In my last column, I discussed the WinterLife portion of Communities in Bloom.
This year’s festivities turned out good with a very well-attended Silver City Nites Candy Parade and tree lighting ceremony. We would like to thank all the parade participants and kids that came out. Steelworkers Local 480 served more than 200 free hotdogs and we went through over 100 pounds of candy.
And did you see our baskets hanging downtown? There were 46 of them, all made by our volunteers using supplies harvested by Bill Garnett of Columbia Valley Greenhouses.
Next year we will be combining this with a class for anyone that would like to learn how to make their own Christmas baskets. Make one basket for yourself and one for the city. More information to come in the fall.
People are beginning to think about spring and getting out into the yard. But as you wait, we have a few things you can do that may keep you busy as well as sharpening your gardening skills.
In early spring, we are offering our fifth annual Community in Bloom garden series. For the second year, we have teamed up with Selkirk College Continuing Education and with six courses. Last year, they filled up fast, so don’t be late.
This year, we are offering two courses by Bill Garnett on how to make hanging baskets. The Best and Better Baskets class was so popular last year, there was a long waiting list and we had to break it into two classes. Dates are April 13 and 20. Classes will be at Columbia Valley Greenhouse.
Bill is again offering his ever popular Raising Roses class on April 6.
A very popular class taught by Lawrence Wallace will again be held out at Columbia Gardens Vineyard – Growing Great Grapes on April 9.
Another repeat from last year is Luscious Lawns, taught by Greg Kennedy of Trail Rossland Country Club on May 5. If you thought you knew everything about grass, come and see how your lawn can look like a golf course.
If you are thinking about building your own pond or adding a water feature to your garden, we have a class for you. Ponds and Water Features will be held May 12 taught by Suzanne Noad from Kootenay Critters and Pet Supplies in Castlegar. It will also include how to make a pondless waterfall.
The last class is everything you ever wanted to know about composting and then some, taught by Tim Dueck from the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary. It will be on April 28.
As you see, we have something for everyone and even if it is a few weeks away, make sure you register early.
For more information contact the Trail campus of Selkirk College at 364-5770. The college is also offering some gardening courses by Chris Holt of Nelson. Check the Continuing Ed booklet that came out recently.
There is also a new Garden Club in Trail. The club meets at the Aquatic Centre on the fourth Tuesday of each month from September to April. They have a monthly guest speaker with a lot of good discussions. And they are planning several events for later in the spring. For more information, contact Annette Gallatin at 364-1806.
Our Community in Bloom committee is moving into its next phase of pre-summer planning and everyone are welcome to attend our meetings – we need your input. We are always looking for people with organizational skills to help us through the many projects under our umbrella. Our next meeting is Tuesday at City Hall (side door) at 7 p.m.
Perhaps 2011 will bring Trail more awards. Happy gardening!
Dan Rodlie is the Community in Bloom coordinator in Trail