Red tulips growing on for future plantings.










Alyssum saxatile, blooms mid June through Sept
Grows 8"-12" tall(20-30cm), in Full to part sun. Tolerates most soil conditions
Has yellow flowers on mounded plants. Space plants 8"-10" part (20-25cm)

Tips - This hardy perennial attracts butterflies and is ideal for rockeries, between paving stones and on walls. Use in borders and beds.
Hardy from Zone 3 to 7

High Temperature:
Actual: 15°C mostly cloudy Wind E20km/h P.O.P.0%
Average: 19°C
Record: 34°C in 1962

Low Temperature:
Actual: 1°C mainly cloudy Wind N12km/h P.O.P.0%
Average: 7°C
Record: -2°C in 1983

Pelargoniums are all growing well now and Two have produced flowers. One is red the other has pink and white blooms. I guess they really liked the cold spot in the basement.

High Temperature:
Actual: -2°C cloudy Wind NW27km/h P.O.P.31%
Average: -0°C
Record: 13°C in 1994

Low Temperature:
Actual: -8°C mostly cloudy Wind NW24km/h P.O.P.5%
Average: -9°C
Record: -28°C in 1944

Pelargoniums have green bits growing from them and I can't wait to see how they perform. It might be a bit early and hopefully they will survive until I can get them outside.

High Temperature:
Actual: -6°C mostly cloudy Wind NE19km/h P.O.P.1%
Average: -1°C
Record: 9°C in 1962

Low Temperature:
Actual: -12°C mostly cloudy Wind NE24km/h P.O.P.11%
Average: -10°C
Record: -26°C in 1948

Potted all the bits of pelargoniums saved over the winter. Have a couple of lights in the basement. Placed pots under lights where they will be slightly cool and get bright light for growth. Check back in a few weeks to see how they are.

High Temperature:
Actual: -16°C Partly sunny Wind NW22km/h P.O.P.57%
Average: -2°C
Record: 9°C in 1950

Low Temperature:
Actual: -24°C mostly cloudy Wind NNE14km/h P.O.P. 40%
Average: -10°C
Record: -23°C in 1952

I have been using a cold spot in the basement to winter over some bulbs and plants. I found several pelargoniums mixed in with leaves tossed to the curb in the fall and decided to save them. I cleaned them of all dirt and trimmed them so they would fit into a couple of paper bags then placed them into the cold room (55 deg F)for the winter. I checked on them over Nov/Dec and decided that I would put the dried sticks in soil to see how they perform. Let's hope they felt just right.

High Temperature:
Actual: -3°C mainly sunny Wind ENE19km/h P.O.P.0%
Average: -2°C
Record: 12°C in 1957

Low Temperature:
Actual: -11°C partly cloudy Wind NE12km/h P.O.P.0%
Average: -10°C
Record: -28°C in 1976

How to deal with peanut pests

Till the soil well each year and rotate the peanut crops every three years. Tilling disturbs the growth of undesirable organisms in the soil, and rotating the crops prevents monocultures from taking over. It is recommended to plant winter crops between peanut-growing seasons if possible to change the makeup of the soil.

Identify pests common to peanut crops. Watch for chewing insects, which feast on the stems and leaves of the plants. These include caterpillars, armyworms, cut worms and spotted cucumber beetles. There are piercing and sucking pests such as the cowpea aphid, tobacco thrips and spider mites. There are also pests that thrive below the ground, such as beetle larvae, rootworms and wireworms.

Clean storage bins. These are wonderful breeding grounds for peanut pests, especially types of fungi. Before storing a your peanuts all of the bins and the entire storage area (barn or shed) should be completely scrubbed and sprayed with "empty bin" sprays. The refuse should be burned. You will greatly deter the growth of molds or infestation of pests in your crop if you use proper storage methods.

Troubleshooting Problems when growing peanuts
Examine leaves, stems and buds for damage. It's also important to look for pests such as caterpillars and various kinds of worms. Certain types of cutworms appear in late August, lasting through October. Check daily until harvest.

Check the root systems of randomly selected plants. Look for beetles, borers and wireworms. These attack the roots and pods of the plant, causing failure to thrive and often hollowing out the stems and nuts. Some of these feed below ground on the outside of the plant, while others bore into the center.

Plant your peanut crop in well-drained soil. Roots can rot if the ground is too damp. When watering make sure you allow the ground to dry before watering again. Some results of root rot are yellow leaves that fall off, stunted growth and discoloration of the main root or the entire root system. One of the first signs you may recognize is a lesion on the leaves.

Note that some causes of crop failure are lack of proper nutrients in the soil. Two possible deficiencies are boron and calcium. Lack of boron causes thick, crinkly leaves with a leathery texture. Insufficient calcium can cause leaves to turn yellow and kill growing points. Seeds may not develop and the pods of the plant may be soft.

Keep an eye out for birds invading your crop. They can scratch in the dirt and dig up the soil around your peanut plants. This may disturb not only the roots and stems but also the fertilizers used. Blackbirds are common culprits for this behavior, and the larger the bird, the more damage may be done.


High Temperature:
Actual: -4°C cloudy Wind W14km/h P.O.P.40%
Average: -2°C
Record: 10°C in 1996

Low Temperature:
Actual: -10°C cloudy flurries .30cm Wind WNW17km/h P.O.P.44%
Average: -10°C
Record: -25°C in 1994

About Peanuts
Peanut plants can grow up to 2 feet tall, with a spread of 3 to 4 feet across.
Plants have green stems, oval-shaped leaves and produce small yellow flowers that are self-pollinating.
Blooms only last about half a day. A few days later a stem will grow from the flower and bury itself in the soil. Each stem will produce a peanut.
Peanut plants are native to South America but grows in warm regions around the world.
Peanuts can be grown from any raw peanut. Simply plant the seed, with or without the shell, in 2 inches of well-drained soil. Keep it warm and moist until germination. It typically takes three months to produce peanuts.
Peanuts aren't actually nuts but seeds or kernels.

When Should you Plant your peanuts??
Plant your peanuts so that you have at least 120 frost free days before the first FALL frost.
Does your region have enough warm days to sustain a peanut crop?? If you need more heat or time you may want to start your plants
inside or consider something else.
Plant shelled, raw peanuts from your grocers or purchased from a reputable supplier.
You should plant your seed after the last spring frost. Work soil thoroughly.
Water your plants after planted and then periodically afterwards. Peanut plants are hardy and require little care.

Uses for your Peanut Plants
Peanuts are grown all over the world providing food for people, that can be boiled, roasted (in a variety of food products
like peanut butter, baked goods, sauces and candies and peanut oil used for cooking and baking) or eaten raw and animals (vine and
leaves are rich in protein and is used as cattle and horse feed, seed pods and shells also work as high fiber roughage in animal feeds.)
and non-food items, like personal care products (soaps, cosmetics, shaving and face creams and shampoos) Shells are manufactured into
fire logs, mulch, kitty litter and particle board, are used in the production of ink, dye and paint, lubricants, medicine and explosives
and industrial materials. Peanut plants which are legumes, are tilled back into the soil adding nitrogen that improves the soil for other
crops and are useful in advanced farming techniques keeping soils rich and productive.

Growing Peanuts
Acquire your peanut seeds. You can search grocery stores for raw unroasted peanuts. (Check the fresh produce section) or a reputable
supplier. Plant each seed in it's own pot, approx 1 square foot each. The larger the pot the bigger the peanut crop. Fill pots with loose
potting soil and moisten with water. Plant one seed per pot. Water daily or more if needed to keep soil moist. Maintain moisture until
plants have pushed through dirt. When growing and healthy soil can dry for a day without killing plant. Check daily for pests.
If growing in the garden make sure soil is loose. Plant one to two feet apart in loose pliable light sandy soil, if possible, peanuts will
also grow in black, rich soil. Plant 10 inches apart, and 1 to 2 inches deep, put 3to 4 seeds in each hole. Cover with soil and pat lightly
to firm. Make sure to keep weeds from plants during growth. Water after planting if soil is really dry, but only once, until seeds have
sprouted and broken ground. Then, water as required.
Apply a good dusting of plaster (gypsum board) to increase calcium in soil, after plants begin to put out runners. Make sure shoots are
not damaged. This is where peanuts are created. When shoots are grown out, gently cover them using a yard rake or similar tool.
Remember this step, it is crucial to making a good bountiful crop.

You should not use pesticides, fertilizers or chemicals near your peanut plants.

Ready to Harvest
When the plants leaves have turned yellow, and after 110 to 115 days, check the plant by pulling up one. They are ready when nuts are firm and mature (approx. 120-130 days) If soil is loose just pull plants, in harder soil use long tooth rake or border fork. Dig up entire plant and gently shake as much soil from roots as possible. Tie plants in small bundles and hang roots down in a warm dry place.
Or, lay peanuts out in a dry area for 7 to 10 days (not in direct sunlight to dry). Shake off any excess soil.
Remove peanuts in shell off the plants and lay them on a few layers of newspaper or a sheet in a warm dry area indoors. Let them dry
for another 2 weeks. Now that you have completely dried out the nuts you can shell them and throw away or compost the shells.
Roasting your peanuts can be done in your oven, on a cookie sheet, 15 to 25 minutes at 350 degrees F. Remove from oven and place on
waxed paper or parchment.
F.Y.I. Nuts should appear browned not burnt.

Use or store. If storing , place in dark dry location at room temperature. Throw away black, mushy or mouldy nuts in garbage.
Remember to save some peanuts for next years crops.


High Temperature:
Actual: -4°C sun and cloud Wind WSW19km/h P.O.P.0%
Average: -2°C
Record: 11°C in 1949

Low Temperature:
Actual: -9°C partly cloudy Wind W8km/h P.O.P.0%
Average: -10°C
Record: -31°C in 1994

Today is our meet and greet Class #1
Always a few surprises thrown in. We had an excellent turn out. Most managed to arrive before the alotted time and Alan, even with his digressions managed to get through the class with time to spare. Realizing when it was time to give the test that he was running behind he moved up his timeline.



Alan had many interesting things to tell the class and brought in a green fruit to examine. After the class had a good look at it and Alan made mention of a few other things we went back to this interesting green ball that looked like a nut wrapped in flesh about the size of an orange. Alan informed the class this was a fruit from the osage orange "maclura pomifera" which has an existing hedge growing locally and is considered a heritage plant. Although it is large the fruit is harsh, dry, hard and astringent(sap similar to milkweed), juice extract is toxic and is inedible to humans. The existing hedge is slowly disappearing due to the nature of its seeding. During research of this plant investigation has led to the possibility that dispersal of seeds occurred by animals now extinct.
These hedges were widely planted until the barbed wire fence became more cost effective. Part of the allure of this plant as a hedge was it's alternating ovate-lanceolate leaves, on zigzagging twigs.

More info on this plant.....
Also known as hedge-apple, bois d'arc, or 'tennis ball tree' (Maclura pomifera) is a member of the fig-mulberry family (Moraceae). Osage orange was native to Texas and Oklahoma, approximately the home territory of the Osage people. Today it has now been widely planted far outside its natural range. The female tree can look somewhat like an orange tree with its orange-sized fruits.

Specimens in the states are very colourful , specimens in Ontario are not. Osage orange is dioecious, as mulberries are. Male trees have racemes of staminate blooms. Female trees have pistillate blooms in little radial buttonballs. The buttonballs grow into greenish apple-sized compound fruits of 6 to 8 centimetres width. The heavy fruits fall suddenly within a day, or so, in the autumn. The sap consists of latex, common in figs and mulberries. The bark is rough, reddish and convoluted. These apple like spreading trees can grow to 18 metres tall.

Osage orange's large fruit is one of its most curious features. The seeds are often able to germinate even without pollination. Nevertheless, root suckering is the more common means of natural propagation. The large fruit is not eaten by many animals.
The fruit was so heavy aboriginal Indians in eastern Oklahoma turned them into war clubs.

In the nineteenth century the shrubby trees,'hedge-apple', which grew long, wicked thorns were planted by settlers as a natural fence for early prairie settlers, they were used to keep animals in and nasty neighbours out. When real barbwire was invented this tradition was discontinued. Still, Osage orange persists semi-wild even in southern Ontario. The heavy compound fruits can dent cars, or hurt heads, when they fall. The 'oranges' take a long time to rot away. Osage orange is more of a curio than an ornamental.

M. pomifera is used today by wood craftsmen to make furniture and archery bows. The plant contains a chemical(2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxystilbene)that repels cockroaches, spiders, fleas and ants.

High Temperature:
Actual: -15°C feels -19 partly sunny Wind NNW19km/h P.O.P.20%
Average: -1°C
Record: 12°C in 2008

Low Temperature:
Actual: -21°C feels -23 partly cloudy Wind WNW16km/h P.O.P.0%
Average: -10°C
Record: -27°C in 1943

Bloomerang is a reblooming lilac,with fragrant flowers, that blooms in spring and then again throughout the summer. This lilac currently in our test garden is reblooming although the plant is not as vigorous as we would like to see it. Harsh conditions and little protection require that plantings be very hardy in our Zone 5 open field.
Some characteristics of this lilac: attracts hummingbirds, great cut flower, landscape plant, fragrant and deer resistant.
Plant in full sun, with average soil, flowers are blue lavender, foliage green, grows from 48" to 60" tall, space 60 to 72" apart, can be used in containers to add height.

Proven Winners suggests that to encourage reblooming you promptly remove spent blooms in spring. You can also prune to shape after blooming if needed. Flower production may decline during very hot summers but will resume when temperatures cool in the fall.






High Temperature:
Actual: 15°C mainly sunny Wind N12km/h P.O.P.0%
Average: 21°C
Record: 32°C in 1948

Low Temperature:
Actual: 4°C partly cloudy Wind WNW16km/h P.O.P.0%
Average: 9°C
Record: -1°C in 1973

Echinacea purpurea "Primadonna Deep Rose"
An improved strain this plant forms a low clump of deep green leaves. Large magenta blooms with brown cone center. Flowers start midsummer and can continue into mid fall.
These are easy and carefree perennials with attractive blooms and seed heads. Attract butterflies. Excellent in containers and as a cut flower. Use in borders or in mass plantings. Echinacea is drought tolerant and considered to be deer resistant.

Height: 75-85cm (29-33inches)
Spread: 45-60cm (18-23inches)
Division: early spring, self sown plants can be moved at that time.
Soil conditions: sandy, clay, well drained soil (adapts to most conditions)
Sun: full sun to part shade










High Temperature:
Actual: 16°C mainly cloudy Wind ESE12km/h P.O.P.50%
Average: 27°C
Record: 36°C in 1955
Low Temperature:
Actual: 10°C mostly cloudy rain 2.30mm Wind ENE12km/h P.O.P.50%
Average: 15°C
Record: 8°C in 1992

Raised beds are already yeilding crops of radish. This year we are growing a couple varieties; "Sparkler White Tip", "French Breakfast"
Raised beds are also harbouring carrots; "Cosmis Purple", "Crispy French", "Nantes Coreless". Raised beds make it very easy to weed and pick the bounty.






High Temperature:
Actual: 20°C partly sunny Wind NNW19km/h P.O.P.8%
Average: 24°C
Record: 33°C in 1949

Low Temperature:
Actual: 8°C partly cloudy Wind NNW14km/h P.O.P.3%
Average: 12°C
Record: 3°C in 1969

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) and its uses



Family: Umbelliferae
Common names: love parsley, sea parsley, lavose, liveche, smallage, European lovage, common lovage, Cornish lovage, English lovage, Italian lovage, maggi plant, old English lovage

Lovage is a hardy perennial herb, with ribbed stalks similar to celery, and hollow stems that divide into branches near the top. Yellow flowers are borne in compound umbels approx 30mm across, attracting beneficial predatory wasps. Leaves are dark green, opposite, compound, leaflets wedge shaped maybe toothed or ridged. Lovage has a strong taste and odour similar to celery and parsley. Roots have a nutty flavour. It is very robust and can grow as tall as 2 m and spread to form a clump several meters wide. Deer proof. Plan its location in the garden carefully, as it is difficult to move once it is established.

Propagation: by seed, which are slow to germinate (about 10-28 days), or by root division. Direct seeded crops should be planted early in the spring at a depth of 6 mm. Row spacing of 40 - 50 cm apart, 60 - 100 cm apart in row.
Soil Type: A well drained site rich in organic matter with a pH of 6 - 7.5 is preferred. It cannot tolerate heavy clay.
Cultivation: Lovage is winter hardy but mulching assists winter survival.
Harvest: Leaves are usually harvested twice a season, starting in the second year; stems are cut in spring; roots are dug in the fall of the third year and can be used fresh or dried. Seeds can be harvested in late fall when ripe and dried for use.

Culinary:
Leaves have sharp and spicy celery-flavour that can be used fresh in salads, soups, stews, stir-fries, potato dishes, squash, has been used to make tea and wine and as a breath freshener
Leafstalks can be eaten fresh or candied; hollow stems can be candied and used as straws in Bloody Marys;
Seeds can be used whole or ground in candy, cakes, meats, biscuits, sauces, cheeses, salad dressings, or pickled; dry lovage seeds make a great substitute for celery seed in cooking.

Dried root has been used as a condiment,
Grated fresh root can be cooked as a vegetable, used raw in salads, used to make tea, preserved in honey; essential oil used in condiments, icings, syrups, some liqueurs.
Medicinal: was been by in traditional medicine to reduce flatulence, dried leaves were used in an infusion for sore throats, fevers, an antiseptic mouthwash.
Aromatic: essential oil can be used to make a heavy spicy perfume
Other: as a closet freshener, deodorant or added to a bath.


Day +16 sun and cloud light showers .30mm Wind SSW11km/h P.O.P.0%
Night +7 mainly clear Wind NNW12km/h P.O.P.0%

Sanguinaria canadensis










Sanguinaria canadensis multiplex






The perfect plant for a woodland garden or on a shaded slope, Sanguinaria canadensis comes in single or double blooms grows in partial shade and enjoys humus rich soil. The beautiful white blooms arrive in late April and the lobed gray foliage fades by midsummer. The rhizomes can be cut apart after flowering to increase your crop. Ensure that you have 1 or more eyes per division. They grow 4-9 inches and spread 9-12 inches.

Day +13 partly sunny Wind SSE16km/h P.O.P.12%
Night -1 patchy clouds drizzle Wind SW17km/h P.O.P.50%

Helianthus maximillian
This member of the true sunflower family grows from 3 to 8 feet in height in sand or clay under full sun. Yellow blooms from September to October. Lance shaped grey green foliage is attractive throughout the summer and blooms make great cut flowers for autumn bouquets. It is a great food source for birds and butterflies.
Can be propagated by seed or division.
These are trouble free plants that may require frequent division. Plants can be divided in spring.

Day +11 sun and cloud Wind NE14km/h P.O.P.4%
Night +7 mainly clear Wind NE11km/h P.O.P.0%

Rainbow Swiss Chard - The green leaves and crunchy stalks come in a vivid array of yellow, crimson, gold, pink and white with an occasional orange stem. This Chard is originally from New Zealand. Bright Lights has a sweeter, milder flavour than other varieties.
Harvest when plants are well established and have 6 to 8 inch stalks. Both stalks and leaves are excellent for eating. Chop steam or saute with garlic or olive oil. Or use like spinach in lasagna or minestrone soap.


Red Peppers


Yellow Peppers

The vegetable patch in block b is ready for picking.

On December 27, I mentioned that this plant was as
yet unnamed. It is "Salvia sclaria var turkestanica"



Weather: Day -2 Periods of freezing rain then cloudy with possible flurries Wind 20km/h P.O.P.60%

Night -13 with windchill -22 Cloudy with chance of flurries P.O.P.60%

Answer Jan 14???a roughly equal parts sand, silt and clay

???A plant which is myrmecochorus

a produces a sweet smelling resin

b produces a humming sound in wind

c attracts moths

d attracts ants

At anytime of the year we accept donations. These are grown on in the hope of creating enough stock to plant out in the beds currently in our charge. We request
these donations come with nametags so that we can educate the public when viewing plants in the gardens but more often than not these orphans are unnamed. We do our best to give them a proper label, lamenting over catologues, looking up there possible likeness in the computer and asking the many nurserymen at our disposal but not everything gets labelled. The photo above is one such plant. It was huge this
summer. It was about 2 1/2 ft wide and at least 3 ft tall its leaves fuzzy and soft. We still have not identified it. (I'm sure someone will come along and say,"hey isn't
that ?????") We can only hope.

Answer Dec 11 ??? D a and c

??? For best results roses need:
a full day sun
b an alkaline soil
c a dust mulch
d root pruning