Happy Holidays

Vol 3 #21

In This Issue

Gardens Closed

Graduating Class

Volunteers Honoured

Thank You

Plant of the Month

Hire a Graduate

To-do List

The HCP congratulates the graduating students from the PHC full-time and part-time classes for 2013.

A lunch for HCP volunteers was hosted in the new pavilion Dec 10th to unveil a new plaque honouring the volunteers.

From everyone at the Gardens at HCP, Merry Christmas, and our wishes for good health and prosperity in the New Year.

Gardens Closed at Christmas

The gardens will be closed Dec 24-25 & 26th, Dec 31st and Jan 1.

Happy Holidays and Season Greetings to you and your family

Graduating Class 2013

by Laura Biggs

In this online article, Laura Biggs, PHC College Administrator, reports on another successful year at the college and outlines plans for the coming year.

Read Laura's report online.

Volunteers Honoured
by Amanda Price

On Tuesday, December 10th the HCP staff and Board held a luncheon to recognize the dedication and contributions of the HCP volunteers. A plaque was presented that will grace the new entrance (2014) and honour the contribution of volunteers

Read Amanda's story online.

A Heartfelt Thank You

by Linda Petite, Head Gardener

I would like to take this time to thank the Class of 2013 for taking pride and ownership in maintaining the gardens during their 10 month program.

Your ongoing efforts to improve the gardens did not go unnoticed!

May your future be bright and successful!!

I would also like to thank the following

for your generous donations in 2013 to the Gardens at HCP :

Marigold Nursery, Lochside Nursery, Patio Gardens, Elk Lake Garden Center,

Garden Works Blenkinsop, City of Victoria - Beacon Hill Greenhouses,

Miracle Mulch, Vancouver Island Heather Society,

Wilson's Nursery, Wes Tech Irrigation

Last but not least, a thank you to our loyal volunteers. Volunteers are a vital and essential part of the HCP. They support the organization by assisting staff in their work.

I thank you all for generously donating your time in 2013.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Plant of the Month Poinsettia

by Linda Petite

Euphorbia pulcherrima

Poinsettia

a true symbol of Christmas
native to Mexico
brought to the USA in 1825 by Joel Poinsett, the first US ambassador to Mexico and a keen gardener
bright light
warm temperatures
exposure to cold drafts can be fatal
the apparent colorful flowers are called bracts (modified leaves) and the true flowers are small, green or yellow, in the center of the bracts
if you want to keep them to next year, the trick is exposure to daylight
in early spring when the bracts begin to fade, cut back to 4-6 buds
grow in a bright room and water and fertilize regularly
cut back again in early July and again in early September
beginning October 1, keep the plant in continuous dark for 14 hours each night and the remaining time in daylight (bright light)
continue this for 8-10 weeks,and hopefully your colorful bracts will reappear

Hire a PHC Graduate

Let's show our support for the recent graduates of the Pacific Horticulture College class of 2013.

Here is printable list of the graduates and their skills. Contact information is included.

These bright students are embarking on a new career and will appreciate your support.

Click here to download a printable copy of the contact list.

December To-do List

by Linda Petite, Head Gardener

December should be one of the quieter months for gardeners
very cold and dry weather causes more damage to plants then wet and snow covered
when a cold snap is forecast, a temporary wrap or a location out of the wind will provide extra protection
check to make sure your greenhouse heater is coming on during cold nights
remove the remaining leaves of rose bushes to reduce overwintering black spot
order seed catalogues to plan next years garden
clean, sharpen and sterilize your garden tools before storing them for the winter
pot up your amaryllis and paperwhites indoors for winter color
continue to feed the birds and provide fresh water
if you are planning on having a Living Christmas Tree, do not keep it in a warm room for more than 10 days
sit back, relax and admire the lovely landscape you have created!