Welcoming Spring at Fanshawe College

May 1st - 6th, 2018

Emily Birss

After a long slumber under the snow, spring has finally sprung at Fanshawe College. As the daylight spreads, colour comes to life throughout the multiple gardens on campus. Red and white Tulips line the flag pole bed, petals from the three Prunus Sargentii (Sargent Cherry) blow in the wind and the sweet smell of Narcissus (Daffodils) fill the air. As the temperatures rise more people come outside and observe the beauty nature offers. This is why the care and maintenance of the gardens are very important.

         Fanshawe has welcomed ten new students who have been trained in the Horticulture Technician Program to assist with the upkeep of the multiple different gardens throughout the campus. In addition to the care of the grounds, the students will manage the interior plant route and oversee multiple crops in the Spriet Family Greenhouse. There will also be an opportunity to work at A.M.(Mac) Cuddy Gardens and learn from some of the best in the industry.

               

            The week started with an orientation on the tasks required to keep the campus looking its best. The proper use  of equipment and safety was emphasized. Each new worker had the opportunity to be trained and operate several different types of heavy machinery including tractors, RTV's and small power equipment.  Personal Protective Equipment is mandatory in multiple parts of the job and great emphasis was given on this topic allowing us to learn the values and rubrics of safety. 

          A walk through the college allowed us to view the college's interior plants and we were instructed on how to care for them and apply the proper culture. 

         Outdoors we spent the week cleaning up debris left over from winter and used this opportunity to start weeding out any unwanted plants. Pruning was implemented to allow new growth and some perennial cut back was done to  remove any dead plant tissue. A great example would be the perennial grasses along the President's Office of which some were separated and then replanted to allow proper uniformity. This was the first week that we were taught how to use small power equipment such as leaf blowers and power shears. Pre-use inspection checklists are always performed for personal safety and to ensure the equipment being used have no defects. 

Life on the campus is also not limited to flora life. During the process of clearing out winter planters my coworker Geoff T. and I found a nest of eggs. Hidden away in the Birch branches, Dogwood cuttings and various evergreen filler was a nest with over nine eggs. The planter was left and campus security was contacted to help relocate the nest. These eggs have been confirmed as Canadian Geese eggs.

With the increase in  the temperatures, insects either come out of hibernation or are hatched. Bombus (Bumblebees) were seen humming around the campus flowers all week. This beneficial insect influences the transfer of pollen from one plant to another allowing the plant to breed through cross pollination. As the season continues make sure to keep your eyes open as the plants across campus grow their buds and bloom.