Calgarians dig in: It’s gardening time
Calgarian Barbara Wanhill is just getting into gardening, and already loves the creative challenge.
“I’ve always had plants around, but gardening in Calgary is totally different than in any other place I’ve been just because the weather is so crazy here,” says Wanhill, who is originally from B.C.
An elementary school art teacher, Wanhill has been dabbling in vegetable gardening — she planted garlic in the fall, and will be planting beans soon.
She has also been experimenting with indoor seed starting after purchasing a small grow light setup.
For new gardeners, Wanhill praises the support of the local groups such as Calgary Horticultural Society, which is hosting its annual garden show April 14-15 at Spruce Meadows.
“They have some amazing workshops, and the advanced members are so gracious and generous with their information,” she says, also suggesting beginners visit local garden centres because “they will sell you plants that grow well for this climate.”
For new as well as experienced gardeners, gardening workshop instructor and speaker Joanne Ogilvie recommends seeking out a garden club. In addition to the Calgary Horticultural Society, Calgary is home to many other gardening-related organizations, including the Calgary Rose Society, Calgary Rock and Alpine Garden Society and community gardening clubs. Many organizations hold regular meetings, featuring speakers, plant-sharing and idea-sharing.
“It really adds a lot to your own personal home gardening experience, and everybody is so generous with sharing their passion and expertise,” says Ogilvie, co-founder of the Queensland Garden Club and a self-described “obsessive home gardener.”
One of the biggest trends in recent years is growing edibles — everything from herbs and vegetables to fruit-bearing shrubs and trees.
“There is an enormous amount of interest in growing your own food. Even if they don’t have room for an in-ground vegetable garden, a lot of people are turning to whatever fits their space,” says Ogilvie, noting for example, a chef’s planting of herbs or grow- ing carrots and potatoes in a container type of set up on a balcony or in a small backyard can.
Growing food is part of a larger trend toward sustainable gardening, which Calgary Horticultural Society president Scott Gedak describes as one of the most exciting trends that’s been catching on in Calgary in the last few years.
“It’s a synthesis of different garden philosophies,” he says. “We’ve had permaculture come together with food-growing, xeriscaping and water-wise gardening — to the point where people realize their gardens are ecosystems and should be functional.
Gedak encourages people to check out the society’s spring garden show at Spruce Meadows this weekend, “because we have some of North America’s premier speakers on the subject (of sustainable gardening) coming out this year.”
For details about the 2013 Calgary Horticultural Society Garden Show, visit www.calhort.org.