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An Okanagan Gardener who Promotes |
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2005-05- by Susan McIver -
Anne Ginns of Penticton has been interested in gardening for as long as she can remember. Her interest has been the basis for extensive involvement in community gardening activities, a professional career in horticulture and considerable personal enjoyment. "I attribute at least some of my initial interest to the Victory Gardens grown by my parents during the Second World War," she said.
For the past two years, Ginns has presented the workshop "Starting from Seed" at Seedy Saturday, held in Penticton in March. "Seedy Saturday is an annual one day event celebrating the preservation of the seeds of heritage plants so that traits such as flavour and smell aren't lost in the quest for size and shape," said organizer, Francine Julien. The first ever 'Seedy Saturday' in Canada was held in Vancouver in 1989. Since then they have been growing faster than weeds and now occur in towns and cities across the country.
In her workshop, Ginns provides tips on how even the most novice gardener can grow robust plants from seeds. "Start with very clean pots, buy sterile potting mix and use only good-quality seed," she said.
An impressive array of plants in her own home illustrates Ginns' success as a gardener. She brings extensive knowledge and experience to the workshop and all of her gardening activities. Ginns holds a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture with a specialty in horticulture from the University of Connecticut. Following graduation, she worked at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden in New York before moving to Canada with her husband, Jim, whom she met in university.
A mycologist-someone who studies fungi-Jim was a research scientist for Agriculture Canada with postings in Victoria and Ottawa. While in Canada's East, Ginns designed and planted the theme gardens for the Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec.
Since coming to the Okanagan, Ginns has been active in the Penticton Garden Club, including serving as President.
She also devotes considerable time to the Summerland Ornamental Gardens and serves on its board. According to Ginns, the rewards of gardening include being able to eat like a King, and helping to keep your waistline under control. Ginns suggests that if you're interested in a relaxing day, pack a picnic lunch and visit the SOG.
Established in 1916, the SOG is a 16-acre public garden on the west bench above Okanagan Lake with irrigated and xeriscaped areas, collections of penstemons, irises and roses plus a stunning view of the Trout Creek Canyon. The SOG, which is open from 8 am to sunset most days of the year, is associated with the Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre and is located about 4 kilometers south of the town of Summerland on Highway 97.
If you can't visit in person, take a virtual tour by visiting the website www.summerlandornamentalgardens.org |
