National Plastics Recycling Event

The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association’s (CNLA) National Plastics Recycling Event collected an estimated 91,229 pounds of plastic in 2012, and it is returning again this year. 

Customers visited their local independent garden centre from June 22 to July 1, where they saw piles of old garden pots stacked high.  Across eight provinces 56 garden centres participated by acting as drop-off points for their community’s used garden pots and trays. There was a 40 per cent increase in participation and plastics collected from the previous year.

A lot of work goes into saving over 90,000 lbs of plastic from the landfill. The word was spread throughout the media, with mentions by CBC News NB, various municipal newspapers, regional websites, association websites and more.  A media listing can be found here.

It was the third year for the program, which was launched in 2010, when just 6 garden centres collected more than 53,000 pounds of plastic. In 2011 over 40 garden centres participated collecting 63,150 pounds. The National Plastics Recycling Event is scheduled to return again in 2013. Recyclers who can offer free pick-ups of unsorted garden and agricultural plastics, and garden retailers who wish to participate, are asked to contact the CNLA.

Multi-sensor nutrient system debuts at Horti Fair

CleanGrow introduced its new multi-ion measurement system capable of analyzing up to six ions simultaneously during this week’s Horti Fair in the Netherlands.

The product combines a carbon nanotube-based sensor with a multi-ion meter for on-site measurements and real-time feedback. Currently optimized for horticultural applications, the easy-to-use instrument is also a natural fit for other applications where existing sensor technology falls short of meeting complex measuring requirements. For growers, it offers a “lab-in-hand” solution – a quick and affordable way to maintain the proper nutrient balance required for better yield, improved flavour and colour, greater disease resistance and longer shelf life. Early users include research institutes and commercial vegetable greenhouses.

The CleanGrow product is one of 10 shortlisted by Horti Fair for this year's prestigious Innovation Award. The solution offers a new class of technology that greatly broadens the range of testing options and is available in two probe configurations. One is capable of measuring up to six essential ions simultaneously while the other can measure up to four.

Herb gardening

Spring is just around the corner but if you are itching to do some growing in the meantime, fear not; you still have options. As long as you have a sunny indoor area such as a window ledge, growing herbs are a great way to cure your spring fever.

Some of the most common herbs to use are basil, oregano and parsley. Basil is an annual culinary herb and takes up to two weeks to germinate. Oregano is extremely fast-growing, so you will want to thin out the plants excessively after they sprout, but the entire plant is edible including the flowers. Parsley takes up to four weeks to germinate, and is high in vitamin C.

The common herbs are wonderful but you might want to try thinking outside of the box and planting something a bit different. French and Russian Tarragon are great chicken additions, and lemon verbena is great for tea, cake icing, or turkey stuffing.

For more information on herb gardening check out Mark Cullen’s article on The Star’s website. 

How to Garden in a Container

The beauty of container gardening is that anyone can do it no matter what your living conditions are. A variety of plants can be grown in containers, including vegetables and herbs.

When it comes to the container itself, practically anything that can hold soil can be used, as long as there is a hole for bottom drainage. One thing to keep in mind is the size of the container; it must be big enough for the roots to grow. If you keep the plant in a spot that gets constant sunlight, pick a lighter colour pot as the darker colours attract heat, and the roots can burn or the planter can overheat and dry out.

Other things to consider are planting mixes and choosing the right plant. Don’t use soil from the garden, the mix needs to breath, drain, and retain moisture, so choose a commercially prepared planting mix. Always remember to only put plants together that have similar cultural requirements, for example plants that need a lot of sunlight don’t mix with plants that thrive in the dark.

For more information on container gardening, check out the Container Gardening Guide on HGTV’s website. 

Winter weather effects flower blooming

Since the winter weather came a little later this year, the blooming of spring flowers is going to be pushed forward as well, according to an article in The Telegraph.

The National Trust states that the cold and snowy weather has hindered the advancement of spring. Less than half of the flowers have bloomed compared to last year.

Across the UK, 54 gardeners at National Trust properties took part in the company’s Valentines Flower Count, which had a significant decrease in flowers.

Flowers generally pop up early in Devon and Cornwall, however their bloom count decreased by 46 per cent this year.

However, this adjustment isn’t a complete loss. According to Guy Barter, chief horticultural advisor at the Royal Horticultural Society, there is hope.

Barter believes there is a positive side to all of this. Early bloomers are susceptible to winter frost, therefore the later bloomers will improve the garden later on. Just sit tight and wait for the warm weather. 

Aluminum Fences

Choosing what type of fence to have around your property can be a very long and involved process. But have you ever considered an aluminum fence? Although they are not the most typical fences, they should seriously be considered for six major reasons, according to Mike Kilmer.

To start, they are practically maintenance free. Aluminum will not rust, as it is non-ferric. You will have to keep shrubs and trees trimmed back, and clean it with a hose or soap and water, but that is all. If the aluminum bends due to heavy lawn equipment, replacing the damaged fence parts will not be a huge project.

Aluminum fences are also safer, as wood fences can easily be climbed, and chain link fences can be cut. They are also very practical, as they are very lightweight.

When it comes to design, you are not as limited as you may think. Although they are most commonly black or white, other colours and designs are available.

Installation is also easier as aluminum is lightweight and also rackable, which can adjust to the slope of the landscape. Privacy is also achievable through privacy screens.

Ideal Home and Garden Show

The Ideal Home and Garden Show is coming to Hamilton February 28 to March 3, at The Careport Centre. The show will be showcasing the latest trends in home décor, which will be presented by local and regional businesses. You can also personally meet sellers, compare products and discuss needs with technical personnel. Of course you can make purchases at the show as well as see the show features and on-site seminars. For those interested in exhibiting at the show you are able to reserve an exhibit space by mailing or faxing an application.

Tickets are only 12 dollars for general adults, and 10 dollars for youths and seniors. Kids under 13 are free and parking is also free. If you buy online you can save 3 dollars off admission and you are automatically entered to win $500 of spending money at the show. The show is presented by Re/max.