Nobleton Notes
This snow is good for some plants
By Angie Maccarone (905) 859-5174

Horticulture

Submitted by John Arnott

"Now February's icy gaze Makes winter master of our days."(Egomet)

The light cover of snow we have will help protect the garden below ground from this icy gaze.

Those spring bulbs that poked up lured the recent mild weather tend to recede back somewhat and wait for spring's warming days unharmed.

There are plants and seeds in this part of the world that require a period of freezing in order to grow. Peonies are an example, as the original plants from which our standard peonies were developed are native to northern China where winter weather is severe. Trilliums are one of several members of the lily family that need winter's "icy gaze" to survive.

Check growing directions on seed packets. Some seeds should be refrigerated or put into the freezer for a few days to a few weeks before planting.

Heading home up 27 last Sunday, my eye was drawn to the frosted plants shimmering in a brief sunny moment at the entrance of Hill Farm Rd. I thought, "A true winter garden and a delight to see."

With a minimum of care, houseplants can provide winter gardens for many of us. Last spring at a local garden centre, I picked up a rather sad looking African violet with a sign beside it "free to a good home," even though I never have had any success with these flowers. Surprisingly, with a bit of research and some common sense, this orphan came along wonderfully and greets me often with snow white blossoms. Since then, I have acquired three more plants (of the costs-money variety) and we're all getting along famously.

African violets (saintpaulia) grow wild on rocky hillsides in tropical East Africa. They are not really violets at all, but are of the gesneriaceae family and related to gloxinias.

My plants do well in my sunroom, where they get bright light but not direct sunlight (African violets will also do well under fluorescent lights). They hate being over-watered, therefore I let their soil dry out until the pot feels light and then water thoroughly (soil should not be sopping wet). I'm careful not to get water on the leaves. They like humidity, but misting them can be fatal. Instead set the pot on pebbles in a shallow container and add water half way up the pebbles. The bottom of the pot must not touch the water. Every 10 days during their blooming period, I apply a fertilizer designed for African violets.

These plants can cope with temperatures as low as 13C (55F) and as high as 27C (80F).

They may need repotting every two years if the pot becomes too crowded. Use a peat moss or sphagnum based soil mixture.

This week's column ends on a somber note as with sadness I report the passing of Eileen Nielsen, wife of Hans Nielsen who for some years has written the horticultural news. Hans, please know the prayers, sympathy and support of all your fellow members in the Nobleton-King City Horticultural Society are with you and your family.

Seniors' euchre

Jan. 30 euchre winners were Helen Groombridge, Sandy Tower, Iva Hilliard, Joy Lostchuck, Murray Hilliard and Bob Fleury. Lucky draw winners were Lionel Salisbury, Hazel Harris and Rita Reed. The next euchre will be Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Drop-in Centre. All are welcome.

Nobleton Lions

Mark your calendars!

The Nobleton Lions Club will hold its annual Pancake Supper once again this year Feb. 20 at the old Community Hall, just north of the arena. Serving will begin at 5:30 p.m. and end at 8 sharp. Watch your mailbox for a reminder card just prior to the event. Hope to see you there.

Nobleton

United Church

Nobleton United Church extends a warm welcome to all to come and worship with us at our regular time Sunday morning at 11:15 a.m. The choir sings an anthem related to the theme of the week. There are hymns to sing, scriptures to hear and a sermon to inspire us for the week.

The photo shoot for the Photodirectory starts tomorrow (Thursday), continues Feb. 24 and then May 4. Every family who has any connection with the church is encouraged to have their photos taken, even if they are not "official members of the Church." You will get a free Directory. There is an opportunity to purchase the photos as well. Contact Nancy at (905) 859-0761 for an appointment.

All are welcome to participate in More Spirited Discussions on the Emerging Spirit Café Feb. 17, from 10 a.m. until noon in Nobleton United Church. Kleinburg United's congregation is also invited. This will be the second Spirited Discussion.