The 17th Annual Garden Tour was another successful adventure that could not have been such a wonderful event had it not been for all the businesses in Bobcaygeon and Fenelon Falls who sold tour passes, all of the garden lovers (adult and youth) who attended the tour, the weather that was superb, our Society members who acted as greeters or served refreshments at KSV, and lastly to those members and the local businesses who donated food and refreshments to support our pre-tour and the tour itself. None of our success would have happened without you!
The following list shows those businesses who generously donated food and refreshments to this event.We truly thank you all for your support and kindness.
Strang's Valu Mart
Bobcaygeon Foodland
Savoury's
Bobcaygeon Bread Company Ltd
Subway, Bobcaygeon
Luigi`s Pizza
Tim Horton`s, Bobcaygeon
Village Gate Variety Store and,
Bobcaygeon Convenience and Gas
The following list shows those businesses who kindly sold tour passes for this event.Our Society thanks you for your continued support and patience in promoting the garden tour.
Bobcaygeon Chamber of Commerce
Bobcaygeon Library
Bobcaygeon Electronics
Purdy`s Jewellery
My Favourite Things
Rural Roots Gardens
Strang's Garden Centre and
Stokes on Trent(Fenelon Falls)
Tuesday, 15 July 2014
Sunday, 15 June 2014
Hanging Baskets and Planters on Bolton Street
This is a letter that was written in September 2011 to many key players in the City of Kawartha Lakes as well as members of the Trent Severn Waterway and lastly, key figures in Bobcaygeon. It explains our decision about discontinuing our management of the hanging baskets and planters in the downtown core.
To Whom It May Concern:
The Bobcaygeon & District Horticultural Society regrets having to advise you that it will no longer be able to undertake planting initiatives, specifically the seasonal hanging baskets and planter boxes located throughout the Village.This decision has been particularly difficult given the pride our membership has derived over the many years of enhancing our Village streetscape.
The Bobcaygeon & District Horticultural Society is honoured to support the beautification of Bobcaygeon since 1922. Over the past 90 years,our Society has been creating flower gardens on public and private property to enhance the Village for visitors and local citizens.
The beautification of the downtown core of the Village,specifically the seasonal hanging baskets and planter boxes started out as a partnership amongst the commercial retailers,Restore the Core 2000,The Chamber of Commerce,local and federal governments and the Bobcaygeon & District Horticultural Society.This successful partnership ensured that the downtown core,Swing Bridge and other focal points in Bobcaygeon had the colour and beauty that our visitors and local citizens came to expect during the growing season.
Over the course of the last several years,the Bobcaygeon & District Horticultural Society has become the sole proponent of these planting initiatives with monies coming from grant applications,local government funding and the Bobcaygeon & District Horticultural Society. In some years these plantings amounted to a total cost of over
$20 000(including watering and fertilizing)
The reality of this decision to terminate our involvement in the hanging baskets and planters is unfortunately a consequence of the Bobcaygeon & District Horticultural Society no longer having an assured funding mechanism to manage the program. In addition and of equal importance is our lack of sufficient volunteer manpower to undertake the arduous physical labour in transporting,installing,and removing flower baskets and planters on an annual basis.
Unfortunately,current economic trends have been challenging for many community-based organizations as diminished funding allocations from various public agencies has threatened the ongoing projects of various not-for-profit groups.
While this decision was difficult and only determined after prolonged deliberation,the Society must recognize that we have been providing a unique service to the Village for many years. In fact, after contacting other horticultural societies within the City of Kawartha Lakes and beyond to ask if they were providing the hanging baskests and planter box plantings for their repective towns,cities and villages we found that no other horticultural society does this. In all cases, the commercial business and municipal government control the beautifying component(hanging baskets and planter boxes).
The Bobcaygeon & District Horticultural Society wants you to know that we will continue to participate in the beautification of the Village by:
a) Maintaining garden beds on the Trent-Severn Lock 32 property,the Need Street intersection,Shea Park,Rokeby Market Square,The Social Service Centre,The Legion and Cenotaph,
b) Working in conjunction with both government and private industry to establish new gardens, where possible, and
c) Continuing a pro-active role:
i) promoting the protection of the environment,
ii) encouraging the planting of trees,shrubs and flowers on public and private grounds,
iii)stimulating an interest in the study of horticulture, and
iv) providing meetings for members to share camaraderie, education, and horticultural information.
Perhaps the revitalization of Bolton Street that commences this Fall makes this an opportune time to review and re-think the future of the Village beautification requirements and how best to support them.It is our sincere hope that those who planned the new look for Bolton Street, will endeavour to determine the wants and needs of Village beautification in a broader context;one which embraces Main Street, King Street and possibly other key neighborhood locations.
Should some other organizations wish to play a lead role in managing the hanging baskets and planters program the Bobcaygeon & District Society would welcome the opportunity to share our experience,knowledge and planting expertise.
Should the Society`s input be required please contact me.
Yours Sincerely
Joyce Bryon, President
Bobcaygeon & District Horticultural Society
To Whom It May Concern:
The Bobcaygeon & District Horticultural Society regrets having to advise you that it will no longer be able to undertake planting initiatives, specifically the seasonal hanging baskets and planter boxes located throughout the Village.This decision has been particularly difficult given the pride our membership has derived over the many years of enhancing our Village streetscape.
The Bobcaygeon & District Horticultural Society is honoured to support the beautification of Bobcaygeon since 1922. Over the past 90 years,our Society has been creating flower gardens on public and private property to enhance the Village for visitors and local citizens.
The beautification of the downtown core of the Village,specifically the seasonal hanging baskets and planter boxes started out as a partnership amongst the commercial retailers,Restore the Core 2000,The Chamber of Commerce,local and federal governments and the Bobcaygeon & District Horticultural Society.This successful partnership ensured that the downtown core,Swing Bridge and other focal points in Bobcaygeon had the colour and beauty that our visitors and local citizens came to expect during the growing season.
Over the course of the last several years,the Bobcaygeon & District Horticultural Society has become the sole proponent of these planting initiatives with monies coming from grant applications,local government funding and the Bobcaygeon & District Horticultural Society. In some years these plantings amounted to a total cost of over
$20 000(including watering and fertilizing)
The reality of this decision to terminate our involvement in the hanging baskets and planters is unfortunately a consequence of the Bobcaygeon & District Horticultural Society no longer having an assured funding mechanism to manage the program. In addition and of equal importance is our lack of sufficient volunteer manpower to undertake the arduous physical labour in transporting,installing,and removing flower baskets and planters on an annual basis.
Unfortunately,current economic trends have been challenging for many community-based organizations as diminished funding allocations from various public agencies has threatened the ongoing projects of various not-for-profit groups.
While this decision was difficult and only determined after prolonged deliberation,the Society must recognize that we have been providing a unique service to the Village for many years. In fact, after contacting other horticultural societies within the City of Kawartha Lakes and beyond to ask if they were providing the hanging baskests and planter box plantings for their repective towns,cities and villages we found that no other horticultural society does this. In all cases, the commercial business and municipal government control the beautifying component(hanging baskets and planter boxes).
The Bobcaygeon & District Horticultural Society wants you to know that we will continue to participate in the beautification of the Village by:
a) Maintaining garden beds on the Trent-Severn Lock 32 property,the Need Street intersection,Shea Park,Rokeby Market Square,The Social Service Centre,The Legion and Cenotaph,
b) Working in conjunction with both government and private industry to establish new gardens, where possible, and
c) Continuing a pro-active role:
i) promoting the protection of the environment,
ii) encouraging the planting of trees,shrubs and flowers on public and private grounds,
iii)stimulating an interest in the study of horticulture, and
iv) providing meetings for members to share camaraderie, education, and horticultural information.
Perhaps the revitalization of Bolton Street that commences this Fall makes this an opportune time to review and re-think the future of the Village beautification requirements and how best to support them.It is our sincere hope that those who planned the new look for Bolton Street, will endeavour to determine the wants and needs of Village beautification in a broader context;one which embraces Main Street, King Street and possibly other key neighborhood locations.
Should some other organizations wish to play a lead role in managing the hanging baskets and planters program the Bobcaygeon & District Society would welcome the opportunity to share our experience,knowledge and planting expertise.
Should the Society`s input be required please contact me.
Yours Sincerely
Joyce Bryon, President
Bobcaygeon & District Horticultural Society
Sunday, 8 June 2014
Our Next Amazing Speaker
Our speakers this year have been duly impressed with the reception they have received from you,our members.This certainly reflects on our horticultural Society and how much you value the learning provided by our speakers. They enjoy you and enjoy returning to share their knowledge.
This June 19th we have another local speaker, Craig Mcleod, whose wife Linda has spoken to us before. She enjoyed her time with us and no doubt spread the good word to Craig.The McLeods maintain Cedar Lane Gardens near Fenelon Falls along Highway 121.
Craig will share his expertise on our provincial flower, the Trillium.He claims not to be an expert on trilliums, but somehow has the knowledge and expertise to successfully grow 11 varieties of the 40 species native to North America. He humbly claims that much of his knowledge has been derived from a book on trilliums written by Fred and Roberta Case of Michigan, USA. Fred and Roberta have successfully grown every known North American species and are the leading authorities on this woodland species.
We look forward to seeing you on Thursday,June 19 at the Knox Presbyterian Church Hall (the corner of Queen and Joseph Streets). The meeting will begin at 6:30pm and Craig will entertain us starting at 7pm. We look forward to seeing you all again. In the meantime, happy gardening and please let it rain!
This June 19th we have another local speaker, Craig Mcleod, whose wife Linda has spoken to us before. She enjoyed her time with us and no doubt spread the good word to Craig.The McLeods maintain Cedar Lane Gardens near Fenelon Falls along Highway 121.
Craig will share his expertise on our provincial flower, the Trillium.He claims not to be an expert on trilliums, but somehow has the knowledge and expertise to successfully grow 11 varieties of the 40 species native to North America. He humbly claims that much of his knowledge has been derived from a book on trilliums written by Fred and Roberta Case of Michigan, USA. Fred and Roberta have successfully grown every known North American species and are the leading authorities on this woodland species.
We look forward to seeing you on Thursday,June 19 at the Knox Presbyterian Church Hall (the corner of Queen and Joseph Streets). The meeting will begin at 6:30pm and Craig will entertain us starting at 7pm. We look forward to seeing you all again. In the meantime, happy gardening and please let it rain!
Saturday, 17 May 2014
2014 Garden Tour Passes on Sale Today
Our horticultural society is pleased to announce that the tour passes for the 2014 annual garden tour are on sale as of Saturday,May 17th. Each tour pass outlines a description of the gardens on the tour and contains a detailed map of the location of each garden. In addition, we have a map that shows the local restaurants participating in the tour. These restaurants are offering a discount for lunch on the day of the tour, Saturday,July 12th.
To purchase your $15 tour pass please visit the following Bobcaygeon locations:
Bobcaygeon Chamber of Commerce
Bobcaygeon Library
Bobcaygeon Electronics
Purdy`s Jewellery
My Favourite Things
Rural Roots Gardens
Strang's Garden Centre and
Stokes on Trent(Fenelon Falls)
More information on the tour will appear in a later blog.
To purchase your $15 tour pass please visit the following Bobcaygeon locations:
Bobcaygeon Chamber of Commerce
Bobcaygeon Library
Bobcaygeon Electronics
Purdy`s Jewellery
My Favourite Things
Rural Roots Gardens
Strang's Garden Centre and
Stokes on Trent(Fenelon Falls)
More information on the tour will appear in a later blog.
Monday, 5 May 2014
Being a Bee Smart Gardener
Sadly, the bees are playing hard to find and is not a happy event as we need their pollinating expertise.
I won`t share with you the facts of their struggles as a species but instead, share some ideas to help boost the bee populations.Here is what we can do:
a) plant and create green spaces in our urban areas,leave patches of bare soil,rocks and piles of brush for use as a habitat for ground-dwelling native bees. If possible,plant caterpillar host plants so as to provide pollen and nectar throughout the growing season.
b) install bee dwellings around your yard by drilling holes in wood blocks. Lee Valley sells bee homes if you wish to purchase a commercial variety.
c) plant woody plants such as elderberry,raspberry, and sumac as these branches have soft insides and
when cut back, expose the softness for the bees to nest in.
d) eliminate or change the way you apply pesticides. Do not use them on plants that are blooming.Apply
them at night when bees are much less active. Spray from the ground level upwards to the top to reduce drift to neighboring agricultural areas.
e) place pollinator habitat signs around pastures,community gardens,city parks,bike trails or town yards
to promote conservation.
f) plant herbs such as lavender,thyme, and catmint as well as, perennials like buttercup,asters, hollyhocks, and hardy geraniums and lastly, plant annuals such as poppies, sunflowers,and sweet alyssum.
Check out the new pollinator patch being developed at the Wilderness Park just outside of Bobcaygeon along
Highway 36 N. This patch may give you some ideas for plants you might grow in your yard.
Check out the website for the Wilderness Park: www.wilderness park.ca
I won`t share with you the facts of their struggles as a species but instead, share some ideas to help boost the bee populations.Here is what we can do:
a) plant and create green spaces in our urban areas,leave patches of bare soil,rocks and piles of brush for use as a habitat for ground-dwelling native bees. If possible,plant caterpillar host plants so as to provide pollen and nectar throughout the growing season.
b) install bee dwellings around your yard by drilling holes in wood blocks. Lee Valley sells bee homes if you wish to purchase a commercial variety.
c) plant woody plants such as elderberry,raspberry, and sumac as these branches have soft insides and
when cut back, expose the softness for the bees to nest in.
d) eliminate or change the way you apply pesticides. Do not use them on plants that are blooming.Apply
them at night when bees are much less active. Spray from the ground level upwards to the top to reduce drift to neighboring agricultural areas.
e) place pollinator habitat signs around pastures,community gardens,city parks,bike trails or town yards
to promote conservation.
f) plant herbs such as lavender,thyme, and catmint as well as, perennials like buttercup,asters, hollyhocks, and hardy geraniums and lastly, plant annuals such as poppies, sunflowers,and sweet alyssum.
Check out the new pollinator patch being developed at the Wilderness Park just outside of Bobcaygeon along
Highway 36 N. This patch may give you some ideas for plants you might grow in your yard.
Check out the website for the Wilderness Park: www.wilderness park.ca
A Special Group of Hands-On Speakers-May 15
Spring is finally here, yipppee! People have a happy face and a newly found perkiness in their step.
To welcome the season, we have invited a group of the Haliburton County Master Gardeners to share with you several expert ideas for your gardening pleasure.
From their colourful handouts, they provided me to share with you, it appears we are in for a wonderful "let`s get our hands and minds actively involved session." They will have several of their gardeners lead us in groups so we have our own Master Gardener providing us advice and able to answer our questions. This small group process will put each of us at ease as we ask questions and not feel embarrassed in doing so. Many of our members have asked for a session like this and it is our pleasure to provide one for you.
Our meeting will be held on Thursday,May 15,2014 at the Knox Presbyterian Church Hall and will begin at 6:30pm.
So come out with your questions about your garden and hear from the experts who also garden in our zone. It plans to be an enjoyable and somewhat intimate experience. Looking foward to seeing you there.Happy gardening....finally!
To welcome the season, we have invited a group of the Haliburton County Master Gardeners to share with you several expert ideas for your gardening pleasure.
From their colourful handouts, they provided me to share with you, it appears we are in for a wonderful "let`s get our hands and minds actively involved session." They will have several of their gardeners lead us in groups so we have our own Master Gardener providing us advice and able to answer our questions. This small group process will put each of us at ease as we ask questions and not feel embarrassed in doing so. Many of our members have asked for a session like this and it is our pleasure to provide one for you.
Our meeting will be held on Thursday,May 15,2014 at the Knox Presbyterian Church Hall and will begin at 6:30pm.
So come out with your questions about your garden and hear from the experts who also garden in our zone. It plans to be an enjoyable and somewhat intimate experience. Looking foward to seeing you there.Happy gardening....finally!
Saturday, 5 April 2014
Our Featured Speaker for 2014: Paul Zammit
On Thursday,April 17th, 2014 at 7pm we are honored to have Paul Zammit share his ideas and expertise on Tropical Treasures: Both Inside and Outside.His talk will take place at the Knox Presbyterian Church Hall.The hall is located at the corner of Queen and Joseph Streets in Bobcaygeon.
A graduate of the University of Guelph’s Plant Agriculture program, Paul is an active member of many Canadian and international gardening communities. He lectures on a wide array of subjects, including container gardening, perennials, ground covers and tropicals.
A popular and engaging speaker, Paul has given presentations at many garden clubs and large garden shows such as the Canadian National Exhibition, Success With Gardening and Canada Blooms, and other horticultural trade shows in both Canada and the United States.
Paul has made several television appearances on HGTV’s ‘The Indoor Gardener’, and Kathy Renwald’s shows ‘Calling All Gardeners’, and ‘Gardeners’ Journal’. He has written articles and provided photographs to past issues of The Epic Gardener.
To read more about this wonderful gardening expert,who has made huge differences in garden designs of several members of our Society, check out his website at www.rhodwork.com/paulzammit. To hear this wonderful speaker there is an admission fee of $10.00.But, to hear him is well worth the cost. Bring paper and a writing instrument as no doubt you will want to record his numerous ideas for your garden. We look forward to seeing you on the 17th.
A popular and engaging speaker, Paul has given presentations at many garden clubs and large garden shows such as the Canadian National Exhibition, Success With Gardening and Canada Blooms, and other horticultural trade shows in both Canada and the United States.
Paul has made several television appearances on HGTV’s ‘The Indoor Gardener’, and Kathy Renwald’s shows ‘Calling All Gardeners’, and ‘Gardeners’ Journal’. He has written articles and provided photographs to past issues of The Epic Gardener.
To read more about this wonderful gardening expert,who has made huge differences in garden designs of several members of our Society, check out his website at www.rhodwork.com/paulzammit. To hear this wonderful speaker there is an admission fee of $10.00.But, to hear him is well worth the cost. Bring paper and a writing instrument as no doubt you will want to record his numerous ideas for your garden. We look forward to seeing you on the 17th.
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