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Waterloo resident David Hobson shares his gardening skills in his latest book Diary of a Mad Gardener One part grass and 10 parts flower garden, Hobson‘s vast array of plants seems more likely to be in a botanical garden or greenâ€" house, not the west end of Waterloo. ‘Diary of a Mad Gardener‘ ne might not expect a garden oasis to be part of the scenery in a typical Waterloo cul de sac, but local garden writer David Hobson‘s yard is just that. His green thumb has inspired him to write a new book titled Diary of a Mad Gardener, his second such endeavour. Hobson penned his _ inaugural _ garden humour _ book, Soiled Reputations, three years ago Mad Gardener is wniten in diaryâ€"form with the main character, Dibble, making entries from Jan. 1 to Dec 31. He notes his feelings, thoughts and daily workings in the garden Waterloo writer set to release new book for aspiring greenâ€"thumbs Large selection N Flyâ€"tying & Instructional hishing supplies courses Your ishin‘ headquarters . Accessories 10 Wyman Ad., Unit 4, Waterloo _ 746â€"2650 nt rANnBOMw S PO R RT§ By Ray Bows For the Chronicle | € & q ] f ' 1,0" "celrira o fa ( ' o‘ The book follows seasonâ€" al changes and Dibble‘s frusâ€" trations of not being able to garden through the winter months. Throughout the year, Dibble encounters dilemâ€" mas like rogue motarcycle gangs and rival gardeners, said Hobson. The 210â€"page book is inundated with both obviâ€" ous and subtle humour, such as puns, and garden tips veiled between the lines. The name Dibble is taken from a 15th century term, a small garden tool used to make holes for plants, seeds or bulbs. Hobson describes Dibble as "a Red Greenâ€"type characâ€" ter without the duct tape." He‘s completely "wacky and quirky," facing the daily challenges that all gardeners face including insects, aniâ€" mals and runâ€"ins with rival gardeners __ He obsessively composts, and even "dreams of comâ€" post," added Hobson. at Waterloo Town Square W Thursday July 27. 2000 Enjr special savings throughout the whole mall. Reguster at Shoppers Drug Mart See stores for details LIFESTYLE "You don‘t have to be a gardener to appreciate this book," said Hobson. Hobson insists the hortiâ€" cultural diary is not autobioâ€" graphical and is set in an imaginary world far removed from westâ€"end Waterloo. Dibble is very innovative, inventing new tools like a highâ€"powered leaf shredder, and in his yard there is a Bart Simpson topiary, or a shrub morphed in his likeness. Hobson said he has had good feedback from those who have read the book onâ€" line, and said a few Americans have purchased the book off the Web. Hobson has already garâ€" nered notable press, such as Bill Richardson â€" reading excerpis on his CBC radio show Richardson‘s Roundup on July 19. Asides Selected parts were also published in a weekly Edmonton Journal suppleâ€" ment _ entitled _ Country Diary of a Mad Gardener will be launched Aug. 13 at Hobson‘s home located at 162 Herron PI., in Waterloo. The launch will also include a tour of Hobson‘s garden from 10 a.m.â€"5 p.m., and again on Aug. 16 from 7â€" 9 pm. At the launch, folks will be treated to music, refreshments _ and â€" draw prizes. Aside from _ writing, Hobson also speaks at garâ€" dening and horticultural societies offering tips and tales from his own experiâ€" ences. He‘s also featured on CKWR radio Tuesday afterâ€" noons. Both books are available at Words Worth Books in Waterloo, Kâ€"W Books in Kitchener and onâ€"line at Hobson‘s Garden Humâ€" our Web Site at home.goldâ€" en.net/~dhobson. Hobson admits to liking all aspects of gardening. "None of it‘s a chore. 1 even enjoy weeding," he added with a laugh. IRONMCLE RaY EOWE PHOTO During the event, a tree will be planted to comâ€" memorate and give recognition to the community for supporting the Hireâ€"aâ€"Student program. This summer, hundreds of Human Resource Centres of Canada for Students (HRCCâ€"S), including Kâ€"W Career Connections, will be participating in the National Hireâ€"aâ€"Student tree planting event July 27 This event will send a strong message to all Canadians regarding the importance of student employment and the promotion of student strengths and abilities. "This unprecedented event has everything." said Kathryn Verhulst, a Student Employment Officer and coâ€"ordinator of the event. "This tree will grow and forâ€" ever symbolize the importance of hiring students, as well as to honour those in the community who have supported student hiring." To start things off, local Student Employment Officers will march up King Street from Kitchener City Hall to Waterloo Park. _ At the ceremony there will be free food and guests can enjoy games, face painting and other activities. Spend July 30 at Doon Heritage Crossroads and take a fun look at how changing technology at the turn of the 20th century was affecting life in rural Waterloo County. KWCC will be planting a maple tree because it is one of Canada‘s most enduring symbols. _ The treeplanting exemplifies the spirit of Canadians supporting a common goal of increasing opportunities for youth. The tree planting ceremony, also featuring local dignitaries, will begin at 11:15 a.m. in Waterloo Park {enter off Albert Street near the lagoon parking lot). The common modes of transportation known today had all been invented by 1914: the horseâ€"drawn buggy, the steam locomotive and the automobile were all available. In rural Waterloo County the horse and buggy was still the most popular mode of transportation for most people, but the number of automobiles was on the rise in 1914 and the speed limit was 29 km/h! There was a need for better roads and many in the farming community complained that automobiles were too noisy and spooked their horses. Train staâ€" tions dotted the countryside as everyone and everyâ€" thing could now be shipped by rail. Join the villagers and farmers as they explore the world of Wagons, Trains and Automotbiles. It will be a guaranteed funâ€"filled day for the entire family at Doon Heritage Crossroads on Sunday, July 30 from 10 a.m.â€"4:30 p.m. for regular admission â€" The event will take place July 27 with events com mencing at 10 a.m. For more information, contact the centre at 744â€"8151. Student resource centre going out on a limb to promote employment Doon Heritage Crossroads to host ‘Wagons, Trains and Automobiles‘ 75 King Street South, Uptown Waterloo * 886â€"4190 hi‘ 0% v 'IO Ask for details WATERLOO NORTH Northfeld at the Parkway 111{ _ Â¥4B‘~ B _ 746â€"1666 FINANCING in Waterloo