Summer in Ontario is again long and warm. As in the Netherlands, the temperature rose regularly to 34°C in the period from the end of May to the end of August. The whole summer was also characterized by high humidity. A summer work schedule is then preferred. At the end of the day we like to sit by the pool under the umbrella or in the shade on the veranda with a view over the pond.
Good progress is being made in Ontario in the fight against COVID-19. After 2 months in the State of Emergency, there is now the Re-opening Act, an emergency law, which is amended monthly. Ontario is in stage 3 of the opening. This means that almost all businesses are open, with the exception of some high-risk businesses such as swimming pools and amusement parks, buffet restaurants, dance halls and overnight summer camps for children. The schools will reopen on September 8.
In all cases, people still have to adhere to strict and clear rules: stay home when you can; keep a distance of 2 meters where possible; wash hands regularly; use a face mask safely in public places; create your own social bubble. All people generally adhere well to these guidelines. The infections are minimal. On a population of nearly 15 million people, there are 4032 actively infected persons.
The demand for flowers and plants is still good. We notice that producers cannot meet the demand. The supply is getting smaller and greener. The wholesale customers are desperate for product. Garden centers have a minimum of available product in the shop, because there is nothing extra for sale. A customer with a weekly order can no longer get enough product. The reasoning for the increasing demand is that consumers are more at home, are trying to make their homes more cozy and are looking for new activities to engage in.
Moreover, greenhouses are sold to mostly Chinese entrepreneurs for the (gray) production of Cannabis. The existing greenhouses are expanding. The assortment of flowers and plants is decreasing. There is room for new initiative.
Last week, flower plugs were planted on the prairie behind our house to encourage a wider variety of flowers. Birds and insects benefit from this initiative. They also enjoy the last of the warm summer before they soon leave again to the south.
Angelle van Kleef,
Pot plant grower in Ontario, Canada
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