The June Garden!

Every year it seems we have a different weather pattern as we move into the growing season. Our spring this year has been cool, with many of the leaves still not fully out or just beginning to show that wonderful green of spring. In my garden, although the scilla and tarda tulips have completed their bloom, there are still many more regular tulips that are just now showing colour.

The asparagus is doing a wonderful job of providing us with fresh, tasty greens that we so thoroughly enjoy. However, our soils are dry and everything that is not fully established is needing supplemental watering. I have already watered all the new areas that were planted with perennials last season a couple of times. Looking at the winds, the temperatures and listening to what the plants are telling me, I will be hauling out the hoses again today.

I always think that when the hostas come up – we truly have hit temperatures that are conducive to all the heat-loving things that we grow. I have yet to see any signs of any of the hostas poking through the surface of the soil. I am in one way thankful for that as it seems my spring gardening chores have not all been completed.

Take the hardy (or not so hardy) shrub roses. Some seem to have been hit hard last winter. Remember, that usually by the time June rolls around, we should be able to see what has survived and prune the hardy shrub roses appropriately. Simply prune back those branches that have died or are not growing in a good shrub-like shape. Some roses will bloom more if you prune off the spent blooms so this is really the only chores necessary to keep our hardy shrub roses happy!

Right now in my front yard, there are a multitude of blooms. The Saskatoon berries are in full bloom, the ornamental crabs are looking spectacular, as are the flowering almonds. The plums and cherries have almost finished their bloom and the only thing yet to boast her beauty is the Ohio buckeye. It is a real pleasure to see the full bloom of our trees and shrubs. Hopefully, we will get rain, but otherwise, I guess I will need to provide the water so necessary to size up the fruit!

Take your lawn mower blades to a professional to have them sharpened. Dull blades make ragged cuts and invite diseases. Clean and sharpen hand tools. If pruning shears are full of dried sap, clean with steel wool and then lightly oil.

As the temperatures rise, and the soil dries, take time to ensure you are watering deeply and thoroughly. If you are unsure how much to water in your perennial beds, take a trowel and dig down a few inches. After watering, the soil should be moist well below the root zone. This encourages deep rooting of your plants which helps them to withstand short periods of drought. Water early in the morning as the temperature is lower and the wind is generally not a problem.

Use a brush to clean out plant pots and containers. Soak them in 1-part chlorine bleach to 9 parts water for 30 minutes to get rid of any disease-carrying organisms which may be present.

As you begin to work in the perennial beds, watch where you put your feet. There are still many new emerging shoots which are very tender. It is the ideal time to mulch around your perennials and to look for budding insect and disease problems. Weeding is such a never-ending chore but short work is made of it by catching those problems early – while the invaders are still small.

And finally, take some time to explore the wonders of all that is available in the local nurseries and greenhouses. Who knows what might follow you home?

Hanbidge is the Lead Horticulturist with Orchid Horticulture. Find us at www.orchidhort.com; by email at info@orchidhort.com; on facebook @orchidhort and on instagram at #orchidhort. Tune into GROW Live on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/orchidhort or check out the Youtube channel GROW https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzkiUpkvyv2e2HCQlFl0JyQ?

SaskGaming spending $5M to modernize 21-year-old Casino Moose Jaw

With its refresh of Casino Regina complete, SaskGaming is focusing on Casino Moose Jaw as it plans to extensively upgrade the venue for the first time since its opening 21 years ago.

The provincial government announced in mid-May that the gaming and entertainment site would receive a $5 million facelift starting in late June that would create “a brighter, more welcoming, and convenient environment for guests.”

The province expects construction to continue until early 2024.

The renovation of the two casinos is part of SaskGaming’s multi-year modernization plan to upgrade buildings under its control, explained Brian Miller, director of communications. For example, the organization just finished updating Casino Regina after spending the past four years and $5 million each year — over $20 million in total — to make that happen.

Now it’s The Friendly City’s turn.

“So that’ll pretty much be the completion of that five-year modernization plan once we complete the renovations in Moose Jaw early next year,” he added.

The renovations will focus on the gaming and food and beverage areas of

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express the casino and will include brighter lights, new carpet, and an updated floor plan so people flow through smoothly, which should enhance guests’ experience, Miller said.

The purpose of modernizing these entertainment venues is to fulfill SaskGaming’s commitment to offering the best experience possible for people who walk through the doors.

“When people step into Casino Moose Jaw, we want them to see that that casino reflects our commitment and (to) stay on the cutting edge of casino gaming in our province,” he continued.

Miller noted that anyone who has walked through Casino Regina recently would understand what to expect with the renovations here. This will also be the first extensive renovation to Casino Moose Jaw since it opened in 2002; the only previous renovation — in 2009 — expanded the gaming floor.

The communications director added that Casino Moose Jaw will still be open during renovations, although tarps will block the affected areas.

According to its 2021-22 annual report, SaskGaming saw a net income of