 Frost Flowers
HCP member John Carter provided a wonderful article on a little known phenomenon call frost flowers.
Read the article online. |
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. |
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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
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 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.
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Volunteer Appreciated
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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. |
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 [email protected] or (250) 479-3210 to sign up.
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 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 Inns | Curves - Royal Oak | | | Alsco Linen | Dance Victoria | PISE | | Amanda Wilson - CTV | Dig This - Broadmead | Point Ellice House | | Art Knapp Victoria | Forbes Pharmacy | Prospect Lake Golf Course | | Atlas Audio Visual | George Hefflefinger | Rand Automotive | | Babin Dentistry | Harrow Sports | Royal BC Museum | | Baden-Baden | Island Culinary Services | Royals Hockey Club | | Ballet Victoria | Jenner Chevrolet | Smythe Ratcliffe | | Belfry Theatre | Knickerbockers | Titanium Tents | | Bella Terra Vacation Rentals | LA Limo | Truffles Catering | | Butchart Gardens | Lido Bistro | Vancity | | Candu Music | MacPherson Theatre | Victoria Airport Authority | | Casino Rentals | Mary Kay - Leann Chamberlain | Victoria Butterfly Gardens | | Cheryl McBride - Artist | Monks Office | Victoria Clipper | | Craigdarroch Castle | Oswego Hotel Victoria | Waterlily Shoes | | Chateau Victoria Hotel and Suites | Ginny Barlow - DFH Realty and Silpada Dealer | Saanich Commonwealth Recreation | | Beach Club Resort - Bellstar Resorts | Omni Resorts - Rancho Las Palmas | Westshore Family Fun Park |
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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
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Plant of the Month
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
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