YORKTON - I know that many of you get catalogues from Vesey’s, but just in case, I wanted to tell you about something that was mentioned in the “Vesey’s Bulbs” catalogue for Spring 2022. On the inside of the front cover, there is a short notice about 2022 being the “year of the garden”.
This proclamation is by the Canadian Garden Council, whose vision is to promote the benefits of gardening and gardens, as well as the benefits of urban and municipal landscapes.
The goal is to help people focus on “the garden life” no matter how big or small their garden might be, whether a flowerpot on a balcony, or a backyard garden. And not only at home: we are encouraged to notice and appreciate gardens and landscaping wherever we might be.
The past couple years, when people are staying close to home, have seen a surge in gardeners: creating not only renewed interest but new interest for first-time gardeners. Gardeners are enjoying the actual practise of gardening, as well as the “garden lifestyle” of being outdoors more, growing fruits and vegetables, and in general appreciating in a new way the joys and serenity that our yards can bring us.
So, in this “year of the garden”, gardeners are invited to “plant red”. That will make bright and beautiful containers in our yards, won’t it! The catalogue has a new stunning peony called “Red Charm” in keeping with the idea of red planting. Let’s make that one of our planting goals this spring, to plant at least one bold and beautiful “red” container!
Now…let’s talk about Chinese New Year for a moment! Chinese New Year happens on Tuesday, February 1. The date for this occasion is based on the Chinese lunar calendar, which is later than the Gregorian calendar. This is the year of the tiger, and those born in the year of the tiger have wonderful qualities, including being very ambitious, enthusiastic, confident, and generous!
There are lucky colors for this auspicious occasion, and in the year of the tiger, there are four lucky colors: a bright, fiery red, which represents vitality and love; imperial yellow which brings us wisdom and luck; mint green which represents growth and healing; and cerulean blue that stands for serenity. It might be fun to plant a container with flowers of these colors! If we do, we should also use a splash of white or gold for balance.
This holiday is very in tune with plants especially flowers and fruit. If we want to share in the celebration and symbolism that mark the occasion for over one and a half billion people, we can join in by sharing a special floral gift for Chinese New Year!
Because oranges look like the sun, they represent happiness and abundance. A gift of the interesting pomelo will bring good luck to a home. If you give a gift of pomelos, give two, because that represents family unity. Apples mean peace and harmony; a green apple means money. Grapes mean wealth and prosperity.
Looking for flowers? Beautiful orchids represent abundance, while dainty peach blossoms mean growth. Giving the gift of a peony gives riches and honor, especially a red peony. (Maybe we could give the gift of a Red Charm peony!) Pussy willows mean the coming of new prosperity.
The language of plants is an interesting one, isn’t it! Find out what’s new with the Yorkton hort society at www.yorktonhort.ca. Thank you to our friends at YTW for their wonderful work.
Have a great week!
