Spring Workshops@ Gemmell's Garden Centre

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Gemmell's Garden Centre Newsletter

March 1st, 2011

COLOUR THERAPY

BEGONIA

BONFIRE

MUST HAVE 2011!

SPRING

GET PLANTING!

We have a great selection of seeds

Just In!

Seeds Racks

GROW YOUR OWN

Seed Tray and supplies

The heat has kicked on in the greenhouses as we gear up for our Spring Workshop Series for 2011. If you've always wanted to learn how we create those luscious Victorian Hanging Baskets & Planters then here is your chance. We'll explain the design and planting process step by step including discussions on care and maintenance to keep your creation blooming all summer long. Spaces are filling up fast so call soon to register. 613-283-6371

See you then!

NEW 2011

amsonia1 Amonsia hubrichtii

Perennial of the year for 2011! A graceful and long lived native perennial with very fine foliage, clusters of steel blue flowers in May and June on an upright bushy plant. Beautiful golden fall colour. Thrives in part shade or full sun. Grows 3 ft tall x 2-3 ft wide

SEEDS

Many of you avid seed growers have dropped into the garden centre in the last week looking for Damp Off. Unfortunately Damp Off is no longer being manufactured and there is no suitable substitute in the retail market. To help prevent damping off in your seedlings this season here are some simple eco tips:

Good Air Circulation: if seedlings are sown too thickly and there isn't proper air flow, damping off can be a real problem. The obvious solution is to thin out the seedlings and run a fan to keep the air moving. If you are growing under a clear plastic dome then be sure to lift it off and provide fresh air often.

Cold Temperatures: if you don't keep the seedling trays warm then you will have more trouble with damping off. There are heating pads available at Lee Valley to place under trays for extra heat.

Soil: always use a good sterile seeding soil with lots of perlite and vermiculte, Never reuse soil. Never use a heavy soil like Black Earth or Topsoil.

Eco Solutions

Watering: always water with lukewarm water.

Garlic : a natural bacteria and fungicide will stop the damping off process once started. Smash several cloves of garlic into an inch of water in a saucepan. Simmer to dissolve the oil. Allow to cool to lukewarm(not cold) Pour over seedlings,flooding the seedling trays.

Cinnamon: apparently this spice kills spores and doesn't hurt the plants.

SPRING FEVER by Kelly Heath, Retail Manager

Liz and I are busy getting ready for our Spring Workshop series that begins this Saturday. If you are interested in joining us for a fun afternoon in the greenhouse we'd love to see you!

We have some great gardening products for 2011 including really funky pots. We have brought back the ever popular Face Pots from last year because they were such a hit and have also included several new lines in clay, concrete and resin. As well there is an expanded line of garden art, rugs, flags, outdoor lanterns and more that will be arriving through out the month of March. Spring is just around the corner, cross your fingers for it to come early!

WORKSHOPS

Get inside and out of the cold this March with our annual Victorian Workshop series. A fun way to be creative while getting your hands dirty!

Spend the afternoon in our warm greenhouse learning the fundamentals of designing and planting your own gorgeous Victorian Hanging Basket with our resident design guru Liz Gemmell.

We'll take care of your creation here at the greenhouse until May.

Great fun afternoon out with friends! Book early for groups!

Vic Butterfly Blue

2011 VICTORIAN WORKSHOP SERIES

Saturday March 5th 1:00pm -3:00pm

Monday March 7th 1:00pm -3:00pm

Tuesday March 8th 1:00pm -3:00pm

Thursday March 10th 1:00pm -3:00pm

Friday March 11^th 1:00pm -3:00pm

Saturday March 12^th 1:00pm -3:00pm

Workshop includes instruction, soil and 9 plants

Also, included is caring for your basket (including watering & fertilizing)

$35/session

Hanging Baskets can be purchased for as little as $5.99

Several different styles of hanging baskets are available or feel free to bring our own!

Or email sales@gemmellsgardencentre.com

Please note: This is one of our most popular workshops, therefore a deposit of $20 is required to reserve space.

FEATURED ADVERTISER

Come and see the amazing patio Elizabeth built in our new Glass Display Greenhouse.

Creative Gardens

FEATURED ADVERTISER

Come and see the amazing creation the Bruce has on display in our new Glass Display House

tp://www.decksnrenos.com/

Deck's 'n Reno's

FEATURED ADVERTISER

Natatia's One on One Fitness

I hope you are enjoying our newsletter. As always we appreciate your input into how we can continue to improve in all aspects. If and when you have some input, I would love to hear it, good and not so good.

Suggestion Box

Sincerely,

Rob Gemmell
Gemmell's Garden Centre