Greenhouse Blog for March 8-10, 2019

Emily B. and Mitch M. 

     One could just walk along the campus of Fanshawe College and just know that is classified as a certified Botanical Garden. The extensive collection of rare and exquisite cultivars that reside upon campus are not native to these parts, yet thrive and grow all over these grounds. These plants have been shipped from across the world, and Fanshawe Spriet Greenhouse has been given the opportunity to sow and grow these exceptional seeds. From botanical gardens in Italy to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton these seeds travel with care to the hands of the Fanshawe Horticulture students. Research and documentation of each seed is mandatory before the plants are to be propagated. Along with paperwork labels involving the botanical name, numerical tag identification, and date of sowing all the way to its day of transplant. This allows the sharing and spread of rare and unusual seeds for research and conservation aspects. Unless stated otherwise a majority of these seeds must go through a stratification process of which before germination are placed in cold temperatures to spark the breaking of the outer seed shell and promote the growth of the seed. During this time they must be kept watered and watched for growth until they can upgrade and be moved to the germination chamber where the environment is specifically designed to encourage root development of seeds.

     It is very important to keep track of all seeds that arrive and leave the greenhouse. The product ID, where it originated and the date must all be present in order to certify the “birth certificate” of this plant. Without a proper indication of the purpose of the seed and its original sowing date this plant cannot be legally classified as part of a Botanical Garden. There is a database that is shared around the world that can be updated and legality of seeds can be reviewed.

     Multiple Canna varieties were separated and planted individually to restart the growth process. During the winter these rhyzomes go dormant and are placed in a hibernated state buried naked under the warm soil. The coming of spring indicates that these perennial bulbs are ready to re-uptake nutrients and bloom once again.  This process involves digging up surviving bulbs, separating and potential viable bulb growths and replanting them with the sprout upwards towards the sky.

     Even the indoor tropical planters at Fanshawe are getting ready for Spring through makeovers. In preparation for the Hydrangea crop’s bloom these containers were modified to be able to show them off in all their glory. New Hoya transplants were planted as filler to add to the diversity and texture of this planter overall. Soon the bright new blooms with brighten the hallways of Fanshawe College.

Integrated Pest Management is key to sustaining a healthy crop.  Maintaining a sanitized work station and keeping a steady review of the yield allows one to manage the possibility of a pest infestation. Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment must be worn when applying. This weekend consisted of the proper pruning back of 4” annual pots, which in turn involved the correct practices of applying different pest management techniques. Upon which the sanitation and application to correct these possible pests from invading and damaging any further. The potted stock plants that had matured were placed into hanging baskets to further be propagated and used throughout the college.

     As the Hydrangea crop grows so does its need for water and fertilizer. This involves different E.C and pH rates in order to specify the colour of the bloom. Each variety involves specific mixtures of nutrients and each are watered differently due to the specifics of the cultivar. This involves a strict agenda and note schedules in order to stay connected to the other actions in the greenhouse. These blooms are brighter than ever and will soon be available to the public.