One of the first questions that gardeners ask each spring is, "What's new?" And, of course, "Where can we find it?"
Our gardening plans have been simmering for months and, as the days grow longer and brighter in March, anticipation for our favourite season almost reaches fever pitch.
We recall our declarations the previous season that our beds simply won't hold any more plants. Come spring, however, we're determined (and excited) to make room for the stunning new varieties of spring bulbs, perennials and annuals that make their debut each year.
Imagine finding all of the experts gathered together at one event, ready and waiting to talk to us about our gardening plans and all of the new and fabulous plants, tools and accessories that are must-haves.
The 4th Annual Gardening Saturday event, today at the Canadian Mennonite University, promises to do just that with one full day of exhibits, plants, spring bulbs, seeds, workshops, demonstrations -- all dedicated to celebrating the fastest-growing hobby in North America.
What can gardeners look forward to this year? Carla Hrycyna, Gardening Saturday exhibitor and co-owner of St. Mary's Nursery, recommends Lantana Luscious Tropical Fruit.
"This vibrant annual with its variegated foliage, paired in a basket with Geranium Vancouver Centennial and Muehlenbeckia is a definite eye-stopper," she says.
Dave Hanson, from Sage Garden Herbs, says one of the plants he's most excited about is a medicinal herb and woodland perennial called Double Flowering Bloodroot.
"The double form is exquisite as an early spring flower, with large, pure white blooms that light up shady areas," he says. "Most gardeners will love this plant for the amazing blooms."
Another plant that will brighten shady areas is the Yellow Blossom Caladium. Tammy Jensen, of Jensen's Nursery, recommends this delicate shade plant which heralds from Thailand and sports eye-catching magenta-red veins.
Will Brearley of Vanhof & Blokker, one of Canada's leading importers and distributors of bulbs, describes the fragrant Magic Star Double Oriental Lily as a showstopper that is creating buzz in the marketplace. With ruffled raspberry colored petals, this exotic lily from Simple Pleasures grows 3-4 feet tall with a 9-to-12-inch spread.
Dahlias also will be highly sought after this season: look for Blackberry Ripple, Pair of Giraffes, Big Wow and Chocolate Sundae.
Not all plants are widely available or affordable, though. Take, for example, 'Scintillating Personality'. Carol Bender, from the Beausejour Daylily Society, describes this rare, coral-red daylily as coming from some of the finest reds every produced. The gold edge of the super-wide petals never hangs and often produces an "owl ear" on the upper right petal.
And the price? Only $175!
Think of how much fun it will be to talk to the representatives from garden centres and hort societies from across our province about all of the newest varieties and old favourites. Bring your gardening questions, and stop by and talk to the folks from The Prairie Garden about their latest edition, Healthy Gardening. Take part in any one of 18 workshops geared towards gardeners of all levels of experience.
Gardening Saturday welcomes keynote speaker Des Kennedy, noted author and environmentalist, for a presentation on Garden Artistry. From Ask a Designer Sessions to hands-on container gardening demonstrations, outdoor enthusiasts will come away with all the inspiration they need to start the season.
Of course, the spring season isn't just about plants. Outdoor projects can be tough jobs. Planning our dream landscape from start to finish involves a number of components: fencing, hardscaping, sprinkler systems, building projects - Perhaps even a pond. Your plans will be simplified by talking to the experts.
Is this the year to finally purchase a rainbarrel? The Winnipeg Community Gardening Network will be taking orders for up to 300 rainbarrels.
And don't forget our feathered friends -- vendors will feature uniquely styled wooden bird feeders, even one that is edible.
More than just a tradeshow, Gardening Saturday strives to connect Manitoba gardeners with the experts, businesses, products and services available in our vital horticultural community. Many new products will be profiled, such as Growing Technologie's all-season greenhouse and the Living Wall, manufactured in Manitoba by Equinox Environmental Products.
There will be some tasty new products as well. Try a delicious cup of Tulip Tea Blend in the Food Market. It promises a fabulous floral aroma. Soup Bee will be serving freshly made soup from locally sourced products, and Java Jungle, Mondragon and Tall Grass Prairie will offer their signature sandwiches, salads, wraps, cinnamon buns and more.
We're only weeks away from stepping into our gardens. For that first glimpse of spring, we invite you to visit Gardening Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the Canadian Mennonite University, 500 Shaftesbury Blvd., North Campus.
Colleen Zacharias is president of the Friends of the Assiniboine Park Conservatory and chair of Gardening Saturday as well as co-chair of The Prairie Garden, Western Canada's only gardening annual since 1937.
