With much of the snow melted and spring in effect, many are eager to get their gardens and flower beds started. Lynn’s Plants and Things in Benito has been preparing for this year’s gardening season and things have been growing in full force.
“The greenhouse has been buzzing with planting flowers, herbs and vegetables, ordering new and old favourites including succulents, and perennials, organizing and brainstorming containers and workshops and most of all working to make our customers have an amazing and warming experience,” said Lynn Coupland.
Coupland notices that every year, there are certain plants and flowers that are high in demand or popular with gardeners.
“Our most popular flower would have to be the Proven Winner Supertunia Vista in six different colours and Colour Rush has five,” said Coupland. “We also have a huge selection of hot peppers, including Carolina Reapers, Habanero, Scotch Bonnet, plus other varieties.
“There is also a huge selection of Coleus that accessorize any plants you wish to purchase. Another popular purchase is fruit trees and shrubs that, when they arrive, are in bloom.”
It’s hard to predict the growing season when water is still on the ground, but it never hurts to reach out to those avid gardeners to give you tips and pointers for each type of weather condition.
“Every season is different depending on weather and other factors,” said Coupland. “I’ve learned from others and encourage people to seek advice from experienced gardeners or local gardening experts.
“Container planting can be challenging due to a lack of knowledge and understanding of what plants go together. Please do not hesitate to ask staff questions, as they are always there to help. Or you can come to a workshop usually scheduled in the evenings to design your planter with a helping hand. Check the Lynn’s Plants & Things Facebook page for dates or call.
“Another option can be to drop off your containers, or buy new containers and let staff design and plant them with your colour choices or your favourite flowers,” said Coupland. “Be flexible and willing to adjust your plans as needed, especially in response to weather conditions or unforeseen problems.”
Lynn’s Plants and Things has some new plant and flower varieties for gardeners to check out this season.
“We have some new plant and flower varieties this year,” said Coupland. “We ordered plumbago that is grown in containers and has true blue flowers. A new snapdragon that is tall and can be used as a cut flower. And a new annual that attracts butterflies.
“There are just a few, but there are more new plants in the greenhouse. Aside from flowers, we have ordered two new series of pots. One is called soil savers that use less dirt, the second one is called water saver that holds water so you don’t have to water as often.”
Most gardeners have started their plants indoors already, eagerly anticipating warmer weather for transplanting. Now is a good time to go to your greenhouse and check out what is available this season for your flowerbeds.
“Planting schedules do vary,” said Coupland. “We have started vegetables in the first week of March and some as late as the end of April. Make sure to read the directions on your seed packages or don’t hesitate to call the greenhouse and ask us questions, we are always happy to help. Slowly introduce your seedlings from indoors to outdoors so that they can adjust to cooler temperatures and are ready to be planted in containers or directly into your garden or flowerbeds.
“We opened up on April 16, and our hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.”

The Swan River Golf and Country Club opened the front nine of its 18 hole course this past weekend (April 26). The course welcomed many familiar faces teeing off for the new season.

Swan River Golf and Country Club crews were busy preparing for another golf season last Thursday (April 14).

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas with the snow falling and the Christmas decorations coming out of storage.
Soon, the Swan Valley Historical Museum (SVHM) will be all alight with the luminous and colourful displays of Mistletoe Magic will be hung from the historical buildings and outdoor equipment with care.
The preparations of the SVHM volunteers will culminate in an opening night celebration on Dec. 7 that will be the official first evening of Mistletoe Magic. From 5-9 p.m., everyone is welcome to drive through or walk through the grounds of the SVHM and view the Christmas displays, as well as join the fellowship in the main hall, where hot chocolate and hot dogs will be served, with admittance to everything free of charge, with an opportunity to give a donation if people wish to do so.
“We find a lot of people are happy to come on out and feel like they want to give something to the project,” said Mistletoe Magic organizer Candace Balbo. “We’re always happy to have donations, and people can specify whether they are giving towards the cost of Mistletoe Magic or make a general donation to the museum.”
Those that come by to visit in the hall also have the opportunity to take a picture with Santa Claus in an antique sleigh.
In addition, a horse-drawn wagon ride will be in the works, provided that the weather will be appropriate. Everyone will be welcome to take rides with their friends and family around the grounds.
For the rest of December, and up until after traditional Ukrainian Christmas, the lights will stay on and anybody is welcome to drive around the SVHM grounds on any evening, free of charge.
“We on the board of the museum do a lot of ground work and organization of putting this together, but so many people also come out to volunteer their time to decorate these buildings,” said Balbo. “And, there might not be people that want to decorate the buildings, but are willing to donate so we can get more lights. Lights last a long time, but sometimes they do break.
“Anything anybody is willing to do is a nice thing.”
While the SVHM isn’t necessarily able to collect feedback from all the people that visit Mistletoe Magic in a year, Balbo mentioned that she receives positive comments on occasion when she is around town and generally finds that people really enjoy visiting the light display in what has become a fairly new annual tradition in the last half decade.
“During COVID when people had to supervise who came on the grounds, it was remarkable how many people came,” said Balbo. “It’s a lovely event and we’re happy to do it.
“It’s a bright spot in the dark part of the winter.”

The U11 A1 Stampeders held their home tournament this past weekend with a trio of teams taking part in the tournament including the host Swan Valley Stampeders, Gilbert Plains Hawks and The Pas Huskies. The Hawks came out on top with the U11 Stampeders taking silver and the Huskies getting bronze. “We had an excellent weekend of great hockey and support from our families and community,” said team manager Ashley Langevin. “Our team has grown so much this year and it really is incredible to watch them continue to grow together.” She noted that the team is off to Niverville/Ste. Agathe for Provincials in March.