Author: Bob Pennycook

After a winter of record-breaking snowfall, a spring/summer of torrential rain, flooding, forest fires, sweltering temperatures and tornados, Karen Broadhurst’s presentation brought home the impact of climate change to the members of the Tweed and District Horticultural Society at the September meeting.

During the presentation, Karen highlighted trends that have been developing….

-stronger storms

-heavier rain…20%-30% more precipitation

-increased flooding

-forest fires, drought, crop failure, soil erosion

-more days with temperatures above 30 degrees

-winters are 1.3 degrees warmer

-polar ice fields melting

-reduced biodiversity which causes less stable food webs

-pest outbreaks

Karen outlined ways to cope with climate change…

-increase green spaces especially in urban areas; green spaces can cool temperatures by 5-10 degrees

-plant a mixture of trees as trees are nature’s “air conditioners”

-adjusting plants for gardens as gardening zones are changing

-finding ways to deal with pests without using harmful chemicals

-using native plants that are heat and drought resistant as they support the local food web and improve soil health

-provide pollinator habitats

-planting drought resistant lawns…. clover

-practicing water conservation

-establishing “rain gardens” to help with flooding

-using rain barrels

-practicing extreme caution when using mulch as bees and wasps hibernate in the ground and if there is too much mulch they can’t get out

-adding “container gardens” to landscaping

Karen concluded her presentation with these words, “to plant a garden is to believe in the future”. With these words, members can feel that they are contributing to support climate change in a small way as they continue to plant gardens and trees on their property and throughout the town of Tweed.  

LOOKING AHEAD….

October 6…Nadine Campeau from Gateway Community Health Centre will do a cooking demo using pumpkins and squash. Members are invited to bring in samples of squash they have grown and share their “squash” growing successes and failures. 

At the June Meeting of the Tweed and District Horticultural Society, Lise Bois and Gerry Jenkison shared their experiences creating Miyawaki forests in Prince Edward County. Originating in Japan, this method restores natural vegetation in a dense mulit-layered manner to create a mini forest. There are tens of thousands of these mini forests in approximately 50 countries around the world. 

What is a mini forest? It is densely planted trees and shrubs that are native to the area. Often the forest floor needs to be amended to mime a natural forest…cardboard, leaves, topsoil, mulch. One member at the meeting pointed out the importance of using Canadian cardboard as often imported cardboard has been sprayed with chemicals.  A technique known as “layered “planting is used…smaller trees and shrubs around the perimeter and the larger trees in the centre provide the canopy. This type of forest has been proven to grow ten times faster than a regular forest and quickly develops a habitat for wildlife. 

Like all projects, these mini forests initially do require work a great deal of work…building up the forest bed, selecting the trees, planting the trees and ongoing weeding and watering. Problems arise from drought, excessive weeds, hungry wildlife and long cold winters.  

These mini forests are practical for small spaces as it is easer to initially build and maintain over time. It is important to include “keystone” trees such as oak, cherry and plants such a golden rod that will attract pollinators.  

This presentation certainly gave members another possible project for their gardens in the future!

LOOKING AHEAD….

June 10, 11, 12…Tweed Fair

August 4…Pot Luck Dinner at 6pm. Location to be confirmed.

September 1…Karen Broadhurst will address climate change predications in our region. She will discuss strategies to prepare for these impacts. 

Roseanne Ballast from Stonepath Greenhouses in Tweed was the guest speaker at the May meeting of the Tweed and District Horticultural Group.  Roseanne and her husband, John started Stonepath Greenhouses 30 years ago and Roseanne admits, “I love getting my hands dirty today as much as I did when we started the business.”

For years, people have gardened for enjoyment, relaxation and simply to be outdoors after a long winter. Now people are gardening to grow their own food and to eat healthier. However, due to the effects of climate change, gardening today comes with many challenges-shorter growing seasons, late spring frosts, early fall frosts, wet springs, dry summers and sudden heavy rains…and add in the occasional tornado and forest fires. 

Throughout her presentation, Roseanne highlighted trends that are occurring in gardening. 

-smaller, smarter growing spaces-bigger is not necessarily better, using raised beds, container gardening, what matters is how well we use the space we have

-water efficiency and climate adaptation-using drip irrigation, soaker hoses, use mulch to hold moisture; group plants according to water needs, water deeply

-use better seeds and better variety-the right variety can make a huge difference in the garden in terms of produce grown

-high yield crops-use crops that will give several harvests throughout the growing season like basil, pole beans, zucchini, kale, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley

-become more aware of soil as better soil creates better plants- it takes time to amend soil but well worth the effort

-mix pollinator friendly plants with flowers and veggies

-using simple technology assisted gardening programs to help you make better decisions concerning what to grow, how and when

-grow what you and your family eat and perhaps some to share

Roseanne provided a handout that explained the trends for 2026 and how gardeners can implement some of these trends into their gardening practices. Members also received a Starter Kit which included 10 bean seeds and a tomato plant. Roseanne selected beans for the starter kit as beans are easy to grow and a great way to start growing food. The tomato plant also included in the kit is “the starter plant” which helps create the feeling, “I can do this!”

In closing, Roseanne suggested try growing one crop, improve one garden bed by adding much and compost and select plants that will truly earn their place in YOUR garden! According to a Roseanne, a garden can feed us in many ways-through food, beauty, generosity and connection. 

LOOKING AHEAD….

May 16…Plant Sale at Memorial Park in Tweed starting at 8 am

June 2…Lise Bois will discuss the Miyawaki method of restoring natural vegetation by planting native species in a dense multi layered manner. She will share her experiences about the Miyawaki mini forest project in Ameliasburgh.

After a long, cold and snowy winter, members of the Tweed and District Horticultural Society eagerly welcomed Laura Moses who spoke about seed planting. Laura is the founder of Fine Lines Landscape and Design located in Kingston. She is a double horticulturist with over 18 years experience in the field.

Tips Laura offered throughout her presentation….

-seeds need to be fresh as some only last one year; keep seeds dry until planting; read the back of the seed package as it contains information about germination, watering, planting, light etc.

-containers (pots, trays, cello packs, whatever you use) need to have holes for drainage; clean containers in a solution of bleach and water

-soil blocks can be made and seeds planted into the blocks

-soil needs to be “light” as the seeds are not strong as they start to germinate; she suggested Pro-Mix “MX” as it has nutrients to help support the new plants; also mushroom compost, peat moss, and even a mixture of vermiculite and perlite

-check the back of the packages for seed preparation-soaking, scratching surface of seed

-plant the seed to the correct depth as instructed on the package as seeds have limited energy to push through the soil; space seeds accordingly

-watering is the most crucial element in the process; pre-moisten soil before planting seeds; use a gentle mister to water; bottom watering is preferable as then the seeds near the top will not be disturbed by the water; do not overwater

-humidity domes will help with moisture while seeds are germinating; once seeds start to grow, remove the dome as there will be too much moisture which will create weak plants

-correct temperature is important as some plants (those that flower) like tomatoes, peppers like hot temperatures while “leaf” plants like lettuce, spinach prefer cooler temperatures

-if using a heat mat, purchase one that has settings that can be controlled; once the seed has sprouted, remove the heat mat as you want the conditions to mimic outside where the plant will be growing

-most seeds require 14-16 hours of light daily; window light is not strong enough; if using grow lights, make sure the light source is close to the plant so the plant does not need to reach for the light-this creates “leggy” plants

-placing a small fan near the plants makes them stronger for the outdoors and helps reduce fungus caused by excess moisture

-to help with “damping off” issues, sprinkle cinnamon over the soil 

-using yellow sticky cards helps to control gnats and fungus; a fan also helps with this

-when it is time for the plants to head outside, it is important to “harden them off” by putting them outdoors for short periods of time to acclimatize them; be aware of direct sunlight and wind during this process

-seasonal extenders such as greenhouses, cold frames and row covers can lengthen the growing season

-mistakes over-enthusiastic gardeners often make…starting their seed planting too early-read the seed package; overwatering or forgetting about watering; not enough light; leaving dome on too long

To achieve success, Laura suggests planning your garden, do successive planting and most important, don’t let failure deter you…try again! 

LOOKING AHEAD….

May 5 7pm …. Roseanne Ballast from Stonepath Greenhouse will share the garden trends for 2026. 

At the March meeting, the Tweed and District Horticultural Society welcomed Carson Arthur for his talk on food insecurity.

Carson is the owner of Carson’s Garden and Market in the County and host of “Take It Outside with Carson Arthur” on CJBQ radio station. Many members of the community also attended the presentation where donations of food and cash were accepted for the local food bank in Tweed.

In his talk, Carson said every single person is entitled to available, affordable and accessible food. But this is not happening in 2026. Carson’s presentation showed the audience why this is happening and Carson showed why along with the effects it is having on our communities. 

According to data, Carson stated that food prices have risen 34% since the pandemic and they are continuing to rise. Although 80% of our processed food is made in Canada, the issue is obtaining fresh produce. Canada imports 75% of its fresh fruit and 50% of its vegetables. With the American government saying, “US First”, food costs on imported items from the US will continue to rise as the demand increases and the availability of product to be exported decreases.

Obesity has also increased since the pandemic as people are eating more processed food and eating at fast food restaurants because the costs for these can be less.

Middle and lower income families are spending up to 30% of their monthly income on food. This has led to an increase in food bank usage. One in 3 families in our local communities is using food banks to supplement groceries. Seniors are also experiencing hardships with the cost of food.

“Buy Canadian, Support Local” is a phrase we are all familiar with. But Canadian farmers are unable to financially compete with the huge farms in the US, Mexico and Peru which means they are unable to grow enough food to support the Canadian market. And the growing season in Canada is only about 95 days.

So, what should communities do to address this problem of food insecurity? After WW2, people started growing Victory Gardens to grow produce for their family and to share with their neighbours. Carson feels we need to start doing this again…. growing food again for our families and “some to share”. Freezing, canning and preserving the food grown in the gardens means healthy food throughout the winter months. Food banks, programs like Fresh for All, community gardens and community garden stands are a few ways to help others in the community who are experiencing food insecurity.

Carson is involved in a program that teaches teachers how to teach kids to grow food…this is a means to prepare the next generation for the future.

In closing, Carson emphasized the importance of communities working together to ensure that every single person has access to food that is available, affordable and accessible.

LOOKING AHEAD….

April 7 @7pm…. Laura Moses, a double certified horticulturalist and founder of Fine Lines Landscape and Design will share methods of planting seeds in our gardens.

Tweed and District Horticultural Society welcomed Helene Darisse, a member of the group as the guest speaker at the February meeting. 

Helene, an amateur herbalist started her herbal journey in 1970 while visiting Turkey. Since the people in the town she was visiting did not have access to medical care, they relied on herbal remedies. After this visit to Turkey, she started applying centuries old knowledge of foraging herbs growing in backyards and using these herbs for homemade remedies for various aches, pains and minor illnesses. 

An herb is a plant with savory, aromatic or medicinal properties. Dandelion and Burdock are the main herbs used for medicinal purposes. Other plants that can be used for medicinal purposes are chickweed, daisy, wild bee balm, asparagus, black-eyed Susan, chicory, mullein and Queen Anne’s lace. These herbs can be used as remedies for minor illnesses such as insect bites, reducing inflammation, detoxing the liver, controlling blood sugar.

At the meeting Helene shared a variety of her creams, ointments, dried leaves and herbs. 

Helene will be holding a workshop session starting February 10 @ 7pm at the Tweed Library. If interested, email her helenedarisse@gmail.com

LOOKING AHEAD….

March 3 @ 7pm…Carson Arthur, owner of Carson’s Garden and Market in the county and host of Take it Outside on CJBQ will be the guest speaker at the March meeting. Carson will talk about the importance of growing food for the community. He will discuss changes in Agriculture Canada, the changing climate and the importance of sustainability. 

NOTE: This meeting will be held at the Agricultural Building at the Fairgrounds in Tweed. Although there is no admission fee, please bring a food or cash donation for the Salvation Army Food Bank. 

Members of the Tweed and District Horticultural Society held their annual Christmas Pot Luck dinner at the December meeting. Poinsettia plants and holiday-coloured tablecloths added a “festive” feeling to the occasion.

Main course dishes included a variety of salads and casseroles. The dessert table was laden with cookies, squares, pies, loaves, tarts…something for everyone with a sweet tooth!! Punch, wine, tea and coffee completed the meal.

Members enjoyed watching Linda Holmes’ PowerPoint presentation showcasing the group’s activities throughout 2025. A special thank you to Linda for coordinating this presentation which is always a highlight of the evening.

During the “Quarter Frenzy” game, members bid on a variety of prizes using their quarters.  Some lucky members also won the table poinsettias. 

It was a wonderful evening filled with good food, laughter and the company of fellow gardening friends. 

Wishing all our members a happy holiday season and a wonderful New Year!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

NOTE: The first meeting for 2026 will be Tuesday February 3 @ 7pm at the Tweed Library. Annual memberships will be on sale at the meeting.

Boughs of cedar, red and white pine created a feeling of Christmas at the November meeting of the Tweed and District Horticultural Society.  Guest speaker, Valerie Sills of Rawdonrim Acres demonstrated Christmas arrangements using natural materials that most members can find locally.

Valerie worked at a floral shop in Stirling and later in Belleville. Although she is now retired, she is an active member of the Stirling Horticultural Society and also involved with the Hastings Plowing Match.

Valerie suggested recycling soil from summer planters to your Christmas planters. Due to the warmer than normal fall, she suggested watering the soil until the temperature gets colder.

Start with your tallest piece of greenery and place it in the middle of the planter. Establish the width you want the planter to be and add the appropriate greenery to achieve that width. Fill in the spaces within the perimeter with greenery so there are no gaps. She tries to use the natural flow of the branches.

She suggested using the light side of the cedar boughs to add a diffent shade of green to the planter. Trim the stems at the base as this makes it easier if you need to reposition a branch-you will not disturb the other branches in the pot.  Keep checking to ensure that there are no “see through areas” in the arrangement.

Valerie added red willow and ilet berries for a pop of colour……. she like to keep her planters as natural as possible. She did add a bow as people seem to like bows in their arrangements. She suggested using double sided wired ribbon for the bow. She unwinds the ribbon to the length she needs and starts making a series of loops trying to keep them the same size. When you have the size of bow you want, use wire to tie the loops together. Attach the finished bow to a small branch with wire and insert into the soil. She did admit the bows do take a bit of practice!!!!

With the left-over greenery, Valerie made a swag. White pine was used as the base and cedar was added…again using the lighter shade of cedar.  She continued to layer with the white pine and cedar until she achieved the size of swag she wanted. She tied the branches together with wire and added a bow.

GREAT TIP…. use the cheapest margarine to clean pine gum off your hands!!!

Two lucky members won the planter and swag!! And for the members who did not win, they have many valuable tips they can use when creating their planters and swags!

The AGM was held at the meeting. The Financial Report for 2025 was presented and approved. The slate of officers for 2026 was presented.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

December 2…. Christmas Potluck Dinner at 6 pm. Bring you favourite main course dish and dessert and appropriate serving utensils if needed.  Please bring your own plates, utensils and glasses/mugs.  Linda’s annual power point presentation will highlight the gardens and the club’s activities throughout 2025. Bring your quarters to play the game “Quarter Frenzy” …always fun!