Don't you find that you always learn something when you talk to people? The other day I was chatting with a lovely lady who told me about an expression she had heard about perennials: "the first year they sleep, the second year they creep, and the third year they leap." Have you ever heard that saying? Probably you did, but it was new to me and it sounded interesting so I thought I'd look it up!
And sure enough, it is more than a cute gardening rhyme! The article that I read stated that the first year, perennials are putting their energy into their roots, into re-establishing themselves into their new home. The article said that we may not notice much change in the plant above ground, but there is a lot or growing going on below the surface.
In the second year, the plant may look more like what we expect, because now that the roots are bigger and stronger, the plant can put energy into making more blooms and lush foliage. By the third year, the plant is well established, and is working at its peak to be the kind of plant we envisioned when we bought it!
It just shows that nature cannot be rushed, we just have to be patient! And it also explains why we might have to pay more for a larger perennial: because the grower has had to put so much more time and effort into that plant. It's a good thing to keep in mind!
Last week was a busy week for the Yorkton and District Horticultural Society! We had a great meeting on May 19; and we also had our plant sale on Friday, May 21. Thank you to everyone who came to the sale, I'm sure you found some great new treasures for your garden! Thank you also to all the members of the Horticultural Society who helped with the sale in any way: donating plants, setting up, staying at the sale during the day, and clean-up afterwards.
Our next meeting is Wednesday, June 16. We'll be touring Skinner Garden Classics, plus there will be other fun activities for our members; if you missed hearing the details at the last meeting, just give Liz a call at 782-2830.
And remember, the "Garden of the Week" contest starts on July 12. Draws will be every Friday until August 13, and if your name is drawn, you get bragging rights and a special sign to display in your yard all week! Entry forms are available at Leisure Services in City Hall.
Now don't be shy, be sure to enter your name! The gardens are not judged; the winner is drawn, so you don't have to worry if your garden is not absolutely at its perfect peak! If there is a stray weed here or there, not to worry! The goal is to get people taking well-deserved pride in the hard work they put into their yards!
So mark that date down: the contest starts July 12.
Also coming up, a road trip in July! The Saskatchewan Horticultural Association Annual Bus Tour goes to the Swift Current, Cypress Hills, Fort Walsh and Eastend area of the province, July 13 - 15. It's a gardener's mini-getaway, and if you'd like more details, just call Glen at 783-7040.
Good luck with your yard work - don't over-do it, and be sure to wear a hat! Have a great week!
