NOVEMBER COMING DOWN

                             The Rain is raining all around,
                             It falls on field and tree.
                             It rains on the umbrellas here, 
                             And on the ships at Sea

                                        Robert Louis Stevenson

This is one of my favorite poems, made up by a very small boy who had to stay inside most of his life.  I used to say it to myself while looking at the California rain and the sodden gray skies and see the "ships at sea" in my imagination.
 I truly rejoice to see rain.  Not just to have grey, leaden skies above me, but to know the Earth needs it so badly and we've had so little in the past 4 winters.  And, since those California days, I've had my fill of snow and am now thankful for puddles and drips and umbrellas to hide under as the rain thunders off the top!
Sunday I was strolling around in the rain and chanced upon the Bistro Rain Spout, taking a photo of the splashing water gushing from the roof.

There are 2 important get-togethers  that I'd like to promote.

Number one, coming this Saturday, the 7th of November at 1:30 p.m., is the Chemainus Garden Residents Association's first meeting.  It will be at the Pavilion. Please come ready to vote in a group of people to represent you. There is a full slate of people willing to stand for election.  There are posters on the Mailbox bulletin board and in the Washhouse.

Number 2 is the upcoming Jazz Night. If you are at the meeting for the Residents and would like to purchase tickets, come ready to get those.  Jazz night is on November the 13, doors open at 6:30.  Tickets are $25.00 and on sale at the office or Kolleen can help you.  Sounds like a lot of fun for those who love a good band of Jazz players.

Now another thing that I've mentioned to several people that they did not know about is the Christmas Craft Fair at Providence Farm.  It is the best of the best in this area and has lots to do for a family or a couple. I've put the poster in here for information.  2 of our own artists are going to be there: Lyn Rose and Charles Van Gorkom.  Lyn will be offering hand painted wooden eggs, an assortment of Christmas ornaments and dog sweaters....probably lots more, but that'll give a clue.

Charles is offering his coin purses in differing colors. Both have been busy making their wares and they can be seen there. From 9-3 it is open and it is a wonderful event. Everything is handmade and not just the tired old stuff.  Some real works of art there and made on the Island. If you've never been...try it. You won't be disappointed! If you need directions go online or call them.Hay rides, tree sales and food are all part of the offerings.

Providence Farm itself without the magic of Christmas all around, is a beautiful old place with lots of local History. I could suggest a few people go together and have a day of it.

I wanted to recognize Larry Duckworth for doing a really Community Friendly thing:  making the dog water bowls in the Dog Park and also a place for the dog bags to go. He did this at his own cost, so a big thank you is in order. Thanks, Larry!

Remember to please pick up after your Dog!

Cheers for now...

PLANTING IN THE FALL

This is from Nettie van Wingerden, owner of Neater Plants and Homes.  She comes to the Duncan Farmers Market and to several garden centers in the Valley.  I picked up a flyer on pointers for the Cowichan Valley at the Duncan Farmers Market last week and thought I'd share her thoughts on Fall Gardening.

PLANT  PERENNIALS  NOW

 Most our garden planning and planting is usually done in the Spring. But did you know that the autumn is the best time to plant perennials?

Here are seven reasons why you should plant your perennials, shrubs and trees in the Fall.

1.  The ground is still quite warm, which gives the roots a good chance to grow before the winter.  In Spring they benefit from a strong root system and you'll immediately see a good result.
2.   The Cowichan Valley always has enough rain in the Fall so it isn't necessary to water the plants.  In the spring, you are forced to baby the plants much more, since they dry out more quickly, especially if we have another year like this one.
3.  Perennials are often combined with spring bulbs.  Save time to plant them all at the same time.
4.   The best time to install shrubs, roses and trees is when the leaves fall naturally from the plants.  Ask your nursery about very vulnerable plants.
5.  The biggest advantage of planting in the autumn is that you can immediately enjoy the results in the spring.  From March to May, there is already enough work to do.
6.  The weather is still very nice to work in the garden.  Additionally, you can carry out the new ideas you picked up this summer.  It feels like you have a whole new season to enjoy your garden!
7.   Many hedges and trees can be dug up and moved in the fall.  These plants, when the leaves are fallen, are dormant and can be replanted.

Fall planting can start when the summer heat is over and it starts raining.  You can plant throughout the whole winter as long as the soil is not frozen.

In the past 4 years all of the above I have tested and it's totally correct.  I have planted or moved plants from October to December and again from January till March.  Many of my shrubs that hated their first location loved the second or even third one!

 I have many perennials that I'd be happy to share with anyone wanting them.  Just ask!

  I also wanted to plug for Gerry MacLeod's glass numbers for out in front of our homes. Gerry can make them different colors, according to what you'd like.  I find they are big enough to read from the street and meet the "easy to read" criteria! If you are interested, please contact Gerry. He will give you a quote on price. Or leave a message for him at the Office with Kolleen.

All for now....

Cheers!

OCTOBER ALREADY

 Have you ever spent a pleasant afternoon on the Bistro deck?  Reading the paper or just relaxing and taking in the scent of the season..when it's too hot outside, it is a refreshing thing to go up and see something different or just gaze about at the beauty of the place.      Hearing the different birds, the faint bark of a dog or the sudden appearance of a rabbit, squirrel or snake...all are part of  the opportunity we have living  here at Chemainus Gardens. Every day I am thankful for where I live and who I live around!  

On October 3 we had a great time together at Honeymoon Point at our annual October get together.  It's been a tradition begun 3 seasons ago when we felt the touch of frost and hadn't had a good wiener roast for awhile!
  Those who couldn't make it, I am sad not to have seen you, but...maybe next year?! I realize that some are away at work and all, but it is a lot of fun to meet your new neighbors and do things together when you can.

Collin and Doreen Wynne

We had newcomers that were very welcome, some from the RV site Woodlands and some from the new Park Model homes.  

Alayne

Con watching the legs of Lens desk burning....

Using the same to roast with!

Agnes and Liz greet Fran..

Dorothy and Laurie chat 

The most wonderful zucchini relish was served by Dorothy and I just loved it with Triskets and cream cheese..mmmmm Just have to get that recipe.  Dorothy got a lot from her deck garden in the way of tomatoes, zucchini and I think potatoes too.  She's a real green thumb....

Jane brought around Kolleen's specialty, smokies with a great dip..Here Pat tries it out.  It's hard to go from that to wieners....

Gerry and Linda

Barry and Karen

Charles, Lynn and Norm

Con, Trevor, Corina and Brian

 A great time was had by all!  Thanks to our Social Committee for their hard work!

Around MY house one big tree came down...Many hours of labor were put in, as the fir was a big one.  In August a huge branch came straight down, burying itself in the lawn, and I admit I was scared. I work under that tree a LOT and a branch like that would have at LEAST knocked me out, if not worse.  I was thankful that the management agreed to take it out.  The guys that did the work said it was a bigger job than they had imagined.. and they did a good job, too. I am very grateful, though usually I'd never cut down a tree, I could see it had to be done to live here.

So now it's the job of mine to clean up the front...first cleaning out the eves-troughs and getting up stuff in front of the door. 

Phase 3 is beginning!  clearing and bulldozer work has begun.  The removal of Alder that had sprung up opened it all up.  

 

The front of Sharon and Carlo's place is getting quickly landscaped by them. Of course they have previous experience and are working with neighbors Karen and John in making it at least one of the prettiest corners in the Park! Both couples have a real commitment to making their homes  lovely for all.

 We are certainly lucky to have them working for the benefit of everyone and the beauty of the Gardens.
I just hope the trail maintained by the Gardens beneath their place on the pond will be replanted with suitable trees and flowers too. Especially on the other side of the pond across from their homes.It has become rampant with blackberry vines and canes and needs a good cleanup.

 May everyone have a wonderful Thanksgiving!




I'll close with this thought:

I have this on my desktop.....

Cheers!

CLARIFICATION ON VOTING AND REGISTRATION TO VOTE

I heard a rumor a couple of weeks ago that I thought I'd verify before election day. 

   I thought I heard that the  present government had changed the lines of voting to make fewer people able to vote. I may have misunderstood, but to make sure I called Elections Canada to see if I was still on the list at my present address, which I was at when the last Federal Election took place.
Since nothing has changed since then, I am on the list. If you have moved ( as has always been the rule), then you need to record your changes with Elections Canada.
If you have any doubt, it can be resolved in minutes by calling.
 I contacted Elections Canada and easily verified that I am  on the Elections Canada list for this area. 

Just call:



1-800-463-6868


On October 19, be sure to vote! 





On1-800-463-6868 

.

SUMMER OVER....NOW FOR FALL

The photos above I took last night as Jacquie took a child down to feed the ducks, which I could see was enjoyed immensely! So nice to see folks enjoying the beauty and peace around here with friends and relatives.


Two things to share right off.  The first is for those of us who love fruit and hate fruit flies.  I got this from a friend.

  1. Small container.
  2. Fill 1/4 full of apple cider vinegar
  3. Cover with plastic wrap tightly
  4.  Punch small holes all over the top, toothpick size
  5.  Set out near fruit that have these little monsters flying        and propagating near them.

The fermenting smell that so attracts them gets them to crawl through the small holes and drown in the vinegar.

I tried it and it works pretty well. Better than nothing!

Another tip for those suffering from eczema at this time of year:

   1.  Go to the Pharmacy and get Glycerine with nothing added. It should be fairly cheap.

   2.  Spread just a little over the affected area and rub in. Within days it helps and fills in the weeping skin nicely.

Just a notice that I also use it on the bottom of my feet, which used to crack and peel and catch on carpet, and it smooths the broken skin and helps keep it from drying out.  I put on light cotton socks when it is needed overnight.

Pamela Kimmerly showed me a great way to get rid of slugs on the lawn and shrubs:  Just use a doggie bag as you usually do, scoop them up and tie them off!  ALL GONE!

OK, so now to the happenings in the Park!

First off I apologize for being so very tardy with this Blog.  For one thing I've been away a lot this summer visiting grandkids and camping with friends and family on the Island.  It's been the summer that we thought we'd have when we first came....finally!
 I'm honing up on watercolor skills and painting again, for which I am thankful, as gardening takes a lot of time and most of mine is now done!  Of course upkeep will take some time, but major renos to the VG house and yard are mostly done.  WHEW.  Took a few years!
 Looking around the Park it is easy to see we are growing by leaps and bounds!  it is so great to see new people and their pets loving it here.  I've met at least 3 more people and they will fit in just wonderfully with the whole group!

The beauty of Black Locust

Hopeing this corner remains intact during the process of development of Phase #3

This is Carlo and Sharon's new house!

The beauty of Karen and John's home! lots of work there!

ponds down! clearing goes apace..

This is just a little bit of what they've cleared!

 Fran and Tony are finally settling amongst us.  It took a little longer, as the unit they ordered didn't come as ordered, so they had to wait a little longer.  But it's here now and Fran is very happy with the result!  She'll be in before Christmas!!!!

 I was looking at the various yards and there are some very pretty ones happening and on the way.  New roses are especially welcome in my books!!
We've lost Gabrielle and Alan Lanoue and dog Patches.  We were sorry to see them go, but where they are is probably where they need to be right now!  Plans change and people do, too. Jane Whyte also left this month to Ontario to be nearer her grandkids...I sure get that one!  Chris Marsh is NOT leaving anytime soon!  Due to his elderly Mom in Victoria, he'll put off his plans for Haida Gwaii till later. He just took me up to speed this morning!
Saying "goodbye" is always hard!  Marjean Hook and Charlie are settling well in Anacortes and would love to hear from friends at the Park.
  
Well, that's about it for now.  This rain has been such a blessing, though the sudden drop in temperature was a shock.  I was even cold and that's weird, considering we lived in the North for so long!  But after 4 years I guess we've acclimatized .... It's a good time to move perennials right now, though. Be sure to water deeply if you do move something, because the ground 6 inches down is still bone dry!
Cheers!!

HEATING UP!

Whew!  what a week.  Keeping cool is the main concern of the day here.  Watering restrictions and now campfire bans. It is very un- usual for the 1st part of July.  5 years ago it was wet and cold!! ( I might add that Toronto baked that summer)
But it is nice to just relax and let the heat go away while one gets a cold drink and reads or in some other way passes the time!


There are a couple of things I've been asked  to pass on from other residents of the Park for the benefit of their neighbors and friends. 
 The first one is that Charlotte, in the Woodlands area, who is a professional hairdresser and does cutting, styling, hair coloring and trim ups has asked me to put her phone number here for any who would like her to tend their hair needs in their homes.
Charlotte will make appointments by phone and can give cost for each of her services at that time. If there is something in the above description I have missed, please ask her personally.  Her number is: 1-250-217-2119.
 The second item is that Alan is heading up a Residents' garage sale for August 1st. He plans to have better advertising for this event and the tables will be $10.00. If you have good items to sell, get them ready!

Barry at the lower right corner

  A HUGE thank you goes out to the Social Committee of the Canada Day celebrations in the Gardens.
 I think this year was the biggest ( and hottest) that we've had in the 4 years we've lived here.  Of course there are many many more people, too!
 It Is always nice to meet new people who have moved in or are staying shorter term also.  Gail came up and introduced herself, she just moved into the Woodlands area. 

This is Gail, welcome!

 and Barry (in the Stable Suite bottom floor) also joined us.  There were 4 distinct groups upon arrival and I got photos of each.  At supper time we mingled a little more and by the end I was feeling like I still hadn't greeted everyone ye!  The most wonderful trifle ( Thank you, Heather!!), sugar cookies with center cream and a tiny Canadian flag as well as a wonderful assortment of salads from Greek to broccholi.  I was rather stunned to see a beautiful chocolate Canada Day cake that riveled the white one served in the WaterWheel Park in the earlier part of the day.  I had my share!

 Because of the water shortage I looked online to find the kind of water resevoir systems that the town has used around it's new trees. Fruit trees need WATER for the first few years and this is a perfect solution during water shortages!
  Dinter Nursery ( 5 km south of Duncan) carries them, though what their price is, I haven't checked, as I ordered from Lee Valley and theirs was $25.00. If you have planted new trees they need water the first couple of years or they stunt. If you are interested the bags are called Treegator . I should have mine next week or so if you'd like to check it out.  I'm at # 336 Cherry Lane and have a home overlooking Laughing Pond.
Another trick that I have finally gotten around to useing and that is 100% effective against those NASTY slugs is copper.  I bought 25 feet of both solid and netting and used both to see which was best.
For the front bushes that were getting eaten up by new slugs, the solid copper ( very thin, you can cut it with sissors) is great.  It goes around the base of the plant in a circle and the slugs don't cross.
The netted goes a LONG way because it can be cut in half and folded around the inside of pots.  Thus my basil is now safe from those nasty things. In less than a week they recovered from huge tatters in their leaves and are producing for my pesto....
The rolls of copper are at LEE VALLEY online or at their Victoria store. If you would like to see a catalogue, I have one here and you'd be free to look at it.  Online it's there, too.

So....have yourself a Merry little Summer with lots to beat the heat and friends to share the memories you're making here!