SPRING 2018
LET’S GET GROWING Naturally, Proven Winners plants are pretty, but it’s the remarkable way they flourish from spring through fall that makes all the difference. So, when it’s time to dress up your front entrance to boost your home’s curb appeal or improve the view out your kitchen window, Proven Winners is at your service. We are honored that you’ve trusted us for over 20 years to enhance your garden with exquisite flowers and plants. Cheers to another amazing season!
Find Proven Winners at your local retailers. For a listing of retailers visit provenwinners.com
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12
CONTENTS
20
11
The Dirt On Dirt
12
Nature’s Nurture
14
Recipes
18
Gardening With The Kids
20
Queen of Vines
22
The Colour Purple - Garden Style
24
Look Good, Feel Great
27
Our Favourite Pollinator Plants
This publication may not be reproduced, all or in part, without written consent from the publisher and Glen Echo Nurseries Inc. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all content in the publication, however, the publisher will not be held accountable for omissions or errors. Note that products may vary between retailers and regions, and supplies may be limited. Pricing is subject to change and is not valid with any other offer. Home & Garden Showplace is a registered trademark for use by its members, of which the Garden Centre Group Co-Op is an alliance member. A selection of photos in this magazine provided by Proven WinnersÂŽ.
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Owners FROM THE
L
et’s take a look back, at where it all began. It was 1956 when, at the age of nineteen, Klaus Tiessen made a life changing decision to leave his native Germany to begin a new life in Canada. It was a generation and time in history when many other immigrants also came, primarily British, Italian and Germans. Canada was then considered and still is today “the land of opportunity”. Klaus arrived in Quebec City and from there took the train to Toronto where church volunteers generously offered him food and assistance with immigration, accommodations and finding jobs.
His early jobs included delivering telegrams, delivering Swiss Chalet chicken and in his spare time he began growing evergreens on a rented plot of land. Five years after his arrival and many hours of hard work, Klaus saw an opportunity to establish his livelihood here as a trained nurseryman. Klaus used his savings and with the assistance of an old employer they invested in a small parcel of land. They purchased this property from a farmer in the Brampton
area. In 1961 he opened the doors to Glen Echo Nurseries at it’s first location on the Goreway and Hwy. #7. The son of this farmer soon began working at the nursery and is still with Glen Echo to this day. Eventually, Klaus met his future wife Ulla, also a native German who was visiting family here. After a brief romance Ulla headed back home. Klaus knew that they were meant to be and sent a plane ticket to Ulla, urging her to return to him and Canada. They wed in 1962 and then later welcomed sons Derek in 1964 and Andrew in 1968. Klaus and Ulla operated this location from 1961 to 1968, and then moved to a new property just a few thousand feet away at Airport Road and Hwy. #7. From 1968 to 1989 Glen Echo Nurseries and Garden Centre offered trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials to a customer base of mostly first time home owners. During this time both sons became actively involved in the business. Derek attended Humber College for Horticulture Studies & Design and began a division of Glen Echo offering landscape design and construction.
“AFTER 57 YEARS
THE TRADITION CONTINUES”
A dream to expand the business necessitated a move in 1989 to a much larger property, the current location on Airport Road. Here was built a greenhouse style garden centre and gift shop, poly houses, calliper tree fields were planted, with expanded space for the landscape division and future growth. The family also continued to grow, Derek and his wife Monica welcomed two sons, Tyler and Nicholas. SPRING 2018 • 5
There are many reasons for Glen Echo’s success, but the company’s commitment to providing quality, friendly, knowledgeable service established Glen Echo’s reputation in the industry. We are so very fortunate to have an amazing group of associates on our team, many of whom have been with the company between 20 to 56 years. We owe our livelihood to their dedication, and it is through them that we can look forward to the future. Another key to Glen Echo’s longevity has been the relationships developed with our clientele and community. When you’ve been in the business this long and your clientele return year after year they are not just customers anymore, they become family. After 57 years the tradition continues, Klaus is still handson and is usually found walking the nursery grounds assisting customers. On occasion Ulla still enjoys helping out in the gift shop on traditionally busy weekends. Derek and his crews continue to design and install award winning landscape projects, while Andrew successfully runs his own landscape operation as well. Today we open our doors once again with a renewed energy and look forward to the arrival of Spring and another season of growing and gardening. As always, we are forever grateful and thank you for your continued support and patronage throughout the years. We look forward to seeing you soon,
The Tiessen Family
APRIL 21+22
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Excluding bagged & bulk goods, services such as landscaping and delivery.
SPRING 2018 • 7
Bugs Away Article by Tanya Olsen
W
ho would think that such a small insect could make such a big difference! Our native ladybug, Hippodamia convergens, is a colourful and ecofriendly way to eliminate aphids in your garden. Adult ladybugs can feed on up to 25 aphids per day, while their larvae (no different than a hungry teenager) can eat up to double that! To successfully release this desired garden resident, there are a few things to remember. Prior to any release, make sure your ladies are cool as a cucumber! Place ladybugs in the
Larvae (Young)
Adult
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crisper of your fridge overnight (it is possible to keep them dormant for up to two weeks in the fridge, with no food or water, with no ill effect). Once you are ready, make sure you lightly water or mist the plants to encourage the ladybugs to drink, as they will be thirsty. Lastly, take advantage of the fact that these red and black beauties are great climbers and prefer to be released at the base of the plant, below the pests they need to hunt and eat. The ideal time of day to release is at dusk or after sunset, as ladybugs do not fly at night.
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THE DIRT ON
DIRT By John DeGroot, DeGroot’s Nurseries, Sarnia, Ontario
W
hat can we add to soil to rejuvenate it? Let’s look at the most common soil amendments to get the scoop on healthy soil.
PEAT MOSS: Hands down, peat moss has always been every green thumber’s favourite soil amendment. Peat moss helps sandy soil hold moisture and loosens clay soil to improve drainage. Peat moss improves all important soil texture but does little to improve soil fertility. Use liberal amounts and mix thoroughly with your existing soil.
BONE MEAL: Use bone meal to build soil fertility. Bone meal contains lots of phosphorous for bigger bolder blooms and stronger roots. Bone meal improves all soils, and especially benefits roses, bulbs and blooming plants. Bone meal releases slowly and steadily, keeping your plants healthy over time.
BLOOD MEAL: High in nitrogen and fast acting, blood meal is a perfect complement to bone meal, which is why they are often mixed together in the same package. Use blood meal to give anemic plants an organic shot in the arm. Blood meal has the added benefit of repelling mice and other unwanted rodents.
MANURE: Like compost, manure improves the structure of soil while increasing its organic nutrient value. Mix manure up to 50/50 with your existing soil. And no, there is little difference between sheep, cow, horse and your neighbour’s manure. If you are a city slicker with a pickup truck you might be able to bum manure from a country farmer friend. If not, bagged manure is odour-free and more highly concentrated.
GREEN MANURE: Follow the advice of an old farmer and grow a green manure cover crop for a year. In the fall plough the crop into the soil and your garden will be grateful. Use alfalfa, sorghum, legumes, clover or any annual crop that will produce lots of vegetation. Green manure serves as a source of food and energy, stimulating valuable microbial activity in soil. Other benefits are a reduction of weeds in your garden patch and improvement in soil aeration.
GYPSUM:
To break up the heaviest clay soil, spread gypsum on the surface. Be generous and put down about 20 kilograms of gypsum for every 100 square metres of surface area. Repeat for three consecutive years. Gypsum contains calcium and sulfur, but will not boost general fertility.
LIME: My high school chemistry teacher taught that if soil is too acidic, plants are unable to use nutrients that probably already exist in the soil. The solution is to add lime in order to raise the pH and sweeten or neutralize the soil. Apply 10kg dolomitic lime per 100 square metres of surface area. The application of lime may also serve to reduce moss and mushroom formation. While lime is not a moss killer, it will neutralize highly acidic soil where moss often thrives.
“GARDENERS
COMPOST: Let’s define compost as anything organic that has sufficiently broken down to look like rich dark soil. Compost can include everything from egg shells to leaves, to grass clippings, to banana peels. Compost trumps most other soil amendments because it improves soil texture and is chock full of nutrients. Mix generous amounts of compost with your existing soil.
ALL
KNOW THE DIRT.” ...Tips and tricks to optimize your dirt.
MULCH: Good gardeners know that mulch is the ticket to healthy soil and strong plant growth. Mulch keeps weeds down, retains soil moisture, reduces temperature fluctuations and insulates soil to minimize winter injury. Like the forest floor, organic mulches break down over time, contributing to soil health. Top up once a year to refresh appearance and maintain a depth of 2 to 3 inches. SPRING 2018 • 11
Nature’s NURTURE! By Tanya Olsen Royal City Nursery, Guelph, Ontario
• Sunlight: Soaking up the sun provides an influx of vitamin D and the fresh air is good for your body and your soul! • Getting in touch with nature: While we may not have the time for a walk in the woods, gardening for even 20 minutes will help create the primal connection to nature lost with the pressures of daily life. • You create a space that is beautiful and restful. Our garden centre’s mission is to assist in the creation of your outdoor living space, to suit your lifestyle, as an extension of the indoor space.
W
ith an increasing awareness of the value of gardening as a means to reduce daily stress and anxiety, the therapeutic benefits of nature and cultivated horticulture have been sought after for generations. The Japanese have a medical practice called forest bathing or Shinrin-yoku (森林浴) which is literally a short leisurely trip to a forest. The theory is that “visiting a forest for relaxation and recreational purposes provides the opportunity to breathe in wood based essential oils like α-Pinene (a bronchodilator that increases air flow to the lungs) and limonene (antimicrobial volatile organic compounds) emitted from trees to protect them from rotting and insects.” http://www.hphpcentral.com/article/ forest-bathing In Canada, the profession and study of horticulture therapy is growing rapidly. Many hospitals, nursing homes and mental health facilities have established horticulture therapy programs as part of their mainstream practices. Study after study shows that if we take the therapeutic concepts that benefit patient, staff and visitor, and apply them on a smaller scale, we can bring the anti-stress benefits home.
• Reaping the rewards of the garden through wildlife and bird observation and a harvest of vegetables, fruits or cut flowers for your kitchen table.
When you start your healing garden experience, the active benefits include physical activity, cognitive stimulation and a sense of accomplishment. The more passive benefits include:
• The calming effects of being in the moment as you view your green space through the window. Simply put, we decrease our illness recovery time if we enjoy the view!
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In order to realize the benefits, we need to engage and connect with the landscape. Keep in mind that it is not so much gardening itself that is the key to stress reduction, so much as the way it is approached. Healing gardens can be gardens created for a single purpose or existing gardens renovated to include new ideas. Before you head to the garden centre to start creating a healing garden at your own home or office, here are a few recommendations:
1. Understand the available space you have. A healing garden does not need to be large. A collection of pots on the balcony can bring as much value as a fully landscaped backyard, if that is the space you have. Know how much sun or shade the space will receive so the plants can thrive properly.
2. Think about your overall maintenance requirements and be realistic about how much time and energy you will need. Your independent garden centre can help you plan for both available space and required efforts. Your landscape must suit your lifestyle. If the garden is at its best when you are not home, it is not functional. To reap the benefits of the experience you have to be in the space. When you come home after a long day, what better way to unwind than to sit on your patio and see the lights turn on one by one and reflect off the white edges of your favorite variegated plant, or watch the dusk blooming pond lilies and perennials come to life.
To make your garden effective:
1. Select plants that tickle all
Spring
five senses. How the garden sounds, Summer Photo courtesy of Proven Winners smells or feels - www.provenwinners.com. will transport you to another time. To harvest is to taste the garden. Winter When engaging your sense Fall of sight, don’t forget the views out your window during winter, as landscapes should be functional 365 days a year, both up close and from a distance.
2. Choose plants to signal the change of seasons and place them where you can see them from your window or as you enter the house. The blooms of a forsythia mean spring, the changing colours of a maple triggers memories of playing in
piles of leaves on a crisp fall day, while the dark green of a white spruce tree provides shelter in the winter. Sage, be it ornamental or edible, reminds everyone it is time to get into the summer BBQ season.
3. Bring the outdoors in with the use of a small greenhouse. If you don’t have room for a greenhouse structure, use a row cover on your vegetables to extend the season, or start seeds indoors with a mini greenhouse tray, available in the seed section of your independent garden centre.
Specific plants known to reduce stress… OUTDOORS Lavender – A fragrant Mediterranean perennial herb to reduce irritability and prompt relaxation. The essential oil can be consumed as tea or in a dried form. Chamomile – The dried flowers make a tasty tea, whose compounds assist in feeling calm. Lemon Balm – Used to reduce anxiety and help with sleep. It is also a magnet for pollinating insects. St John’s Wort – A small easy to grow shrub, hardy to Zone 5. Tablets can be found in health food stores to help treat depression and insomnia.
INDOORS Studies have reported many benefits to keeping plants indoors – not just for their psychological effects, but because many of our simple houseplants will help clean the air we breathe of chemicals and toxins. Use these sustainable solutions for improved air quality in both your home, your office or your dorm room or in a living wall! Spider Plant – One of the best for air exchange, as the daughter plants (plants produced by aerial roots) develop thick fleshy roots outside of the soil. These fleshy roots exchange gases and airborne nutrients quickly and easily. Peace Lily and English Ivy – Both have large volumes of leaves with porous openings on their undersides called stomata. These stomata release moisture into the air through transpiration, oozing humidity. Use these to help fight the dreaded winter cold and boost the overall humidity of a room by as much as 5%. Janet Craig Dracaena – With a high transpiration (gas exchange) rate, this plant will filter the local toxins and volatile organic compounds in the air. Whether you are just starting out with a raised vegetable garden, a pot overflowing with your grandmother’s favourite flowers or you are creating your first dynamic garden at your home, it is important to recognize that it is YOUR space. Go on, get your hands dirty! The benefits of your healing garden and your staycation are only a few short steps away! Happy planting! SPRING 2018 • 13
PERFECT FOR THE WEEKEND, EASY ENOUGH FOR A WEEKDAY.
Beer and Honey BBQ Chicken Skewers Prep Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 15 mins Total Time: 20 mins
INSTRUCTIONS 1. Cut chicken in small pieces, about 1 ½ inch cubes. 2. In a medium bowl whisk all the ingredients together. Add chicken. There should be enough marinade to cover the chicken. Cover with plastic wrap and place in fridge. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours to 24 hours.
Incredibly delicious Beer and Honey BBQ Chicken Skewers – Perfect for a weekend or even a busy week night. Just prepare the night before, let marinate overnight and grill when ready.
3. Fire up grill.
Servings: 6 Calories: 197 kcal per serving
5. Place chicken on grill and turn every couple minutes or so, at the same time brushing some of the leftover marinade over the chicken. Grill until chicken is cooked through.
INGREDIENTS 3 cloves minced garlic ¾ cup beer 1/3 cup honey 1 tsp red pepper flakes 1 tsp Dijon mustard ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce 1 tbsp olive oil 4 chicken breasts cut into small cubes cilantro for garnish 14
4. Thread chicken on skewers, about 5 pieces per skewer. Do not throw away leftover marinade.
6. Garnish with cilantro and serve. RECIPE NOTES Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.
Healthy Kale Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette Prep Time: 10 mins This Kale Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette is fresh and delicious, loaded with good for you ingredients like kale, blueberries and apples then drizzled with a yummy blueberry vinaigrette! Servings: 6 Calories: 278 kcal
INGREDIENTS 8 cups curly kale leaves stems removed and finely chopped 1 tbsp fresh lime juice 1 tbsp olive oil salt and pepper to taste 1 apple, cored and sliced 1 cup fresh blueberries 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced ½ cup crumbled feta cheese 2 tbsp sunflower seeds FOR BLUEBERRY VINAIGRETTE ½ cup fresh blueberries 3 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp honey 1 tsp balsamic vinegar 2 tbsp water salt and pepper to taste INSTRUCTIONS 1. In a large bowl add the kale, lime juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Toss really well making sure that all the kale is covered in oil and lime juice. 2. Add the chopped apples, blueberries, avocado, feta cheese and sunflower seeds. 3. In a blender add all the vinaigrette ingredients and blend until smooth. 4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and serve. JO COOKS, JOANNA CISMARU Jo knows her readers so well they might as well be neighbours. She has a sixth sense for what they want to make on any given day, from warming comfort foods like chicken noodle soup to morning indulgences like iced cinnamon rolls. She also knows what’s in their cupboards (never calling for something that’s hard to find) and how much time they’ve got to cook. Add to that her spunky attitude, her endearing writing style and her love of food, and it’s clear why she’s so loved. www.jocooks.com
Available at select Garden Centres.
GREAT FOR SUMM ENTERTAINER ING!
1/2 package of mix Cup of mayo / cup of sour cream Great for veggies, potatoe chips, pretzals or bread sticks
Baked Parmesan Artichoke Dip ½ cup (4oz) cream cheese ½ cup (4oz) real mayonnaise 3 tbsp Dip Mix ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 can (13.75 oz) artichoke hearts (drained and chopped) 2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Squeeze out excess liquid from artichokes. In a small bowl, combine dip blend, mayonnaise, cream cheese & grated Parmesan. Stir in artichoke hearts. Transfer to a heat-proof dish. Top with Parmesan cheese if desired. Bake in a 180° C (350°F) oven until hot, about 15 to 20 minutes. Serve with crusty sourdough French bread, breadsticks, pita chips or crackers.
SPRING 2018 • 15
CROCS
GARDENING WITH THE
Kids
HOW TO SHARE
YOUR LOVE FOR NATURE By Bernie Whetter The Green Spot Home & Garden, Brandon, Manitoba
G
ardening is one of the most rewarding experiences we can share with our children. It is a chance to spend time together learning about the natural world, enjoying the outdoors, growing and harvesting food, and appreciating being in the moment. There is no greater way to pass on a respect for nature and a love for living things than teaching our children about gardening. Here are some ideas to help get your kids involved. During the winter months, do some research with your children to choose plants for the garden and help them learn the benefits of each, to allow them to think about questions such as: why are carrots good for your eyes? Do sunflowers make good wild bird food? How do marigolds keep pests away? What makes a zinnia attract a monarch butterfly? How can beans make nitrogen available to the soil? Does catnip really attract cats and repel aphids? If we plant basil beside a tomato, will the tomato taste better?
Once you have put together a list of candidates, have your child make the final selection and let the excitement for spring begin. Seeds are available at your local garden centre early in the new year, and frequent visits keep the kids interested in growing plants. It’s also a good time to collect child friendly garden tools with short handles and ergonomic grips. Tools that are brightly colored will add an element of fun.
"Grandpa, will you come to the garden with me?"
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It is important that the garden is a fun place to be, so create activities around the work. Kids love to play, they love to make things, and they are all about motion so make an “activity centre” right in the garden. Build a play structure or shelter to provide protection from the sun, rain, and wind, and that can house a small table, a couple of chairs and a small storage container
for paper, crayons, paints etc. Drafting a garden map is a good starter project making areas for vegetables, flowers, butterfly gardens and the activity centre. Incorporating an entrance gate and walking paths will make the space more interesting. Garden projects relating to nature will allow for learning opportunities. Pressed leaves and flowers provide a great lesson in botany and can be used to make cards. Have a picnic or a tea party and enjoy fresh produce from the garden for snacks. Draw and colour pictures of things you see in the garden like flowers, bugs, and birds. Children can make signs for each variety of plant in the garden on waterproof paper stapled to a short stake. With some soil, pots, and bedding plants, make a hanging basket or a planter that can be displayed in the garden or used on the patio. Ant farm kits can be purchased and once populated will capture the attention of children as the ants busily go about their daily chores in full view. Other additions to the garden will complement the experience. If a building is nearby, set up a rain barrel under a downspout. Not only will the kids have a source of water for the garden, but they will also learn about
conserving natural resources. Start a compost pile in the back corner. A rain gauge and a windsock or a wind spinner will make the kids aware of the earth’s elements. A bird house, lady bug house, and a mason bee house will provide living quarters to beneficial friends in the garden and provide interesting viewing. Add a bench for relaxation after the day’s hard work and a garden gnome for good luck. The biggest challenge is to create incentive to maintain the garden. Weeding can feel like a chore, even for adults, but if done frequently for short time periods, added to the compost pile and rewarded with a game or snack, it can become fun. By giving your child their own watering can, you can help them take ownership over keeping the plants well hydrated. On a hot day, get the hose and sprinkler out and combine watering the garden with water play. Even though harvest is some of the hardest work, digging potatoes and carrots, the fruits of their labour, just might be enough gratification to retain their interest. One of the most rewarding activities I had with my children was planting a tree. About the same time as my oldest began school, we planted a small tree. Every year, on the first day of school, we took a picture of her and later on, her brother. These became treasures as we watched both the children and the tree grow and flourish. Above all, let the children make the decisions (or at least feel like they are making the decisions). Keep it fun and always be willing to respond with a resounding YES! when asked “Grandpa, will you come to the garden with me?”
SPRING 2018 • 19
Queen of Vines By Brian Minter, Minter Country Garden, Chilliwack, British Columbia
C
lematis truly are the ‘queen of vines’ in terms of hardiness, resilience and massive colour over a significant part of the spring, summer and into the fall. Many new varieties debut every year, each bringing something unique to the vine table. One clematis family, however, is often overlooked, according to Rob Wein of Clearview Horticultural Products, one of the largest clematis growers in our country.
“When folks go into garden stores, the tendency is to buy the newest varieties and those in bloom,” says Wein. “There are so many beautiful early-bloomers out there, they are hard to resist. The ones not in bloom, however, tend to be passed over, and it’s a huge miss for our summer gardens.”
"The 'C group' is for charming. Beautiful Clematis to be enjoyed all summer every summer!"
According to Wein, what’s being overlooked are the summer-bloomers, otherwise know as ‘group C’ clematis. Their blossoms are not as large as some of the early-blooming stalwarts, but they produce in great profusion and over a long period of time (8-12 weeks) during the summer when you will enjoy them the most. Among the hardiest (zone 3) of the clematis family, they are also some of the most disease and pest resistant.
Wein says ‘group C’ varieties will grow almost anywhere in our country if they get some sunlight. In areas that have very hot summers, it may be best to plant them in a morning sun location with some protection or shade from the day’s most intense heat. Wein recommends planting a smaller shrub in front of the clematis to shade its roots in extreme heat situations. Some of Wein’s favourite group C varieties are: • “Jackmanii” and “Jackmanii Superba” are among the most well-known in this group, often blooming from June through September with 4 to 6-inch (10-15cm) flowers. • “Ville de Lyon”, a striking red with a silver sheen, is another great one. Again, with 4 to 6-inch blooms (10-15cm).
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Jackmanii
Ville de Lyon
Huldine
Honora
Comtesse de Bouchard
• For a white, “Huldine” is one of the best performers. Its massive display of 3 to 4-inch (8-10cm) blooms is outstanding.
• “Polish Spirit” is a very strong flowering Polish introduction with small 3 to 4-inch (8-10 cm) deep purple flowers produced June through September.
• “Honora” has attractive velvety red-violet purple blooms and is a great performer.
• “Venosa Violacea” has streaked purple veins on a white background with six petaled 4 to 6-inch (10-15cm) flowers.
• “Comtesse de Bouchard” is one of the better pinks, producing lots of 4 to 6-inch (10-15 cm) blooms. • “Perle d’Azur”, a distinctive purple, also features 4 to 6-inch (10-15cm) blooms that fade to an attractive blue. • “Pink Fantasy”, one of the few bi-colours in this category, sports shell-pink blooms with rosy pink bars. • “Madame Julia Correvon” has 3 to 4-inch (8-10cm) deep wine-red flowers with twisted sepals. • “Rouge Cardinal” is a rich burgundy-crimson with attractive brown stamens that blooms from June till September with 4 to 6-inch (10-15cm) blossoms.
When planting clematis, make sure you prepare a planting hole about 18 inches deep. Then carefully set in the root ball and bury the stems about four inches below the top of the soil. Clematis are ‘stem rooting’ and if the top is broken, this will ensure a fast recovery from the root system. Be careful not to bend the stems when setting in the clematis roots. Water the clematis well to help get it established, but once growing, be sure not to overwater. Another nice thing about summer-blooming clematis is the ease of pruning. When they are beginning to decline at the end of summer, they can simply be pruned down to about 12 inches. Over time, as the stems become thicker, prune them back in stages, down to around 3 feet one year and down to 12 to 18 inches the next – this will lessen the shock to older plants. Any time the leaves look unsightly or get burnt in the sun, a simple haircut will clean them up, and they will soon grow back fresh leaves and blooms. Today, the emphasis is all about the new clematis varieties while the proven success stories are often passed over. So, when adding these wonderful vines to your garden, please consider these amazing summer-bloomers.
SPRING 2018 • 21
The Colour Purple GARDEN STYLE By Carla Hrycyna, St Marys Nursery and Garden Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba
T
he colour purple. Some may think of the movie or a familiar song, but it is so much more than that! Purple is a secondary colour that ranges from the warm tones of red-violet magentas to the cooler side of violet blues and lavenders, and harmonizes well with yellow. The 2018 inspired Pantone “Ultra Violet” colour was described as a “dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade that takes our awareness and potential to a higher level.” Historical accounts show that for the Phoenicians the colour was valuable and rare due to the painstakingly difficult process of extracting the dye from sea snails. This shade was worn mostly by royalty and often associated with magic and religion. In Eastern cultures, and in Feng Shui, purple is associated with nobility, dignity and 22
abundance. The colour purple is viewed as peaceful, soothing and having spiritual qualities while also having a correlated reference to creativity and independence. Most recently, purple has taken on associations with contentment and passion and has come to symbolize success. In flowers, fruit and vegetables the pigment anthocyanin creates purples, reds and blues. The deep tones of these purple pigments protect the plant against harm from the sun while also acting as an attraction to pollinating insects. Purple fruits and vegetables also posssess medicinal qualities. Studies have shown that antioxidants produced by purple edibles can be effective in preventing diseases. Purple power foods can: • Reduce the risk of high blood pressure and lower cholesterol • Help prevent obesity and diabetes • Assist in lowering the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurological diseases • Reduce inflammation and therefore chronic disease • Aid cognitive functions • Have properties which help prevent urinary tract infections, fight ulcers, and reduce liver damage and diseases which affect cell development
In a garden design, plants with intense dark purple foliage and blooms add a vibrant colour element. These standout plants punctuate the landscape, providing depth and contrast. They can bring focus to a design as either an opposing tone or as a strong complement to yellows and greens.
BLOOMERANG LILACS – This fragrant lilac blooms in spring, and again mid-summer. Its small form will fit nicely into most gardens. Can be used to obtain cut flowers.
Whether choosing annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, fruits or vegetables, opt for purple to celebrate health and happiness for 2018.
SUPERTUNIA BORDEAUX PETUNIA – A vigorous petunia with a slightly mounded habit that functions as both filler and spiller in containers. The medium to large sized flowers are excellent landscape plants.
Top Pick Purples PERENNIALS
FOREVER PURPLE HEUCHERA – A coral bell variety with dramatically fluted, glossy deep purple leaves dressed with short purple-pink flowers. This perennial performs well in part shade to full shade. HIDCOTE AND MUNSTEAD LAVENDER – Lavender is coveted for its oils and beautiful fragrance, which are used as stress relievers. It is a tough plant, and drought-resistant once established. Plant in a sunny location, in an area protected from harsh winter winds.
ANNUALS
FRAGRANT BLUE HELIOTROPE – Fragrant, long lasting flowers will attract butterflies and hummingbirds. An easy care annual that is great for containers or in the garden. PERSIAN SHIELD – This easy to care for plant is heat tolerant and boasts beautiful iridescent leaves of purple, green and silver. HONOURABLE MENTIONS – Morning Glory, Viola, Annual Sage, Salvia, Alyssum, Sweet Pea.
EGGPLANT
ALLIUM
LILACS
HELIOTROPE
MILLENIUM ORNAMENTAL ALLIUM – This “Perennial of the Year” has bright, purple rounded flower clusters above a clump of glossy, green leaves. It is fragrant, late blooming and drought tolerant. HONOURABLE MENTIONS: Clematis, Bellflower, Dwarf Iris, Salvia, Verbena, Phlox, Veronica and Sage.
VEGGIES AND FRUIT FAIRY TALE EGGPLANT – A plant that produces mini 4” eggplants that are super tasty. Perfect for small gardens and patio pots. PURPLE BEAUTY PEPPER – The pepper this plant produces has a blocky full body with thick walls and a mild, sweet flavor. PURPLE RUFFLES BASIL – This plant has large and ruffled leaves, with a strong fragrance and flavour. It adds fantastic colour and flavour to herb vinegars. HONOURABLE MENTIONS: Blackberries, Blueberries, Purple Asparagus, Purple Cabbage, Purple Carrots, Purple Potatoes and Currants.
TREES AND SHRUBS ROYAL PURPLE SMOKEBUSH (COTINUS) – Its dramatic oval, deep purple leaves form masses with clouds of pink blooms. This compact, drought tolerant variety is a fantastic accent plant. Resists deer and rabbits. SPILLED WINE WEIGELA – A beautiful three foot purple foliage plant that produces bright pink blooms for the sunny garden. Easy to care for, grows wider than tall. Proven Winners Landscape plant of the year. Resists deer.
Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com.
Attracts Hummingbirds
Attracts Bees
Attracts Butterflies SPRING 2018 • 23
Look Good, FEEL GREAT By Donna Moss, Meadow Acres Garden Centre, Petersburg, ON
S
pring 2018 is all about comfort, femininity and natural fibres with an upscale flair that won’t stress your wallet.
Your must have this summer is a pair of embroidered denim jeans. Featured here is a pair of distressed butterfly jeans topped with a beautiful feminine silk blend top with a flared sleeve and tie detail. Combine bold floral cotton blend shirts for a punch of colour with your basic jeans to make a statement and show off your personal style. Bamboo, linen, silk and cotton blends are staples that should be in every woman’s closet. Cotton and linen have always been favourite summer fabrics with our customers and are now making a strong showing in fashion boutiques. Look for pieces that will continue to grace your closet for several years. Mixing and matching with new pieces of jewellery will freshen up your look and will keep everyone wondering, “Is that a new outfit?”
Bamboo, linen, silk and cotton blends are staples that should be in every woman’s closet.
If you haven’t tried bamboo, you must! Bamboo keeps you cool and dry on the warmest of days and will carry you into the evening with comfort. A wide range of bamboo fashion will become staples in your closet. From tanks to bras, underwear, leggings and tops you will be singing bamboo’s praises to all of your girlfriends. A girl can never have enough shoes, sandals or boots. Whether it is a sandal, flats or bootie, footwear is as important as the clothes above the ankles. Your choice of footwear can make or break an overall look. Take your time and choose wisely. However if you like more than one look, why not purchase them all! The same is true for your handbags. Choose the one that says “Yes this is ME”.
Courtesy of Orange Fashion Village
Style should reflect your personality and taste. Check your image in the mirror before leaving your home. There is nothing worse than a dropped hem, a stain or a frayed seam. Step out of your home and wear those clothes with confidence and grace and you will receive compliments that will make you smile and confirm your choices. Remember when you look good, you feel good and when you feel good, you look GREAT!!
24
Courtesy of Papa Fashions
M
Natural Mosquito Repellents
By Lynn Baarschers
osquitoes are great food for bats and birds, but a nuisance to people. Why not try planting some of these plants and allow their natural fragrances to help repel mosquitoes while you are enjoying your outdoor space. Although not proven scientifically, crushing the leaves and rubbing them onto your skin might help in repelling those pesky insects.
Rosemary
TENDER PERENNIAL Plant in pots. It can be used in cooking as an herb as well.
Mint
Lavender
PERENNIAL Plant in pots as it can be invasive. Mint can also be used to flavour beverages.
PERENNIAL Plant in pots or the landscape. Mosquitoes dislike the lavender scent.
Lemon Grass
ANNUAL Plant in pots or the landscape. It can also be used in cooking.
Citronella
ANNUAL Plant in pots. A member of the geranium family.
Available at
Basil
ANNUAL Plant in pots. Herb that has a pleasant aroma, and is easy to grow.
SPRING 2018 • 25
Welcoming
Pollinators to your garden
Article by Linda Van Hage
The Role of Pollinators
Bees
Pollination is critical to the survival of many plants. While some plants are fertilized by the wind, most rely on animals and insects to move the pollen from the male anther to the female stigma. Without bees, hummingbirds, beetles, bats, butterflies or flies to help carry the pollen around while they are looking for nectar as a food source, we would be without many crops, including blueberries, apples, squash and many other fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, due to habitat loss, disease, and inappropriate use of pesticides many pollinator numbers are in decline. By introducing plants into your garden that will support pollinators, you are not only helping pollinators survive, but are also supporting our food production.
Honey bees are usually the first pollinator that come to most people’s minds when thinking of pollination. They are the workhorse of agricultural pollination in Canada with the first bees imported to Canada over 400 years ago. In addition to the honey bee, the mason bee (Osmia spp) has grown in popularity in Ontario. Emerging earlier in the spring than honey bees, they are fast fliers and have high bloom visitation rates. Mason bees are especially attracted to pear, apple, and cherry trees, but some of their other nectar sources include quince and blueberries. Their high activity even in poor or cool weather conditions make them a great pollinators for early blooming crops, especially in Ontario.
Butterflies Butterflies not only assist in pollination, but also provide beauty to the garden. You will want to select plants that attract the adult, like lupines (Lupinus spp.) or lilacs (Syringa spp.), as well as plants that attract the larvae, such as native grasses or western bleeding heart (Dicentra formosa). The David Suzuki Foundation has brought a lot of attention to the monarch butterfly and its lack of food sources. To help provide food sources, you can plant Asclepias, also known as a butterfly weed. It is a great food source, and is also the only plant the monarch will lay its eggs on.
Hummingbirds The hummingbird is the primary bird that provides pollination in North America. Unlike bees, hummingbirds are able to see the colour red and are attracted to tubular shaped flowers which allow them to use their long beaks and curled tongues to collect nectar. Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ is a great summer-blooming pick to attract hummingbirds because of its bright red tubular flowers. Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) is a great drought-resistant pick that also attracts hummingbirds. Don’t forget that many annuals, such as fuchsias, are another way to get hummingbirds into your garden. You can also supplement your plant picks by providing hummingbird feeders. You will want to make sure you choose a feeder that is easy to clean, as any build up of mold or bacteria can be extremely toxic to hummingbirds. Select an area that is open, sunny, and protected from any predators, such as cats.
Attracting Pollinators to Your Garden To successfully attract pollinators to your garden, you will need to provide food, water, shelter and a safe place to nest. You can provide food sources with your plant selections, or in the case of hummingbirds, with a clean feeder. A water source is sometimes overlooked but very important. Take a saucer or dish, place some rocks in it and fill with water. Be sure to leave some of the tops of the rocks dry so that pollinators have a place to land. Leave some deadwood in the garden as it provides great nesting areas, and try to leave your garden clean up until the spring so that overwintering perennials and grasses can provide shelter. With a bit of planning and effort, you are sure to successfully attract many pollinators to your garden that are not only a pleasure to watch and enjoy, but also help support our food production.
26 • GLEN ECHO NURSERIES - 905-584-9973 - WWW.GLENECHO.COM
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) Article by Valerie Wylie
2-4' (60 - 120 cm) tall, best in full sun. Showy daisy-like flowers in shades of rosy pink to reddish purple. This summer long blooming selection attracts butterflies, bees, hummingbirds and many songbirds which feed on the seed heads in both fall and winter.
Sage (Salvia)
OUR FAVOURITE
Pollinator PLANTS
Most of these are extremely drought tolerant once established and prefer well drained soil.
Anise Hyssop (Agastache)
20-30" (60-75 cm) tall, best in full sun or partial shade. This long-blooming selection features wands of dusky violet blue, attracting both butterflies and bees.
Bee Balm (Monarda)
2-3' (60-90 cm) tall, best in full sun or partial shade. Long blooming selections ranging in shades of pink, purple or vivid red. Hummingbirds, butterflies and bees are all drawn to these plants.
1 1/2 - 3' (45-90 cm) tall, best in full sun or partial shade. The showy tubular violet blue flowers are long blooming and will re-bloom later in the season with shearing. It attracts butterflies, bees and hummingbirds.
Stonecrop (Sedum)
4" - 2' (10-60 cm) tall, best in full sun. There are a large range of varieties from ground covers to taller fall blooming selections ranging in colors of white, yellow, rosy pink and coral red. Attracts butterflies and bees. For help with selecting these or other pollinator plants, please come in to talk to our Garden Centre professionals.
We will be hosting a seminar on Pollinator Plants with Tony Post from Heritage Perennials, Saturday April 21st, 9:00 am. Please email gardencentre@glenecho.com or call 905-584-9973 to reserve your space. Cost $20.00
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida)
2-3' (60-90 cm) tall, best in full sun or partial shade. This yellow long blooming summer flowering variety attracts both butterflies and bees.
Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)
2-3' (60-90 cm) tall, best in full sun with showy violet purple spikes of long blooming flowers. This selection attracts both hummingbirds and butterflies.
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
1-2' (30-60 cm) tall, best in full sun. Showy orange summer blooming variety of milkweed that is a must have for attracting butterflies. Bees and hummingbirds are also drawn to it.
Catmint (Nepeta)
1-2' (30-60 cm) tall, best in full sun. Extremely long blooming violet to lavender blue flowers that are bee and butterfly magnets. Shearing will promote re-blooming later in the season.
Ornamental Onion (Allium giganteum) 3-5' (90-150 cm) tall, performs best in full sun. This is one of the tallest of the alliums, considered to be one of the most striking with huge purple flowering globes. Both butterflies and bees love all alliums.
SPRING 2018 • 27
Chillin’ out
with cold-crop veggies and herbs
Y
our trowel is shiny-clean, your shovel and rake stand like sentries next to that patch of rich, beautiful topsoil. As those seed packets call your name, you ask yourself how warm is warm enough to be able to pop some of those beauties into the ground and watch them grow. With some strategic cold-crop vegetable planting, maybe “early” isn’t too early to scratch that gardening itch after all. Despite the unpredictable frosts of Southwestern Ontario, some vegetables and herbs survive and even thrive in cooler weather.
Many garden crops – peas and lettuce, are just two examples – actually produce better if planted while the air is still a bit nippy, in late April or early May. Some will even mature early enough that you’ll be able to double-crop them with a warmth-loving plant later in the season. The trick? Learn which herbs and vegetables love summer’s heat and which like it chill.
early-May skies. Help them along the path to germination, if you like, by warming the soil with a black plastic cover before you plant. A bit later in the season, but not much later, you can plant seedlings you’ve started indoors or purchased from our garden centre. Make sure you “harden” them off before you plant them – that is, prepare them for the colder soil temps by transitioning them to a garage or sheltered outdoor area for a few days. One final tip: regardless of what vegetables you’re planting and when, it never hurts to keep a garden diary – photos help, too! -- that will help jog your memory of what worked and what may need tweaking next year. Be cool, and enjoy!
Below, you’ll find a sampling of some cool-weather crops you might want to try. You’ll see that some can be planted as soon as the soil is workable, while others want a bit more patience until after the risk of frost has passed. Cold-lovers include lettuce, onion (bulbs and bunches), seed potatoes and spinach -- all of which can germinate under conditions that would have you wearing a sweater. Watch them stretch towards the late-spring sun as they grow. Needing only slightly warmer conditions to germinate are peas, radishes, and beets. You’ll want to seed them straight into the ground rather than transplant them. Leafy vegetables – kale, Swiss chard, endive, and arugula – also tend to do just fine under 28 • GLEN ECHO NURSERIES - 905-584-9973 - WWW.GLENECHO.COM
Vegetables & Herbs
CAN WITHSTAND LIGHT FROST:
CAN WITHSTAND HARD FROST:
Artichokes Arugula Beets Bok choy Bunching onions / scallions Carrots Cauliflower Celery
Broccoli Brussels sprouts Cabbage Kale Kohlrabi
Chinese cabbage Endive Lettuce
(tolerance varies with variety)
Onions Parsnips Peas Radicchio Swiss chard
Leeks Parsley Radishes Spinach Turnips
BEST AFTER RISK OF FROST
Basil Beans Cilantro Corn Cucumber Eggplant Gourds Melons Okra
Peppers Pumpkin Quinoa Squash Sweet potatoes Tomato Watermelon
SPRING 2018 • 29
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GARDENA®
GARDENA®
• Precision, non-stick coated blades, soft component for a better grip • 25 year warranty
• Ideal for vines, roses and small branches • Stainless steel lower blade • 25 year warranty
GARDENA®
GARDENA®
• High performance versatile saw • Harden chrome plated saw blade, made of quality spring steel, impulse-hardened toothing for staying sharp! • Non slip ergonomic handle • Great for a lifetime of yard work • 25 year warranty
• 6.7” teflon coated blade • Gel padding in handles absorbs shock from cutting action, reducing stress on forearms. • 25 year warranty
COLOURWAVE®
COLOURWAVE®
Classic Bypass Lopper
Garden Saw
Hedge Trimmers
9 Pattern Nozzle • • • •
Bypass Pruner
Thumb control nozzle 9 position spray head Heavy duty hose nozzle Easy to use thumb control for flow and shut off
8 Pattern Telescopic Wand • Thumb control wand • Expandable to 60” • Reach to the back of the flower garden with 8 pattern nozzle head • Easy to use thumb control for flow and shut off
COLOURWAVE®
RAINWAVE®
• 6 pattern rotary sprinkler • Adjustable multi pattern gear drive sprinkler • Full or partial circular coverage up to 70’ diameter • 3,800 sq ft coverage
• 5/8” x 50’ long Superior all weather hose • Stays flexible in low temperature • No memory hose will lay flat and coil easily • Aircraft grade aluminum fittings • Drinking water safe
Rotary Sprinkler
Prem-A-Flex Hose
AVAILABLE AT
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Fire Light® Hydrangea: DRAMATIC COLOR, HARDY, STRONG STEMS, LONG BLOOMING AND LOW MAINTENANCE
2018
Before they reach your garden, our flowering shrubs undergo years of trials and testing for color, quantity of blooms, cold tolerance, foliage and ability to thrive with ease. Only a few prove they’re worthy of the #1 plant brand.
provenwinners-shrubs.com