This year's early start to the spring season has gardeners everywhere even more anxious than in previous years to get their hands into the dirt.
Timing is everything, though, and in spite of the unseasonably warm temperatures, patience is needed before we can begin digging and planting. Temperatures are bound to fluctuate wildly so it's important to remember stomping around in flower beds while the ground is still thawing beneath the surface runs the risk of compacting the soil.
So how do we satisfy the irresistible urge to begin planning our gardens? Check out the 5th Annual Gardening Saturday today at Canadian Mennonite University -- featuring over 85 exhibits, displays, workshops and demonstrations designed to prepare and inspire gardeners of all ages and levels of experience. And of course, experts from across Manitoba's horticultural community will be on hand throughout the day to share their expertise.
Planning for a spring or summer display of bulbs? At this time of year, the focus is on bulbs, tubers, tuberous roots and corms. Whether in winter storage or newly purchased, they offer plenty of satisfaction! If you planted tulip bulbs last fall, the recent snowmelt and climbing temperatures will soon result in a spectacular spring display.
Dahlias, cannas and callas that have been stored over the winter in a cool, dry location indoors should be inspected carefully for any signs of dehydration or disease.
If purchasing packaged bulbs, check for firmness and be assured as to how they have been stored.
John Rempel, panellist in today's All About Lilies workshop presented by the Manitoba Regional Lily Society, reminds gardeners of the importance of proper storage temperatures for store-bought bulbs.
"If temperatures during transportation and delivery are not optimum, there is the risk that they have been shipped warm and stored warm. Does the retail outlet have a cooler? Are they dormant? If they have one inch of growth on them, pot them up right away."
Dahlias, cannas, callas and caladium are ready to plant in the ground once temperatures are warm and after the risk of frost. Avoid planting in cold, wet ground, which can result in rot.
Gardeners can choose from a range of exciting choices, wonderfully suited to the garden or patio and container planting, for an extensive array of colour from June to late fall. With this year's taste for the exotic, Calla lilies will be popular choices.
Will Brearley, from Vanhof & Blokker, one of Canada's oldest horticultural companies, is an exhibitor and presenter at Gardening Saturday. His top picks include Simple Pleasures Calla Lily 'Captain Murano'. The colour is a unique orange burgundy with a hint of rust. Its 18-inch-tall flower spikes make it a great candidate for containers. Calla 'Purple Haze' is another one to look for -- the trumpet-shaped burgundy purple blooms sport a yellow outer edge.
Cannas, of course, have long been associated with a tropical look. The range of heights and dramatic foliage make a bold statement in any garden. The fiery orange flowers and dark bronze foliage of Canna 'Wyoming' can be used to great effect as a standalone plant.
Brearley also recommends Dahlia "Tahiti Sunrise." This early bloomer (several weeks before most dahlias) explodes with colour and is a great choice for the border. For more suggestions on adding bulbs to the garden, drop by Brearley's booth.
Of course, a tropical look isn't only defined by colour. Texture is an important component of any garden and foliage plants will add a whole new dimension to your garden-scape. Karen Anderson is an avid gardener who makes extensive use of tropical plants in her garden. "Tropicals love being outdoors. You will get as much growth from them in two months as you would in a whole year in an indoor environment," says Anderson.
A unique plant to consider is Calathea. "A beautiful houseplant that is part of the prayer plant family (Marantaceae), Calathea performs successfully outdoors, providing it receives adequate moisture and afternoon shade. The large variegated leaves that are deep purple on the underside compliment pink toned blooms such as Endless Summer Hydrangea," says Anderson.
The banana plant (Musa sp.), of course, is the ultimate tropical foliage plant with its oversized coarse leaves. It sold out quickly everywhere last spring, so this year, I purchased the first one I saw. An upright plant, it lends itself nicely to lush under-plantings of trailing or flowering annuals.
Anderson highly recommends the Oleander tree. Blooms are usually white or pink -- the newest variety offers red tones. While most tropicals that have been maintained indoors need to be introduced to the outdoors gradually, the oleander embraces the outdoor environment without complaint. "What's great about them is that they withstand wind, rain, or sun. Don't be alarmed if the inside leaves yellow and drop at first -- this allows the outer leaves to fill out. Under-plant with spider plant and peperomia."
Anderson, greenhouse supervisor at Rona, will offer a workshop at Gardening Saturday on how to create a tropical paradise.
Chad Labbe, vice-president, Shelmerdine Garden Centre, says gardeners will be intrigued this year by a new collection of plants called Hort Couture. "It's fashion in the garden with an emphasis on creating a unique ambience by combining the proper accents," says Labbe. The collection includes a stunning selection of coleus, tropicals and succulents in breathtaking colours.
Living walls created a stir last year and have gardeners venturing into the realm of taking gardening to whole new heights. Carla Hrycyna, co-owner of St. Mary's Nursery, has created one of the three living walls on display at Gardening Saturday.
"Adding succulents with varying colour tones from reds to pinks to green shades provides a wave of colour to combinations of tropicals, annuals, herbs and perennials," says Hrycyna, who also suggests choosing plants with varying heights for added dimension. Plants to use for this type of application include ivy, polka dots, spider plants, echeveria, sedums, thyme, curry, oregano, lipstick, hoya and so many more! Module units consist of a 10-pocket system and can be used singly or stacked to create a larger display. Larger combinations of layers should be watered with a drip system that is woven through the layers. Water requirements are dependent on the type of plants and weather conditions.
The choices are dizzying! Take advantage of the Ask a Designer sessions (free!) throughout the day at Gardening Saturday with landscape designer Colleen Watson of Watson's Designs in Landscaping. Bring your photos and ideas and let the local experts help you to prepare for the growing season ahead. While you're there, drop into the Food Market for a delicious assortment of food from Icelandic fare to local honey and sea buckthorn products. Visit www.gardensmanitoba.com for full details.
