Kanata-March Horticultural Society |
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September 2008 |
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In This Issue · Next meeting: Sept 2nd Fall Gardening · Trip to Montreal Botanical Gardens · Molly Wilson Garden Rededication: Sept 13th · Master Gardener Training Program Online
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Welcome back fellow gardeners. I trust that everyone has had a summer not to be forgotten. The crazy weather which we have had can certainly be frustrating at times, but let’s look on the bright side—we didn't need to water our lawns much this summer!! In speaking with fellow gardeners, I have found that there have been some interesting anomalies and goodies. One neighbor I spoke with told me that their magnolia tree flowered twice this year—a very rare occurrence. Another gardener is having a bumper crop of zucchini the size of a house; well, not quite that big, but certainly much larger than my forearm in both length and breath. As we move into early September, now is the best time to plant trees and shrubs. The above ground temperatures are dropping, while below ground it is still warm. This helps the plants get a jump on next spring, since the roots can still develop, but the top growth slows down. Most varieties of trees, including evergreens, and shrubs can be planted now. It’s also a great time to focus on your lawn. Tips to consider are;
Bus Tour
Editor’s note: See report below for more details.
Old Town Hall
I'm looking forward to seeing all KMHS members at the Rededication of the Molly Wilson Garden Old March Town Hall Park. This will be held on September 13th from 2:00 PM to 4:00PM. Please RSVP to Linda Last 613-280-2424 (x13223) or email Linda.Last@ottawa.ca
Editor’s note: See Invitation and “Down the Garden Path” below for more details.
KMHS AGM 2008
Robert Barta, KMHS President
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Our Meetings
Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month (except July and August) at the Old Town Hall, March Road, Kanata.
Come at 7:00pm for a coffee and gardening chat.
Guests are most welcome - $5.00 (can be applied to membership of $15.00 single, $25.00 family)
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Our Next Meeting – Sept. 2nd, 7:30 pm.
Fall gardening: Darlene Scales (retired Master Gardener)
Even though it seems as though we are still waiting for the real summer heat, the nights are rapidly closing in and it won’t be long before we have to start work on fall chores in the garden. Darlene’s talk will focus on how we can plant bulbs now for wonderful spring displays, how to harvest seeds, and finally, how to put the garden to rest for the winter.
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KMHS Bus Trip to the Montreal Botanical Garden
Once again, those who came on the KMHS sponsored bus tour to the Montreal Botanical Gardens, on July 19, were treated to the amazing variety of garden types to be seen there. Members of KMHS, neighboring horticultural societies and their friends helped to fill the bus to near capacity. Instead of the usual sedate trip to Montreal, we were entertained not only by a garden quiz sprung on us by Elizabeth Stokely, but also by a visit from a member of the Quebec Police Force, who stopped the bus to give the driver his first speeding ticket!
Our tour was split into a number of groups, each having their own guide. This was a good way to see the gardens, if it was your first time or for the extra information available from the guide. It certainly kept us moving, but there was still enough time at each garden for quite a few pictures. Next time though, I think we will wander around, unguided, at a more leisurely pace (and take even more pictures!).
The tour started at the front entrance and sidetracked through a small garden devoted to plants that we could touch or rub, to learn about different textures and smells. I didn't know there were plants that would smell like vinegar when rubbed. Next, in the very large perennial garden, there was plenty to see; various garden structures and a wonderful variety of plants of all shapes, sizes, colours, and textures.
Then it was on past a vegetable and herb garden to a northern landscape with lots of rocks and rock plants. The Chinese garden, one of the largest outside of China, was certainly one of the highlights, with several buildings, bridges, waterfalls, a small lake, and several types of garden areas. One enclosure contained a selection of bonsai trees. If you like flower arrangements, there were some exquisite examples in a temple-like building.
Following the
guided tour, there was still some time to wander around on our own
before heading back to the bus and on to the Jardin Pepinière, where we
had a stop on the way home. With the great selection of plants there, it
is not surprising that we ended up with quite a few plants in the
luggage compartment of the bus. I hear that there were also some good
bargains to be had, especially with the gingko biloba plants! If only we
had more room in our garden, I would gladly have taken some of the
lovely hydrangea available there.
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Molly Wilson Garden Rededication September 13, 2008
Kanata March Horticultural Society City of Ottawa & Marianne Wilkinson, Councilor, Kanata North
Cordially invite you to the ceremony Rededicating Molly Wilson Garden
Old March Town Hall Park Saturday, September 13, 2008 at 2 p.m. 821 March Rd., Kanata, Ontario(Access off Klondike)
Light refreshments will be served. RSVP: 613 280-2424 (x13223) or No later than September 5, 2008
Note:
On the 13th we need help between 12.00 and 2.00 pm to set up for the party and from 4.00pm to help tidy up. Refreshments need to be organized and set out on tables, along with some displays of plans and pictures, plus of course the cake. If you are able to help please contact Norma Davidson at 613-832-4615 or Gisele Robertson at 613-839-5748 to contact Norma or Gisele to sign up to help.
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In memory of Molly
The garden at the South March Old Town Hall started in 1983/84 as an Ontario’s Bicentennial project. On May 15, 1988, the garden was officially named and dedicated in honor of Molly Wilson, a long standing and active member of the KMHS, as well as one of its founding members, who had passed away on July 1st, 1981.
This past summer, the City of Ottawa and the Kanata-March Horticultural Society completed the improvements to the Molly Wilson Memorial Garden, and a rededication ceremony will take place on September 13th, 2008 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
The following notes are transcribed from a newspaper article published in July 1981. “ In Memory of Molly”
Molly was a charter member of the KMHS and was always active in the Society. Her experience in, and knowledge of horticulture helped make the Society a flourishing success. At the annual meeting in January 1981, she was presented with the Ontario District Service Award in recognition of the contributions she made to beautify the community. For several years, she supervised the work required to maintain and improve the Tom Thomson Park. Molly was also involved in the development and operation of the Kanata Market. She owned and maintained a ten acre property in Harwood Plains which was a real pleasure to visit, with its natural setting and large flower and vegetable gardens. In addition she operated an apiary and won many prizes for her honey. She was the first Canadian ever to win trophies from the American Beekeeper’s Association. Her wine making expertise resulted in her being in demand as a speaker to many organizations. She was also an expert amateur photographer and her pictures won awards at the OHA annual convention. Molly was also a member of the South March Women’s Institute where she gave courses in quilting, sewing and bread making. She enjoyed working with young people and was active in the 4H programs sponsored by the Institute.
It is difficult to accept the loss of such a friend and of someone who has so much to offer and who gave so generously of her time and talents. She left us love, her courage and her strength and we will endeavor to improve and expand the activities of the KMHS as she would have wanted.
I am sure that over the past 27 years, many new members of KMHS have wondered “who was Molly Wilson”? Molly was, from all accounts, very dedicated to her family, her friends and her community. She loved to share her knowledge and expertise and KMHS has been very fortunate to have been a recipient of such talents. Gisèle Robertson, KMHS Historian
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Master Gardener Training Program Online
Nova Scotia
Agricultural College offers an innovative online program for those
wishing to become a Master Gardener or for those with an interest in
gardening who wish to expand their knowledge and chat with other avid
gardeners online!
Kyle MacRae, NSAC Distance Education Marketing
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Key Links
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Sept 6th 8:30 am - Noon - The Ottawa Horticultural Association presents a fall Plant Sale. Old Firehall, 260 Sunnyside Avenue, Ottawa.
Sept 13th 2:00 pm - City of Ottawa and the Kanata-March Horticultural Society will hold the rededication ceremony for the recently renovated Molly Wilson Garden. Old Town Hall, March Road, Kanata.
Sept 23rd 7:30 p.m. - September Flower and Vegetable Show. The Ottawa Horticultural Association presents the show plus Neil Ritchie of Ritchie Feed & Seed talking about Winter Blooms: Forcing Bulbs. Tom Brown Arena, 141, Bayview Avenue.
Oct 1st 7:00 p.m. - The Ottawa Botanical Garden Society and the Ottawa Horticultural Society jointly present: "The Edible Landscape: Growing Food in the City" A talk by Laura Berman
Library and Archives of Canada, Wellington St. Free parking.
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Contact us
Email us at KMHS with your ideas and comments
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All input is due to me, Margaret Turner, by the third Friday of the month. All ideas and articles are most welcome. Please help make this a newsletter for you all. Email me at: Margaret Turner
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