Kincardine Horticultural Society learns some flower show tips from Fran Farrell

April showers bring May flowers, and we’re sure everyone is welcoming that.

Members of the Kincardine Horticultural Society will be in great shape to present at the September Flower Show, with all the tips and tricks that guest speaker, Fran Farrell (above), spoke about at the recent meeting.

There are many things to consider when preparing flowers to exhibit, starting with “keep it simple.” Read your flower show schedule, get ideas and practise. Checking with the Ontario Judging handbook has many pointers for all species.

Collect your material in lots of time and condition it first. Try to get away from using oasis by bunching up chicken wire and using that instead. Keep your mechanics hidden and keep your design to scale and proportion.

The Trowel and Error report was about a vary invasive worm called a hammerhead or shovel-head worm. Look it up; it’s not very pretty. These worms give off toxins that will irritate your skin and are not good for your pets. They prey on earthworms, and molluscs. This worm can impact agricultural, horticultural, and natural eco-systems. If you find any, you can report it to the National Invasive Species Centre. Chances are we will hear more about this in the future.

Also, get your hummingbird feeders out; they have been spotted.

Remember, you can help on Wednesday mornings, from 9-10 a.m., at the Kincardine flagpole garden.

Start separating your perennials as it won’t be long before the plant sale is here. It’s scheduled for Saturday, May 31, so lots of time to dig, dig, dig.

See you at the next meeting, Monday, June 2.

Happy Gardening!

For more information about the Kincardine Horticultural Society, visit gardenkincardine.weebly.com.