SPITTLEBUGS AND GARDENS

I went up to the Communal Garden and took some photos for those interested in what's happening, but who don't have time to go up!
Brian and Gerry were putting in the last bed that will be put in this year.  It was quite warm, though cloudy, which is nice. 

A nice deer fence, gates that can close and 5 raised beds are now planted.  I understand Jane planted many things, but I'm sure others helped somewhere and I just don't know who to say Kudos to!





It couldn't look nicer, either!

Brian brought me a plant with spit like stuff on it and asked what it was.  I wasn't sure if it was a good bad or indifferent species of bug, so I googled it and found it to be a spittle bug.  They are generally not a problem, but if they get going they can be, so I went online to find some solutions people could refer to.

 The best website I found was:

   http://backyardfoodgrowing.com/yuk-i-have-spit-on-my-plants 

This site gives a good spray you can make yourself if there is just too much spit around!

Soon we'll be saying goodbye to Marjean and Charlie ( the dog). I am quite sad to say goodbye again to someone who has proved a good friend, but hopefully when we go over to the States we'll see her settled there.

GARDEN SHAPE UP

    As promised, I went to the Bistro to find out the plans for the Community Garden.  
   It was very pleasant and had a good atmosphere. I met Susan and Bob ( # 31 woodlands). They had a Community Garden at Honeymoon Bay and described it to us.  There was a general time of introductions and then to business.  Jane Whyte laid out the plan for this year, as there had been a meeting with decisions that I missed and I wasn't sure about the facts.  
  As of today the Garden Club is closed to new members. Most the work done on the beds has been by volunteers, though many of them will not be working at the garden until such time as individual plots are made.  It was made clear that the decision to have a Communal ( shared crops) and not a true Community Garden 
( individual plots and crops)  garden was more sensible at this time, as the dirt provided does not by any means cover the ground provided. Also there are novice gardeners who want to have a "hands on" summer and feel it would be beneficial to have those who know how to garden help them the first year.
 I must say that Gil and Dorothy Newton did a huge job along with Karen MacDougal, Trevor Breeze, Brian Aaberg, Gerry  and some I've probably missed in moving that pile of dirt into raised beds for use of the gardeners.
 Jane Whyte is donating seed for the first year and some plants she has started.  A fence was discussed and then into the nitty gritty of figureing out how many rows of which vegetable will be needed to get a crop for each of the families represented.
 Out of the 12 in attendance 9 remain for the summer.  I will try to give updates and photos as I can.
 Plans for planting and finishing the beds were laid out also.

  So that's how it stands for this year at least.  Looks like a wonderful weekend is ahead so I anticipate  the happy atmosphere that pervades the Community with such weather!  Ciao

MEETING AT THE BISTRO

There is a meeting of those interested in the on site garden Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.at the Bistro for all interested in how the garden is shaping up.  I understand some would like personal small plots while others would like a communal garden.  Take the time to put in your 2 cents!          I will be there to hear what is going on and will report back afterwards. I can think of a couple of ways this would work in everyones's favour, whether of this thought or that, so do come if you'd like information.

Remember how the onsite Bistro was first open and then the residents  decided to have a coffee time on Tuesdays?  That is the stage that the new garden area is at  right now.  We have to decide how to use the garden facility to every resident who is interested's advantage so everyone can be happy!

These shots were taken Sunday morning...a LOT of dirt was shovelled and it sounded like many were having fun putting this together.   

I was informed that fencing would be going up this weekend, but that was not something that the management said to me, just what I heard from one of the workers.



  The tawny and white cotton tail rabbits that are all over the meadows are just that: meadow grazers.  They are reputed to be natural to the area and won't burrow through the grounds.  I hope this is true!! 
  A new salt is now available through BUCKERFIELDS outside Duncan, that keeps driveways clear of weeds.  The name is: 
CARGILL: kiln dried medium salt.it comes in big bags and is $13.00 a bag.  Not a bad price for the permenant reduction of weeds on our gravel drives! Lynda Cliff brought an empty bag that she uses at her home drive to Kelly Ockey.  Areas that growth is totally unwanted would benefit by this addition to the gravel. 

Again, Have a great Day!

GARDEN TIPS

This recipe from my son, as he said it was the fastest he's ever seen weeds dry up.  I tried it Sunday evening and next day everything I sprayed was DEAD.  It is pet safe, and much more pungent than the spray I've been useing.
Try it in driveway or directly onto weeds.  Don't let the spray drift onto regular lawn, though.  It kills anything.

1 Gallon of Vinegar
2 Cups Epsom Salts ( drug store)
1/4 Cup Dawn Original dish soap ( blue )

Mix  and spray in the morning.  By suppertime it's done it's work!

This is just a great help when one gardener cannot weed every yard.

The Community Garden, for those who don't open their mail boxes daily, is up on top in back of the Bistro and a meeting is called at 1:30 to find out the details.  If you're interested, please come and hear the presentation.  Bring questions, etc.

Happy Spring!

Leslie

BRIGHT APRIL

    We've had a very wet winter, but just enough sunshine to keep one a step or two away from the "winter Blahs".....

  It's been nice to see Linda Cleft working all winter, as there is so much to do with gardens all year around here...except for a few weeks in December!  We've seen  the walkways used much more, as well as the dog park.  I have to thank those who diligently take away the bag of dog waste.  It's usually changed by the time I get there, but I do endeavor to make sure plastic dog pickup bags are provided.  Anyone needing garbage bags for the cans can get them at the office or from Lyle.  



Several of us went on various holidays in the past few months.

In front of our cabanaCharles and I  went to Bacalar Lagoon, QuintaRoo, Mexico, for 10 days and loved it.  Just the warmer temperatures were a nice change, though I love the green here! Rob, our long time friend from Smithers days, owns and operates a wonderful 5 star hotel. We were invited down for 8 days and decided to go.

Rob shows us special spots he likes.

We are really glad we did, as it was so very relaxing!  It was warm and sunny, bright and refreshing with the breezes off the Carribean mixing with the sunshine!

 Now we're back to join in the Community life here at Chemainus Gardens.  I have been extremely busy this past winter writing the book I commenced  when we moved down in 2011.  Now it is just finished and I'm looking to publish.  Between that, the garden here and the Church garden....I'm busy and happy.

Last week Saturday a Campfire was held at Honeymoon Point.  Though we usually arrive a little later than posted, due to still working until 5:00, we got there in time to join in with the sing-along.  I understood that some people did not come because their pets were not invited!  I would urge anyone with that problem to please understand that pets get most of our attention during the day...surely they don't need to be underfoot at an adult Campfire too?!  It was pleasant and some came that hadn't attended before. Gerry led with guitar and was pretty good!  Then Ross and Monica joined in with their special style.  The combined group that did sing had a great time together and would like to have more songs to add to the songbook that Gerry and Koleen have made up.  Please get together words and music and submit them to either Gerry or Kolleen, I'm sure they know what to do with them.

As I'm walking around I see that a lot of moving of dirt and big cranes up on top.  I understand that a new Community Garden is being made up there.  I am sad to learn that the "swimming pool" area is not to be for residents ( we thought it was supposed to house a excercize room and pool or hot tub when we bought) but will house the contents of the storage sheds from above them.  So we develop..not exactly the first vision, but not bad!
 I know more information will be forthcoming in the next while from the Office concerning this new section. 
 I got the number of the man who will clean windows and do gutter cleaning:   P&T Window Cleaning Commercial & Residential:
Peter Lineham:   250-324-4534

  Here is to a happy Spring and hope you don't get the cold I have at this point.  If you see me with a kleenex in had, it's so I won't give it to YOU!! 

CHRISTMAS and beyond

BREAKING NEWS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS BLOG

   Early December 25 Charles and I took a leisurely morning walk with Skipper.  It was lovely out and very quiet.  I've never heard it so quiet all around town. The weather was so "crisp and even", even  if there was no snow!  Didn't miss it AT ALL.


This link was sent to me by Helen. It is funny and I thought everyone could use a good laugh. 

https://www.youtube.com/embed/LR2qZ0A8vic?rel=0



The Christmas season has been pretty mild and many people visited in the Gardens with family, while others drove into the icy snowfilled areas of our great land to visit there! BRRRRRRR, not this chick!

 Speaking of chicks, there are lots of little Bufflehead ducks and Cim MacDonald says we should see merganzers soon.  Keep a watch out and let me know if you see them, OK?  You'll see Cim doing photography around the ponds, so be sure to welcome her!  She's been in the area for a long time and is very knowledgeable on the Gardens. 

 



http://www.theregenesisproject.com/mf-british-columbia/

On another subject: 
 Charles and I were wondering if our water in Chemainus was flouridated.  The above  link affirms that we have no flouride in our water ( we are North Cowichan).  Just so ya know!

To remind anyone that would like to join neighbors for coffee, we still hold the Tuesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. open and would love to have coffee with our neighbors!

BREAKING   NEWS:
 Just spoke with Derrick from HAARSMA collections ( garbage and recycle) and he has put new stickers on the CARDBOARD ONLY bin to include many other recyclables.  Also he has put 2 cans for  
"everything else", including  many things we now put in the garbage.  I assured him we were all "green" and some of us just take it ourselves to the recycle plant because we don't want it in landfill.  So now we have 3 containers and most things ( other than kitchen scraps) can be put into the appropriate containers!  I was really happy to see that!
He just set everything up near the Cardboard place.

Today Park Model owners can jointly ( 1:00 p.m.) put in their serial numbers and Park Model sites and leases at the office.  As mentioned in the email I put out, this can be done anytime, but we're trying to get as many as possible to send off today (Friday)
See myself or the office if you need any further help.

So I'm off to make turkey soup.. have a great day!

Manufactured Home Act

• Manufactured Home Act
  tags: Chemainus Gardens
  
  

This is a portion of the BC Homeowners rules . If our homes are not registered ( they were sold to us by the Gardens) then they should be doing the paperwork here.

However please hang on to your original letter!  The office can copy it to give a lease agreement.