At present, we live in challenging times. We are faced with a global pandemic, which aside from the fear of getting sick (or getting someone else sick), is a serious bummer for our economy and our lifestyles. Part of the challenge is finding ways to stay engaged in the world and still find joy and enjoyment. Well, nothing brings more joy to life that a healthy dose of horticulture. Here are 25 horticultural or horticulture-related things that you might check out (from the safety of your computer, home, yard, or immediate neighborhood. All of them are COVID-19 friendly.
| Read a seed catalogue | Dust off and/or repot a houseplant | Start some flower seeds |
Head out to discover some spring flowers (e.g. bulbs, etc.) either in your own yard or in a nearby park |
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Give your perennial beds a tidy #covid19haircuts |
Prune a tree (or think about hiring a pro later) (here are some resources) —— —— —— —– Pruning in Alberta (booklet) – Order —— |
Order plants from a local garden centre – online and ready for curbside pickup |
Find a vegetable-based recipe and make it (e.g. ratatouille) BONUS – watch Disney’s Ratatouille movie |
Read up on garden diseases and pests Backyard Pest Management in Alberta – Pests of Vegetables —— Backyard Pest Management in Alberta – Pests of Turf Grass —— Backyard Pest Management in Alberta – Pests of Flowers ——- Backyard Pest Management in Alberta – Pests of Deciduous Trees and Shrubs |
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Order a new garden resource (e.g. a reference book or a magazine) Here are 2 of my favorites Commercial Vegetable Production on the Prairies (or PDF) ——— |
Take a virtual tour of a National bulb planting ——– |
Look up info on vertebrate pests |
Practice your tree and shrub ID |
Virtually tour a national horticultural treasure |
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Check out a national horticultural marvel (virtually, of course) —– |
Design a container / plant basket (connect with a local garden centre virtually for help and options) | Join a local garden club or Facebook group | Plant a herb garden |
Label your plants (either replace, refurbish or add signage) |
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Plant your garden (include one new vegetable) |
Explore some good horticultural apps | Grow some sprouts or microgreens | Paint a flower |
Start a garden journal (track the weather, etc.) |
Great ideas