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Prescott Journal, VOL. 174, NO. 14~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ April 7, 2004
Not too early to get spring garden projects rolling
By Astrid Strader, Horticulturist and Garden Designer
It's spring and dominating my inner landscape are thoughts of what surprises there will be as I inspect the many planting areas around town from the year before. It's still early for spring bulbs to be up the ground is still frozen in many parts of my garden. But that won't stop me from planting spinach, "snow peas" (get it? - plant when there's still snow out), radishes, onions and some salad greens like arugula. These can grow in a raised bed, which warms up faster and drains more quickly, and is certainly more comfortable to work in.
But I digress. Prescott Blossoms is back. Not with any funding yet. But back with a handful of eager gardeners/ helpers who just want to volunteer. As well, we still have a commitment from our partners: the town, Rotary Club and Parks Canada. As we have seen in the last two years, many helping hands can make a real difference in our community. Volunteers will come together shortly to plan out a slate of activities which will help beautify our pretty town for the upcoming season. I invite anyone to come out and hear what we're up to maybe you'd even like to join in. So, I'll keep you posted as to where and when we will all meet to get things rolling.
A lot of large, mature trees have come down around town in the last few years. Looking around, we can see that there is a need for planting more, or we'll be left with barren areas down the road. We had the opportunity to request a supply of small trees and shrubs last year from the Trees for Peace program. So, picking up from where we left things last year, I've met with the interim co-coordinator, Jack Henry, along with public works and parks and recreation personnel. We're staking out and readying planting areas at Fairways Park, Kiwanis Skate Board Park, and Centennial Park. At the same time, we can improve poor drainage areas in the parks, as well as clean out-of-control brambles and weeds.
Trees for Peace is a non-profit program focused on improving our environment through environmental stewardship. Jack Henry explains "Presentations on the benefits of planting trees were made to St. Joseph Catholic School students in March. The school is keen - we have two classes of Grade 7 and 8 each, for planting on May 7."
A new feature at the Heritage River Trail will attract more birds to our area. Bluebird, wren and robin nesting boxes have been installed by maintenance staff of Fort Wellington. These aren't just any old birdhouses, but specifically handcrafted out of native white cedar to the dimensions needed to attract these birds. Local field naturalists will be invited to monitor these boxes for activity. Jack Henry of the Grenville Land Stewardship Council explained, "The bird houses were built through Ontario Works, who help out on stewardship projects."
How could we bear the dull winter months without our feathered friends? You may have noticed that warming sunny days can leave mouldy and decaying seed in your bird feeders. Birds eating spoiled food may become sick or die. So, taking the time to regularly clean feeders and birdbaths will ensure a healthy bird population.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2004
Prescott Blossoms nominated as one of Ontario’s Leading Urban Stewards are recognized at Awards ‘celebration and workshop’
TORONTO – Evergreen, EcoSuperior, Sudbury Better Beginnings Better Futures, Wildlife Habitat Canada (WHC) and the Regional Municipality of York (York Region) recognized and celebrated nominees and recipients of the 2003-2004 Urban Stewardship Awards of Excellence on April 18th, 2004. Prescott Blossoms was part of the group “Recognizing Ontario Stewards” which took place at Humber College, where more than 65 stewards from across Ontario participated in a guided arboretum tour, listened to guest speakers, networked, shared successes and celebrated stewardship achievements.
Kathleen Mackay, guest speaker and 2003 recipient of the June Callwood Volunteer of the Year Award, shared her enthusiasm for the voluntary sector and the natural world with participants. Following an informal yet informative networking session, participants were treated to a talk on the Aboriginal significance of native plants by Ken Parker, owner and operator of Sweet Grass Gardens, a Six Nations-based retail nursery.
The Urban Stewardship Awards of Excellence were presented over dinner to 16 recipients. Individuals, organizations and initiatives were recognized in two categories. The Hands for Nature Awards, sponsored by Evergreen, EcoSuperior and Sudbury Better Beginnings Better Futures, celebrates the spirit of volunteerism in Ontario’s urban greening movement, recognizing excellence in the enhancement and restoration of urban greenspace. The Living with Wildlife Awards, sponsored by WHC and York Region, honour exemplary leadership in urban wildlife habitat stewardship.
Recipients of the 2003-2004 Urban Stewardship Awards of Excellence (see backgrounder) will be showcased on Evergreen’s website
(www.evergreen.ca) and Wildlife Habitat Canada’s website
(www.whc.org).
Prescott Blossoms, a community initiative, started with a grant from HRDC in 2002 and received an unprecedented 2nd grant in 2003. This year, volunteer coordinator, Astrid Strader, has organized volunteers who will continue work on greening projects started over the last two years, notably the continuation of the Prescott Heritage River Trail and Arboretum. For more info on memorial tree donations or on other Prescott Blossoms projects, call coordinator, Astrid Strader at 657-4688.
For more information:
Amy Seabrooke Samara Newman
Manager, Stewardship Projects Project Manager, Hands for Nature
Wildlife Habitat Canada Evergreen
1-800-669-7919 ext.230 1-888-426-3138 ext.33
Prescott Journal - April 28, 2003
By Astrid Strader, Horticulturist and Garden Designer
Give a rose bush on Mother’s Day
A public meeting will be held for people wishing to be involved, no matter how small, with Prescott Blossoms this year: Friday April 30, 10 – 11 am at the Municipal Building. There will be lots to update, just as there is much to report on now about the Heritage River Trail improvements planned for this year.
As a result of my meeting with Parks Canada: “cues for care” have been identified. These are important as they set the stage for what’s to come. And what is to come?
The primary focus will be the parking area at the trailhead that surely needs fixing up. Things like a new swing gate for maintenance vehicles. Well-placed boulders will indicate the entryway for pedestrians. The trees we pruned two years ago are coming along nicely, and with them, creating a natural border, last year we planted a hedge of shrub roses on the north side of the parking lot. This year we want to extend the rose border to the other sides, eventually removing the unsightly bollards that delimit the parking area.
These roses, which are part of the hardy Explorer series developed at the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa, can be purchased on the first annual Rotary Rose Day scheduled for May 15. Shades of white, red or pink flowering, fragrant roses named after some our great Canadian explorers like John Cabot and William Frobisher, can be purchased for $35 in honour of your favourite ‘mother’ for mother’s day. You buy and we’ll do the planting and care. The Town of Prescott will give you a tax-deductible receipt. To place an order call me at 657-4688. In the years to come they will provide a living fence of colour in all four seasons (if the birds don’t eat all the hips by snowfall).
Visible improvements for this year will include, removal of tree stakes – generally, stakes are installed to minimize root damage by wind as the tree settles in and anchors itself. If stakes are allowed to remain for longer than two years, the tree becomes dependant on the stake and can actually weaken it; it’s as through the tree comes to depend on the stakes for it’s stability.
The addition of wildflowers this year will enhance the beauty of the walkways – as if it can get any more beautiful down there! Cameron Smith, the landscape architect commissioned by Parks Canadian to consult on the trail project, has remarked more than a few times, how unique our vast stretch of waterfront paths and river view is like nowhere else to be found on the St. Lawrence.
To make it easy to identify the trees and donors, the trees and shrubs will be marked with identification plaques, showing their Latin and common names along with a number that corresponds to a map key. Seventy-nine more trees and shrubs will be hopefully sourced and planted (only two need to be replaced – which is pretty good considering the wide open harshness of the elements at times).
Additional stone dust for trail maintenance, supplemental mulch for the trees, extra topsoil (to be seeded) is required to gently slope the edges of the trails to increase safety and ease of maintenance. Sod will be placed in front of the benches – a fourth one –and last, to be installed with artful, interpretive signage – all for the annual July 1st tree donor memorial ceremony. For more info on memorial trees, call 657-4688.
Prescott Journal - May 5, 04
By Astrid Strader
What a productive and fun day we all had on Saturday. We all met at Churchill Park in the morning -"Teens Taking Time" connected with past and present Prescott Blossoms. Enjoying the heat of the day, things started to really heat up at the Daniel's Parkette where cleanup, weeding and planting continued. Flowers were donated by Canadian Tire and many more shrubs were purchased from Prescott Blossoms Dream Green Fundraising efforts - namely bulb and cap sales. As the day progressed, others passing by brought us more plants to plant and lots of enthusiasm and encouragement - every little bit counts.
The United way sponsored the Youth Day of Caring. Brittany Brown, Joshua Couperas, Patrick Greene, Chris Dyelle, and Pam Korim, were joined by Sue Hiltz, Janice Spencer and myself (both supervisors from last year's Blossoms program). United Way of Leeds and Grenville not only presented us with t-shirts, but treated us also drinks and snacks throughout the day and a balanced meal at McDonald's (yes, it's now possible to eat sensibly at McDonalds!)
So, we're off to a good start. Our volunteer committee has organized some activities to keep up our "greening goals". On May 15 and 22, we'll be at the Farmer's Market with garden plants to sell. We would welcome any plant donations for our sale. In other words, if you have plants to divide or thin out, why not pot them up and bring them to us in the morning. We'll do the selling with all the money going to Dream Green….a fund for plants to improve our parks.
Don't forget Rotary Rose Day on May 15. Volunteers will plant rose bushes at the waterfront, in honour of your favorite mother. To purchase one of these long-lived, hardy Canadian Explorer roses, call me at 657-4699 or email
ras@ripnet.com - you will receive a tax deductible receipt for $35.
Meet our volunteer committee members: Candy Alexander, Barbara Martin, Nancy McFarland, Lisa Smith, Mona Smith, Kerlyn Snelling, Sue O'Hanlon, and Pauline Robertson. See you around.
Prescott Journal - June 16, 2004
By Astrid Strader and Nancy McFarlane
“Prescott Blossoms, A Community Initiative” was created to conserve and enhance highly visible barren public spaces; to plant them with diverse vegetation, creating wildlife habitats and planting an urban forest for recreation, education, and enjoyment. A major goal was restoring ecological integrity and enhancing the biodiversity of the waterfront area.
The work inspired a growing public awareness of the richness of our indigenous trees and shrubs, the low maintenance options for the naturalized landscape and the promotion of health for wildlife and humans, not to mention the social and economical benefits for the entire community. Indeed this project has played a large role in rejuvenating the spirit of a community suffering several significant economic blows in recent years.
Our Mission Statement is: To recognize and practice application of urban stewardship, to promote healthy ecosystems and a healthy community.
Our objectives are:
1. To continue to help conserve natural and cultural sites in the town of Prescott, beautify existing town growing spaces, create and/or beautiful more usable park space and to protect open spaces for recreation, education, enjoyment, and ecological integrity.
2. To create a unique long-term community service that offers youth the opportunity to develop life, employment and community service skills through hands-on experience.
3. To foster stewardship, which can help develop a sense of pride and responsibility among community stakeholders, providing people with information, encouragement and practical assistance.
In this, our third year, we are strictly a volunteer group. There are further grant applications in the works but so far, no pot of gold.
The Downtown Business Improvement Association generously paid for the flowers for the containers downtown, the Daniel’s Parkette, the museum, and gardens in front of the Prescott Welcome signs. This year’s volunteer ‘blossoms’ did the planting. However, we still need people power. We are pleased with our results so far, but there aren’t enough of us to do it all and maintain what is completed.
Our long-term goal is to become a “Community in Bloom” like all our neighbours around us. To achieve this end, we need many volunteers. “Communities in Bloom” is a non-profit Canadian Organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community participation and the challenge of a national competition. For this year we would like to collect an adequate group of volunteers. Basic needs are:
1. Secretary to organize meetings, take minutes, write thank yous, and keep track of volunteers/hours. A second secretary is urgently needed to handle the waterfront project (Heritage River Trail Arboretum) and its donors.
2. Prescott Journal writer; we are taking turns and including a more personal twist with best gardening tips, garden jokes, your favourite garden mentor, etc.
3. Treasurer – Keep track of the accounts, fundraising events and future fundraising events.
4. General volunteers – We always need people to help with planting and weeding and fundraising (i.e. husbands will do nicely and thank you to Bob Miller for watering downtown after we planted there!).
There is a lot more info we need to get out to you and would like this column to be something fun with input from all our volunteers. Some ideas we have come up with for summer events: ‘garden-of-the-week’ recognition with a top winner for the summer, a theme garden party for fundraising, “neighborhood adopt-a-garden’……the ideas are endless when it comes to our passionate group.
To find out more, call us at 657-4688, email ras@ripnet.com
or come to a meeting – the next one is at 10:10am in the town hall Thurs. June 17. Please come and find our what we are about. An hour or two of your time once in a while is all we need. We look forward to seeing you.
Prescott Journal - June 23, 2004
By Barb Martin, Prescott Blossoms Volunteer
What incredible accomplishments from a few determined volunteers! If you have not been down to the harbour to view the Welcome Wall on Water Street I urge you to do so. As a boater, it struck me that the rusty crumbling wall facing the boaters as they came up from the harbor could make a great billboard for Prescott. With Robert Haller’s encouragement, Chuck Street’s design expertise and the help of a number of volunteers, among them the willing Blossoms it is now an eye-catching greeting to visitors and residents alike. The Daniel’s Parkette also received attention from the Blossoms this week with fabric, mulch and planting it is a pretty spot for a rest after browsing the shops on King Street. We hope that people will make the effort to throw their trash in the receptacles provided and not toss it into the gardens.
Now, it would be nice if the Town Property Standards by-laws could be implemented to force some of the building owners to repair the broken windows and crumbling plaster and to paint and repair their storefronts. Then perhaps some of the empty storefronts could be used to display promotional materials for Shakespeare, the Museum, the Library, Prescott’s Railway History, Prescott Blossoms, etc. Having attractive displays would be more interesting than what we now have. It would also be nice if the Business Association who are very supportive of beautifying the downtown area could persuade those businesses, (and we know who you are) to clean their windows, paint where needed, hang a few window boxes or planters, to suggest just a couple of ideas. All it takes is a little imagination and the will to turn Prescott into an attractive destination for tourists. We have a lot going for us with the Fort, the harbour, and the cruise ship docks. People come to visit so let’s make them feel welcome and show them what a friendly pretty little gem we have here on the St. Lawrence. Then perhaps they will spend a little more time here instead of trekking off to Ottawa.
There are still gardens to be planted around town so if you have a green thumb and nowhere to use it just give us a call. We can use all the help we can get. Adopting a garden would be a pleasant way to spend the summer. We still need to plant a few trees, the area around the clock tower and the area around the cruise ship dock need attention as will the front of house areas for Shakespeare. Plus anywhere else you would like to see some color and flowers. Also, if you have any ideas for sprucing up the downtown area don’t be shy, share them with us. And while your walking around picks up the trash you see lying around, the bending is excellent exercise for the waistline.
To volunteer or to attend our meetings or to give us your ideas call 657 4688 or email
ras@ripnet.com. Our next meeting will focus on problems you are having in your gardens. Perhaps we can help you while you help us.
Prescott Journal - August 11, 2004
By Astrid Strader, Horticulturist and Garden Designer and Barb Martin, Prescott Blossoms Garden Club Co-Chairperson
At a meeting that was held by the volunteers of Prescott Blossoms it was decided to give our group a new name - Prescott Blossoms Garden Club. This name better reflects the intent of the group – that is to share in the joys of gardening while doing some good in the public garden areas of our town. We will offer educational programming, tours and continue to fundraise for special projects. Above all else, we want to have fun sharing plants, seeds, stories and experience.
Our first educational event will be held at OASIS GARDENS, 1803 County Rd.#2 (1 km east of the Johnstown Motel) on Wed. August 18th , 6:30 – 8:30 – I (Astrid) will present a hands-on workshop covering care and tips for keeping the garden looking fresh, pruning techniques, growing & harvesting garlic, and showcasing many unique varieties of perennials & grasses in great combos for 4 season interest. For example, perennial plume poppy (macleaya) is spectacular right now, towering at over six feet tall.
A second workshop on Wed. Sept. 15: 6:30 – 8:30 pm will cover collecting seeds, and storing valuable plants for next year, edible flowers, harvesting & preserving herbs, and techniques for dividing perennials. Fifty per cent of the fees will be donated for beautification projects in the Town of Prescott.
We invite all gardening enthusiasts to join us at theses workshops and/or or the next meeting to plan upcoming adventures - the more the merrier. Next meeting: Town Hall, September 8 at 12 noon. Everyone is welcome and bring your ideas. Contact Barb at 925-2387 or Astrid at 657-4688 for information.
Prescott Journal, VOL. 174, NO. 38~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ September 22 2004
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Weed problem growing out of control in Prescott
The Editor;
Once again, I feel compelled to address the problem of overgrown weeds in this town. Mother Nature has never needed any help supplying us with wild fragrant flowers and flowing grasses, so it wouldn't hurt to do some clean-up and neaten things up.
It is not environmentally friendly to allow all these weeds to spread their seeds far and wide, making life miserable for all the allergy and asthma sufferers.
After spending over a million dollars to renovate our town hall, I think a nice lawn with a couple of flower beds would be more pleasing than the look we have now.
If anyone agrees with me, why don't you speak up?
Betty Elliott
Prescott
Prescott Journal - VOL. 174, NO. 39~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ September 29 2004
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Cannot see the forest for all those weeds
The Editor;
I am writing in response to Mrs. Elliott's letter to the editor dated Sept. 22.
Take heart, Mrs. Elliott; you are not alone. I have myself taken the time to write a similar letter a year ago. I am assuming that you are not just referring to personal properties around town but our "wonderful" Millennium (dog) walking path. My letter last summer concerned the chest high weeds, and grass that had grown wild over the course of the summer (not mentioning the dead and dying trees that were just planted). According to articles and letters that followed, we were assured that it was let grow wild because it was natural beauty, and an environmental habitat for animals (mosquitoes? maybe). Interesting that when the property in question was maintained by Parks Canada, it was cut on a regular basis, and the animals, or insects, didn't seem to suffer greatly.
I, on the other hand, have another opinion as to the reason the walking path has been allowed to grow wild. It is much better to look at chest high weeds than dog feces. Since its creation, it has been used by bicycle riders, joggers, walkers and some (not all) inconsiderate animal owners who think poop and scoop is for other people. I still believe properly maintained (mowed) and with the flower beds as Mrs. Elliott suggested, the Millennium walk would be a beautiful attraction for Prescott.
If we as homeowners let our property grow weeds of such a height as on the Millennium walk we would be cited by bylaw enforcement officers. I, as a homeowner, ask the town to cut the walk and keep it in the condition they would expect property owners in Prescott to maintain their property. If they cannot lead by example, they have no right to dictate to homeowners the condition of their property. It is not a "do as I say not as I do" situation.
Keep the faith, Mrs. Elliott; you are not alone.
Kevin Badmueller
Prescott
PRESCOTT Journal ~ October 6, 2004VOL. 174, NO. 40 ~ PRESCOTT, ONTARIO ~ October 6, 2004
Volunteers will be spreading mulch near the marina this Saturday morning
By Astrid Strader, Horticulturist and Garden Designer
Prescott Blossoms Garden Club cannot take all the credit for the good-looking gardens around town. Just take The Food For All front garden. It's colourful and welcoming, just like all the volunteers there who provide such a great service. And then, there's the fire hall and that broken fire hydrant that just rivals the St. Lawrence for ambience (if your eyes are shut, that is). What about the Colonel's Inn B&B their selection of shrubs really show off this time of year.
I can't bear that the gardening season is coming to an end so the calendar says but when you look at the "harbour gardens," nothing is stopping there. Larry Blair planted and maintains the variety of plants you see there, including the tomatoes and other produce he so generously shares.
Don Clunas does a magnificent job of planting and maintaining the containers at the grand Prescott Tennis Club. To Candy Alexander, Margie Barton, Barbara Cheeseman, Jean Mills, John McFarland, Richard Perrin, Ruth Wenger and the merchants on King St. who watered the planters, we all appreciated the fruits of your efforts.
Riverside Pontiac-Buick Ltd. donated special cedar mulch for our garden, north of the Marina aptly named OCWA berm. The Prescott Blossoms Garden Club and volunteers will spread the mulch on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 9. Anyone with a wheelbarrow willing to help will be treated to some fine java and carbs. (Oh yes, I do believe there's still a place for carbohydrates.)
It's been the time for the yearly mowing at the Heritage River Trail. Parks Canada has set the once-per-year policy, which supports the redeeming of natural habitats. This yearly mowing does not disturb the food supply for many birds, as seed maturation from wildflowers occurs. Insects such as butterflies can still feed from flowers to prepare for their migration. However, the mowing ensures a measure of control against "volunteer" and suckering trees and shrubs. It helps keep the integrity of the arboretum and meadow with the least amount of disruption. To facilitate the ease of walkers, a six-foot-wide grass shoulder on each side of all the trails has always been kept short. The appreciation of wildflowers has grown, as many people remark to me about the beauty of native flowers they have never before noticed. Mallow, for instance known as the marshmallow plant, has lovely mini-hibiscus like flowers that are still blooming at the waterfront.
There are still trees available to purchase for dedication here at the trail. Tax-deductible receipts are issued for the $100, $300 or $500 donation for the trees. All donors will have their dedication presented on the donor tree sign every Canada Day. Call 657-4688 or e-mail
ras@ripnet.com for information.
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