Gardeners are always learning; there is always new information available, exciting new plants to discover, and exciting new ways to garden! I always encourage you to go to the library and see the wonderful selection of gardening books available: just pick a topic, and there is likely a book on hand about your subject of choice, whether it is water gardens or bonsai or orchids. And if they don鈥檛 have a book on hand, the library staff can help you order one in; the library is a wonderful resource centre for gardeners!
Another place to check on-line is the U of S site at https://gardening.usask.ca and discover all that is being offered there. If you have a garden question you can submit it on-line, as well as find out about upcoming events. If you are going to be in Saskatoon around July 7, there will be all kinds of events happening such as a session with Lyndon Penner on 鈥淓xtending The Season鈥� and a session with William Hrycan on 鈥淵ard Design鈥�. Check out the site for full information.
Have you done your tour of your yard today? If you see a spot here or there that might need a new plant just to finish the look, and if this spot is in a slightly shady location, you might want to consider the beautiful ligularia.
The ligularia is a perennial, a cousin of the sunflower, and is real 鈥渟tatement鈥� plant: it grows about four to five feet tall, with a base of bold and beautiful large leaves that are pretty all on their own. The leaves are very dark green with a very dark purple-ish stem. But then the tall stalks of flowers that appear in mid-summer, rising above the thick base of leaves, are the icing on the cake! These pretty blooms also attract butterflies.
This plant would be lovely at the back of a border, or planted in a mass planting for a real 鈥渨ow鈥� factor. I read that we could even plant this as an anchor plant in a large container, but remember, if we did this we would have to plant it in the ground in the fall: it would not survive the winter in a container. (This is something to keep in mind for most perennials planted in containers. I know sometimes we hear of lucky gardeners that manage to keep a plant in a container over the winter, but this is not usual in our climate. Many factors might make that happen, perhaps if it is up against the house or in an area that receives a lot of snow cover. But for the most part, perennials will need the protection of being planted in the ground).
Ligularia is a carefree plant, with no pest problems to speak of; but the only thing that might need our attention is to be sure that it is well-watered. We鈥檒l know we aren鈥檛 meeting the water needs because the leaves will wilt. Don鈥檛 panic, it will revive quickly when we give it some water!
To members of the Yorkton and District Horticultural Society, remember that our wind-up is Wednesday, June 20. This is a members-only and significant other event. If you need more information call Liz at 782-2830.
Remember, the Yorkton In Bloom event is coming up! The deadline to enter is July 6, and judging will be July 9 鈥� 11. We are blessed to live in such a beautiful city; maybe you have a garden or yard that you are willing to share with the community by entering Yorkton In Bloom.
There still may be seats available on our road trip to Dauphin on Saturday, June 9. If you would like to join us on this one-day gardeners trip, give Liz a call at 782-2830 for all the details!
And just a reminder, gardeners, be careful when you鈥檙e working out in the sun. Apply sunscreen, stay hydrated, be sure to wear a hat!
Visit us at www.yorktonhort.ca, and have a great week! 聽
