Ruth Vold Markle, Fort Erie Horticultural Society, March 16, 2023, VOL. 4 ISSUE 15 

When March arrives the throb of getting out and on the land increases to a loud drumbeat.  But it is really a little too early to fully begin the season so there must be a ‘middling’ time when thinking comes before doing.  And that’s where the challenges arrive in full force…Challenge # 1…when is it the best time to clean and clear up the decaying winter leaves?  As soon as the sun tips to warmth and a no-mitten day it is a  real wrestling match.  Having gazed at the gray leaves and dried perennials all winter it is tempting to do the clean and clear with the blessing of the sun.  The real challenge comes in knowing just ‘when’ to do this.  At one point in my life, I would have had everything raked and trimmed and looking really nice and clean by Easter weekend.  Reading and learning and listening to wiser voices give me time to re-think my intent.  The pollinators that are so needed tend to house( invisible to my eyes) what I consider winter-dried debris.  To disturb their spaces too soon would be destructive to them and dangerous as it throws them on to the mercy of the climate changes that occur this month.  That will stop my hands and effort.  I am reminded that the spring-returning birdies need to snack on the leftover seeds and dried leaves of the autumn harvest.  Much as I want to get going on things, I must accept the challenge of waiting until it is safely warm for all the pollinators to come to their own.  And be a true friend to my feathered friends as they need energy snacks!Challenge # 2…Desiring to get a good jump on growing every year I tend to plant my seeds too early.  I recall volunteering in the old High School greenhouse and it was very hard for all of us(students too!) to hold back on some of our seed plantings until at least after March break time.  And maybe a little later for the sake of these poor sproutings.  For the greenhouse gave an atmosphere of false hope…by the time the peppers and tomatoes were ready to be planted outside…the colder winds of May would arrive and delay the process.  So I have accepted the challenge of reality.  Our springs can be long and possibly cold and unpredictable…so better to wait and give the seedlings an opportunity to arrive safely in their new home when the outside matches the warmer climes of the indoors.Challenge # 3…Joining into the community garden spirit.  It has long been my desire that our community absolutely feed each and every resident with healthy vegetables.  This is a deep and difficult challenge!  I have chatted and discussed this issue many times in the years we have lived here.  So many opinions.  I volunteer at one community garden where students are involved and it has been a good and solid effort.  Each year new students become involved and I always hope this project will inspire a new generation to take on the challenge of feeding themselves and family and neighbours if needed.   I always feel frustrated that there are empty lots with weeds growing all over…or corners in neighbourhoods that with a small amount of work would yield some produce that would benefit everyone living there or passing by.  And I have heard( rumours! rumours!) that there is a Bylaw to prevent growing vegetables in front of our spaces… Can that be true?  Surely vegetables are as attractive as flowers, shrubs, and trees?   Maybe someone can explain to me how we can grow vegetables in our backyard but not our front yard?  There is a challenge…for if we can utilize our spaces wisely and less formally…we can feed each other easily and truly become a caring community to all our folk.  That might be a good and healthy challenge for all of us to take on in this year of 2023.Challenge # 4…Seriously consider changing the l manicured lawn ‘ into a better and more sustainable environment.  Lots of energy goes into the maintenance of the grass. And in dry seasons the use of water can be costly.  Time to search out alternatives.  I have learned of a few already but need to do more research on what works well in our area.  I will keep you posted on this particular challenge as I do think this has future applications for all of us…Challenge # 5…Why not be very practical in my growing intent this year?  Meaning…accepting the challenge of growing a ‘salsa garden’?  Or choosing to pick some recipes and specifically growing vegetables to have on hand to make those recipes.  I know I have managed to grow enough herbs now to share and to create some new and tasty dishes…this might be the year to be even more intentional in growing with a ‘theme’ in mind…Challenge #6…Planting more trees and shrubs.  The winter gave me an opportunity to read from some of our conservation leaders.  A consistent theme in all their writings is about growing more plant life on the planet.  Our area is under deconstruction and with that comes plenty of space and little growth in plant life.  So when the area gets a little more shape and direction, time to plant trees and shrubs to help shelter the flying friends of summer.  Keeping that goal in mind, those lovely red and yellow twig dogwood bushes will be hosts for butterflies and of course adding a few more butterfly bushes will help…at least in my space.  I was truly inspired by this some seven years ago on a visit to my family in Vancouver.  The city had determined to aid its urban environment to develop more space for pollinators and was using small areas to plant ‘host’ shrubs and bushes to attract these pollinators.  The parks all had such spaces and it was quite a thrill to walk through them and see the ‘flying flowers'( butterflies) hovering and thriving.  These areas were making a difference in urban life and in the life of the planet.  That’s a good challenge!Challenge # 7…Encouragement in words and practice.  I remind myself to be thankful for our lovely community and those who work and volunteer to help make it safe and better.  It is easy to focus on what is not  ‘what we want’.  Better to focus on what we can do and how we can be an encouragement to our families and friends and neighbours in their goals.  Can we help each other out?  Maybe we can’t do everything…but we can do some things.  We can always lend a helping hand to someone or we can grow extra vegetables to share with the food bank.  We can encourage our youth to be involved in programs that benefit the community and especially seniors…we can give our time and share our knowledge and be mentors and friends …and we can always express kindness as we greet each other…a smile of encouragement or ‘thanks for your help’ can be words that make a huge impact.  What about it?  Challenge accepted?

Keep growing green my friends, Ruth Vold Markle
Ruth is a member of the Fort Erie Horticultural Society and can be reached at ruthmarkle@gmail.com