A very dear friend was telling me about how she throws evening scented stocks seeds here and there in her garden, filling in little empty garden spaces with this easy-growing annual that will perfume the air with sweet aroma in the evenings. My heart went back immediately to my Mom and Dad's beautiful garden. Part of the garden was devoted to grass pathways and flowerbeds filled with colourful annuals. Evening scented stocks, a staple on Mom's gardening list, were always planted close to the edge of the beds so that we could enjoy the scent as we strolled the paths, and even now, the fragrance of them can transport me to that wonderful time and place.
Evening scented stocks, aka Matthiola, are great little annuals. They are hardy and actually prefer cooler temperatures, lucky for us! They like full sun and will bloom for most of the summer if we don't let them dry out. We can even grow them in containers, which is lovely if we keep them on a patio or deck where we can sit and enjoy the fragrance in the evenings. We can sow them directly into our gardens and have good results, because they germinate in only seven to ten days.
It's best to plant a grouping of stocks. On their own, they're not the prettiest girl at the dance, because they are kind of gangly, and the smallish, four-petal flowers are not especially outstanding on their own. But plant them in a bunch, and you will get the impression of a pinky-mauve cloud of delicate blooms, and the most beautiful scent every evening!
There is also a variety of nicotiana that is more fragrant in the evening, so consider planting them as well for a double-punch of fragrance. Give one or both a try this year, there's still time!
I'm sure that everyone who went on the Yorkton and District Horticultural Society road trip to Regina last weekend had a great time, and came home with all kinds if inspiring ideas, and maybe even a new plant or two, or three! Meeting-wise, things are winding down: the next Hort Society meeting is Wednesday, June 15 at the Greenstein farm. This is a members-only meeting, with BBQ and plant exchange. Members, if you have any last minute questions, call Liz at 782-2830.
Meetings may slow down a bit, but there is still lots going on with the Hort Society! The Saskatchewan Horticultural Association will be holding their 5th Annual Bus Tour, July 19-21, to the Nipawin, Carrot River and Tisdale area. It's the perfect gardener's getaway: just get on the bus, relax, and enjoy all the gardening gems that await you! And since it's only three days, you're not leaving your own garden for too long. You don't have to be a member to go on this trip; if you're interested in plants and gardening, just give Liz a call at the above number, and she can tell you more about this great gardening holiday.
Remember, too, that the Yorkton In Bloom competition and bus tour takes place at the end of July, so that's another thing to look forward to on our gardening calendars!
Till next time, have a good week and enjoy your gardens. Dare I say it, the days will start to get shorter next week, so let's make the most of every day and enjoy the beauty of our gardens! We've had such a mixed bag of weather, but on warm days, be sure to wear a hat and mosquito protection!
