2019 Valentine’s Issue
FEBRUARY 12, 2019
16 PAGES
Providing TLC to their February crops are Doug Lyseng (centre) and U of A Augustana Campus Environmental Science graduates Courtenay Nicholson and Michelle Rude.
Greening up
Winter! A variety of merchandise and services, including: Farm equipment and supplies, building supplies, entertainment, real estate, employment and much, much more.
News Stories Joseph teaches us about believing in yourself .
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New RCMP Corporal and Constable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Cannabis grow facility approved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Battle of the Badges takes to the ice . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Growers watching with interest as ladybugs (a natural greenhouse predator) scour for bugs on geranium leaves.
After a few minutes of enjoying the comfortable 70oF temperature and skin-soothing humidity, it is extremely easy to forget that the weather outside the translucent barrier of a greenhouse in east central Alberta can be 65o colder than indoors. Such was the case last week at Maplewood Acres in the hamlet of Armena. Noted Doug Lyseng owner/operator, “The dial on our natural gas meter today seems to be going around just as fast as our ceiling fans!” After less than a three-month shutdown late in fall and through the end of December, Margaret and Doug Lyseng and staff began planting and transplanting in January. Their operation is comprised of a 14-acre parcel of land used for outdoor organic potato and vegetable growing in the summer, and indoor grow facilities for some 40 varieties of herbs plus an equal number of heirloom tomatoes, seasonal bedding plants, potted plants and hanging baskets. Like all greenhouses, Maplewood Gardens is an extraordinary place to step into during the cold and white of winter. Even at this time of year, there is plenty of activity going on in this facility. The family-run business, in addition to serving the local market, sells product and produce year round at Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market.
www.camrosebooster.com
Photos by Ron Pilger
Inside...