Reflections of Havergal: 1994-2019

Appendices

Havergal Horticulture Torch , Spring 2006

Havergal is fortunate to be located on a beautiful 22-acre campus in the heart of Canada’s most diverse city. The grounds are cared for and meticulously maintained, year-round, by a team of dedicated and knowledgeable staff members including John Kerr, Paul Shuttleworth and Rob Myers, who share some of their expertise for spring garden preparation. Lawn Care: The best way to prepare lawns in the spring is to begin with a firm raking of the entire area to remove any debris or thatch left over from the fall, as this could cause problems if not removed. Once the lawn is raked, apply the first of three fertilizations (the second in July and the third in the fall). Aerate at this time and then again in late summer/early fall. If required, top-dress and seed any bare or thin patches of lawn. To seed your lawn simply rake the area and add an inch of topsoil, sprinkle on grass seed and lightly rake it to smooth it out. Make sure to keep the seeded areas moist and don’t mow the new grass until it is 3 inches long. The ideal cutting height for your lawn is 3 inches. This will aid in weed prevention by shading the weed seed and stopping it from germinating. Protective Coverings: These can be removed once the threat of freezing is gone, around May 24th. Natural Pesticides: Natural pesticides such as beneficial nematodes effectively control white grubs and other turf pests. An organic herbicide to control weeds and crabgrass used at

Havergal is corn gluten which acts as a pre-emergent. This must be applied early - before the forsythia blooms. Brightening the Garden: To brighten beds and containers early, use a variety of brightly coloured pansies. Primula can also be used as long as the threat of freezing has passed. Watering: Start watering your lawn thoroughly late in the spring, to a depth of 2 inches once or twice a week. This will promote deep root growth. At the Nursery: When selecting plant material at the nursery, inspect the plant for any visible damage. Check the root system by looking at the bottom of the pot - roots should be visible in the drainage holes. If selecting a flowering plant, choose one with the most unopened blooms, as this will ensure plenty of colour once it matures. Rose bushes: Roses can be pruned after they put out new buds. When pruning bushes, cut back to the second outward growing bud and remove any dead wood from the plant. Mulch: If mulch was used to protect tender perennials, remove it and add organic material such as compost, manure and/or peat moss and mix it well into the soil. Add the same material to your annual borders and rototill the bed to give it a nicely turned, clean look which will make planting much easier.

BACK TO PAGE 64

194  HAVERGAL COLLEGE