, spade, shovel, pruning shears, garden gloves, rubber boots, hand trowel, wheelbarrow, Rototiller and garden hose.
Librarian Bep Vandenberg did a quick hands-on demonstration of container gardening by a seat-of-the-pants gardener.
“Place holes in the bottom of the container to assist with drainage. Mix all purpose potting soil with Perlite to improve drainage. Worry the roots before planting. Organize plants in groups of three,” Vandenberg said.
“I like a lot of colour so I mix in lots of different colours. Add lights for a night time display.”
Wiersma demonstrated how to compile a herb garden for indoor and outdoor use.
“After placing holes in the container, place burlap in the bottom of the container to assist with drainage. Cracked pots or small rocks can be a substitute for the burlap,” Wiersma said.
“Use a mixture of soil specifically labelled for growing legumes and Perlite. Fill the container with the soil mix to within two inches of the rim before planting herbs.”
She added, “The purpose of a herb garden depends on what you like to cook. If you eat pasta, plant herbs that will add flavour to pasta dishes.”
Wiersma recommended two excellent gardening books: Grow Herbs by Jekka McVicar and Gardening for Mindfulness by Holly Farrell.
Moorefield and District Horticulture Society member Jo Houston gave a brief information session on the society.
A group discussion followed with gardening tips being shared amongst the participants.
The next Carnegie Café, “Breakout Box,” was set for May 14 at the Drayton Library. Participants were to work together to solve the puzzles and unlock the breakout box.
