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Headlines from the Garden Committee

First and foremost, please consider where you would like to volunteer this year.

Much needs to be done and it all takes people like you.

We will be getting 226 new metal stakes that need to be put together and hammered into each plot.  We could use a crew of 10 for this one.

Other jobs are mowing surrounding areas, care of tools and equipment in and around the shed, clean up of garbage in surrounding area and much more.

To get your name on the volunteer list please email stjameshortgardeners@gmail.com

1. Weed and Quack Grass Management
Time to remove quack grass. How?
Dig out roots and remove them.
Hoe out grass before 4 leaves grow.
Dig out pathways.
Till every time 4 leaves appear. Cover with double cardboard and leaves or hay or straw. Maintain a consistent routine to prevent regrowth by monitoring and treating
the area regularly.

4. Wood Chips on pathways

To add fungus to our gardens we have wood chip pathways. The fungus feeds our soil and plants.
Pathways prevent water from flowing and eroding.
Pathways will help you get to your garden next April.
Actually the grass. Our garden has a quack grass infestation and this year was a grass-growing year.

2. Feeding your soil
Chop all your plants and leave them in your garden.
Make a compost pile for next spring.

Buy compost or soil and incorporate it into your garden.
Bring leaves and grass and spread them on your garden.

This year out of 226 garden plots 103 have been neglected or abandoned.

The result is disheartening to the 123 of us who worked our gardens with great effort due to too much rain in the early season.

As a volunteer group, we had to decide what to do.

After contacting every one of the plot owners we cut the grass and we are now tilling. Please move everything that you have brought into your plot including tarps, plastic, tools, bricks, patio stones, wood, wagons, barrels, buckets, and tomato cages to make tilling accessible. Tilling is not a great solution as it chops roots and could lead to more grass, however, given that the grass practically took over we have no choice.

We are asking gardeners and volunteers to pick out roots and we will till again in about a week.

We then will ask gardeners to add organics such as grass clippings, leaves, or compost.

This is all volunteer work and paid for tilling. We ask everyone to help with Project Plot Rehab this fall.

Thank You to Brian Pincott for an Enlightening Evening!

The St. James Horticultural Society extends a heartfelt thank you to Brian Pincott for his fascinating and eye‑opening presentation on The Dark Sky Movement at our January meeting.

Brian’s unique journey — from award‑winning theatre lighting designer, to Calgary City Councillor, to Winnipeg advocate for housing, arts, and active transportation — gave us a rare and insightful perspective on how lighting shapes our cities, our environment, and even our health. His passion for reducing light pollution and creating healthier, more sustainable urban spaces shone through every part of his talk.

Members were especially engaged by his explanations of how artificial light affects plants, animals, climate, and our own circadian rhythms. Brian helped us see just how deeply connected our gardens and natural spaces are to the night sky above them.

We’re grateful he shared his expertise, his stories, and his ongoing commitment to protecting dark skies — including his annual pilgrimage to the Cypress Hills Dark Sky Preserve.

Thank you, Brian, for inspiring us to look at light in a whole new way.

Annual General Meeting Report

Thanks to Anessa Maize for an Enlightening Evening on Soil Health

The St. James Horticultural Society extends heartfelt thanks to Anessa Maize for her inspiring presentation, “Growing Resilient Gardens through Soil Health,” held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at St. James Lutheran Church.

Anessa’s passion for regenerative gardening and her deep knowledge of soil science brought fresh energy and insight to our gathering. Drawing from her hands-on experience cultivating a 1/3-acre urban garden and orchard, and her studies at Dr. Elaine Ingham’s Soil Food Web School, she guided us through the vital role soil plays in building climate-resilient gardens.

Her talk was both practical and empowering—reminding us that the health of our gardens begins beneath our feet. From composting tips to understanding microbial life, Anessa offered actionable steps we can take to nurture our soil and, in turn, our planet. Whether you're a seasoned grower or just beginning your gardening journey, her message resonated: we can all be stewards of sustainability.

Thank you, Anessa, for helping us grow not just better gardens, but a deeper connection to the Earth.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Louise May

On April 15th, 2025, we had the pleasure of welcoming Louise May, herbalist and founder of Aurora Farm, to Crestview United Church for her engaging workshop, "Hands-on Herbs."

From the moment she began, Louise captivated the audience with her passion, knowledge, and warmth. Her interactive approach—allowing attendees to touch, smell, and truly experience the herbs—created an immersive and unforgettable evening. The enthusiasm in the room was undeniable, as participants eagerly explored the world of herbs and gained a deeper appreciation for their uses and benefits.

Her life story, rooted in a love for gardening and a commitment to sustainable agriculture, resonated deeply with the audience. Many left not only inspired by her teachings but also with a newfound curiosity and admiration for the way she connects people to the land.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Louise May for sharing her wisdom and creating such a memorable experience. Her dedication to education and herbal traditions made this event truly special.

Thank you, Louise, for an enriching and inspiring evening!

On behalf of the St. James Horticultural Society, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Martha Barwinsky, for the exceptional presentation she delivered on “Trees” on March 18, 2025, at Crestview United Church. The event was well attended, and the lively question-and-answer session showcased the audience's keen interest in her expertise and passion for urban forestry.

Her insights into Winnipeg’s tree canopy, her work with the Comprehensive Urban Forest Strategy, and her dedication to initiatives like the Coalition to Save the Elms and Trees Winnipeg were truly inspiring. It’s clear that her decades of experience, combined with her enthusiasm and commitment to the community, have made a significant impact.

We are grateful for the opportunity to learn from her and appreciate the time and effort she took to share her knowledge with us. Her presentation has deepened our appreciation for the trees around us and the vital role they play in our urban environment. We look forward to staying connected and supporting her efforts to protect and expand Winnipeg’s urban forest.

Heartfelt Thanks for Your Engaging Presentation on Insect Pests

Dear Ian Wise,

On behalf of the St. James Horticultural Society, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude for your engaging and informative presentation on the intricate world of insect pests. Your insights and expertise in pest management and entomology were both enlightening and inspiring.

Thank you for sharing your extensive gardening experience and providing us with valuable insights and practical knowledge of insect pests. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you again in the future.

Warm regards,

St. James Horticultural Society

St. Vital Agricultural Society's Annual Display and Fair 2023

There was much to appreciate at the St. Vital Agricultural Society's Annual Display and Fair. Along with the many categories of judged entries, the exhibits and displays, the demonstrations, and the varied vendors, there was no shortage of things to do and see. Congratulations to our own Lois Ross on her success at the flower arranging competition. Compliments go to the SVAS for a spectacular annual display and fair.

The SJHS / LPM Connection

by Lois Grieger

Without the fine work of the SJHS and notably Peter de Wet - the Living Prairie Museum site at 2795 Ness Ave. might have been paved over.  The efforts of SJHS in collaboration with the International Biological Program worked to secure protected status for the Tallgrass Prairie at Living Prairie Museum (1968-1976). 

Members of SJHS worked with Dr Jennifer Walker (botanist from U of MB) to survey the site and develop the data to persuade St James City Council (yes this was before Unicity) to set the area aside as a nature preserve rather than build the proposed housing development.  Former SJHS president Pete de Wet made an impassioned presentation before the council to preserve this rare habitat for posterity.  Mr. de Wet stressed that this sliver of the prairie was the least we could leave our grandchildren.  Over his long life, he must have seen some profound changes.  I’m not sure how much prairie there was in 1909 when he arrived in Winnipeg from South Africa.  But Mr. Wet and members of the SJHS felt it was important enough to work hard to save it. The Free Press reports the motion passed by a single vote (1971) and the first action taken by the City Naturalists was a to burn the prairie.  There was outrage and a lack of understanding that tallgrass prairie ecology depends on fire and other disturbances.  From the photo below  it appears a fragile Mr. de Wet then 93, was at Major Juba’s side at the Living Prairie’s grand opening in 1976.  Mr. De Wet passed two years later, and I like to think that the Living Prairie accomplishment capped off his gardening life.  Fern mentioned she recalls Mr. de Wet.   She told me when SJHS used to rotate meetings at members’ homes and Mr. De Wet looked out her kitchen window only to report he identified at least 15 different trees and shrubs.  Sounds like a gardener’s gardener to me. 

Given Winnipeg’s current challenges and the greater challenges presented by the climate crisis I like to tap into SJHS history to recall how through our history we SJHS members have worked in our small corner to benefit our community.  And if it is true what one of my hort professor like to remind us that - “The first law of ecology is how everything is connected to everything else”, then our ecological efforts at the Silver Garden – whether it is our soil conservation efforts, planting a wind break, or planting a pollinator garden are part of SJHS’s long history of working to help connect us to everything.

Jacobus Petrus “Pete” de Wet (1883-1978)

Journalist, horticulturist, community activist.

Born at Cape Town, South Africa on 3 February 1883, he came to Winnipeg in May 1909. During the First World War, he served in France with the 90th Winnipeg Rifles. After his return from military service, he worked as a reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press and provincial correspondent for the Canadian Mining Journal. He was Secretary of the Manitoba Chamber of Mines and editor of its journal, The Precambrian. During the Second World War, he served with the St. John Ambulance Brigade in Winnipeg. He held honourary life memberships in the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Manitoba Horticultural Association, and St. James Horticultural Society, and was a member of the Canukeena Club, Winnipeg Horticultural Society (President, 1957), Manitoba Association of Prospectors and Developers, and Manitoba Progressive Association. He died at the Deer Lodge Hospital on 27 August 1978.

Restoring Truro Creek

One Pulled Thistle at a Time

by Kathryn Smith

   This past summer I spent about 30 hours pulling thistle along the banks of Truro Creek.  I worked on the area adjacent to Wightman Green at the corner of Linwood and Ness.  Wightman Green is the park I adopted 3 years ago.  By adopting a park you can help take care of it in a variety of ways.  I chose to establish 3 beds of native perennials.  I sourced these from plants growing in my own garden.  One of them being  Swamp Milkweed. While it is a beautiful and hardy plant, it is  not particularly drought tolerant therefore not best suited for the middle of the park.  I contacted Rod Penner, the City Naturalist.  He agreed they would be suitable for naturalizing on the creek bank.  His associate dug 12 holes and I planted and watered.  They were large transplants and thrived.  That very summer they were covered in Monarch caterpillars.

   By the next summer,2022,with the help of adequate rainfall, the park gardens were well established.  I turned my sights on the ugly thistle patches that border the park and the creek.  It didn’t make sense to cultivate a lovely garden and leave invasive thistle next to it. Ironically named Canada Thistle , it is not indigenous to Canada but introduced from Europe hundreds of years ago. It is invasive and crowds out native species that provide a better food source for pollinators and birds.    I again contacted Rod  and a plan was made to pull the thistle then replant with native species.    The thistle should be pulled for 3 years to weaken it enough that the new plants stand a chance.   It is best to start pulling early July when it starts to bud. 

  Wearing a thick pair of gloves and long sleeves, I chose a shady spot to begin my labor.  To my surprise , thistle pulls out quite easily using a two handed tug.  Of course you don’t get all the roots , that’s why it must be pulled for three years.  Every pull weakens it a little more. I found it strangely satisfying yanking at the bristle stems watching the pile of dead thistle grow.   Until my back told me that was enough for the day.  One day some one from Parks and Open spaces showed up with a  couple of young volunteers from the Boys and Girls Club.   They worked hard and cleared a lot of thistle , returning later to truck it away. 

   After clearing thistle from the park edges, I moved further along the creek working on it until mid September.  Except for one small area I cleared the creek bed of thistle between Linwood and Winchester. A small area relative to the length of the creek but that is what one person can do.   I imagine great progress if a few others pitched in , for even a few hours.  I felt I had contributed to the improvement and enhancement of the creek bank habitat.   Once the new planting goes in it will become a habitat where, butterflies and birds will thrive and it makes the walk by the park so much more enjoyable.

   I never realized that the public could work so closely with the City.  That we could have such an important role to play in the state of our green spaces.  A better way to live and enjoy your community is by being active in the improvement rather than to complain about the lack of maintenance.   If you would   to help in the effort to restore Truro Creek to a healthy natural state please feel free to pitch in and pull.  It would be wonderful to have more people involved as there is so much that could be accomplished.  You can contact myself, Kathryn,  through the St. James Horticultural Society at stjameshort@gmail.com  or come  to the next General Meeting Feb.21.  and talk to me.  I am the Hospitality Person so I’ll be hanging out by the coffee urn.

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