spda99 – Page 3 – Chester Garden Club

Frost Flowers: nature’s delicate ice sculptures

By spda99 | September 7, 2013 | Comments 0 Comment

A recent tip from a friend introduced me to the beauty of a natural phenomenon commonly known as the frost flower. The following images, first found on Wikipedia, were taken from an interesting blog “kuriositas”, which offers unusual photos and text highlighting relatively obscure features of the planet. The original photos were posted by several Flickr Users, including Mark Adams who signs as markinspecx.

frost flower 1 — Image credit – Flickr User Lotus Flower

Incredibly beautiful and very rare, these frost flowers are formed on early fall or winter mornings when ice in very thin layers is pushed out from the stems of plants, or sometimes, wood.

frost flower 2 — Image credit: Flickr User markinspecx

The ideal conditions for this formation is a freezing air temperature combined with unfrozen ground, so that water can be sucked up the stem. As the air temperature falls, the sap in the plant expands and under that pressure, microscopic fissures form on the outer layer of the stem. When the pressure finally causes the tissue to split, water seeps through the cracks and freezes. More water following up the stem reaches the cracks and pushes the earlier sliver of ice away from the stem, thus creating the delicate “petals” seen in these images.

frost flower 3 — Image credit: Flickr User crestedcrazy

The scientific name for these frost flowers is Crystallo-folia, although that is considered by some to be a misnomer because frost is created by water vapour and yet frost flowers are created from liquid water. Whatever the scientific debate, you can see many other lovely photos of frost flowers by checking out the Wikipedia entry or by going to www.kuriositas.com/2012-12, or searching for markinspecx and looking for “Rabbit Frost” (yet another term for frost flowers).

Now that we’ve introduced an autumn topic to the blog, it’s time to remind gardeners in the Chester (NS) area that the first meeting of the new season will take place on September 16th. For details, click on the Current Activities page on the menu above.

Cactus in bloom

By spda99 | August 31, 2013 | Comments 0 Comment

Several members of Chester Garden Club were treated recently to a surprise appearance of colourful flowers on a night-blooming cactus belonging to fellow member Jane. This is the first year she has seen five flower stalks on this plant, four of which were in bloom at the time the photo was taken. She was especially intrigued by the intricate design of the interior section with its many stamens and the delicate spokes on its style.

Like many of Chester’s regular denizens, this cactus might be termed a “summer resident”; it is stationed outdoors in a sunny garden spot during July and August and is promptly carried back to a warmer clime (indoors) once the autumn temperatures arrive. Given that today is the start of Labour Day weekend, this cactus has provided a splendid show outdoors right on schedule.

Annual Flower Show and Tea – Part 2

By spda99 | July 31, 2013 | Comments 0 Comment

As a follow-up to part 1 (posted on July 28th) this post includes several galleries of photos that show the range of entries in this year’s Flower Show. Over 100 horticultural specimens were entered in the competition and about 125 exhibits were entered in the Design classes. The theme – “Hats Off” – provided scope for exhibitors to salute various institutions in and around the Chester area, including historic buildings, artistic centres and sporting venues. Trophy winners are shown in the third gallery below.

Most of the classes were open to members of the public as well as to garden club members but two classes that presented particular challenges were restricted to members only. For one, a surprise package of five objects was handed out weeks in advance to adventurous members who were instructed to combine them in an oriental arrangement for the show. A second challenge was offered in Class 40 where members were asked to create a flower hat on a mannequin form. Imaginations took flight and produced the fashions seen in the next gallery.

Judges awarded ribbons for first, second and third place winners in both the horticultural and design classes but a number of trophies were also handed out on behalf of the club by Heather, CGC president. Heading the winners’ list, with four trophies, was Myra Knight, who picked up awards for Best Wildflower design, Best Specimen, Best in Show, and the President’s Award for the ‘Members Only’ design category. Sisters Anne Baber and Lynne Waymon joined forces to earn an award for Best Use of Roses in an interpretive design (Ed: see the intricate work on the bride’s head-dress, in the second gallery), and they were also awarded the Club’s trophy as winners of the Popular Choice vote. Jane Wilkins again took home the Best Annual Sweet Peas award; Jocelyn Cameron received the Janet Piers Award for Best Arrangement with a Water Feature; Sean Griffin was presented with the Novice Best in Show; and Gwyneth Benoy won an award for the Best Indoor Plant. In the children’s classes, Silas Hume won the McAlpine Trophy; Alison Noah won the Wilkins Cup and Isabelle Jabbour took the Beginner’s Trophy.

Following the presentation of trophies, Cynthia and Danielle proceeded with the draw for the raffle of the six special hooked rugs that had been on offer for several months. The winner was Pat Pringle. Then, on behalf of the Flower Show and Tea Committee and the Chester Garden Club Board, MC Brenda thanked Cynthia whose skill in chairing the committee had been instrumental in its success. By five o’clock, the visitors had departed and, as the exhibitors began to dismantle their masterpieces, some were already thinking ahead to next year’s show, which will take place during the Club’s 75th anniversary year.

Annual Flower Show and Tea – part 1

By spda99 | July 28, 2013 | Comments 0 Comment

Chester Garden Club recorded another successful flower show on July 25th, with over 200 floral designs or specimens entered in the competition, held at the Royal Canadian Legion hall in Chester, Nova Scotia. The following gallery shows some of the activity observed during the early morning as exhibitors brought in their choice floral arrangements and specimens. At 10:30 am, the room was closed to all except the judges and their clerks as the serious work of assigning winners in the many classes got underway. Meanwhile, in the kitchen, other volunteers were busy organizing the hundreds of sandwiches and squares to be served at the afternoon’s tea. To enlarge any image in the gallery, simply click on it with your cursor.

The doors opened to the public at 1:30 PM and among the first visitors were two groups from special care facilities in the area. They were served tea before taking the opportunity to view the exhibits. The total attendance, including the special groups, was close to 200 people, 125 of whom opted for the tea ticket. Some of the visitors are shown below.

Following a rainy spring, an extraordinary heat wave and then more rainy skies, there was some concern about local flower gardens but this year’s show lived up to its tradition of attractive and innovative displays. Arrangements in the design classes ranged from the miniature to the massive, and included a challenge in which participants were given five objects to use in creating an oriental arrangement. A small sample of entries is seen in the photo gallery below, which concludes part 1.

The next post will feature more entries and the winners of the 13 trophies awarded at the show.

Flower Show Workshop

By spda99 | July 22, 2013 | Comments 0 Comment

In anticipation of the approaching Flower Show, Chester Garden Club’s July meeting focused on techniques for preparing entries in the various classes.

Joanne began the workshop by discussing the factors that judges consider when awarding points for horticultural specimens (Division 1 in the Show). In addition to the requirements that specimens be exhibited in clear glass containers, she gave tips regarding the inclusion (or not) of stems and foliage, and the status of stamens (fresh or beginning to age) in blooming specimens. She also explained the one-third rule of thumb for a tall stem flower: one third each of tight buds, partially open buds, and fully open blooms.

Discussion about changes in the regulations governing the judging along with such tips as the importance of conditioning leaves and flowers in advance were part of the general workshop experience. A number of mannequin “heads” were available for those who planned to enter the Hats Off creative headgear class.

Sidney provided a number of tips concerning preparation of floral elements as she illustrated the techniques she used in creating two sample “hats”, the sort of arrangement that would be entered in class 40 of this year’s show: a flower hat on a mannequin form.

Jane demonstrated the art of creating arrangements in a teacup (class 35 in this year’s show). Instead of the standard florist’s hard-foam Oasis ™ , she used cedar twigs and heather to anchor the tiny flower stems in the delicate china cup. As she worked on the arrangements, she pointed out various points to be considered when conditioning and creating these tiny displays. She also advised exhibitors to bring along a small pair of sharp scissors to the show for final trimming if necessary before handing over the entry.

To conclude the workshop, Sidney created a beautiful little bouquet (an example for class 38) from a selection of wildflowers that she wound together as a posie tied off with raffia streamers. The enthusiastic reaction of Club members to the workshop should translate to a large number of entries in the show, which takes place on July 25th. More information is available by clicking on the menu item at the top of this blog.

Kids Take to Floral Crafts

By spda99 | July 14, 2013 | Comments 0 Comment

Budding florists (please pardon a little gardening humour) had a fun morning this week when they took part in a children’s workshop where they learned how to create floral arrangements. The workshop was designed to stimulate participation by youth in the Chester Garden Club’s annual Flower Show, scheduled for July 25th this year. A team of volunteers helped the children learn the basics of creating floral arrangements and even making a few floral hats, all under the appropriate slogan “Express Yourself”. The following photo gallery shows some of the concentration required to create the arrangements and the pleasure the children experienced during the workshop. To enlarge an image, simply place your cursor on it and click.

A small sample of the completed arrangements is also included, to whet the appetite of those who would like to enter the competition in the children’s classes. For details concerning any of the classes – design and horticultural – please click on the “Flower Show and Tea” heading in the menu at the top of this blog and then open the Schedule. We hope to see lots of you at the Show on the 25th.

Advance Planning for the Flower Show

By spda99 | July 10, 2013 | Comments 0 Comment

Gardeners in the Chester area are anxiously scouting their gardens as the countdown for the annual Flower Show and Tea approaches. The schedule for competing entries has been published for months (click on the Flower Show heading above) but some things cannot be rushed. Mother Nature has the last word as to which plants will be at their best as the date draws near.

A rambling rose swarms over a fence it shares with a rosa rugosa.

The extreme range of temperatures and weather this year has made it difficult to predict which plants will be in bloom on the date of the Flower Show, the 25th of July. Following a long spell of cool rainy days, last week we experienced three days of very high temperatures with high humidity, which was hard on the gardeners let alone their plants.

The early day lilies are suddenly blooming.

The rapid growth of shrubbery, vines and ferns on the berm in the photo below is an indication of the effect of this year’s heavy rainfall.

This rose appears to climb above its own support post. — This climbing rose appears to shoot up above its own support post.

Chester’s climate is kind to many varieties of roses. It is the maurauding deer who wreak havoc on our gardens. As nocturnal visitors, the deer dine on such delicacies as the developing flower buds of roses, phlox, hydrangeas, and even the occasional iris. Many a local gardener has been dismayed to discover, after weeks of anticipation, that the growing tips of a particularly prized specimen have been devoured overnight by deer.

Goat’s beards’ feathery plumes wave above strong green stalks.

Clematis Piilu, puts up a brave showing in its first summer. — Clematis “Piilu”, puts up a brave showing in its first summer.

As is the custom in many locales, Chester gardeners welcome the return of hummingbirds and so, in addition to special feeders, we plant honeysuckles to attract the tiny spirited creatures.

DSCF7079 — Astilbes are popular perennials in our area.

To help members prepare for the Flower Show, the Club’s July 15th meeting will focus on tips and advice for creating successful entries in both the horticultural and design classes – Learn the Basics!

Members of the Flower Show Committee have also scheduled a two-hour children’s workshop to encourage participation among the youth in the area. The organizers are delighted that 18 children have signed up for the workshop, which will focus on creating fanciful floral displays in accordance with this year’s theme “Hats Off”. The particular themes for the children’s classes are: “A Hat for a Cat” for children under the age of eight, and “Hockey Night in Canada” for youth between ages eight and sixteen.

Water lilies add a touch of colour to the dark surface of a pond. — Water lilies add a touch of colour to the dark surface of a pond on a rainy day.

A Bouquet for Canada Day

By spda99 | July 1, 2013 | Comments 0 Comment

A particularly rainy spring, followed by a brief heat wave that was followed more rain, has produced wonderful growth in Chester gardens. Thus it seems appropriate that we celebrate Canada Day with a selection of flowers now in bloom in our area: our Canada Day bouquet.

paeony - herb — An old-fashioned peony that bears a lovely fragrance when brought into the house.

Many local gardens feature Irises, and both the Siberian and bearded varieties are showing their colours.

Perennial poppies, too, have been making a show. The orange one below is a Spanish (Rock) variety.

DSCF6942 — A band of tall straight perennial poppies contrast with the twisting branches of a hamamelis contorta

Early varieties of day lilies are beginning to open, and old favourites like foxgloves and spiderwort are making their appearance but the rosa rugosas and peonies are looking quite bedraggled because of the rain.

DSC_8546 - edit — Tradescantia “Sweet Kate” (spiderwort)

DSCF6970 — Foxgloves claim their corner amid a few other strays in a neglected garden bed

Flowering shrubs are part of the picture. The arching branches of a Beauty Bush (Kolkwitzia amabilis) laden with blooms, at right, contrast with the light feathery foliage of a dappled willow (Salix integra, Japanese) below.

And finally, at the bottom, two Weigelas, both a little the worse for wear due to heavy rainstorms. These photos present a small sample of current garden blooms. Honeysuckle, lupins, dogwoods, Explorer roses, pink spirea, and others now also in bloom may fit in a future post.

Whatever the weather in your area, we hope fellow Canadians will enjoy celebrating Canada Day on July 1st, preferably near a garden!

And a shout-out to our neighbours, the Americans, whose national holiday falls on July 4th.

Thanks to Herb for many of the above photos.

Orchids post-script

By spda99 | June 26, 2013 | Comments 0 Comment

The Club’s June meeting focused on orchids, which are grown strictly as “house plants” in our area…

… but, when club member Sharon was in Taipei, Taiwan, recently, she attended a show featuring hundreds of the exotic plants, which grow as part of the normal ecosystem in many warmer parts of the globe. She sent us a few shots showing the profusion of blooms on display at a garden centre. Something to aspire to for next winter!

More Rain-splashed Rhododendrons

By spda99 | June 15, 2013 | Comments 0 Comment

Continuing with more photos from Chester gardens on a rainy day, here is a close-up of an Azalea “Chelsea Reach”, which has a captivating perfume, even on a damp day.

A mass planting of three unidentified rhododendrons

The gardener whose rhodos are shown in the photo above apologized for not remembering the name of this particularly fragrant variety, and noted that they were bought years ago from the late Captain Dick Steele, who was known in Canada as the Rhododendron King.

The unidentified azaleas above and below were purchased through the Garden Club and from other local groups as part of fund-raising programs years ago.

A spring garden vista includes an azalea, alliums and even perennial poppies in the distance.