Well, summer came to an abrupt halt and the rain and cold will rule for the next few months. Hopefully, the sun will peek through on occasion offering us hope for the spring.
A full moon, otherwise known as the Cold Moon and representing the approach of winter and the shortest day of the year, will preside on Dec. 3. Enjoy!
And the winter solstice arrives at 8.28 a.m. Dec. 21.
For Chemainus Communities in Bloom, it is time to be dormant. Several members seek warmer climes and some just kick back and enjoy local culture. Take time to reflect on your garden, the town’s gardens and the enjoyment and smiles they can bring.
We Dig – Do It Now Tips
• Time to prune peach trees and begin spraying fruit trees with dormant oil
• Plant successive winter flowering heathers to give winter color
• Stake young trees
• Plant Windsor beans and round seeded peas for early vegetables
• If grass gets too long due to mild weather, cut it and apply lime
• Watch for wet areas in your lawn and apply coarse sand
• Remove dead leaves from your lawn
• Keep off the lawn when it is covered with frost or snow
• Cut back hardy chrysanthemums as soon as flowers are over
• When buying a live Christmas tree, remember that the trees traditionally sold grow very large in time. If you have a small garden ask for a tree that stays small
• Lightly prune holly and evergreens and use clippings for wreaths
• Expensive ceramic pots should be emptied and brought inside as they crack with frost
• If you are considering a live, potted tree, locate it in as cool a spot as possible, keep it damp, and only keep it indoors for 7 to 10 days. Do not use hot lights and move the plant out of the house to a sheltered place, such as a carport. to reacclimatize
• Have you drained and put away your hose? Have you turned off indoor taps and drained pipes and sprinkler systems?
Did you know…
…the flower of the month is the paper white narcissus, meaning formality, stay as sweet as you are?
…the world’s tallest growing tree is the Coast redwood (sequoia sempervirens)?
…that bamboo is the fastest growing woody plant in the world? Growing up to 35” a day?
… that grapes were grown to make wine about 8,000 years ago in Iraq?
…vanilla flavoring comes from the pod of an orchid? And are more closely related to corn than green beans?
Pick of the Month – Mahonia – Mahonia x media
A statuesque hybrid shrub reaching up to 7’. Produces sprays of bright yellow flowers throughout the winter with some scent. Charity is the most popular species. Likes partial shade to full sun; hardy; and tolerant of various soil types. Generally pest and disease free.
.AND… what kind of motor bike does Santa ride? A Holly Davidson!
Chemainus Communities in Bloom next meets on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, 7 p.m. at Steeples. Watch Facebook or our blog at www.wedigchemainus.ca for updates.