Rachel Nokadlak
Northern News Services

Inuvik (May 30/05) - As long hours of sunlight give life to a short yet glorious growing season, gardeners around the North are ready to get their hands and knees dirty planting vegetables, flowering plants and other garden favourites this summer.

Kristen Wenghofer proudly raises a tray of pansy flowers, one of the most commonly grown flowers, at the Inuvik Community Greenhouse.

"I'd say the best thing about gardening is that it is very therapeutic," said Kristen Wenghofer, co-ordinator of the Community Greenhouse Society in Inuvik.

"You can dig your hands right into the dirt and either think about all the things in life or not have a care in the world."

The largest community greenhouse north of the Arctic Circle has more than 80 plots available for the approximately 100 members.

Plenty of sunshine

Known to thrive in the Mackenzie-Delta's midnight sun, pansies and geraniums have always been a favourite for their colour, said Wenghofer. With hopes of seeing new perennials - like yarrow, delphinium, lupins and wildroses - in bloom this summer, Wenghofer plans to offer a variety of workshops featuring such topics as bedding plants, flower potting and the best ways to cook freshly grown produce.

Like perennials, all vegetables and bedding plants are grown from seeds and a lot of care is required to reap an abundant harvest.

"They need more time to grow, and should be watered a lot and make sure there are very few bugs. You do have to watch if you're growing annual plants, also, because their roots are not as deep," said Wenghofer, who plans to start selling veggies farmers-market-style next year.

Small expense, big return

Gardening is not as expensive as some people might think, according to Mike Wood, owner of Woodshed Gift and Garden Centre in Hay River.

"Annual plants might cost a little more than native plants, but it is still very economical and the suppliers are very competitive with their rates," he said.

His customers are quick to buy up such annuals as petunias, marigolds and the lobelia, all known for their colours, he said.

"I think the most complicated yet favoured flower to grow would be the lavender. Its scent and just the beauty of it draws so many people to it."

Contained gardening, a new trend among green thumbs, is simple and removes some the expense of planting as growers can maintain a small plot wherever it's convenient, avoiding the effort of large-scale gardening. The garden centre will be offering workshops on creating spectacular hanging-baskets and planters as well as transplanting and proper house care.