It’s gardening season!
The old rule of thumb is to plant annuals and frost-sensitive plants after the May long weekend, but I know many started a bit early, including Tracy and I.
I encourage you to support Flamborough growers and businesses as you purchase your flowers, vegetables, seeds, shrubs, trees and garden supplies. These plants and seeds are of higher quality and often better cared-for than those in big box stores. They’ll have been properly watered, received the right amount of shade or sun, and just look more vibrant.
Flamborough is full of garden centres and greenhouses — including centres producing specialty items — like hostas, for example. There are also seed producers and tree nurseries all around. Plus many farmers’ markets and convenience stores with a wide variety of annuals, baskets and perennials. All of these small businesses are still recovering from the poor sales of the peak pandemic years — so please do all you can to support local.
In addition, there are plant sales throughout the area hosted by service clubs, churches, schools and horticultural societies. Keep your dollars in the community.
While we’re on the topic of gardening, the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) has some incredible gardens in bloom as well as trails to explore — right on Flamborough’s doorstep. The Lilac Festival continues at the RBG Arboretum until June 1. It then shifts to thousands of peony and iris blooms at the Laking Garden from June 2-13. That’s on Plains Road at the foot of the Clappison hill, just south of Highway 403. Check out the RBG website at rbg.ca for information and parking reservations.
While you’re there, you may be interested in the canoe tours on Cootes Paradise that are offered in June. Details on times, reservations and fees are on the website. It’s an amazing way to see this natural paradise in our backyard up close.
Or enjoy a spring walk at Rock Chapel or the North Shore trails this weekend. More options to get out with the family, or pets, and stretch your legs include the Hamilton Conservation trails and local conservation areas such as Christie Lake, Valens and Mountsberg. More information on each at conservationhamilton.ca and conservationhalton.ca