Before I begin my gardening column, I want to congratulate everyone involved in the Tae Kwon-Do International Open Canadian Championships held last Saturday at the Rutland Secondary gymnasium.
Thanks to the volunteers from referees, timekeepers, ticket takers, ticket servers, door staff and set up and take-down crew who arrived early and stayed late.
Thanks as well to the competitors, in particular those who travelled from great distances such as Texas and the UK.
I am now heading into my sixth tear of a journey in Tae Kwon Do which has enhanced my life so much.
This tournament which brings together so many players from the original TKD art as well as karate and other forms of TKD is testament to the camaraderie and commitment of participants in all the martial art forms.
One of the highlights I look forward to each time this tournament is held is to speak to Grand Master C.K. Choi, who is one of the original pioneers of Tae Kwon Do and who epitomizes the essence of the art.
I was also thrilled to meet 13-year-old black belt Anna Williams, who is European Champion and travelled all the way from Wales with her father.
She put on an amazing performance and displayed why she is the European champion.
Finally, one final big thank you to Chris Rowe for all his efforts to organize this tournament together and to Senior Master Dan Zaleski for his guidance and support in my continuing journey.
Now back to the topic of the day, gardening seasons, which is in full swing with garden centres and nurseries stocked up on plants and garden related items.
Also, there are several plant sales on the calendar including the St. Mary’s Anglican Church event on Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to noon. The plant sale location is 2710 East Kelowna Rd. with coffee and muffins to be served as well.
I will keep you updated on other plant sales coming up in May.
On Wednesday, May 1, I will be speaking to the Kelowna Garden Club and my main topic will be how to determine the monetary value of a tree.
I’m called on as a certified arborist to appraise trees for their value by insurance adjusters, builders and municipalities, and there is a set methodology used to get an accurate figure. I will share this with members of the garden club and visitors as well as other timely gardening advice.
The meeting is at the First Lutheran Church, 4091 Lakeshore Rd., 7:30 pm. I look forward to seeing you there.
This week’s garden tip is to let the foliage of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and other spring blooming bulbs do its job of replenishing the bulb beneath the surface of the soil.
Don’t cut the tops back until they show signs of decline. If you want to do any transplanting or splitting then mark where the plants are and dig them in July.
The bulbs can be either planted again right away or saved in a dry state until fall.
