Happy May Day! In spite of mainly cooler temperatures, the snow has been going down; and guess what I saw about ten days ago: a dandelion, blooming! The poor thing was pressed up against the foundation of a south wall, and it was a feeble little thing bravely trying its best. But nevertheless, it was a hopeful sign of spring!
A few years ago, Keith and I were on a beautiful holiday in Hawaii at the end of April and beginning of May. We saw signs posted here and there about May Day celebrations on May 1 in Queen Kapiolani Park, so we decided to go see what it was all about. Gardeners, it was what you and I imagine when we think of how the good people of Hawaii live! There were large crowds in the park, families of all ages, from babies and toddler to grandmas and grandpas. A large band was set up on the bandstand, playing the haunting, soft, strumming music of Hawaii. Under the large trees, many vendors had booths set up, displaying their wares of vibrantly-colored clothing, koa bead jewellery, ice cream, and tropical fruit smoothies and slushes. And most people, whatever their age, were wearing leis. There were many booth selling leis, and I just had to stand and stare at the assortment of flowers and vegetation used to make the leis.
There was fragrant plumeria, spicy carnations, elegant orchids, and leis made of glossy leaves. We bought leis for ourselves, too, and their heady scent surrounded us all day. What a delight to be able to enjoy flowers in such a way! I am thinking of that today!
Now, back to reality: springtime in Saskatchewan! Where we get excited when we see a dandelion blooming! A tour of our yard, now much more visible than it was a week ago, reveals a sturdy stem of bergenia peeking out from under a grainy snow bank. It is still impossible to tell how the tree peony made out over the winter, but the stems that are showing through the snow seem to have large buds. I hope that means it is okay!
For those of you who have started plants, you must be feeling a little anxious! Usually by now, the weather is much warmer and most of the snow is gone. We still have a ways to go before you can bring your babies outside for some spring air! I bought some basket fillers, which were very nice and lush when they came home. They are now looking a little ragged and spindly, so I am trying to give them as much sun as possible. They have become very mobile, getting hauled around from one window to another.
Someone asked me if it was time to unwrap some of their young cedars. No, please don't do it. The weather can still get very cold and blustery, and it is the wind that is the culprit when the cedars dry up and turn brown. So even though warmer temps may be starting, keep your cedars under wraps for a little longer.
The Yorkton and District Horticultural Society will be holding their next meeting on Thursday, May 16 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sunshine Room at SIGN on North Street. Special guest will be Russ Brunt, from Leprechaun Taps, telling us about "Producing Maple Syrup in Saskatchewan". I'm sure it will be a very interesting meeting, so mark that date down and plan to attend! And also, mark down Friday, May 24: the day of our Spring Plant and Bulb Sale! More on that as the date gets closer.
Till next week, tour your yard, see what's new, and keep the faith that spring is coming!
