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Gala Success
Like us on Facebook  View our profile on LinkedIn  View our videos on YouTubeVol 3 #19
In This Issue
Frost Flowers
Curators of HCP
November To-do's
Christmas Wreaths
Food Security Lecture
Volunteer Appreciation
PHC: Pesticide Applicator
Only in Victoria
Gala Thank You
Soil Testing
Plant of the Month
Marlin Travel

 

After two and a half years of planning the Couvelier Pavilion is now a reality.  Since the opening, the Pavilion has been used for weddings, conferences, meetings and the HCP's first gala dinner. 

 

The Gala was a huge success, as a celebration of the accomplishment, as a fund raiser, and as a reflection of the potential of the building as a venue for future events.

 

Roger Charles, Executive Director was instrumental in bringing this vision of this building to fruition.  In this online article, Roger reports on the Gala and gives his impression of its significance.

 

Click here to read Roger's report on our website...

 
Frost Flower Frost Flowers

 

HCP member John Carter provided a wonderful article on a little known phenomenon call frost flowers.

 

Read the article online.

Mediterranean Garden 
Curators of HCP
by John Scratchly
 
In this online article, John Scratchley, curator of the HCP Mediterranean Garden describes to role of the curator to maintain  beautify and enhance their particulr area of the HCP demonstration gardens.
 

Read John's report online.

November To-do List 
by Linda Petite, Head Gardener
  •   the fall season is winding down, so switch up your containers with cold season plants like dwarf conifers, heathers, bulbs, cyclamen etc.
  • continue to rake and compost leaves
  • drain your irrigation systems and garden hoses
  • place tree guards around tree trunks for rabbit and mice protection
  • mulch all garden beds
  • pot up indoor bulbs like paperwhites and amaryllis for winter color
  • start feeding the winter birds, they rely on you!
  • prep your tools for winter storage
  • spring bulbs are on SALE at the Garden Centers

Linda with Wreaths Christmas Wreaths

 

We will be selling Christmas wreaths starting the week of the 25 November.  Call the office for details - 250-479-6162.

 

Check our website for our upcoming wreath classes at the end of the month.  These classes are very popular and so much fun!

 

To deck the Halls!  Remember we always have a great selection of greens for sale; stems of many colours and holly. 

Starting next Thursday November 21st.

Global Food Security 
  

Myfanwy photo

 

Volunteer Appreciated

.
  

 

by Amanda Price, Volunteer Coordnator

 

In this online article, Amanda describes the long service of Myfanwy Rutherford, who has been volunteering at the HCP for longer than the Gardens have existed.

 

She still attends weekly to he office duties, now in her 93rd year.

 

Read Amanda's article online.

Pesticide Image 

Last Chance This Fall

       

Last Pesticide Applicator's Course and Exam Offering This Fall! 

 

Saturday and Sunday November 23 and 24,

8:30-4:00 each day. 

Exam will be written the following Wednesday November 27, 6:00-9:00. 

Cost for the course is $400 which includes the exam fees and three required textbooks. 

 

Contact collegeadmin@hcp.ca or (250) 479-3210 to sign up.

 

 

  
  
  
Only in Victoria...
in November. 
  
Fatsia japonica
  
HCP Librarian, Isabelle Jones reports that her Fatsia is blooming for the second time this year.
 Gala 2013 - Thank You
  
Thank you to the following list of donors for making our Gala event a success. 
  
Accent InnsCurves - Royal Oak
Alsco LinenDance VictoriaPISE
Amanda Wilson - CTVDig This - BroadmeadPoint Ellice House
Art Knapp VictoriaForbes PharmacyProspect Lake Golf Course
Atlas Audio VisualGeorge HefflefingerRand Automotive
Babin DentistryHarrow SportsRoyal BC Museum
Baden-BadenIsland Culinary ServicesRoyals Hockey Club
Ballet VictoriaJenner ChevroletSmythe Ratcliffe
Belfry TheatreKnickerbockersTitanium Tents
Bella Terra Vacation RentalsLA LimoTruffles Catering
Butchart GardensLido BistroVancity
Candu MusicMacPherson TheatreVictoria Airport Authority
Casino RentalsMary Kay - Leann ChamberlainVictoria Butterfly Gardens
Cheryl McBride - ArtistMonks OfficeVictoria Clipper
Craigdarroch CastleOswego Hotel VictoriaWaterlily Shoes
Chateau Victoria Hotel and SuitesGinny Barlow - DFH Realty and Silpada DealerSaanich Commonwealth Recreation
Beach Club Resort - Bellstar ResortsOmni Resorts - Rancho Las PalmasWestshore Family Fun Park
  

soiltest

Don't Guess...Soil Test

By: Linda Petite, Head Gardener

  • proper soil fertility is the foundation for plant health
  • all plants have specific nutritional and pH requirements
  • take several soil samples in the area you are testing
  • samples should be 8-12 inches deep
  • mix all the samples together and place in a Ziploc bag with your name and garden name
  • Integrity Sales on Keating x Rd. sends your sample to a lab and a complete analysis comes back to you.
     
  • for more information and cost contact Integrity 544-2072
Plant of the MonthArbutus unedo  

by Linda Petite

  
Arbutus unedo 'Compacta'  
  •  Dwarf Strawberry Tree
  • 2.5m.ht x 2m.spr.
  • sun/part shade
  • evergreen shrub
  • flowers and fruit appear at the same time
  • edible red ''strawberry-like'' fruit
  • attractive peeling bark
  • drought tolerant
  • excellent container plant
 
Join Your Fellow Gardeners
 

 
MARLIN TRAVEL presents.........

 

Gardens of the Loire

    and the Chelsea Garden Show

May 19 to May 29, 2014

  
See full travel details on our website.