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THE BULLETIN - MARCH 2008
Snow, and more snow. That is what this new year has brought us. How delightfully immaculate it spreads on our gardens,
our fences and everything in sight. That, my dears, is a real winter, the kind of winter we used to get in the old days.
Not only is it pretty but it is also the best blanket of protection for our sleeping perennials - there is no better
protection for our roses. Underneath it all live beauty and hope. Soon, our hearts will be full of spring songs and
alive with spring fever. Although ten feet of snow is still covering the ground, many birds have come back and are
calling mates for help in building their nests. Soon the sky will be slashed with vee formations of geese returning
home. Many birds have never left and are desperately foraging for food, along with our faithful squirrels, and alas,
not much is to be found at this time. I am not too worried about the crows and the squirrels – they seem to effectively
manage to do their grocery shopping on garbage collection days. But for our feathered friends who are unable to find
sustenance, and if you are of a generous nature, for the squirrels as well, a few well placed nuts can’t hurt.
Stevia - A new herb?
Some months ago, I discovered an herb, new to me, which can be a substitute for sugar and can be grown in our gardens.
This herb, called Stevia, is a tender perennial in some countries, an annual in this part of the world. A native of
Paraguay, it is widely cultivated and sold in Japan where it represents 50% of the sweetener market, including sugar.
In Canada and the US extracts are used in the manufacturing of toothpaste and soaps but the FDA has banned its use as
a sweetener. Politics may be at play here. However, if it grows in your garden and it is not a banned substance, such
as Cannabis, who is to know you are using it to sweeten your tea.
According to available literature, a single leaf maybe from 30 to 400 times sweeter than sugar. Exaggeration abounds
somewhere. In my own experience, the use of one leaf was sweet in lemonade but not inordinately so. Again, from literature,
it contains no carbs nor calories, thus an interesting sugar substitute for diabetics. It is claimed to lower elevated blood
pressure, to inhibit bacteria and infections, to improve oral health, etc. It apparently keeps hunger in check, thus a boon
to dieters, helps digestion and soothes upset stomach, and will reduce the desire for tobacco and alcohol in those who usually
indulge. No known adverse effects are reported. An interesting herb indeed, even if only one of these claims prove to be true.
Stevia can be grown from seeds or plants bought at certain nurseries. The only plants I found last year were sold at Botanix
Garden Center on St. Jean. They are apparently not easy to grow, and judging from my humble experience, I would tend to agree.
I managed to kill all plants, except one, which has overwintered on my kitchen counter. It is still alive but presents a
rather pathetic sight. But if it can be grown successfully, I have every confidence that many of you, clever people,
will not only succeed but will have specimens worthy of showing off.
The pathetic specimen will be on display at the March 26th meeting, along with information sheets on how to grow your
own Stevia, from the Stevia.com website.
Coming Events
Your Society has been hard at work trying to find a special, interesting competition, open to all, and it was found!
'A Year in Your Garden' is it. This will feature photos of your garden – no people, no pets, just your garden, in all
seasons. Doreen Murphy will introduce this exciting project at the March meeting. You may want to start snapping pictures
right now and be ahead with Season # 1.
The March 26th meeting will feature Hostas, presented by Réjean Millette, former long-time president of the Pierrefonds
Horticultural Society, and author of several very interesting books on horticulture topics. Irises, daylillies, hostas
are featured in his works. Many of us remember his presentation 2 years ago when he entertained the Society with a
narration of his first garden efforts. He was funny and captivating. We certainly don’t want to miss this coming presentation.
Next April 23rd, your Society has again been successful in having a well-known author and speaker – André Poliquin will
speak on Orchids for Everyone. Not to be missed either.
This year the members’ garden tour has exceptionally been planned for May or June, depending on the weather. Anne Brohan
will keep you up to date at the next meetings.
It is time to sow your seeds for extra plants to donate to the plant sale which will be held this year on May 24th at the
usual place, Valois Train station parking lot. See Tom Kingsbury for volunteering your help at the sale.
The May 28th meeting will feature Building a Rustic Trellis. A welcome return presentation by Kim Vergil.
I would also like to mention the West Island Citizen Advocacy annual plant sale. It is to be held the same day as our own
sale, Saturday, May 24th, from 9 AM to noon, at Westmount Florist, 343 Lakeshore Road, Pointe-Claire. Mary Martin will be
presenting a composting workshop. For the workshop, tickets are $20. For information and advance registering: 514-694-5850.
The West Island Citizen Advocacy’s Annual Garden Tour will take place Saturday, June 14th, from 9 AM to noon. Tickets are $20.
Included in the tour are refreshments after the tour. For information: 514-694-5850.
I would like to close this Bulletin in inviting each and everyone of you to enlist one new member to your Society this year.
If you enjoy the activities, it stands to reason that a good friend or neighbour will enjoy it too and can be initiated in
the great joys of gardening. We can never be too many sharing this enthusiasm and knowledge.
Until next time.
Jacqueline Bouchard
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