Weeding Tips and Tricks

Weeding Tips and Tricks

Weeds can be aggressive and invasive to your beautiful lawn so it’s important to learn how to best get rid of them and keep them away. Even though it takes some work, it is worth it, in the end, in order to enjoy your lawn and gardens without pesky weeds.

Uprooted

First, the most important rule to remember when weeding is to not leave the roots behind. After you pull it out, if the roots are left the weeds will grow back. So be sure to grab it close to the ground and not leave any behind.

Tug of war

Another key trick to help make weeding easier is to do it when the grass is wet after the rain. This helps the weeds to pull out easier. If there is no rain in the forecast, you can water your garden and lawn yourself before you start pulling.

Clean fill wanted

When planting your garden remember to not leave bare spots for the weeds to move in. Space plants apart as recommended and fill in unused spaces with a liberal amount of mulch. Use mulch as much as possible as it retains the moisture and doesn’t let weeds grow.

Natural weed killer

To kill tough weeds you can make a solution with vinegar and water in a spray bottle, which works as a weed killer. Just be sure to only spray the weeds and not the plants.

Keep away

The last tip is after you pull the weeds out, do not throw them in a compost pile as any seeds that have already formed might spout. Keep on top of the weeding to make it a less tedious job and achieve that desirable weed-free yard you’ll love.

July Happenings in Haldimand County

July Happenings in Haldimand County

There is always something to do in beautiful Haldimand County! This peaceful, scenic area throws lots of fun events for the community, including the following.

Mysterious Night Skies
July 6-7
Visit Rock Point Park in Haldimand County for Mysterious Night Skies.  Be led by park staff and special guests from the Royal Astronomical Society through an information and viewing session of the twinkling night sky. Visit www.ontarioparks.com/park/rockpoint for more information.

No. 6 RCAF Dunnville Museum Open House
July 7
For anybody new in town who wants to learn a little about Dunnville, they may want to visit No. 6 RCAF Dunnville Museum Open House. Tour historical exhibits and vintage aircraft while visiting arts and crafts vendors from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free admission.

Pool Days!
Cool off in the pool and get a bit exercise too!  Visit www.haldimandcounty.on.ca for the full aquatic event schedule. Choose from aquafit, public swim, and fitness swim times.  Dip into your local community centre and find out how.  Parents can also bring the little ones to cool off at the Splash pad in Hagersville or the Dunnville Wading Pool.

Summer days at the library
Parents and children can meet up at the library for lots of activities, story times and Lego Ukulele Club and more. Visit www.haldimandcounty.on.ca/ to learn more.

Dunnville BIA Sidewalk Sale
July 8
Calling all shopaholics! Dunnville BIA Sidewalk Sale is taking over downtown.  Dine and shop away your SundayFunday in Dunnville. This annual event is a great way to support and interact with local business owners in the community.

Grass maintenance – how to have the perfect lawn

Grass maintenance – how to have the perfect lawn

The grass doesn’t have to be greener on the other (neighbour’s) side. With proper maintenance and care you can have the most glorious green grass you’ve always hoped for. There are several steps to a healthy lawn from watering, cutting, weed control, aerating and fertilizing:

Cutting Edge

Always ensure your mower blade is sharp enough. A dull blade can tear or rip the grass, rather than cut it, making your lawn more susceptible to disease and turning brown. Also the first few mowings of the season should be done on the mower’s lower (shortest) setting, allowing sun, water and nutrients to get to the base of the grass. You can then raise your mower height every one to two weeks until it’s around two and a half to three inches high.

H2-Grow

For a healthier lawn, it’s important to realize that grass should be watered deeply and less often. Watering is one of the most important factors for a beautiful healthy lawn. Water the grass three times a week early in the morning when the sun is starting to rise. Watering in the evening can leave the grass wet overnight which can lead to fungus growth.

Poking Fun

Aerating the lawn is another important step. This gives it the best chance to the receive the nutrients and water it needs to grow healthy all season long. Water the lawn one to two days prior to aeration (you can rent an aerator rather than doing it manually).  Apply grass seed to bare spots on the lawn and water the seeds to help them take root.

Fertile not Futile

Lastly, don’t forget to fertilize! Give it all the nutrients it needs. Once it’s properly aerated and seeded, an application of fertilizer will help feed the grass. With a little extra care, you’ll being enjoying the view of your green grass this summer before you know it!

Haldimand County offers many opportunities to enjoy nature

Haldimand County offers many opportunities to enjoy nature

Those living in Haldimand County have an excellent opportunity to interact with all kinds of marine life. Whether you’re canoeing or kayaking or out on a vessel on Lake Erie, the fishing can be as extreme as you like in Haldimand!  There is also magnificent conservation and birding along the Grand River and Lake Erie shoreline. Marine activities are about to get a little more vibrant as we gear up for the spring season.

Getting out onto the river in Haldimand is not difficult. Gather up your fishing license or renew it online at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/renew-replace-or-update-outdoors-card  and get out on the water. Visit the Haldimand County online and discover its #FishingGuide! Read about the top 10 spots, overlook hiking maps, cast into a nearby hole or hire a charter this April in Haldimand!

A hidden gem of Haldimand County is Ruthven Park. This nature centre serves brunches after touring The Migratory Bird Banding Station April 22. Visit Get Wild Baby Earth Day Shower, and roam the historical buildings and Greek mansion at this beautiful destination ground. Before heading out, read the Bird Banding Blog at: http://www.ruthvenparknatureblog.com/

Caledonia is loaded with trails and paths. Caledonian Kinsmen Park and Towpath, Patterson or Ramsay Walkway are all great strolling spots. The Rotary Riverside Trail with access from Seneca Park and Thistlemoor Park Pathway make Caledonia a hiker and dog walker’s paradise. For all future X Games and Olympians, Haldimand is also  home to the Aaron & Devin Koocher Memorial Skatepark.

From Port Dover to Lowbanks, Haldimand County has a stunning shoreline to reel in big game fish. The Grand River, beaches and conservation also offers recreational outlets unlike big city living. Haldimand County offers loads of amenities as well as great opportunities to enjoy the outdoors!

Celebrate Winter in Haldimand County

Celebrate Winter in Haldimand County

All along the shores of the Grand River, great community programs are scheduled weekly for residents of Haldimand County. Nordic sports, clubs and a historic museum keep locals well entertained throughout the coldest seasons!

For those who love to play hockey in Haldimand County, there are scheduled Adult and Women’s Shinny programs happening across the area. You can lace up in Hagersville, Dunnville and Caledonia on a convenient date for you, without having to commit to a whole season. Haldimand County offers free public and open figure skating, and is a great place to learn how to skate this February. For more information on arena programs visit: www.haldimandcounty.on.ca/residents.aspx?id=18339

Book a community hall this winter for your next special event. Haldimand County supports 27 different community halls. Visit: www.haldimandcounty.on.ca/residents.aspx?id=46 for more information on how to rent, and for guidelines about your next company bash.

Snow day? Visit Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre, built in 1857. The former Caledonia Town Hall and Lock-Up was designed by noted architect John Turner. Don’t miss your opportunity to tour this historic building and its current exhibit – A Soldier’s Christmas At the Front. Located at 80 Caithness St. in Caledonia.

You can knit, build LEGO buildings with your children and throw down your best words at the Scrabble Club all February in Haldimand. Expand your horizons in the Selkirk or Grace Book Club on the last Monday of the month. There’s nothing like a great read to get you through the month of February! Discuss plots, get out of the house, and have a ton of recreational fun!

Visit: www.haldimandcounty.on.ca/calendar.aspx for the county calendar and make the most of winter in Haldimand!

It’s time for festive fun in Haldimand County!

It’s time for festive fun in Haldimand County!

The snow has fallen, Christmas music is playing, and here in Caledonia and surrounding area, the holidays are in full swing. What better way to take advantage of this beautiful time of year than at one of these exciting events?

Christmas Tours at Ruthven Park National Historic Site

Enjoy an afternoon stroll through the principle rooms of the Thompson family home. Visitors will experience a variety of time periods that the family celebrated over the years. On December 10, don’t miss the Scottish Tea and Tour beginning at 2 p.m. There will be a Tia McGraff Christmas Concert on December 15 at 6:30 p.m. Back by popular demand, the Christmas at Ruthven Candlelight Tours will take place on December 17 and 21 beginning at 7 p.m. Price of admission varies for each event. Call all 905-772-0560 or visit the website at www.ruthvenparknationalhistoricsite.com for more info.

Hagersville Santa Claus Parade – December 8

Line the streets with family, friends and neighbours to help usher in the holiday season! The parade will begin at 6 p.m. The procession will follow Parkview Road to King Street East to Main Street South.

Breakfast with Santa – December 9

Meet the man in red at the Jarvis Community Centre and enjoy a delicious breakfast with family, neighbours and friends. Hosted by the Jarvis Lions Club. Call 519-587-4849 to register.

Cottonwood Mansion Christmas Dinner – December 17

Step back in time at beautiful Cottonwood Mansion and enjoy a fabulous catered meal just in time for Christmas season. Price per adult is $25 and $12.50 for children twelve and under, and includes a full Christmas dinner. Reservations are required. Call 905-776-2538 before December 12 to book your table at the mansion!

Caledonia Christmas Farmer’s Market – December 21

Shop local for all sorts of local products at the final Farmers’ Market of 2017. Held in the Canadian Tire parking lot from 3 – 7 p.m.

Tim Hortons Free Public Skate – December 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31

Head to arenas in Caledonia, Dunnville, Cayuga and Hagersville to ring in the New Year with a free family skate! Check the website at www.haldimandcounty.on.ca for skate times.

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