Members of the Tweed and District Horticultural Society were excited to attend the first meeting of 2020…a sign that spring is coming in spite of piles of snow and the Groundhog’s predication of six more weeks of winter! Elizabeth Churcher and George Thomson shared photos of their “Garden Friends at Hepatica Hill”. Hepatica Hill is the name of their 100 acre farm south of Tweed.
Elizabeth and George are active members of the Tweed and District Horticultural Society.
Elizabeth started the presentation by a photo walk through their property highlighting their various gardens. They like to think of their 100 acres as one large garden overflowing with flowers, trees, bushes, shrubs, herbs, vegetables and fruit.
They try to plant a variety of tree, bushes and shrubs to provide shelter for the different wildlife that come to visit their property…and they are always welcome!!! In fact, Elizabeth and George even plant extra crops so the wild life can enjoy the produce just like they do!
Their plants are carefully chosen so they will attract pollinators to their gardens.
George, an avid photographer shared photos of the various wildlife that have visited Hepatica Hill throughout the years. Butterflies, moths, grasshoppers, bees, spiders, frogs, toads, salamanders, milk snakes, garter snakes to mention a few. Many species of birds have also been spotted on their property….red headed woodpeckers, Baltimore orioles, tree swallows, bluebirds, juncos, chickadees, blue jays, cardinals and even a great gray owl (twice in 46 years but George has a photo of this!) Mammals also drop by to visit…red squirrels, chipmunks, woodchucks, rabbits, groundhogs, raccoons, skunks, porcupines and of course deer.
Elizabeth and George have implemented strategies to support a harmonious relationship among all living things on their property…and it seems to be working judging by the beautiful plants and wildlife seen in their presentation.
COMING UP….
March 3 …Kailey Bosch, owner of Melrose Market Garden will discuss ways to help members grow a vegetable garden… planning the garden, seed starting, succession planting, companion planting and creating healthy soil.
June 8…Bus trip to Peterborough to visit gardens and do some spring plant shopping. Cost $40.
GENERAL INTEREST EVENTS…
April 18…AGM in Ameliasburgh. Register with our Club if you are interested in attending.
April 24-26…Peterborough Garden Show at Fleming College, 599 Brealey Drive.