Summer Blog - June 3^rd- 10^th, 2018

Chris M.

After cleaning up and getting some well-earned rest after the Cuddy open garden, we all came ready to put in some good hours of hard work. On Tuesday May 29^th, 2018 we received 120 yards of pine mulch to spread throughout the gardens here on campus. 

There are a few main reasons why we mulch the gardens every summer; the main reason is that it makes the gardens look more complete and appealing to the human eye. The other reason is it helps slow the growth rate of the weeds down after we prep the gardens for the mulch. We got one major high traffic garden done at the front of T and B buildings. We fixed the edge running along the front of B building so it would stop the mulch from running onto the grass if there was a heavy rain and on the other hand it stops the grass from taking the garden bed back. Overall it honestly just makes the gardens looks that much more complete. Before we finished up T and B, the team got split up. One half stayed to fine tune some things and the other half moved to Cheapside entrance bed. After both teams finished up what we were assigned we cleaned up and had some inspiring closing words. We locked up and headed home.

The next area we had to conquer was in the H, M, F, E bus loop. We arrived there with high spirts and an open mind ready to put some hard work in. We hoped the weather would stay cool like it had been all week but time would only tell. Some of the team started on weeding and removing suckers from the base of some trees and shrubs and some starting edging while we waited for the first load of mulch. After prepping the beds and spreading the mulch we received some nice encouraging complements from passing civilians. We took the words to heart and kept up the hard work until lunch. After we restored our energy and our stomachs we headed back to the site to help with the removal of a Crackerjack Pyramidal Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides ‘Crackerjack’) at the corner of F and H building. 

Jeff made sure we went through all safety procedures by blocking the sidewalks and doors and redirecting the traffic on the sidewalks so they couldn’t be hit by any falling debris. Once that mess was cleaned up and all the compost was put away we finished up spreading mulch. We cleaned up the site and were all ready to head home for the weekend and regroup and get some rest.

Fanshawe College Blog Entry: May 20 - 26, 2018

Norna Hugasdottir

Sometimes a mess can be an exciting prospect in this line of work. Knowing that when we’re done, our hard work can so fully transform a garden bed is an incredibly rewarding feeling. As we finished off our work at Z building this week, it’s fair to say that we left our mark on the gardens that are notoriously the wildest on campus, due to contaminate soil at first planting. It should be clear from previous posts that we were working in close contact with the local geese, who served as supervisors until our task was complete.

The rising temperatures and more favourable weather for holidays and travel mean that sunscreen and proper clothing and equipment is a must for working outside!

From the picture above, you can see that we have not yet edged the gardens but will return soon in teams for mulching and edging. This is probably the most strenuous tasks but yields the most dramatic results, in the end. Other gardens across Fanshawe can expect the same treatment as we move across campus this summer!

Anyone visiting campus will also start to notice the number of new plantings that are starting to be completed across the grounds. Old winter-interest plants missed in the spring, having served their purpose, and spent flowers like tulips, are being removed while we add red and white geraniums, as well as revamp all the planters on campus with exciting new arrangements! With over twenty planters across campus, there is much to do, and for everyone to enjoy! We all hope that you like them!

Looking a little sparser than before, the greenhouse has begun to empty of our local orders going to Western Fair and Cuddy Gardens, and we will soon be cleaning it completely out to sanitize and make space for our new crops for this fall. Meanwhile, it stays home to lingering student projects, stock-plants, experiments and quarantined interiorscape plants that need a spa treatment. And of course, one can’t forget the plants just itching (presumably) to get outside to their new homes across the gardens at Fanshawe!

Summer Blog Post: May 14th-20th

Ellyn H.

  

Malus ‘White Angel’      

White Angel Crabapple

 Fanshawe was positively in bloom this week, from the first blossoms of the purple lilacs (Syringa vulgaris), the fully bloomed White Angel crabapple (Malus ‘White Angel’), to the ageing blooms of the clove currant (Ribes odoratum). The overcast weather and rain early in the week no doubt contributed to the blooms’ arrival, but it also gave us time to learn about and reflect upon safety.

We learned about the hazards posed to new and young workers, hazards in the workplace, and how to use a fire extinguisher following proper technique. Using a fire and extinguisher simulator, we got to practice putting out a fire in real time. We also enhanced and updated our basic and more specific workplace training through online modules, preparing us for a variety of situations in the workplace. An example of a hazard in horticulture is the mixing of concentrated soluble fertilizer, and therefore we don proper protective gear.

As well as flowers, the weeds were also prodigiously abundant and required pulling as soon as possible. At Z Building, thistles, bindweed, and horse’s tail weeds were removed in astonishing numbers. It’s best to remove as much of the root as possible, and we found some pretty long ones.

 This dandelion root connects over 10 plants

                                                      

                                                     Before the removal of thistles:   

                                                         After the removal of thistles:

  

Extensive pruning of many hydrangeas in the wedge gardens at Z building was undertaken to support healthy growth and improve their appearance.

 The Horticulture program distributed saplings to high school students attending Fanshawe’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship day. 3 types of trees were available: Blue spruce (Picea pungens), white spruce (Picea glauca), and white pine (Pinus strobus).

Finally, the greenhouse has been busy preparing orders for its commercial clients. Careful attention is given to the plants as they mature to ensure they reach the clients at the peak time for their needs.

Bedding plants and baskets are among the commissioned produce.

Bonus toad

Weekly summer blog - May 7-11, 2018

Claire H.

Last week was full of new skills, special events, and wildlife in the Gardens at Fanshawe. We kicked-off the week with garden bed maintenance at the front of the school, where we put our newly-learned edging skills to the test.

With the edges looking great, we moved on to the east campus entrance. There, our team member Emily sheared back the tops of dry ornamental grasses to allow the new growth to thrive. After shearing, the rest of the bed could be weeded, raked, and cleaned.

Final debris was blown away with a backpack blower, and we were all definitely ready for a break from the sun. 

Fortunately for us, we were rewarded for our efforts with a free hot dog lunch provided by the Fanshawe Student Union for all summer students!

Although our free lunch was pretty sweet, the highlight of the week was at the end when we walked down to Z Building campus to evaluate its green roofs. On the way, we ran across a pair of Canada Geese with their goslings.

Likewise, Z Building’s green roofs had two goose nests of its own. We were careful not to disturb the nesting geese and will wait to maintain the areas around them until the geese have moved on.

A special project for some of the garden’s summer staff is to spearhead a care plan for the green roofs. After visiting the rooftop sites, we can’t wait to get started on maintaining and improving them!

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.

Chris and Rob Maintenance Weekend Duty

            Our weekend duty started in Strathroy with our CLT testing for certification. The weather was great and allowed us to finish with sunny skies. We arrived at the college for our start of weekend duty at about 1:00 pm. We first met up with Jeff who told us to complete a circle check on the RTV, while he told the greenhouse students what their tasks were. After completing this we then went for a ride around the campus and had detailed explanations given to us for the tasks that are to be completed. We started at Saffrons restaurant patio around A building and started by thinning some Deutzias, some Spireas along with some Taxus that needed a little TLC. We removed some dead and dying foliage and cleaned up some stubs that had been left by previous students. This was an all-day task and our first half day of weekend duty was complete.

            We arrived on a gloomy Saturday morning with a major storm on the horizon J. In anticipation for this event we got right to it by removing two branches off the lilacs because we thought they were obstructing the light for night time security. After this we worked on the Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus'. We pruned these by removing a lot of the dead undergrowth to help open up the plant. After this we decided to tackle the Berberis challenge….. this was fun. We decided to get this part of our weekend challenge done because of the upcoming weather. It paid off, after we pruned all of the Barberries at the front of the college we cleaned up the cuts because the shears are rough on the plants. We then raked up all of the debris and cleaned our work space and took a giant load of brush to the compost area. After this we drove back to the greenhouse and put the tools in the tractor bay so that we could take lunch. As we took lunch the storm came and covered everything in ice and a little bit of snow. After our lunch it was still storming a bit so we decided to let our stuff dry off a bit more and take some time and do some research into why the branches of barberries go flat, as told to by Jeff, we also took some time to work on our weekend blog. This concluded are Saturday of weekend duty.

            Our final day of weekend duty is here…..after a terrifying bike ride and a sketchy drive in we arrived alive. We started by checking the radar to see what was in store for us, and sadly more ice rain. But that didn’t stop us as we put on our smiles and got to work. We started where we left off just past the taxi zone by B building. We started by pruning Taxus and Sumac, to clear away from building where we could see evidence of rubbing and overhang on large rocks. We also cleared (elevate) Junipers from the turf line enabling clearance for string trimmers and lawnmowers. We tried to keep the shape of the plant and only giving clearance for the equipment causing less damage. As we worked our way to the far side of the building we removed dead debris from perennials and cut down some grasses, receiving compliments along the way. We dead headed Geraniums, Coneflowers, Hostas and yuccas. Then we moved onto clearing a tree from around a fire hydrant for easier access. At this time ice was falling from the roof and landing only feet away so we decided to put up the white flag because of the dangerous situation. We were also completely soaked.

What a weekend, we got a lot accomplished considering the weather and decided to use the remaining time to run back compost and work on our blog and research project. Unfortunately the weather was not kind to us and we had hoped to complete all assigned tasks. This concludes our final weekend duty and we are weeks away from completion of the program.

HORT-3015-18W                                                                                                                               April 15^th, 2018

Fanshawe Weekend Duty – Greenhouse Blog

Group: Rebecca J. & Connor D.

Theme: Greenhouse Organization & Sanitation.

The weekend of April 13^th(Friday), 14^th (Saturday), & 15^th (Sunday):

On the Friday morning of our weekend duty we were actually out and away from the greenhouse at Cuddy Gardens in Strathroy to preform our C.L.T. (Certified Landscape Technician) practical testing. Having the CLT until the afternoon, we arrived back at the Fanshawe Campus Greenhouse roughly around 1:00pm which gave our greenhouse technician Jeff time to inform us on some of the tasks that were needed to be completed over the next two days of the weekend while we managed the Fanshawe greenhouse. On the Friday we also had the opportunity to run sales in the greenhouse whereas the next two days the till was closed to the public.

On the Saturday we arrived and met at the greenhouse close to 7:50am. Upon arrival we looked over the opening procedures list that we didn’t have to overlook the previous day, and went through the list of the various greenhouse tasks involved with getting the greenhouse and plants started for the day. I started up the job that I was last working on at the end of the day Friday which was pruning back and installing plantings into the moss baskets that Fanshawe is preparing for the upcoming Western Fair in London, as well as look over the remaining hanging baskets throughout the greenhouse. Becca was in the main office of the greenhouse more focused on transplanting various plants from the propagation chamber to bigger pots, some of these plants included Salvia, Dusty Miller, and some Celosia. After we had both completed our separate tasks we decided to work together and start condensing and organizing some of the different benches, traying up loose pots and separating them by plant as well as adding the new transplants onto the benches. By this time it was about time to begin our closing procedures on the list and close down the greenhouse for the night Saturday and continue on tomorrow.

On the Sunday Becca and I decided we work together dedicated on cleaning and organizing things throughout the greenhouse, as this is extremely important to rid the environment of any harmful pests or diseases. With all the plants transplanted from the propagation chamber the previous day, we gathered all the heating mats from throughout the greenhouse and gave them a wash and scrub to allow them to be able to perform to their full potential when used for the next grow. After that, we headed out to the garage to organize some of the pots and trays that are separated by kinds on various shelving units. After organizing/cleaning the shelves and sanitizing the whole garage area we did the same to the greenhouse office area. While cleaning the greenhouse office area we also preformed pH (Potential Hydrogen) and EC (Electrical Conductivity) test to make sure the Geranium crop was in the acceptable range of pH (5.5-6.0) and EC (2.0-3.5) which it was. If the crop was too low in these numbers it means that it needs to be fertilized, but if the numbers are too high that indicates that there is too much fertilizer and the crop needs to be flushed (watered-down). After the greenhouse environment was cleaned and the plants looked after, we starting preforming out closing procedures to shut the greenhouse down for the end of our weekend managing the Fanshawe Campus greenhouse.   

Aphid and castings 

Winged aphid

Parasitized aphid