Welcome to our first news and information update for 2022!

This is the Year of the Garden as declared by Garden Canada.  Our Program Committee is working hard on offering some new programs this year and some standards. Stay tuned! Meanwhile, see below all the virtual programs available. 

Wilmot Horticultural Society Membership offers discounts for several retailers. Support the Society in its projects in the community such as cultivating civic gardens, planting trees through Let’s Tree Wilmot or helping Junior Gardeners' youth.  Make a difference by taking part in the committees while meeting like-minded people of all ages.  $12 fee for 2022 can be sent to wilmothortsociety@gmail.com by e-transfer (with contact info). Email (see address at bottom) or phone 519-662-6778 for other options. 

What are your garden plans this year?  Are you interested in a particular type of plant such as dahlias? Perhaps you want to learn more about native plantings. Or are you just interested in growing your own food? If you have questions, the Master Gardeners of Ontario have a website (www.mgoi.ca) and a FaceBook page where you can get free advice. 

Have nature return to your yard!
Sean James presentation  Let's Talk Nifty Native Plants can be WATCHED. 

"The Canadian Wildlife Federation’s Garden Habitat Certification recognizes Canadians who make their home, school, business or community gardens suitable for wildlife by certifying it as a “Wildlife-friendly Habitat”. CLICK for details.

Have your garden designated as a Monarch Butterfly Waystation. Another CLICK!  No Canadian chapter currently. 

Let's Tree Wilmot's Fall Celebration video is available. Hear about the history, the accomplishments and the future of LTW. Phil Holst, Wetland Conservation Designer for the Mike Schout Wetland Preserve in New Hamburg, spoke on “Transforming the Natural Landscape,” described the plans for the local preserve, and also discussed how wetlands can help with flood mitigation, a frequently recurring issue in Wilmot and beyond. CLICK

This seems a little Seedy!
Looking for seed catalogs? Seeds of Diversity's list of seed suppliers, just CLICK! About 95 percent of the seeds we buy are imported? Carefully check supplier's packages or literature provided if you want local. If nothing is mentioned, the seeds are likely imported. Organizations like SeedChange.org and Seeds of Diversity (seeds.ca) are working to increase the use of local and heritage seeds to maintain the diversity of our food supply. 

What is winter sowing? Watch this short WEBINAR that provides step-by-step winter sowing instructions on why, how, and when to start.

Are there aliens beneath my feet?
Healthy soil ensures the healthy growth of everything in your yard. Beneath your feet, “there’s a community down there. There are networks. There are transportation routes. It’s a whole society.” Learn MORE and even more HERE

Get over your EWWWW! with bees and bugs! 
Buzzing around: Great article on how to provide habitat for native bees in your yard. Honey bees often get all the attention but they are non-native and farmed. Our native bees are critical for our native plants but also for the pollination of our agricultural crops. Have a READ

The guardian bugs in your yard.  Biodiversity means having lots of beneficial bugs. 95% of bugs are good guys. This webinar is excellent and so have a LOOK! 

Rain, Rain, go away. Come back another day! 
Saturday, January 29, 11:00 am. Sean James speaking on, Drip-Dry - Water-Friendly Plants and Gardens. Click HERE for a detailed poster. Register HERE. (scroll down a bit)  By Grey County Master Gardeners

Direct light, indirect light for houseplants. What does it really mean?
This short video will enlighten you.  Help your houseplants grow in the winter months. WATCH

Keep your fingernails and knees dirty in 2022!