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Happy Holidays
Like us on Facebook  View our profile on LinkedIn  View our videos on YouTubeVol 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.

 
Terry Redlin Painting
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  
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.		Volunteer Plaque
Thank You
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 
Graduate Contact List
 
 
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
Amaryllis Potted
  • 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!