Come the end of July this year, we will be moving back to Ontario. We had lived there previously in the city of Ottawa and then moved to Halifax Nova Scotia where we have spent the last 31 years. But Nick's retirement brings us back closer to the grandkids (at least the ones that live in Canada, there are 3 more in Texas).
This time, we will be living in a small town of about 1200 people. It is west of Ottawa, fairly close to Algonquin Park which has been a favourite mapping area of my husband who is a geologist.
I have always wanted to have a spot of land. Someone once told me that it is because I am of Irish descent. My dad grew up on a farm right on the southern coast of Ireland; perhaps the earth does get into your blood because I feel an incredible need to dig in the earth and to plant things.
I didn't meet much success in Halifax since our yard was dominated by large maples, which are basically tree weeds. Their extensive roots, combined with the rocky soil and the shade they cast, did not make gardening very satisfying. I could grow crocuses in spring and some astilbes in summer and of course hostas, but not much else would flower in the shady nutrient-deprived soil of this backyard.
The move, however, brings us to central Ontario and to almost half an acre of mixed soil. I think it is predominantly clay but some parts are lighter in texture and more conducive to growing green things.
I recently dug up a garden bed and discovered four peony bushes. Only one looks as if it is doing okay, and they are situated under a maple tree and probably don't get enough sun to prosper. But something will grow there. As with most of the beds in the yard, it will have to be observed to see what sunshine it gets, and the soil will have to be amended to make it lighter and more porous.
I have, however, planted a flowering apple tree when we were up in May. I followed the instructions to the letter, digging a hole twice the size of the root ball and amending it with sheep manure plus some bone meal. Other apple trees seem to do well in this town, so I hope this one will thrive. There is an apple tree in the vacant yard next door, which I am told, will serve to pollinate mine. And the apples will draw the deer that frequently roam through everyone's yards. A pretty sight but not what gardeners want really. But I imagine our new dog when he arrives will keep the deer at bay.
This variety is called Prairie Magic, and produces medium sized fruit good for eating. And I thought it was a crab apple tree.
There are three pine trees at the end of the yard on the south side. The grass doesn't grow underneath them and the pine needles carpet the ground there. So I can see that efforts to cultivate the entire lot must be directed with common sense.
Our move is scheduled for the end of July, so I hope to be able to plant some shrubs and bulbs for next year's garden. I have in mind a spot for 3 spireas and would also like to have a Japanese lilac somewhere on the property. The spireas are a holdover from my childhood. My dad had planted spireas at the end of our driveway in Sudbury and their scent brings me right back to those days. Some people dislike the smell of spireas; but for me, it is pure nostalgia.
As I wait for moving day, I am reading and making notes with garden plans. The new yard has plenty of sunshine to have a ton of flowers. I will miss the plants that grow in NS and won't survive here, such as the beautiful rhododendrons that thrive in the maritime climate. I am hoping that some plants will work in this new zone, which is zone 3-4 whereas Nova Scotia is zone 5.
One such plant that I hope will work is a climbing hydrangea. It is the most glorious vine, slow to get started, but what a plant when it is established. It covers the wall or fence with woody stems and produces lace cap flowers that last for a month or more. Even in winter, when the leaves and flowers are gone, the twining branches of the vine are interesting to look at. I hope that it will take off in the bed by the chimney; it may need some winter protection, but it is worth a try.
I can hardly wait for the end of July to come.
