Spring Fever

By Heather Wood

Spring is here! With the early warmer temperatures, trees are beginning to bud and bloom while daffodils have been flowering for a few weeks now. If you happen to miss the fall planting time for daffodils, tulips, crocus, and hyacinth, it is not too late to plan for some colors in your yard this year. Our Grounds Crew Leader Kelli Hester has a few suggestions on how to make your yard or business colorful all season long.

When the soil temperature is above 55-60° F, you can plant summer-flowering bulbs after the danger of late frost has passed. Unlike spring-flowering bulbs, which need the cooler temps, summer flowering bulbs prefer warmth. Bulbs should be planted in an area that has full to partial sun and in soil that will drain well. The most common summer flowering bulbs in this area include caladiums, canna and calla lilies, dahlias, gladioli, and certain varieties of iris. Although they are not bulbs, spring is also a good time to plant daylilies for reliable beauty and color year after year.

  • A common rule of thumb is to plant 3-4 times as deep as the bulb is tall; depth is important to bulbs. If a bulb is 2 inches across then you will want to plant it 6-8 inches deep. Prepare the soil by loosening it and adding organic matter (compost) or fertilizer specifically for bulbs; follow the directions on the package.
  • Plant bulbs with their roots down and pointy end up. If you are not sure of the top or bottom, simply place the bulb on its side and it will find its way to the surface.
  • Cover the bulb with soil and mulch and water well to get the bulb settled in, but take care to not overwater. No wet feet! You can protect bulbs from critters with wire mesh, chicken wire, or even bulb baskets if needed.
  • Plant a combination of early, mid, and late-season bloomers to extend the season of color in your garden.

Bulbs can provide bright, vibrant colors. Think about how those colors will blend with their surroundings. And whatever you do, don’t forget to plant extras for cut-flower bouquets! Get outside and enjoy nature’s beauty.

Do you have camps and fun activities lined up for your kids this spring and summer? Take out your calendar–you have a lot of scheduling to do to fit in all the incredible camps taking place with us. To register for any camps listed below visit www.kvparks.com.

Develop basketball moves that will keep defenders off-balance and give yourself the advantage no matter where you are on the court. Crews Control Spring Break Developmental Basketball Camp teaches you the pillars to becoming a complete, all-around player and the opportunity to improve your fundamentals so you can score against the tightest defense. Age levels are separated and players’ progress at different rates based on skill level. This camp is offered to Kindergarten – 9th graders. Camp will take place the week of Monday, April 13 – Friday, April 17 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.

Do you have an aspiring engineer, ages 5-12? Join After School Brilliance as they explore Science, Technology and Math (STEM) in a fun and interactive four-day Spring Break camp! STEM is important because it affects every part of our lives. STEM activities provide hands-on and minds-on lessons for the student. Making math and science fun and interesting helps the student to do much more than just learn. After School Brilliance aims to inspire, nurture and grow the critical and emerging skills necessary for success in our digital workforce. Your young engineers will work with robots, circuits, matter, motion, and so much more! This camp will run Tuesday, April 14 – Friday, April 17 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Kernersville Parks & Recreation Department is excited about a summer filled with fun, friends, and amazing experiences. Our summer camp program spans over eight weeks beginning June 15 through August 14. The children and their counselors participate in a wide variety of recreational activities while at the center. Typical daily activities may include swimming, basketball, kickball, soccer, group games, arts, crafts, library, and special theme days. Field trips to local attractions, such as the Animal Park Conservators Center, Wet N’ Wild Emerald Pointe, Kaleideum North, and others are also included. There is no camp June 29 – July 3 in observance of Independence Day.

Our summer camp program is centered on learning, succeeding, and building skills that will last a lifetime. Camp hours are 7:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday – Friday and is offered for children ages 6-12 years old. Registration is underway! Don’t delay, as space is limited.

Ever heard of CITs? They are counselors-in-training, and we are looking for kids between the ages of 15 and 17 who will work with our summer camp to get on-the-job experience. This is not a paid job–which may be perfect if your teen is not quite ready for gainful employment but still needs something to do this summer. If you are interested, contact cray@toknc.com for more information.

The Kernersville Parks and Recreation Department is excited to announce the second annual Adaptive Cycling Clinic that will be hosted by Wheels on the Greenway on Saturday, April 25 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. This year, we have partnered with Greensboro Parks and Recreation and Action Greensboro to include adaptive equipment for this free family event. Trained professionals will be on-site to assist cycle selection and fitting. Participants will be able to practice pedaling, turning, and braking skills before taking a short ride along the Greenway located at 100 East Bragg Street at the corner of South Elm Street and South Bragg Street. This is a fun way for children and adults with disabilities, and seniors with balance and mobility concerns, to enjoy outdoor recreation in an inclusive environment. For more information about adaptive equipment, please contact our Adaptive and Inclusive Programmer at cwermuth@toknc.com. For general information about Wheels on the Greenway go to downtowngreenway.org/events.

Are you ready for warm summer nights, relaxing on a blanket in the park, and catching your favorite movie under the stars? Our summer Movies in the Park series is returning at your favorite downtown park this summer. Mark your calendars for the third Friday of May, June, July, and September as we have chosen top rated, recently released films to show in Harmon Park. Without further ado, may we present to you the following list for 2020:

Friday, May 15 – FROZEN 2
Friday, June 19 – Aladdin (Live-Action)
Friday, July 17 – Lion King (Live-Action)

Our last movie on Friday, September 18 was voted by our Facebook and Instagram followers. Visit our social media pages for the winner!

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