SPRING 2017
MAPLE LEAF GARDEN CENTRES
604-985-1784 1343 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver
604-922-2613 2558 Haywood Avenue, West Vancouver
THE NEW BUZZZZWORD FOR YOUR BACKYARD
IPM OR INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT
A
re insects wreaking havoc in your gardens and yard? Are grubs destroying your lawn?
The solution could be designing your own IPM program and it’s much easier than it sounds... IPM, or Integrated Pest Management, has been a term used in commercial settings for quite some time. Now it is time to bring it into the backyard. IPM refers to taking a natural, multilayered approach to pest problems. Prevention, natural pest control and companion planting are the hallmarks of a good IPM programme.
For instance, if you are having problems with aphids, introduce their natural enemies: lady bugs. Another way to keep a variety of garden pests at bay is to plant marigolds around your garden as they have natural bug deterrents in their scent. Nematodes are microscopic worms that are safe for humans but are effective in controlling a variety of garden and lawn pests. So, if you were to plant marigolds around your gardens, introduce ladybugs and spray nematodes on your yard, you are starting to build a multilevel attack that builds on each other to
create an environment unconducive to pest populations. If your lawn was being attacked by white grubs, apply nematodes, put out a Japanese beetle trap, and encourage birds, that eat beetles, to live in your area; this is an IPM approach to the problem. Garden warriors such as praying mantis, ladybugs, and nematodes are natural enemies of pest insects and an easy way to introduce natural controls into your yard. Speak to your garden centre professional to see which benefi cial insect would be best suited to your situation.
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$14.99
$12.99 Available at
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CONTENTS 9
MYCORRHIZA: The Exciting New Organic Option for Soil Health
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Mason Bees
11
Celebrate Canada’s 150th with Bountiful Blooms
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Sweet Summer Vibes
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Fragrant Delight... Rediscovering the Joy of Lilacs
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Fashion Headlines
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Small Bites Pack a Big Punch
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Tropical Oasis
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Snip It, Clip It & Trim It - Pruning Landscape Plants
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Lawn Alternatives by Kimberlee Tyler and Nadine Poole
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It’s Easy Being Green
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This publication may not be reproduced, all or in part, without written consent from the publisher and Maple Leaf Garden Centre. 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 Winners®. 4 • MAPLE LEAF GARDEN CENTRE - 604-985-1784 & 604-922-2613 - MAPLELEAFGARDENCENTRE.CA
Owners FROM THE
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017 promises to be an exciting year for all of us at Maple Leaf Garden Centre. In this 3rd edition of our Home and Garden, Spring Magazine we focus on local trends in our community. From homeowners downsizing to patios and containers to getting your kids involved in the garden. We also have some tips on how to encourage hummingbirds to visit your garden or balcony this season. Another big event that will be taking place across our Nation is Canada’s 150th
birthday and we have a lot to celebrate. We have a few “Red and White” planting ideas that will be sure to inspire your big celebration party. This year, we are pleased to have many staff members returning and are excited to welcome a few new faces to our group as well! All of our employees are dedicated, knowledgeable and are here to help you with all your shopping needs. The owners and staff at Maple Leaf Garden Centre would like to thank you again for supporting our small, family owned and operated, independent garden centre throughout the years. Let’s get digging!
Steve, Rob and Ed Duynstee, Owners
Soil is the Key by Nadine Poole
Good Soil: • Good soil is composed of equal parts of sand, silt and clay with a high content of added organic matter, such as peat moss, manure or compost. • Good soil contains beneficial organisms (bacteria, fungi, molds and earthworms, etc…) that are constantly breaking down the organic matter in the soil. This keeps the earth loose and crumbly so that air, water, and plant roots can move freely. • Good soil allows water and nutrients to be ‘unlocked’ from the soil and taken in by the plant’s roots, resulting in healthy plant growth as well as pest and disease resistance. Poor Soil: • Poor soils have high percentages of sand or clay and either drain too quickly (sandy soil) or are too compacted (clay soil). This can prevent plants from receiving the right amounts of water and nutrients for proper growth. • Poor soil conditions results in poor plant health, and makes plants susceptible to disease.
How can I tell if my soil is poor? If your soil feels ‘gritty’ when rubbed between thumb and forefinger, it has a high percentage of sand. If a handful of soil sticks together in a clump when squeezed, it has a high percentage of clay. Improving poor soil If your soil has a high percentage of sand or clay, dig in an 8 to 10cm (3-4inch) layer of organic soil amendment such as Keefer’s West Coast Soil Energizer, Mushroom Manure, Sea Soil or your own homemade compost. Take Note: Because all organic materials are continuously being decomposed by soil organisms even the best of soils will benefit from periodic applications of organic amendments. Dig in up to 5cm (2inches) of organic matter every year or two. So you see, it’s all related... Good Soil = Release Of Water & Nutrients = Healthy Plant Growth = Pest & Disease Resistance SPRING 2017 • 5
Attracting
Hummingbirds to the
by Michelle Mansouri
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Garden
here are few things that bring as much joy as being in the company of hummingbirds in your own back yard. These little birds may be tiny, but they have super powers! They can fly forward, backward, side to side, and they can even hover in one spot. According to the aboriginal people of the Pacific North West (and The Coast Salish Nations), hummingbirds teach us how to appreciate and love life and are messengers from the spirit world. Their ability to fly in all directions teaches us to look back to our pasts, but not to dwell, and instead constantly move forward from where we’ve been. Perhaps that is why their presence brings such a peaceful feeling. Hummingbirds eat bugs such as winged aphids and gnats for protein and nectar from flowers for energy. They are also excellent pollinators too. They must consume twice their own body weight on a daily basis in order to sustain their high energy lifestyle. With a wing flap rate of 50-200 flaps per second and a heart rate of 1,200 beats per minute these little birds are arguably the hardest workers in the garden. There are over 300 different species of hummingbirds between Alaska and Chile. However, the two main species we see here in British Columbia are the Rufous and Anna’s. Anna’s can be identified by their emerald green bodies that are highlighted with a ruby throat, whereas Rufous have more of an orangebrown body with a small splash of red on their throats depending on the gender. Rufous hummingbirds will migrate in the winter months; Anna’s stick around and brave the cold with the rest of us. Here are some suggestions on how to attract hummingbirds to your garden so that you may also benefit from the great partnership between hummingbirds and gardeners. First of all, you will want to plan a continuous bloom schedule for your garden so that hummingbirds have flowers to feed on no matter what the season is. Hummingbirds prefer flowers that have a tubular shape as these flowers best fit their long, narrow beaks and far reaching tongues with which they collect nectar. Some good spring/summer flowering plants for hummingbirds are:
Annuals Cleome, Cuphea, Fuchsia, Geranium, Lantana, Million Bells, Nasturtiums, Nicotiana, Petunia, Salvia, Scarlet Runner Bean, Snapdragon, Verberna
Perennials Bee Balm (Monarda), Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), Columbine (Aquilegia), Coral Bells (Heuchera), Crocosmia, Daylily (Hemerocallis), Hummingbird Mint (Agastache), Lupines, Penstemon (Beardstongue), Phlox, Perennial Salvia
Shrubs Buddleia, Camellia, Hardy Fuchsia, Hardy Hibiscus, Mahonia, Phygelius (Cape Fuchsia), Weigela
Vines Honeysuckle (Lonicera), Trumpet Vine (Campsis) These long bloomers will keep hummingbirds happy until the first frosts; after that they will rely on the feeders we leave out for them. It is important that you have more than one feeder in your yard as our resident hummingbirds don’t care much for sharing, sometimes even going as far as fighting over the feeder. Place your feeders in sunny locations, sheltered from windy conditions. Also, considering how hard they work, hummingbirds greatly appreciate a feeder that has perches surrounding it so they can take a break while they drink. When it comes to filling your feeder and what kind of nectar to use there are many options out there for you. If you make your own nectar be advised that it is not necessary to add Red Food colouring; remember, natural nectar from flowers is a clear liquid. Hummingbirds are guided by visual means and are especially attracted to shades of red, so use a red feeder or plant red flowers close to the feeders to guide the way for them. If you prefer to buy nectar concentrate or powders, it is your choice to buy colour free or with artificial colouring. Our Garden Centre carries both. In the winter months, if our evening temperatures slip below freezing, it is advisable to bring your hummingbird feeders indoors overnight to avoid freezing and then put them back out first thing in the morning. Your hummingbirds will be very grateful for this consideration. With these helpful tips on how to attract hummingbirds to your garden you can get the whole family involved! This kind of interactive nature project is also an ideal way to introduce kids to the garden. Hummingbirds and gardeners make the perfect team. They pollinate our gardens and we supply them with the food and energy they need. Let’s do our part to keep this amazing partnership alive so we may enjoy the company of our highflying friends for many years to come.
6 • MAPLE LEAF GARDEN CENTRE - 604-985-1784 & 604-922-2613 - MAPLELEAFGARDENCENTRE.CA
Downsizing Your Garden by Nadine Poole
So often we who work at Maple Leaf Garden Centre consult with people who have to leave behind their large home and downsize to an apartment or townhouse. This can be a challenge for those who have enjoyed having a big garden. We are here to tell you that all is not lost. There are many ways to garden in a small space. Here’s how it is done. 1. Do your gardening in containers --Choose your containers carefully. Make sure they have sufficient drainage and are big enough for the plants you want to grow. Maple Leaf carries lots of pots that suit every purpose. --Use a lightweight planter mix to avoid adding to much extra weight to your planters, especially on a balcony. --Use pot feet or plastic pot stands under pots to raise them up from the surfaces of balconies, patios and decks. This aids drainage and helps to prevent staining surfaces. 2. Put your railings to work --All balconies and most patios and decks have protective railings. Put them to good use by hanging window boxes from them. We sell adjustable railing brackets that are used to hang window boxes. We even have boxes that are designed to sit on top of the railing. 3. Plant the walls --Install shelves or hang flat-backed planters against the wall to create a vertical garden. 4. Group pots of different sizes in corners to maximize space --Use a tall narrow pot in the background then add a couple more in graduating sizes to complete the set. Keep the pot colours the same to create harmony or go wild with colours. It’s up to you! 5. Planters on a deck or patio can be built around the perimeter of the space --Consider building the planters waist high to minimize the amount of bending and stooping you will have to do to plant and maintain them. It is a lot easier on your body. 6. Don’t forget Hanging Baskets --Hanging baskets take up air space not floor space. 7. Leave room for yourself --Some people go a little crazy and use up all the space for plants. How are you going to enjoy the fruits of you labour? Add a bench, a bistro table and chairs or a patio set. Decorate with a small fountain, some statuary, a lantern or other garden ornaments. Most importantly make the space your own.
The Plants Almost any plant can be grown in containers. But there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your plants: • Choose plants that are compatible to the situation… sunny or shady, windy or sheltered, etc.. • Choose plants that will ultimately be the right size for your particular situation. • Choose plants that are suitable for your lifestyle. For example, if you are often away from home you might opt for a container garden comprised of succulents, ornamental grasses and/or other drought tolerant plants. These can survive for a reasonable amount of time without frequent watering. • Choose plants suited to the size, style and shape of your container. • Choose plants that are compatible with one another…shade dwellers, sun worshippers, moist or dry soil lovers. For more information on container plantings, download and print our pamphlet ‘Gardening in Containers’ from our website www.mapleleafgarden.ca At Maple Leaf, we try hard to supply our customers with all the information they need to choose plants wisely. When shopping at our store please be sure to check out our signage. Our signage briefly describes the characteristics, growth habit, requirements and size of the plant. We hope this helps to make deciding easier. See you this spring! SPRING 2017 • 7
Maple Leaf’s Top 5
Late Flowering
Perennials by Katrina Sedaros
Here is a list of our TOP 5 that will give you a splash of colour from late summer well into the fall. Once these plants have finished blooming you will be thinking of your Christmas to-do lists.
Crocosmia Clumps of sword-shaped leaves and tall stems of trumpet-shaped flowers appear in mid to late summer. Available in a range of showy hot colours like scarlet-red, flame-red, bright orange, and golden-yellow. A favourite of hummingbirds. Height depends on variety but ranges from 3-4ft.
Japanese Anemones Poppy-like flowers of white, pink or deep rose materialize in late summer and fall. Perfect for a part shade to full sun location. Height depend on variety but ranges between 2ft and 6ft.
Rudbeckia Dazzling mounds of yellow flowers with dark centres appear from July to October. Plant in mass planting to create that perfect colour splash. These plants can reach up to 3ft.
Helenium This tried and true perennial is valued for its late summer and fall display. Colours range from yellow to orange, rusty-red to burgundy. Likes a full sun location and grows to 3ft.
Sedum One of the best perennials for late summer and fall display. Fleshy leaves appear in spring developing into sturdy stems that hold large heads of pink to reddish flowers. Prefers a full sun location and can grow up to 2-3ft.
8 • MAPLE LEAF GARDEN CENTRE - 604-985-1784 & 604-922-2613 - MAPLELEAFGARDENCENTRE.CA
MYCORRHIZA The Exciting New Organic Option for Soil Health We all know it is important to add organic matter to our soils when we plant. Amendments like peat moss, compost, and manure improve the structure of soil. They make it easier for roots to grow, improve drainage, and increase the soil’s capacity to hold not just rain water, but water from irrigation too. All good stuff indeed and you shouldn’t leave the garden centre without them. Wait, there’s more! Exciting new breakthroughs in healthy soil technology are showing us that plants also need a living community of helpers in the soil. Beneficial fungi, beneficial bacteria, and a workforce of soil creatures so small that you can only see them with a microscope are all required for a plant to live a long and healthy life. One of the essential soil helpers plants naturally need to grow is a specialized fungus that colonizes roots and goes out into soil looking for water and nutrients for plants. This fungus is called mycorrhiza. A Pine seedling with and
without mycorrhiza. New products containing multiple species of mycorrhiza have recently been approved for use in Canada. Look for the latest products with these new formulations. Once your plants have mycorrhizal partners, they will keep them for life.
How to turn your yard into a safe and healthy organic oasis: Organic farmers grow plants sustainably; they nurture millions of tiny microbes in the soil to support the natural growth of their crops. Organically certified foods must be grown without any synthetics or chemicals. We can learn from the organic farmer by paying attention to soil health when we plant trees, shrubs, evergreens and perennials. We can now convert our own yards into organic oases, too by putting life back into the soils where we live. By giving the plants in our yard the natural soil partnerships they need to grow and thrive without the use of chemicals or synthetic fertilizers.
STEP 1: Use organic soil amendments, such as peat moss, compost or manure, to improve soil on planting day.
STEP 2: For best long-term results, treat the roots and
soil around your new plants with a mycorrhizal product that contains multiple species – read the label to see.
STEP 3: Only use organic fertilizers and garden products going forward.
Your organic landscape makeover is complete! SPRING 2017 • 9
MASON BEES
NATURE’S POWERFUL POLLINATORS
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ver wondered why you get little or misshapen fruit from your trees or spring berries? Quite often the cause is poor pollination. Mason bees can be the solution; they are extraordinary pollinators, 100 times more effective than honeybees. Mason bees have a range of about 100 meters, so they benefit you and your close neighbours. Mason bees are friendly and very educational for kids. Children can stand close to the nest and watch the bees in action. Getting started is easy. In the spring, purchase a mason bee home and bee cocoons and set it up in your yard. Pollination does not cost, it pays. Reward yourself with a bountiful harvest.
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Celebrate Canada’s P
with Bountiful Blooms th 150
roven Winners is proud to support your local garden centre in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Confederation festivities in 2017. Your window boxes, patio pots and gardens will be overflowing with patriotic red and white flowers after you visit your local retailer this spring to stock up. You’ll have the option of taking home baskets preplanted with patriotic recipes like those you see here, or you can get creative and plant your own.
Pair plants with similar moisture needs together to avoid drowning out one or starving the other for moisture. If you choose all plants with low moisture needs, you’ll make fewer trips out with the watering can or hose.
SHAPE—You’ve probably heard the saying “thriller, filler,
spiller” when it comes to container gardening recipes. That means you’ll choose one taller plant to showcase in the center of your container, then a fuller mid-sized one for the middle and a trailing plant to spill over the edges. If you are filling a large container, you’ll need more than one plant of each type to fill it up.
Feed Your Flowers!
Love Song recipe for full sun features Superbena® Royale Red Verbena, Superbena® Royale Whitecap Verbena and Diamond Frost® Euphorbia.
Just like people, plants need food to grow too. It takes a lot of energy for plants to produce all those beautiful blossoms, and that energy will come from the plant food you give them throughout the growing season. Pick up some water soluble plant food when you purchase your flowers in spring. Then, every third time you water, feed your plants according to the package instructions. This will ensure they have plenty of energy to keep on blooming all season long.
Choosing Flowers for Container Garden Recipes When choosing flowers to plant up your own patriotic combinations this spring, there are a few cultural considerations you’ll need to keep in mind when you are deciding which plants to pair together.
SUNLIGHT—When choosing plants to
grow together in a container, check the labels to make sure the sunlight requirements are the same for all plants. Grow sun lovers with other sun lovers rather than those that prefer shade to avoid scorching, and ensure all the plants will thrive equally in the container.
MOISTURE—The label usually describes how much
Red, Red Wine recipe for full sun features Supertunia® Black Cherry™ Petunia and Diamond Frost® Euphorbia.
moisture a plant needs to grow: low, average or consistent. SPRING 2017 • 11
SWEET SUMMER VIBES by Will Heeman
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ith the days growing longer, our thoughts turn to warmer weather, playing in the garden, and—what else—strawberries! With a few simple tips, you can learn how to grow nature’s candy right in your own yard, and reap the sweet harvest all season long. Decide whether you’re after one large harvest early in the season or several smaller harvests throughout the summer. If you opt for a June bearing variety, plan to have roots planted before mid-May, or before June if using potted plants. Space plants in a row, 12” apart. In the first year, clip off the fruit blossoms to encourage more growth for bumper harvests in future years. Remember to mulch your plants with straw before the winter sets in to keep them cozy for the next season.
For everbearing plants, you’ll find optimal success with raised beds covered in plastic or mulched. Remove the first blossoms from new plants for stronger growth with more fruit for the rest of the season. Everbearers produce heavily in the season and aren’t bred for a Canadian winter so consider replacing plants annually. Adequate watering and feeding with nitrogen and potassium fertilizer is essential for all strawberry varieties to ensure delicious, juicy berries throughout the growing season. Whether you decide to grow your own or get your berries from a local farmer, try these tantalizing, summerlicious recipes that put strawberries on centre stage.
STRAWBERRY MOJITO This delectable sipper is sure to keep you cool while you enjoy a hot summer day on the patio or host a BBQ soiree. Growing mojito mint is a natural choice but there are many unique varieties of mint available in your local garden centre for a twist on this classic drink. 8 strawberries, hulled and quartered 2 cups (500 mL) Sprite, 7-Up or sparkling water 1 cup (250 mL) white rum (optional) 1/4 cup (50 mL) fresh lime juice 16-18 fresh mint leaves Ice cubes 1. Mix lime juice, strawberries and mint together in serving pitcher. 2. Crush ingredients together with muddler. 3. Stir in the rum (optional) and Sprite, 7-Up or sparkling water. 4. Pour mix into glasses with ice cubes and serve. 12
TIP! Try it with strawberry, grapefruit or ginger mint!
NUTELLA INFUSED STRAWBERRY ROLL You heard that right—Nutella. Infused. Strawberry. Roll. Need we say more? Run, don’t walk, to your kitchen and thank us later. 6 egg whites (approximately 250 mL) 2 cups (500 mL) chopped strawberries (or raspberries) 1/2 cup (125 mL) heavy cream 1/4 cup (50 mL) sugar 1/4 cup (50 mL) shredded coconut 1/4 cup (50 mL) chopped pecans Try maple syrup, 1/4 cup (50 mL) Nutella agave or stevia 1 tsp (4 mL) sugar for natural sugar 1/2 tsp (2 mL) vanilla 1/2 tsp (2 mL) cornstarch substitutes. 1/2 tsp (2 mL) white vinegar
TIP!
1. Preheat oven to 325°F. 2. Grease a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. 3. Mix the vinegar, cornstarch and vanilla in a small bowl and set aside. 4. In a stand mixer, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form and gradually add the ¼ cup of sugar. Continue beating to stiff peaks. Slowly whisk the vinegar mixture into the meringue.
5. Spread the meringue evenly onto a 9 × 13” (23 × 30.5 cm) pan. Sprinkle the coconut and pecans over the meringue. Bake 10 to 12 minutes. Cool completely. 6. In a separate bowl, whisk the heavy cream and 1 tsp sugar to stiff peaks. 7. Use a knife to release the edges and remove the meringue from the baking sheet. Turn the meringue over onto a parchment lined surface, nut side down. Spread the Nutella (gently preheat in
microwave so it is spreadable) over the meringue and then spread the whipped cream over the Nutella layer. 8. Sprinkle with chopped berries, leaving a little room at one of the short ends to help seal the roll. Starting with the short end with more fruit, roll the meringue into a log, keeping the roll as tight as possible. 9. To serve, cut into slices with serrated knife.
STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE A Canadian Tradition 1.5 L / 1.5 quarts fresh strawberries 1/2 cup (125 mL) white sugar 2 1/4 cups (530 mL) all-purpose flour 4 tsp (20 mL) baking powder 2 tbsp (60 mL) white sugar 1/4 tsp (1.25 mL) salt 1/3 cup (80 mL) shortening 1 egg 2/3 (160 mL) cup milk 2 cups (500 mL) whipped heavy cream 1. Slice the strawberries and toss them with 1/2 cup of white sugar. Set aside. 2. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease and flour one 8 inch round cake pan.
tablespoons white sugar and the salt. With a pastry blender cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center and add the beaten egg and milk. Stir until just combined. 4. Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Bake at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool partially in pan on wire rack. 5. Slice partially cooled cake in half, making two layers. Place half of the strawberries on one layer and top with the other layer. Top with remaining strawberries and cover with the whipped cream.
3. In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder, 2 SPRING 2017 • 13
Fragrant Delight... Rediscovering the Joy of Lilacs by Brian Minter
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he unique perfume of lilacs has kept them at the forefront of our favourite garden plants. Their hardiness and ability to grow well in diverse climates have made them an icon in Canadian gardens. The reality of today’s smaller gardens has limited the use of traditional larger varieties and has created a demand for smaller more versatile plants. And ‘wow’, has the nursery industry responded in spades!
BLOOMERANG PINK PERFUME
BLOOMERANG DARK PURPLE
BLOOMERANG PURPLE
SCENT AND SENSIBILITY 14
The first Canadian-grown Proven Winners ‘Bloomerang’ Lilacs were introduced in 2010, the same year as the Vancouver Olympics, and did they ever rock the lilac world! Hardy to zone 3, these very compact new lilacs produce deep lavender single blooms that fill gardens with their intense perfume in spring and even more amazingly, they repeat that performance
again late summer into fall. If that wasn’t enough, they are very disease resistant and grow well in containers. In the early years of introduction, they were an overnight success story with demand far outstripping supply. As gardeners recognized the importance of this lilac breakthrough, a darker variety called ‘Bloomerang Dark Purple’ was introduced which grows a little more vigorously to about 2 metres (6 ft.) tall with all the same attributes. It too, was an overnight success story. The newest addition to this incredible series is ‘Bloomerang Pink Perfume’. Its highly fragrant, single blooms are lavenderpink and its compact stature, 1-1.5 metres (4-5 ft.) tall means it can be grown in both small and large gardens. This lilac blends in well with other flowering shrubs or can be planted in groups of 3 or 5 for greater impact.
SCENT AND SENSIBILITY
Another exciting new introduction is called ‘Scent and Sensibility’ which is also a repeat-bloomer but lacking the same vigour as the ‘Bloomerang’ series. Its highly perfumed, bright pink flowers are stunning. It grows only 0.5-1 metres (2-3 ft.) tall and spreads 1-1.5 metres (4-5 ft.) making it a perfect flowering shrub for small gardens. Even though the repeatflowering nature of these new introductions has made them incredibly popular, there are some older garden jewels that just can’t be overlooked. Syringa ‘Palibin’, commonly known as ‘Dwarf Korean’ lilac, is one of the classic early-blooming single varieties, with delightful PALIBIN purple-red buds opening to highly fragrant lavender flowers that bloom for weeks. Growing only 1-1.5 metres (3-5 ft.) tall and wide, this lilac has won many international awards and is perfect for gardens needing a spring punch. Another classic, ‘Miss Kim’ lilac, grows 1-1.5 metre (3-5 ft.) tall and flowers later, extending the colour and performance in May
and June gardens. Its lavender flowers are beautiful and highly perfumed. It’s another keeper! Without a doubt, the favourite traditional French hybrid lilacs are MISS KIM the double and single-flowered, intensely perfumed varieties. The hands-down favourite is ‘Charles Joly’, a deep reddish-dark purple double. It embodies all the desired qualities of blossom size, perfume and fullness. There are many great double whites, but the pink buds of ‘Beauty of Moscow’ (Krasavitsa Moskvy) open to the most amazing double white flowers and are reputed to be among the best. BEAUTY OF MOSCOW There are hundreds of varieties of French lilacs and when in bloom, they are truly remarkable. The single varieties are often just as showy in bloom as the doubles. The undisputed champion of single deep purple varieties is ‘Ludwig Spaeth’ with its extra long blooming period in late May. Another eye-popper, CHARLES JOLY ‘Sensation’ has two-toned wine red blooms with white picotee edges. There is no true deep yellow lilac, but for those who love this colour, ‘Primrose’ is a single soft creamy yellow that is quite classy.
There is a growing demand for smaller trees for privacy screens as well as a bit of shade in hot summers and that’s where a Japanese tree lilac comes into play. Hardy to zone 2 and growing about 6 metres (20 ft.) tall, the ‘Ivory Silk’ lilac has beautiful creamy white flowers in late June going into July. They bloom readily on new growth, even as a young tree, and produce flowers that have a light musky perfume. One of the last variety of lilacs to bloom, it is a real treat. It is hard to imagine a garden without lilacs and with such incredible diversity, they can fit any garden size and yes, even adapt well on balconies and patios. IVORY SILK SPRING 2017 • 15
Fashion Headlines by Kim Burns
W
elcome spring! It’s that wonderful time of the year when the snow finally has melted, trees begin to blossom, and we can pack away our heavy coats and sweaters to embrace a new fashion season. Spring 2017 brings a fresh wave of new styles, including bolder prints, ruffles, slip dresses, midi length hems and athleisure to name a few. Spring is the perfect time to experiment with your style. Fashion’s obsession with athleticinspired clothing (athleisure) is a staple for spring, meaning that leggings and sweatpants will still be considered acceptable to wear outside and not just at the gym. Who doesn’t love being comfortable and right on trend? With athleticinspired pieces popping up everywhere, it seems the comfort of this ongoing trend is way too good to pass up! Florals is a trend that comes around every spring. They might not be new but are nevertheless, versatile. Wear them to the office, on the weekend or for a special occasion. Spring’s florals are bright, splashy and tropical. Florals are all about having fun with fashion and embracing the joy and romance of the season. Perhaps this is why the floral trend is one that just won’t go away. Go for fully in-bloom creations and get ready to feel and look pretty.
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This season, there has been a shift to ‘easy elegance.’ A graduated hemline will be your ticket to style! Midi length, ruffles and side slits appear on spring dresses and skirts. Whether your hem is shorter at the front and longer at the back, or longer to one side, just make sure it’s asymmetrical. Who doesn’t love stripes? Get ready to see these classic prints in all sizes and colours on everything from sweaters to knit dresses, sheer fabrics and oversize shirts. Don’t be afraid of an oversized stripe. The thing to note this season is the direction your stripes are moving – use them to your advantage to flatter your form. You didn’t think the cold shoulder was going anywhere did you? Stay flirty and classy and dare to go bare this spring – on your shoulders at least! Off-the-shoulder tops and dresses are a must-have! Fashionforward blouses in structured poplin are staples to pair with everything. Some can even be found with smocking or a ruffle layer. Achieve a different silhouette by layering a tank under the OTS shirt. Midriff tops, peasant and poet blouses and statement sleeves are also must-haves for 2017. Over the past year, no outerwear trend has caught on quite as rapidly as the bomber jacket. This is fashion’s favourite new jacket and takes on a new twist in bold colours and patterns. It’s the perfect layer for a feminine dress or skirt; try an oversized version for the ‘boyfriend vibe.’ Other notable trends are slogan tops with empowering messages and bodysuits. Make sure to have fun layering your jewelry with delicate chain necklaces and chokers.
Available in a variety of colours. - Courtesy of Papa Fashion
Courtesy of Orange Fashion Village
SPRING 2017 • 19
SMALL BITES PACK A
Big Punch By Sylvia Van Hage
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ith more people than ever living in small spaces, mini vegetable container gardening is an ideal practice. Get creative by using window and railing boxes, pots, or hanging baskets. You may surprise yourself with the amount of vegetables you can harvest!
practical life skill and be encouraged to eat and try new types of produce, but they will learn how fresh food truly tastes. Container gardening is low maintenance. Ensure you fertilize with an organic fertilizer, water regularly and that your garden receives approximately 6 hours of sunlight a day.
There are many reasons why container gardening with mini vegetables is not only fun but rewarding. Growing organic produce such as kale, lettuce or tomatoes is healthier than most store bought options and can save on your grocery bill. Involve your kids or grandkids, educating them on where their food actually comes from. Not only will they learn a very
Vegetables that are suitable for container gardening are the ones that are cultivated for small spaces -- particularly dwarf or determinate (bush) varieties. Visit your local garden centre and try some of these fun and exciting varieties. Most can be purchased in transplants as well as seeds.
CUCAMELON This fruit is a cucumber, the size of a grape, that looks like a miniature watermelon and tastes like a tangy cucumber. The cucamelon is also called the Mexican Sour Gherkin or Sandiita, which means little watermelon in Spanish.
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Some of my favourites are:
PATIO SNACKER CUCUMBER Patio Snacker Cucumber produces prolific yields of small, fleshy, crisp ‘snack box’ sized cucumbers which have great flavour and can be eaten straight from the plant with no need for peeling. It will need a trellis or netting against a wall to vine up. Frequent harvest will encourage production.
THAI DRAGON PEPPER A small, pointed hot red pepper, growing 3-4” long, it matures from medium green to dark red. The Thai Dragon pepper plant grows about 1-2’ high and can produce up to 200 chilies in a single season. Try moving it inside as an attractive ornamental after the gardening season is done.
SWEET N’ NEAT CHERRY TOMATO
A compact, upright plant that is ideal for a pot or patio container and produces an average of 60-80 tasty cherry tomato sized fruits. This bush variety is very easy to grow, needing no supports.
PARIS CARROT
This gourmet European selection produces uniform golf ball sized carrots with a nice orange colour and excellent carrot flavour. This cute, petite carrot is ideal for container gardening.
CHIOGGIIA BEET
Also known as a candy cane or bullseye beet, its flavour is similar to a purple beet but sweeter. Prepared like other beets its unique pink and white inner rings make it a stand out vegetable. The greens are also edible.
ROMANESCO CAULIFLOWER/ BROCCOLI
With its chartreuse colour, fractal shape and light nutty flavor, this vegetable is sure to be a conversation topic at your dinner table. It can be substituted for cauliflower in many recipes, and allows you to use a vegetable that is certainly weird and wonderful.
Salad greens like lettuce, arugula, herbs, or any of your favourites thrive in shallow bowls. Create your own seed blend, purchase a pre-mixed package of seeds or even MINI LETTUCE a ready made lettuce bowl BOWL MIX to give you salads that you have grown yourself. When you are ready to harvest, trim the leaves about 2.5 - 3 cm above the base. You can cut the leaves about 3 – 4 times in the growing season, so plant up a number of different combinations to use and enjoy throughout the growing season.
SPRING 2017 • 21
Tropical
Oasis by Martha Vandepol
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ransform your favourite outdoor space into a spectacular tropical oasis with the use of an array of flowering and foliage plants. Many of these leafy, textured and colourful plants require minimal care, can withstand the summer humidity and are a delight to look at all season long. It seems fitting we place such emphasis on botanical home decor, leafy plants and natural settings this year, since the Pantone colour of the year is called “greenery.” Even with this colour palette, not all foliage plants are green: many feature colourful leaves, ranging from sunset reds, oranges and yellows to pretty pinks, creams and striking whites. Planting tropical plants together in a large weather resistant container provides an abundant focal display for your outdoor living space. A good potting soil enhanced with slow release fertilizer will ensure your container gardens thrive all summer long. When creating a tropical garden, do not be afraid to pack plants together for an instant, extravagant effect. Set your foundation by starting your outdoor container garden with a tall Majesty Palm, which adds height towards the back and sets the foundation for something magnificent. This tall dark and handsome plant will provide visual strength to your arrangement. Add a touch of colour beside the Palm with a vibrant, striking red Cordyline plant or a dark red Dracaena, creating depth and interest as it pokes out the sides of the planter. You can create harmony by placing the same plants on the other side of the palm. Another option is to plant a Petra Croton, which has a striking display of orange, yellow and rust tones along its broad leaves. Flower power should thrive in the centre of your planter. Insert a hardy, exotic Hibiscus with frilly, vibrant flowers that come in a vast spectrum of colours. This beauty requires minimal care throughout the summer – just a daily deadhead as each flower usually lasts for only a day or two. Or you can enhance your planter with a drought tolerant Mandevilla plant, whose trumpet shaped flowers provide an endless supply of colour to be enjoyed by hummingbirds and humans alike. Finish the outer edges with cool white and green Spider Plants or any variety of Ivy. To create an instant effect, you can purchase these trailing plants in a larger size pot (6”-10”) and divide them into smaller plants. Tuck these trailing plants along the container’s outer rim where they will cascade in all their glory. To keep them vibrant, make sure to water your planter when the soil is dry to the touch.
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If you do not have the time or do not want to get your hands dirty, you can still create your tropical retreat by grouping together your favourite plants in individual containers. These could include a dark green, drought and sun tolerant Kimberly Fern or Sansevieria plant. If a flowering plant is more your style, choose a striking Bromeliad where the flower sits majestically above the curled green foliage. Group single plants in larger pots at different heights in corners, beside your favourite wicker chair or even hanging on your porch. Tuck in a lantern and candle amongst your plants for nighttime ambiance or match the floral and leaf colour with coordinated pillows, napkins and throws.
Mandevilla
More adventurous gardeners should not be restricted to leafy foliage plants. Cool succulents are the latest trend, whether nested in a vintage wooden crate, housed in a glass terrarium or hanging in a modern round vessel. Air Plants “Tillandsia� can be another enhancement for your garden retreat. These low-maintenance plants grow without any soil, their roots acting as anchors, securing themselves to driftwood, shells, rocks and almost anything you can imagine. Air Plants absorb moisture and nutrients from the air, and are perfect for a screened porch or enclosure where they can receive the filtered sunlight that they crave.
Bromeliad
To create visual barriers from neighbours and to extend your garden upward, hanging planters are the perfect choice for areas with limited space. Depending on sunlight requirements, options include an old fashioned Boston Fern, Wandering Jew plant, or English Ivy. A thriving, full hanging garden can be enjoyed well into autumn. Once your outdoor retreat is complete, these container gardens and tropical plants require minimal care, allowing you the extra time to curl up with a great book in your favourite chair or gather with friends and enjoy the bountiful, colourful oasis you have created.
Croton Petra
Hibiscus
Majesty Palm
Kimberly Fern SPRING 2017 • 23
SNIP IT, CLIP IT& TRIM IT
Pruning Landscape Plants By John DeGroot
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ike the auto mechanic, nurse, lawyer or interior designer, I can’t go to a function without friends asking me gardening questions. Most are about lawn care. Pruning comes in at a close second. The questions about pruning are usually one of the following: when should I prune and how far back can I prune? The answer to the first is easy. My father taught me that the best time to prune is whenever the pruner is sharp. And while my Dad was mostly correct, I would elaborate by suggesting that anything that flowers should be pruned soon after the flowers drop. Evergreens can be pruned anytime. If you want to mega prune by removing more than half the plant, I recommend doing so early in spring soon after the plant wakes up. As for how ambitious you can get with the pruner, it is safe to say that you can err on the aggressive side. Most plants enjoy a thorough pruning and because the roots aren’t pruned to match the stems, the plant will respond with a vengeance. Evergreens such as Boxwood, Yews, Junipers and Cedars have a strong ability to withstand a drastic pruning. 24
It is usually safe to prune off half its green growth. But if you remove all of an evergreen’s active needles, you will remove the plant’s purpose for life. Large growing evergreens such as Spruce, Fir or Pine need to be treated more gingerly. These conifers will sprout new growth from the ends as well as from within. Don’t remove more than about 50% of the green growth of these conifers unless you are prepared for them to look unsightly for a year or two. And yes, it’s okay to prune off the central leader. Conifers know well enough how to make for themselves a new leader. Spring flowering shrubs such as Lilac, Snowball and Forsythia are tough as nails and will withstand almost any degree of pruning. The same holds true for Burning Bush, Spirea and Weigela. Cut these back as far as you like and whenever you like. They will regrow on the remaining stems but may also send up new limbs from the roots called suckers, which should be cut off. Spring blooming shrubs don’t mind when they are pruned, but do keep in mind that if you prune these in fall or early winter, you will forfeit their blooms for the following spring.
over the winter and the plant practically begs you to cut it down. It takes nerve to chop it so close to the ground but when the job is done, the Clematis will thank you by quickly responding with new growth. Pruning Hydrangeas is tricky because each variety has its own pruning recommendations. Gardeners who prune their Hydrangeas too aggressively in late fall or early spring might expect mediocre bloom performance. For today’s popular Hydrangeas in the Mophead or Lacecap group pruning should be done in late August to ensure good bloom performance for Summer fl owering shrubs such as Rose of Sharon and Butterfl y the following summer. Go ahead and remove about a third of Bush are best pruned in fall or early spring. My trick for growing the old stems to encourage the younger stems to fl ourish. For nice Butterfl y Bush is to prune the shrub down to 15 cm and the old fashioned white Hydrangeas such as Annabelle and allow the shrub to grow. In early May prune again by cutting the PG, prune anytime except in late spring or summer. If you are green stems down to the size of a large basketball. Allow the unsure of your Hydrangea type, leave the pruner in the shed for plant to grow and prune again in early June. Repeat again in a year and it will early July. The result will be a tidy compact bush with hundreds surely bloom the of fl owers in August. following year. By April, Roses are almost budding, and it is the perfect time for pruning. Use a pair of secateurs and cut canes down to “My father often 15 - 20 cm, and make a clean cut just above an outward said that pruning in facing eye or bud. the wrong way or My Clematis by the back door got what it deserved a few weeks ago on a sunny day in February. I removed all the brown stems and chopped it down to just a few inches. Pruning Clematis is easy. Last year’s stems turn quite ugly
at the wrong time is better than not pruning at all.”
SPRING 2017 • 25
Top 5 Hand Tools For
Beginners
by Michelle Mansouri
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here are several different types of gardening tools that are designed to make your garden projects easier. If you are new to gardening, you may find the amount of options you are faced with rather overwhelming. Here is a guideline of our top five hand tools for beginners:
1 Transplanter: This handy little tool acts as a trowel – or small shovel- and has the bonus feature of marked measurements on the blade which is ideal for planting bulbs, sowing seeds, and planting annuals. 2 Hand Cultivator: Usually consisting of three to five curved prongs, this fork-like hand tool helps loosen packed soil, making the soil easier to work with and plant in, It also aerates the soil which creates a better growing environment for your plants. It can also aid in removing weeds as it loosens the soil around weeds’ roots. 3 Bypass Pruners: A good pair of pruners is a must! You can find pruners that have different cutting capabilities depending on the pruning project that you are tackling. For example, bypass pruners, that are capable of cutting up to 3/4 of an inch, are good for pruning rose bushes or cutting back herbaceous perennials. I’m a big fan of Corona’s Aluminum Bypass Pruners because they are lightweight and ergonomic.
However, if you want the very best, then Felco pruners are the ones to choose. 4 Planter’s Pal: This multifunctional hand tool by Garant Botanica is a fantastic tool to add to your collection. It is especially convenient if you don’t have a lot of space to store your garden tools as this tool has so many uses all in one! It acts as a transplanter, a weeder, and a trowel. It also has one serrated edge for cutting sod or soft roots, as well as a notch for cutting open bags of soil, fertilizer, etc. This versatile little tool is great for saving space and its stainless steel blade will ensure that this tool will stay in good condition for a long time. 5 Weeding Fork: Although this tool is not an absolute necessity, it can make your life a lot easier when you are fighting the never-ending war on weeds! Its long narrow neck is able to go deep into the ground, getting underneath the roots of the weeds, and the two pronged end helps catch the roots and plant on its way back up, swiftly removing the weed from the ground. These five tools should help you get started in the garden. As your garden projects get more advanced so will your collection of tools, but everybody must start somewhere! You can find these five tools and more at Maple Leaf Garden Centres.
26 • MAPLE LEAF GARDEN CENTRE - 604-985-1784 & 604-922-2613 - MAPLELEAFGARDENCENTRE.CA
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Lawn Alternatives by Kimberlee Tyler and Nadine Poole
re you tired of trying to maintain a traditional lawn? Do you want to attract beneficial insects, brighten up shady areas, or just plain put an end to mowing? Here are some suggestions for you:
1. Reduce the size of your lawn. --Cut out island beds and plant them with perennials and/or small growing shrubs. This will make the area of lawn that needs to be cut and maintained much smaller. --Convert a sunny lawn area into a Rock Garden. Plant drought tolerant plants such as Sedums, Lavenders, Ornamental Grasses and others. This saves a lot of water usage and provides great curb appeal. 2. Turn your lawn into an edible Paradise! --Cut out areas of existing lawn and build raised beds. Fill with a good soil mix and plant vegetables, herbs and fruits like Strawberries and Blueberries. Alternatively, skip a step and build your raised beds right on top of the lawn. The turf beneath will simply rot away.
needs no mowing ever. The plant is soft enough to walk on in bare feet and tolerates a fair share of foot traffic. All are good reasons to try Rupturewort as a lawn alternative.
For Shady Areas --Brass Buttons (Leptinella gruveri) is hard to beat as a lawn alternate for shade. A combination of above and below ground runners will create a thick, soft mat of small, bright green, ferny leaves. Withstands heavy foot traffic, helps to suppress weeds and requires moisture and shade to perform at its best. --Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans) is an evergreen perennial that will quickly cover a large area in shade. The interesting puckered leaves can be dark green, purple, near black or variegated in white, green and maroon. Spikes of blueviolet flowers appear in late spring. It can handle a small amount of foot traffic and is even deer resistant.
--Remove the lawn completely and create a large edible garden. Incorporate fruit trees and ornamental plants along with your vegetables, herbs and berry bushes. You will be surprised how many beneficial insects and birds will make a home in your yard. You will truly have created a Garden of Eatin’! 3. Plant a Flowering Meadow! --Wildflower gardens are another very easy way to reduce or replace a turf grass lawn. Most Wildflower seed mixes contain both annual and perennial flowers. You can purchase wildflower mixes that are designed for sunny or partially shaded areas or ones that attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. All are easy to grow and are usually sown in early spring after the danger of frost or in early fall. You can mow pathways through the meadow if necessary. Once established, a single mowing after the plants have gone to seed in the fall is all the work you will have to do. 4. No-Mow Lawn Alternates For Full Sun --Creeping Thymes like Wooly Thyme (T.pseudolanuginosus) or Elfin Thyme (T. praecox ‘Elfin’) spread fairly fast and are great for moderate foot traffic. The flowers attract bees and other pollinators and the foliage has a lovely herbal fragrance. All are drought tolerant once established. --Rupturewort (Herniaria glabra) creates a dense evergreen carpet of tiny green leaves on plants that grow from a long tap root. Virtually indestructible, drought tolerant and it
And Finally…. Has your lawn been completely decimated by the dreaded European Chafer Beetle? It may be time to consider replacing the lawn with one of these lawn alternatives: --Common White Clover (Dutch Clover) is the most popular of current lawn alternatives. It requires minimal or no mowing, has moderate drought tolerance, is very inexpensive, and stays green year round. --Microclover is another solution. This clover has quite small bright green leaves and forms a dense groundcover. It can be mixed with grass seed if desired. It requires less watering, no fertilizing and little or no mowing. Both of these are members of the legume family and therefore help to fix nitrogen in the soil. Since the Chafer Beetle prefers to feast on the fibrous roots of grasses this type of lawn is not attacked. There are many more lawn alternatives to choose from! Whatever the situation, we can help you find what works best for you. So this year, try something different and spend less time coddling your lawn and more time enjoying your beautiful new garden. SPRING 2017 • 27
Fun & Easy Projects
FOR THE BUDDING GARDENER by Laura Russell - Registered Holistic Nutritionist www.northwestnourishment.ca
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et your child interested in nutrition and healthy eating by involving them in growing their own food. Starting from seeds, your child will be a part of the growing process and will have lots of fun, especially when they get to eat their results. Also, they will appreciate healthy food more and understand that a lot of hard work and patience goes into growing edibles. The following are a few ideas to get your budding gardener started.
When the time comes, they can harvest their crops and help prepare a meal or snack that includes all the healthy produce they grew. Your child will be proud of all the hard work that was put into growing their own garden! The following seeds are great for growing with your child:
Bush Beans – fast and easy to grow, and yield quick results. Choose a “low growing” variety so the beans will be easier for your child to harvest and will not require poles or trellises. Bush beans usually germinate in 4-8 days, and mature in 40-65 days. Grow in full sun and keep soil moist.
Lettuce –a reliable crop that yields fast results and will get
your child more interested in eating salads. Lettuce seeds generally germinate in 7-10 days with a growing season of 40-50 days. Choose “head” or “leaf” varieties – keep in mind that leaf varieties of lettuce will mature sooner, in about 30-35 days. Lettuce prefers cool weather and a moist but well-drained soil with lots of added organic matter. Can be sown every 2-3 weeks to guarantee a continual harvest of greens.
Radishes –are a very quick crop that germinate in 3-10 days and have a short growing season of 20-30 days. They are also a fun and healthy finger food that can be dipped or added to wraps, sandwiches, and salads.
Sunflowers –are fun for a child to grow as they result in a
big beautiful flower. The seeds can be roasted and eaten once they dry naturally in the late summer sun. Sunflower seeds make a great snack for children as they are rich in iron and protein. Make sure to choose the edible varieties like Large Russian or Giganteus. You can also keep some of the seeds to plant for next year. Start by taking a trip to Maple Leaf Garden Centre in early spring and have your child help choose which seeds they would like to plant. Select a small biodegradable peat pot to plant the seeds in. Or if you want to start a variety of seeds, use a self-watering greenhouse that comes with a dome to keep the seeds well insulated. Buy a bag of soil that is designed for starting seeds. Plant 2 or 3 seeds in the soil, just in case one fails to germinate. Have your child write the name of the seeds on plant labels to keep your kids interested. Also give them the responsibility of spritzing the seeds with a spray bottle. Spritz just enough that the top of the soil is wet. Don’t overwater the seeds as this could cause rot. Seeds can be started indoors in a warm bright room. Once the seed sprouts, you can transfer the seedling in the biodegradable container to a larger pot or if it is warm enough outside, plant it straight into the garden bed. Give your child their own plot to nurture – perhaps a very small spot in your garden, whether it be in the ground, in a raised bed or in a container. Have them help water, weed and be a part of all your gardening jobs. Make sure to encourage and motivate your mini-gardener by showing off their plot to friends and family. Take pictures and give lots of praise.
Cherry Tomatoes - These bite sized tomatoes are perfect for a child to snack on. They are easy to grow in containers and prefer to be in full sun. Days to harvest is 60-75 days. Favourites include Sweet 100 and Tumbler.
Nasturtiums – These plants, with their colourful flowers
and edible leaves, are fun for a child to grow because they grow quickly and start to bloom after 50 days. They prefer sunny, dry locations, and do well in poor soil. The leaves and flowers can be added to salads for some colour and variety.
Herbs -
Herbs such as mint, chives, parsley and rosemary are easy to grow and maintain. They can be grown in window boxes, or containers on your patio. Make sure to keep mint separated in its own pot as it has a tendency to become invasive. As you prepare your meal, ask your mini gardener to go out and pick fresh herbs for you from their garden. They will be so happy to help! Gardening is an activity that can be enjoyed at all ages. With some fun and simple activities, you can introduce your child to the joys of gardening. Happy Planting!
28 • MAPLE LEAF GARDEN CENTRE - 604-985-1784 & 604-922-2613 - MAPLELEAFGARDENCENTRE.CA
CANADA 150th ANNIVERSARY COMBOS by Nadine Poole and Katrina Sedaros
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his year is Canada’s 150th Birthday! It’s time to show your colours Canada! Get in on the party with these vibrant red and white combinations for planters, hanging baskets and annual show beds. Plant your own or purchase our ready-made custom planters and hanging baskets in time for your Canada Day Celebration!
Red and White Trailing Petunias Combo Perfect for hanging baskets or cascading over window boxes. Long trailing stems smothered with brilliant red and white single or double blooms throughout the summer months. Height 15cm (6”). Spread 60cm (24”). Likes full sun.
Red and White Million Bells Combo A low maintenance and self cleaning heavy blooming plant. Hundreds of small petunia-like blooms of red or white arrive in early summer & keep going well into fall. Height 15cm (6”). Spread 30cm (12”). Full sun to part shade.
Red and White Geraniums Combo Geraniums are one of the easiest plants to grow and last well into early fall. So versatile! Plant a row of white and a row of red and you have an instant Canada Day Celebration planting. Use in pots, planters, window boxes or in garden beds. Height 25-30cm (10-12”). Spread 25-30cm (10-12”). Likes full sun.
Red Salvia and White Sonata Cosmos Combo Red Salvia provides long-lasting easy-care colour in garden beds & in patio or balcony containers. Height 20-30cm (8-12”). Spread 20cm (8”). Likes full sun. & Sonata Cosmos with white flowers produced over a long period will grow right up to first fall frost. A good choice for the low maintenance garden & for containers. Height 40-45cm (16-18”). Spread 20-25cm (8-10”). Likes full sun. Plant the Salvia in the front and the Cosmos in the background to create a stunning mass planting of red and white.
Red and White Fibrous Begonias Masses of continuous blooms all summer and into the fall on this easy-to-grow, low maintenance begonia. Plant in masses with Begonia Vodka (Red) or Whiskey (White) dark leaf begonias. Alternatively you can plant the the Greenleaf ones with Prelude Scarlet (Red) and Prelude White. Height 15-20cm (6-8”) tall. Spread 20cm (8”). Full sun to part shade. Happy Birthday Canada! Bonne Fête Canada!
Techno Heat White Lobelia and Red Solenia Begonias Use this heat and sun tolerant Lobelia to cascade over your Canada Day patio pots and window boxes. Small white flowers bloom throughout the summer. Height 20-25cm (8-10”). Spread 50-60cm (20-24”). Likes full sun to part shade. & Plant these sun tolerant red begonias with large double flowers as your filler. Perfect for planters and window boxes or use them in your garden beds or borders. Height 25-30cm (10-12”). Spread 45cm (18”). Likes full sun to part shade.
SPRING 2017 • 29
30 • MAPLE LEAF GARDEN CENTRE - 604-985-1784 & 604-922-2613 - MAPLELEAFGARDENCENTRE.CA
It’s EASY C Being Green DECORATIVE WALL HANGINGS are perfect for patio spaces, and will add drama to an otherwise lost space.
elebrating the Pantone colour of the year, Greenery, these gifts and plants inspire us to revive and restore, allowing us to harmonize with nature and the renewal of spring. Green is nature’s neutral and we think of fl owing, fl ourishing foliage and the lushness of the great outdoors. As the grass gets greener, and the bulbs start poking through the soil, we feel a sense of excitement to create our own backyard and garden retreats. Adding decorative elements to your outdoor living space will create a cozy, calming environment to enjoy all season long. Bring peace of mind to your outdoor gatherings with a beautiful and reusable WASP TRAP.
LIMELIGHT GREEN HYDRANGEA lives up to its name as a showstopping, elongated midsummer fl ower.
GREEN POTATO VINE Don’t forget to add this classic “spiller” plant to container gardens and hanging baskets. They are so easy to grow and will look fantastic all summer long.
SUCCULENT PLANTERS are perfect for forgetful gardeners because they are easy to care for – so trendy and modern.
This CHARMING TEACUP can be planted with your favourite herbs, which can be enjoyed in your favourite recipes.
Available at MAPLE LEAF GARDEN CENTRES 604-985-1784 1343 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver
604-922-2613 2558 Haywood Avenue, West Vancouver
mapleleafgarden.ca