September 2023 Newsletter

“No single sort of garden suits everyone. Shut your eyes and dream of the garden you’d most love then open your eyes and start planting. Loved gardens flourish, boring ones are hard work.” - Jackie French (Australian author, ecologist, historian, honourary wombat)

On September 12, this art exhibition which celebrates the world of plants ENDS! 

Smoky Skies - The Effects Of Forest Fires On Garden Plants

As forest fires become more frequent, our garden plants will continue to sit under smoky skies. But how does this affect the lifecycle of our favourite flowers, herbs, and ornamentals? Will our veggies have a smoky flavour? In this article from Garden Therapy, learn what we know about the effects of forest fires on plants in the garden.

Smoke causes stress in plants, as they feel the change in the air and recognize the danger. Every plant will react to this stress a little differently. Most often, the smoke will force the plant to become stronger, root down, and force them to finish its cycle. A plant’s sole goal is to reproduce, and when there’s a threat, it will try to get its job done as soon as possible. Read the full article here.

10 Underrated Plants That Deserve Your Attention

While gardening, people often stick to the classic, tried-and-true plants we all know and love. But, with endless available options, all of us are missing out on some blooms in bright yellow and purple hues that would add character and charm to our landscapes. 

The Spruce asked some gardening experts to share some outdoor plants that are often overlooked or fly under the radar. Their top 10 list includes:

1. Sedums
2. Russian Sage
3. Gazania
4. Coleus
5. Passionflower

Find the full Top 10 List here.

A Brief History Of The Walled Garden

A brief history of the walled garden and why they're a gardener's dream! Whether you've inherited a walled garden in need of some love, or want to create your own, this article from House & Garden UK tells you everything you need to know

Historical walled gardens were often enormous places, carefully managed by gardeners working closely with its household to fulfil its needs. One acre could feed twelve people, and some even reached up to 30 acres. One of the largest was Queen Victoria’s royal kitchen garden at Windsor; built in 1844, it was an enormous 31 acres.

The first walled gardens were found in Persia and were places of calm and reflection as opposed to places for growing; religion dictated their design and when they became commonplace in monasteries the same ecclesiastical approach was taken to forming their layouts, featuring straight lines, motifs, and an overriding sense of order. Read the full article here.

Edible Native Plants

Imagine having a garden that feeds you, attracts pollinators, and promotes biodiversity. Plus, you’ll have bragging rights at your next dinner party when you can say, “Oh, these tomatoes? I grew them myself in my sustainable garden.”

This article explores the key principles and practices of sustainable gardening, including choosing the right plants. You’ll better understand how sustainable gardening can transform your green thumb into a green heart by the end. Read the full article here.

Doctors can now prescribe patients a trip to the Canadian Museum of Nature

Doctors can now prescribe patients a dose of healthy learning with a trip to the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa.

The museum and PaRx, a nationwide nature-prescription program, have launched a new collaboration to allow doctors in the national capital region to prescribe passes for the museum.

"The health benefits of nature are well-known, and through this partnership we can offer a great introduction to many natural-history wonders and to the health benefits of a museum visit," Dr. Danika Goosney, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Nature, said in a statement. "This connection can inspire a further interest in and appreciation of nature, which can lead people in many positive directions."

The Canadian Museum of Nature says research suggests that connecting to nature is "one of the best things a person can do for their health, from lowering symptoms of depression and boosting immune function to reducing risk of cardiovascular disease and dementia." Read the full article here.

September 7 - International Day of the Orchid

As the ‘Queen of the plant kingdom’, the orchid even has its own day. International Orchid Day takes place annually on the first Thursday of September. Celebrate the plant in all its beauty and versatility. In 2023, International Orchid Day will be celebrated on September 7th. A good occasion to talk about orchids.

With more than 25,000 different orchid types, there is plenty of beauty to choose from. With spectacular colours, exciting shapes and breathtaking flowers, the orchid is obviously no ordinary plant. Read more here.

Environmentalists Weigh In On ‘Flower Bombing’

A hashtag that includes emojis of a seedling, flower and bee has amassed more than 50 million views on TikTok.

The tag is a nod to the trend known as “flower bombing,” a form of guerrilla gardening where native wildflower seeds are planted in unoccupied public spaces. The purpose is to promote biodiversity, re-establish native plants and disrupt urbanism.

‘Guerrilla gardening’ may appeal as a way to save the planet, but it can be illegal and an environmental risk. Read more here.

Garden Inspiration

The Corso of Zundert (Netherlands) is the biggest Corso - flower parade - in the world. All the work is done voluntarily. Twenty heralds compete against each other to build the most beautiful float, judged by a professional jury. It has been done so for over eighty years. This year the Corso Zundert is September 3 and 4. Find out more here.

Have a gardening question?

Ask an Ottawa Master Gardener: gardeninganswers@mgottawa.ca

Ask a Lanark County Master Gardener: Contact through Website: http://lanarkmg.blogspot.com/p/contact-us.html

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Editor: Kath Thompson
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