Mid-May 2014
Mark Cullen e-newsletter
Gardening with Mark
In This Issue
Things To Do
Find Mark
Contest
Stay in Touch

 

Mark's

Gardening Connections

  
  
   
  
  
Home Hardware 
  
  
Golfgreen 
  
  
  
Toronto Star 
  
  
  
Ottawa Citizen  
  
  
  
CTV Canada AM 
  
  
  
Facebook 
  
Join Our Mailing List
Things To Do  

  

Golfgreen

-Fertilize your lawn with Golfgreen 

(the only fertilizer that I use) unless you did this within the last month. Repeat 8 to 10 weeks after the first application. 


-Prune fall bearing raspberries down to 4 cm tall.

-Harvest your asparagus and rhubarb often to encourage more to come. Cut off rhubarb flowers and stalk when they develop.

 

-For plants that are not frost-sensitive, like flowering shrubs, trees, perennials, roses and evergreens you can plant now. If, however, you purchase plants that are 'green house fresh' make sure that you harden them off by placing them out of doors for a few hours mid day and protecting them in the garage or indoors the balance of the day and evening. Lengthen the time that they are out of doors each day for about 2 weeks until they are well acclimatized to outdoor wind, sun and evening temperatures.

 

-Dig and divide. Perennials that are overgrown are best dug up and divided this time of year. Use a spade, shovel or garden fork to dig up the whole clump and then slice the clump in half, then half again [like a pie]. Plant the divisions in the appropriate locations or give to the appropriate friends/family [preferably ones who like to garden].

 

-Soil prep. 90% of your gardening success depends on it [I feel like I have said that before]. Add generous quantities of compost to your planting holes and/or garden. Give the roots of your new plants a happy place to grow and feed the soil with plenty of organic nutrition. I spread 2 cm of finished compost mixed with 30% sharp sand over my entire garden each spring.

  

Have a great 2 weeks in the garden, keep your knees dirty and above all, be bold and have fun!

 

Mark

Thank You
 

Thanks to John Locke and Bill Ecklund at Orillia Home Hardware Building Centre for a great evening Tuesday night.  

Ladies' night was a sell out!  

Where to Find Mark
 
Mark

May 15 - Napanee Home Hardware. 7pm to 9pm.  Contact the store for more info. 613-354-5982.

 

May 17 - Brantford Home Hardware. 11am to 1pm. Join me for a great day featuring Golfgreen Lawn fertilizer.

 

May 31 - Dunlop's Home Hardware in Port Hardy, BC.  Contact the store for more details (250) 949 - 8313.

 

June 3Shepherds Home Hardware, Armstrong BC. Contact the store for more details 250-546-3002.

 

June 5 - Drayton Valley Home Hardware, Alberta. Contact the store for more details 780-542-4044.

 

June 7 - Valleyview Home Hardware, Alberta. Contact the store for more details 780-524-3181.

Contest!
Take your best shot
 

For my mid-May contest, show me your favourite spring blooms!

  

I will pick 3 contest entries to receive a Mark's Choice Clear-Flow hose.

 

All photos will be posted on my Facebook page.

 

Email your photo to [email protected].

The Tomato Garden 

An old gentleman lived alone in New Jersey.

He wanted to plant his annual tomato garden, but it was very difficult work, as the ground was hard.

His only son, Vincent, who used to help him, was in prison.

The old man wrote a letter to his son and described his predicament:

 

Dear Vincent,

I am feeling pretty sad because it looks like

I won't be able to plant my tomato garden this year.

I'm just getting too old to be digging up a garden plot.

I know if you were here my troubles would be over.

I know you would be happy to dig the plot for me, like

the old days.

Love,   Papa

 

A few days later he received a letter from his son.

 

Dear Papa,   

Don't dig up that garden.
That's where the bodies are buried.
Love, Vinnie

 

At 4 a.m. the next morning, FBI agents and local police arrived and dug up the entire area without finding any bodies.

They apologized to the old man and left.

That same day the old man received another letter from his son.

 

Dear Papa,   

Go ahead and plant the tomatoes now.

That's the best I could do under the circumstances.
Love you,

Vinnie

Green Tie 2014
Toronto Parks and Trees Foundation 
 

Please join us "in the park" on Monday, June 9th for the 7th Annual Green Tie event.  

 

An evening of celebration, delicious food and local entertainment in a natural setting that brings to light our Recover The Canopy initiative.

 

This year, the event is set in Riverdale Park East, at St. Matthew's Clubhouse - the new home of the Toronto Parks and Trees Foundation.

 

2014 is a rebuilding year for our parks and tress after the 2013 ice storm.   We know that parks and trees make urban living healthier and add beauty to the city that we love.

 

Date: Monday, June 9, 2014

Tickets: $65 per person

Time: 6pm to 9:30pm

 

More info.

Stay in Touch

 

You can stay in touch with my gardening tips by visiting my:

 

Weekly blog post - From the Garden Shed - every Wednesday

 

Weekly audio tip - The Green File - every Wednesday

 

Daily Facebook page updates

 

Daily Tweets

 

And Weekly Canada AM segments, on Wednesdays.

 

Two recent clips you really should watch:

I had a blast in Ireland last fall with my gardening buddy Denis Flanagan.  We visited the most successful 'cookery' school in County Cork, Ballymaloe.  A 4 minute tour and interview with the principle, Darina Allen. Click here to watch.

 

This week on Canada AM Jeff and I explored alternatives to the most asked question: what can I replace my impatiens with this summer?  Click here to watch.

Submit Your Event Listings 


Events

Do you have a 'gardening' event you would like to promote, I would be happy to include your event listing in my monthly e-newsletter.

 

Send your info to [email protected] with the subject line 'Newsletter Event Listing'.  Please provide a brief description of the event, along with a website for further information.

 

The Butchart Gardens

British Columbia

 

Spring is an exciting time at The Gardens.  Come witness thousands of flowering bulbs, shrubs and trees bursting forth.  It's the perfect time to take in fresh colours and to breathe refreshing scents. 

 

 More info. 

Plant Paradise Country Gardens Workshops

Ontario

 

May 17: A Recipe for Continuous Blooms with Lorraine Roberts

Time: 10am

With the right plant choices you can create a garden of continuour bloom.

 

May 24: Wild About Wildflowers with Miriam Goldberger

Time: 10am

Learn how to add wildflowers into your garden, harvest and design flower arrangements.

 

Location: Plant Paradise Country Gardens, 16258 Humber Station, Caledon, ON

 

More info. 

Brampton Horticultural Society's Annual Plant Sale

Ontario

  

Date: May 17

Time: 9am to 1pm

Location: Bramptom Curling Club, 46 McMurchy Ave., Brampton, ON

 

Large selection of hardy and specialty perennials, annuals, vegetables and native plants.

 

Email for more details [email protected].

Pine Ridge Garden Club

Ontario  

  

Plant sale Plant, Bake and Yard Sale

Date: May 17

Time: 8:30am to 1:00pm

Location: Nestleton Hall, 3967 Hwy. 7a, Nestleton, ON

 

Raising money for the Club's plantings throughout the Township.  Donations welcome.

 

More info.

Agassiz Garden Club

Manitoba

  

Events Plant & Bake Sale

Date: May 17

Time: 10am to noon

Location: Lac du Bonnet Community Centre, Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba

 

Low-Maintenance Gardening by Dan Cooper

Ontario  

  

Dan Cooper

Guest Speaker: Dan Cooper, from 'Gardening from a Hammock'

Everyone welcome.

 

Date: May 20

Time: 7:30-9:00pm

Location: Shelburne Horticultural Society, 377 William St., Shelbourne

Contact

 

Date: May 21

Time: 7pm - 9pm

Location: Welland Horticultural Society, Wesley United Church, 244 First Ave., Welland

 

Date: May 27

Time: 7:30-9:30pm

Location: Bracebridge Hort Society, Bracebridge Senior's Center, 54 Dominion Street, Bracebridge

Contact

 

Date: May 30

Time: 7pm

Location: Sudbury Garden Festival, Parkside Centre, Sudbury

Contact

Beach Garden Society

Ontario

   

General Meeting and Flower & Plant Show

Date: May 20

Times: 7:15pm to 9pm

Location: Adam Beck Community Centre, 79 Lawlor Ave., Toronto, ON

 

Presentation by Charlie Dobbin: "Gardening in a Changing Climate"

New members and guests welcome - come early and enjoy informal discussions with members or check out our Library.

More info.

Tillsonburg Horticultural Society

Ontario

  

8th Annual Plant Auction

Date: May 20

Time: Doors open at 5:45 pm

Location: Lions Auditorium, Tillsonburg Community Centre, 45 Hardy Avenue

 

Auction, bake sale, book sale, bargain toonie and fiver cash table, draw table.

 

More info. 

Newmarket Garden Club

Ontario    

Date: May 20

Time: 8pm

Location: The Newmarket Community Centre, 200 Doug Duncan Drive, Newmarket

Guest speaker: Denis Flanagan-"Perennials - What's New and Exciting"

 

More info. 

School Garden Day

Ontario

    

Date: May 23

Plant with us!  Imagine a Garden in Every School invites schools across Ontario to participate in their second annual School Garden Day to nurture community spirit, biodiversity, and local food systems by planting something new, whether inside your classroom or outside in your school yard - just dig in!

 

More info.

Applewood Garden Club

Ontario  

  

Applewood Garden Club

13th Annual Community Plant Sale

Date: May 24

Time: 10am to 2pm

Location: Anglican Church of St. Luke, 1513 Dixie Road South, Mississauga, ON

 

The AGC Annual Plant sale features a wide range of reasonably priced perennials.  Free Peel Region Compost, while supplies last (Bring your own containers).  

 

More info. 

Plant Sale at Christ Church Stouffville

Ontario   

 

Events

Date: May 24

Time: 9am til noon

Location: Christ Church, 254 Sunset Blvd., Stouffville

 

Large selection of perennials, annuals and house plants at our indoor sale.

 

More info.

The Buzz on Bees

Toronto, Ontario    

 

Toronto Botanical Garden

Date: May 24

Time: 10 am til noon

Location: Toronto Botanical Garden, Toronto

 

Toronto Botanical Garden beekeepers will introduce you to our honey bees.  Learn the bees' "waggle" dance, build a solitary bee home and take a honey taste test.

 

More info.

Wasaga Beach Garden Club

Ontario    

 

Annual Plant Sale

Date: May 24

Time: 8am-noon (rain or shine)

Location: Oakview Woods Gazebo, 1724 Mosley Street, Wasaga Beach, ON

 

There will be grasses, perennials and shrubs for sale and you should come early for the best selection.

More info.

North Bay Horticultural Society

Ontario   

 

Annual Plant Sale
Date:
 May 24
Time: 9am - 11:30am
Location: 890 Vimy Street, North Bay

Annuals, perennials and house plants are donated by members and are sold at very reasonable prices.  This event is open to the public and is a major fund raising activity for the Society.  

 

More info.

Friends of the Central Experimental Farm

Ottawa, Ontario    

 

Great Gardening Weekend Saturday

Date: May 24

One day bus tour to the Montreal Botanical Garden includes a stop at the Jean Talon Market and room for purchases.

Registration is $75, space is limited.

More info.

Brandon Garden Club

Manitoba    

 

Events

Plant Sale

Date: May 24

Time: 9am

Location: 2020 MacGregor Avenue, Brandon, MB

 

More info.

Evergreen Brick Works Tour & Ravine Walk

Toronto, Ontario    

 

Date: May 24

Time: 1:50pm

Location: Brick Works Welcome Centre, 550 Bayview Avenue

 

North American Native Plant Society has organized a tour of Evergreen Brick Works and a walk through the surrounding ravines for their members.

 

More info.

Amherstburg Fort Malden Horticultural Society

Ontario    

 

29th Annual Garden Tour

 

Date: May 24 and May 25

Time: 10am - 4pm

 

The AFMH invites gardeners and non-gardeners alike to attend our 29th Annual Garden Tour in the beautiful and historic town of Amherstburg.

 

Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased at Toddy Jones Park, 162 Dalhousie Street.

More info.

Warkworth Lilac Festival "Scent of a Lilac"

Ontario    

 

Date: May 24 and May 25

Location: Warkworth, ON

 

Lilac sales, photography competition, art show, street buskers, lilac flower displays, lilac & horticultural trail talks, children's free events.

More info.

Cramahe Horticultural Society

Ontario    

 

Flower & Quilt Show

Annual Plant Sale

Date: May 24 and May 25

Location: Garden Shed Market Place at the Apple Blossom Tyme Festival, Colborne, ON

 

More info.

Aurora Garden & Horticultural Society

Ontario    

 

Aurora Garden Fair

Date: May 25

Time: 10am - 4pm

Location: Aurora Town Park, Corner of Wells and Mosley

 

Come and get dirty with the Aurora Garden Club!  Our exciting new event features our Annual Plant Sale, a "Garden Oasis" by Pathways to Perennials, vendor booths showcasing products and services for backyard living and exhibits by local environmental organizations.

 

More info.

Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens

Nova Scotia    

 

Historic Gardens

19th Annual Historic Gardens Dinner & Auction

Date: May 25

Time: 4pm - 9pm

Location: Annapolis Royal Legion & Community Centre

This gala is one of the largest auctions of premium horticultural material in Nova Scotia, with a wonderful selection of artwork, gift items, meals and services up for bid as well.

Tickets $40 per person. Advance sales only. 

 

More info.

 

Note: I will be at the Annapolis Royal Home Hardware Building Centre on June 21 for an in-store event.  Stay tuned for more details.

Hamilton & Burlington Rose Society

Ontario    

 

Rose Society

Date: May 25

Time: 2pm

Location: The Royal Botanical Gardens Centre, Room #3

Speaker: David Elliot

Topic: Highlights of Sangerhausen World Fed. Rose Soc. Conference

 

More info.

Brighton Horticultural Society

Ontario    

 

Date: May 27

Time: 7:30pm

Location: King Edward Community Centre

Speaker: Marjorie Mason

Topic: Gardening for all the Days of Our Life

 

More info.

Giant Plant Sale

Manitoba    

 

Events

Date: May 30

Time: 6pm - 8pm

Location: Memorial Hall, 376 Jemima, Selkirk Manitoba

 

Thousands of healthy plants at good prices, silent auction, 50/50, Free beverages and homemade cookies.

 

More info.

Orangeville and District Horticultural Society

Ontario    

 

Orangeville Hort Society

Plant Sale

Date: May 31

Time: 8 am

Location: Orangeville Seniors Centre, 26 Bythia Street

Perennials, shrubs, herbs, annuals, something for everyone.

 

More info.

Mississauga Master Gardeners

Ontario    

 

Annual Spring Plant Sale

Date: May 31

Time: 10am - 2pm

Location: Sheridan Centre Mall, 2225 Erin Mills Parkway

 

A wide range of perennials and shrubs from our member's gardens will be available, along with some of your favourite herbs, annuals and vegetables.  Arrive early for the best selection.

More info.

Emerald Ash Borer Training Workshop

Ontario    

 

LEAF

Date: May 31

Time: 10am - 3pm

Location: York Region administrative centre, 17250 Yonge St., Newmarket

 

Learn how to identify ash trees and the signs of EAB.

Hear about tree planting programs available in your area.

Find out how to effectively share information about EAB with your neighbours.

Free - registration required

More info.

Bobcaygeon & District Horticultural Society

Ontario    

 

Bobcaygeon

Annual Plant Sale

Date: May 31

Time: 9am - 1pm

Location: Kawartha Settlers' Village, Drve Shed Bldg.

 

More info.

Plants, Statuary, Furniture Sale

Ontario    

 

Date: May 31

Time: 9am - 2pm

Location: St. Mark's Church, Byron Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake