I'm still so excited about the Saskatchewan Horticultural Association Provincial Flower and Vegetable show which was held in Yorkton last week. This was a joint venture between the SHA and the Yorkton and District Horticultural Society, and it was a great success! We had a record number of exhibitors: thank you everyone! We also had a record amount of guests: thank you to all of you who took the time to join us for a great day! The underlying theme of the show was education, increased appreciation of gardening, and encouragement of gardening in the community. That's why I find it so terrific that we had a record number of exhibitors: it shows that gardeners are in an open and generous frame of mind, willing to learn and share. It is this enlightened thinking that will bring out the best in gardeners, and keep horticulture clubs thriving!
And what a buzz in the hall! At one point in the afternoon, I looked around and just took in the amazing sight! People were strolling through the displays, many taking notes as they read the tags; other guests were visiting at the tea tables; gardeners stood in groups here and there, chatting about this year's garden; and our speakers drew interested and enthusiastic audiences. The crowd in the hall was lively, welcoming, friendly, noisy, bustling, and it was totally exhilarating! I thought to myself, this is wonderful!
I took many notes myself, and just some of the plants that I would love to try next year are the amazing corkscrew grass, with thin, delicate fronds that actually do look like corkscrews. Another one that would be an exotic addition to any collection is the dramatic Egyptian Grass: it looks like something that would be painted on the wall in the pyramids! I also saw something called "strawberry spinach", which I had never seen before. Is it a strawberry? Is it a spinach? I'm not sure, but it certainly was interesting! There were many more, and because of the show, I learned so much! What a great experience!
I'm looking forward to our first meeting on Wednesday, September 15, at 7PM at the Yorkdale Student Centre. Our special guest speaker will be Frank Woloschuk, telling us how to get our gardens ready for winter. I know we tend to think that there is nothing much to do in the fall compared to spring work, but really, there are many tasks to attend to before the garden goes to sleep for the winter. I'm sure that even if your "garden" is planted in a container, there are certain things you have to do specific to your situation. Frank will give us that information. You don't have to be a member to come to the presentations, so join us and bring a friend!
If you're looking for new additions to your garden family, you won't want to miss the Fall Plant and Bulb Sale, Friday, September 17, starting at 9:30 Am at the Parkland Mall in Yorkton. There will be a great selection of plants, and gardeners with good advice, just in case you have any questions. When it comes to our plant sales, you know my advice: come early for best selection! This is a one day sale, one day only, and when the plants are gone, the sale is done! That's Friday, September 17 at the Parkland Mall, Yorkton!
The days are noticeably shorter, now; gardening time has definitely turned a corner. But there is still time to do a lot of renovating to our "garden rooms"! Have a good week, wear a hat, and enjoy your garden!
