MESSAGE FROM THE CO-CHAIRS
Can it really be March?
As gardeners we are eager to see fresh signs of life and early season colour in our gardens. In preparation, our days are becoming busier as we seed and nurture indoor gardens and consider where and what to plant outdoors. As Master Gardeners, we contemplate how we can make our garden more sustainable.
This year’s hort calendar provides plenty of inspiration. In January, Curt Hull, Climate Change Connection, made a compelling call to action at our annual Education Day. In February, our senses were stirred by the documentary, Five Seasons: The Gardens of Piet Oudolf, which the MMGA hosted at Cinematheque to a sold-out audience.
On March 16th, the MMGA hosts John Morgan, a respected expert in Prairie restoration. His presentation, Using native plants in our own backyard, will talk about ways to integrate native wildflowers, grasses, and shrubs successfully into modern landscapes and how the results can lead us to a better appreciation and stewardship that help to sustain our species.
On May 4th, the MMGA hosts Thomas Hobbs, renowned author, florist, garden designer, and nursery owner. Of course, you will want to reserve your tickets before this special event is sold out.
Thomas Hobb’s private garden has been featured in many prominent magazines. He has also been featured on Martha Stewart Living. The acclaimed television series, Recreating Eden, produced by Merit Motion Pictures, an independent documentary film and television production company based in Winnipeg, dedicated an entire episode to Thomas Hobbs.
Thank you to MGiT Elise Swerhone, the director and writer of this special episode, and to Merit Jensen Carr, Merit Motion Pictures, for generously providing MMGA members with the opportunity to view this episode. To access the link please go to the AGM information in Upcoming Events in this newsletter. Read on here
Co-Chairs Colleen Zacharias and Diana Dhaliwal
colleenzacharias@mgmanitoba.com
dianadhaliwal@mgmanitoba.com
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A LETTER FROM COLLEEN ZACHARIAS
CO-CHAIR MANITOBA MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION
My term as co-chair of the MMGA expires in May. I have served as co-chair since 2011, the year the Manitoba Master Gardener Association was officially organized. Although our organization does not have term limits, I have decided to not stand for re-election. Good governance depends on identifying and recruiting replacement members – integral to the vitality and growth of any organization.
My involvement began in 2008 when I first approached the University of Saskatchewan to advocate on behalf of a local Master-Gardener-in-Training who was unable to travel to Saskatchewan to complete her one remaining course, Trees and Shrubs, in the Master Gardener program. I was successful in advocating on her behalf and arranged a local solution that satisfied the administrators of the program and she earned her certification.
It was then I asked the obvious question, why does Manitoba not have its own Master Gardener program?
After discussions with Vanessa Young at the University of Saskatchewan who was not prepared to provide the program without the willingness of an educational provider in Manitoba to administer it, the first door I knocked on was Red River College. They declined interest. Next, I reached out to the University of Manitoba and arranged a meeting. By that time, a small group of us – myself and Master Gardeners Karen Loewen, Marilyn Dudek, Lenore Linton, Jeannette Adams, Carol Bender – were working hand in hand to bring this initiative about.
By November 2009, the second meeting had taken place with the University of Manitoba but we were also in discussions with Assiniboine Community College. Our advocacy group was joined by Brandon Master Gardener Barbara-Jean Jackson. The pace at which things began to move was rapid. The U of M assessed the revenue potential of the Master Gardener program and decided it was not enough. ACC, however, agreed to administer the program with the express understanding that each member of our advocacy group would work vigorously to promote and support the program for its duration.
On November 26, 2009, I recommended that the first Manitoba Master Gardener Association be created and proceeded to register the name at the Companies Office, Province of Manitoba. The months leading up to the launch of the Master Gardener program in October 2010 were extraordinarily busy and exciting.
Since that time, I have proudly served as co-chair of the MMGA and have thoroughly loved and enjoyed this amazing volunteer experience.
I am eager to spend more time studying, learning, and writing. Going forward, I plan to focus on gaining more knowledge and understanding of issues that keenly interest me, with climate-wise actions at the top of the list.
I'm not leaving the MMGA, only stepping down from my role as co-chair. I've had such a wonderful time -- thank you from my heart for the opportunity to serve with you.
Warmest regards, Colleen
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"A garden requires patient labour and attention. Plants do not grow merely to satisfy ambitions or to fulfill good intentions. They thrive because someone expended effort on them" Liberty Hyde Bailey
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GARDENING WITH A DIFFERENCE
We gardeners welcomed recent snowfalls and enjoyed watching snow bury our gardens. Following the last dry growing season many plants went into dormancy dehydrated, and with temperatures dipping to record lows prior to significant snowcover, the survival of our plants is being tested this winter. We are hoping out precious charges, trees, shrubs and perennials won't succumb.
As well, gardeners 'pushing the zones', growing tender plants rated a zone or two warmer than Manitoba's zone 3 designation, have some additional concerns. Read on here
Karen Loewen, Master Gardener and MMGA Board Member at Large
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GROWING TOMATOES
Part 1 of 2, Part 2 will be published in the May 2019 newsletter
I have been growing tomatoes for 56 years, but it is only in the last 20 years that I’ve been starting them from seed. For 36 years I bought my starter plants at a local greenhouse. I had my favorites: Big Beef, Better Boy, First Lady, Early Girl and Sweet 100, before that Manitoba. I always had plenty of tomatoes for fresh eating as well as sharing, sauce making and freezing.
When I retired in 1996 I began gardening with a passion. My adventures growing tomatoes started with a package of heirloom seeds. If I remember correctly it was Anna Russian or Early Annie. I was hooked. If I was to grow heirloom tomatoes I needed to grow them from seed as they were not available as starter plants.
One of the first rules I quickly learned was not to be in a rush to plant tomato seeds. The next lesson was the importance of adequate light for the young seedlings. I keep these two lessons in mind as I start my tomatoes. Otherwise you end up with tall spindly plants before planting time. Read on here
Lenore Linton, Master Gardener
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Engaged participants at the Come grow with us Seed Starting Workshop February 23, 2019 organized by the Gardeners Share North MMGA Study Group
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MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
Come Grow With Us - Account of a successful workshop
On Saturday February 23, members of the Gardeners Share North study group were joined by Mick Manfield and Kelly Leask for a hands-on workshop on seed starting. Twenty-nine enthusiastic beginner gardeners were taught the basics of indoor seed starting. Our group enjoyed sharing our hot pepper, onion, tomato, lettuce, petunia, impatiens and common milkweed seeds with the participants.
The study group, Gardeners Share North, is comprised of master gardeners and master gardeners in training residing In the Interlake. We come from Lac du Bonnet, Stonewall, Gimli, Beausejour, Petersfield, Selkirk and Ponemah to meet once a month at the Selkirk Library.
The seed starting workshop was the first in a series that our study group plans to offer to the public.
Thank you to Gardens Manitoba, Prairie Originals and Prairie
Flora for their donations of supplies and seeds. Thanks also to Red River North Tourism and the RM of St. Andrews for facilitating our workshop at the Age Friendly Building in St Andrews.
We look forward to growing our community together.
Agnes Tamoto
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Two opportunities to volunteer at Gardening Saturday!
The MMGA needs volunteers for our table
Gardening Saturday is a major annual event for the gardening public. This year it is on Saturday, March 30, at the Canadian Mennonite University, North Campus – open to the public from 9:00 am (8:30 to register for workshops) to 4:00 pm.
For many years, the MMGA has participated by hosting a table. Consider volunteering this year for this important and fun experience. Our brand-new display materials will be showcased – a colourful banner wall and flags, plus a revolving photo/video monitor, all sure to draw attention and interest!
There are three 2.5-hour shifts. Each shift will have at least one Master Gardener present.
The shifts are: 8:30 – 11:00am; 11:00am – 1:30pm and 1:30 - 4:00pm.
Contact Darlene Belton, MMGA Volunteer Coordinator at darlenebelton@shaw.ca to book your shift. Don’t delay as spaces fill quickly.
Special this year – MMGA members invited for an exclusive Gardening Saturday volunteer opportunity
Gardens Manitoba* is the host organization for Gardening Saturday, and this year, Gardens Manitoba President, Mick Manfield, has offered the MMGA an exclusive opportunity to provide the facilitators for the schedule of workshops. There are 14 sessions (some repeating), so up to 14 MMGA volunteers are needed to introduce and thank the speakers. The sessions are offered 3 or 4 at a time in three slots: 9:30-10:30 am; 1:00 - 2:00 pm; and 2:30 - 3:30 pm. Bios, scripts and speaker gifts will be supplied by Gardens Manitoba.
Please contact Mick at mick.manfield@gardensmanitoba.com for more information, or to volunteer.
NOTE:
- MMGA workshop facilitators would be able to claim both volunteer time and an education credit.
- It is not necessary to be a member of Gardens Manitoba to fulfil this workshop facilitation role.
* Information for new MMGA members: Gardens Manitoba is a separate organization from the Manitoba Master Gardener Association.
Read more about the following volunteer opportunities here:
- New administrative volunteer opportunities with Gardens Manitoba
- Important Volunteer Opportunity with the City of Winnipeg - a great fit with our MMGA mandate
- Whyte Ridge Community Center Butterfly Garden is looking for a new Manager
- Help children learn about food gardening in a unique nature setting at the Camp Manitou Summer Camp
Darlene Belton, Volunteer Coordinator
Join us for our Annual General Meeting (for event information scroll down to upcoming events) an opportunity for members to find out more about the organization’s performance last year and what we have planned for the coming year. Board members will be available all morning to meet members.
Tell us about your community project!
Make a poster about your project and bring it to share with other members of the MMGA. Contact Shelley at sdwalker@shaw.ca for information and to reserve a place for your poster at the Annual General Meeting.
Garden Tour Plant Sale
Are your favourite plants going to be divided or thinned this spring?
Perhaps you want a home for the extra seedlings that you start?
We are looking for donations to our annual plant sale which is held in conjunction with the MMGA Garden Tour, July 20, 2019.
If you can help, contact Shelley at sdwalker@shaw.ca
We will arrange for delivery or pick up of the plants in early July.
Do you still need to pay your membership dues and/or submit your green sheet? read on here
Note from the Newsletter Editors
Going forward MMGA Updates will be issued on a regular basis to complement the bimonthly newsletter.
Newsletters are issued January, March, May, July, September, November; the Updates in alternate months.
Contributions to the April 2019 Update should be submitted by March 28, 2019.
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Look for our new public image at upcoming events
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UPCOMING EVENTS
MG Events
Saturday, March 16, 2019 1:30-3:30pm
MG - Workshop Using Native Plants in Our Backyard with John P. Morgan
Canadian Mennonite University South Campus, 500 Shaftesbury Blvd, Winnipeg, MB R3P 0P9
Cost: Members free, Non Members $5.00
Note: This event counts towards MMGA educational credits
Saturday, May 4, 2019 MMGA Annual General Meeting 9:30am
Canadian Mennonite University, Boardroom, North Campus, 500 Shaftesbury Blvd, Winnipeg, MB R3P 0P9
Invited Speaker: Thomas Hobbs, "Is Your Cake Baked" 1pm
Canadian Mennonite University, Auditorium, North Campus
Cost of the talk: Members $10.00, Non Members $20.00
Tickets are now available online: Members through the member login section, Non Members here
About Thomas Hobbs
We are thrilled to have permission through Merit Jensen Carr of Merit Motion Pictures and MGiT Elise Swerhone who is the director and writer of the Episode to share the link to Recreating Eden - Season 2, Episode 7- A Charmed Life - Thomas Hobbs here.
More about Recreating Eden can be found on the series website
June 17-21, 2019 International Master Gardener Conference
Location: Valley Forge Casino Resort, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, USA
Find more information, schedule and registration here
Community Gardening Events
Tuesday, March 4, 2019 7pm March Talk at Gardens Manitoba
MG Linda Dietrick presents Oudolf and beyond: New Perennialist Garden Design
More information about location and registration here
Saturday March 30, 2019 Gardening Saturday 8:30am-4pm
Canadian Mennonite University North Campus, 500 Shaftesbury Blvd, Winnipeg, MB R3P 0P9
More information and workshop registration here
Saturday April 6, 2019 Manitoba Regional Lily Society Spring Seminar, AGM and Spring Bulb Sale, doors open at 9:30am
Phoenix Recreational Centre, 153 Seeking Street, Headingley, MB R4J 1B1
Keynote Speaker Hugh Skinner talks about Skinner Legacy in Lily Breeding & Growing Lilies and Perennial Companions in Prairie Gardens. More on the program of the day here
Pre - Registration (deadline March 30, 2019) $ $30.00 (refreshments and lunch included), after deadline $35.00 Registration Form
Note: This event counts towards MMGA educational credits
Saturday April 6, 2019 NDSU Extension, Grand Forks Gardening Saturday
More information about the program, location and registration here
Winnipeg Public Library Garden Talks are listed in the calendar at the bottom of our Homepage
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GOOD READS AND RESOURCES
Have a look at the brochures Winnipeg Public Gardens and Manitoba Public Gardens created in a Co-Project by Gardens Manitoba and the Manitoba Master Gardener Association. What a unique resource for garden lovers!
Lisa Renner recommends Be a Smarter Gardener in 2019: Is a Cultivar as Good as the Native Plant Species for Pollinators? From the University of Minnesota Extension Yard and Garden News
Jo Swartz recommends to read about Liberty Hyde Bailey the author of the posted quote and a pioneer of modern horticulture.
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RECYCLING TIP OF THE SEASON
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
Check out how Lenore Linton repurposes plastic salad containers as mini greenhouses in her article Growing Tomatoes in this issue.
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IMAGE CREDITS
- BANNER PHOTO: LYNNE MCCARTHY
- HELLEBORE AND SWEET WOODRUFF: KAREN LOEWEN
- BUMBLE BEE ON PULMONARIA: LYNNE MCCARTHY
- GARDEN SCENE (HEUCHERA, EUROPEAN GINGER, OSTRICH FERN): KAREN LOEWEN
- TOMATOES: LENORE LINTON
- SEED WORKSHOP: ARIELLE TETREAULT
- LIBRARY: LISA RENNER
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