For many, it is hard to get enthusiastic about spring and gardening with a large amount of snow still covering the ground.
Have faith, days are getting longer, the sun is warmer and according to the calendar, spring is already here.
Eventually, the snow will melt and the world will turn green.
The Red Deer and District Gardening Club have brought in Hugh Skinner to get their members and the public enthused about this year’s gardening season.
Hugh Skinner received a BSA in horticulture from the University of Manitoba in 1972. Since that time he has worked in various different areas of horticulture. At present time he facilitates courses through the Prairie Horticulture certificate and grows lilies.
The name Skinner will be familiar with many gardeners as Hugh’s father, Dr. Frank Skinner, developed many Prairie hardy plants. Hugh is in the process of collecting all of his father’s introductions and placing them in the Frank Skinner Arboretum which was started on the site of the original nursery near Robin, Man.
At present time there is a path through the arboretum that takes in many Canadian roses, shade plants, perennials and original trees and shrubs.
Hugh has co-authored three books with Sara Williams that have sold well.
Perennials for the Prairies, includes many different perennials that will thrive in local yards and gardens.
Vines and Ground Covers for the Prairies introduces gardeners to vines and ground covers, something that many gardeners tend to ignore.
The latest book, Gardening Naturally – pesticide free gardening, is the topic that Hugh will speak on. Chemical pesticides have been phased out and different “green’ solutions have been appearing on the market.
Learn more about these solutions and decide what is best for your garden. This will be a good evening for people that are looking for more gardening alternatives.
Skinner, will be speaking on Tuesday, April 12, at 7 p.m. in the Harvester Center, Heartland Room at the Westerner. Tickets are $15 at the door. Doors open at 6:30.
Those gardeners, or would-be gardeners that wish to grow their own food regardless where they live might want to attend a two-day permaculture course that is being held in Rocky Mountain House on April 2 and 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This is a small informal class that is being presented by Louise Bruns, Jeff Gillies, and Linda Proudlove.
The cost is $180 which includes locally grown lunches. The course runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days.
The topics covered will include watering, care of soil, all aspects of food production along with gardening in the cold climate.
For more information or to register call Louise at 403-845-2216.
All that are involved in presenting this course are very enthusiastic and a wealth of gardening information.
Join either of these groups and start planning this year’s garden.
Linda Tomlinson is a horticulturalist and educator living in Rocky Mountain House. You can contact her at your_garden@hotmail.com