CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE GARDEN TOPICS & EVENTS NEWSLETTER
MESSAGE TO MEMBERS...
by Gordon D. Wick, Executive Director
May promises to be a very busy month at the Centre, and I would like to thank the volunteers who have given many extra hours, even keeping our shops and library open for members nights, and setting up and working on plans for the Spring Plant Sales.
We have now received approximately as many advance orders for the 1983 Civic Garden Centre Plant Sale as we handled in 1982. This is a good sign because we can provide members with the best selection of materials for advance orders. It is very hard to judge the inventory balance % %d fo% the madrush on the public sale day. We haveregistered a number-ot new volunteers to help sort the advance orders, ready for the Pre-Sale pick-up. More volunteers could still be utilized. If you are available to help us during this much needed fund raising project, please call or mention this to our new Receptionist/Volunteer Co-Ordinator, Dorothy Whiteman.
Major funding for this new receptionist position has been made available through a grant from the R. E. Edwards Foundtion. Dorothy s job will include giving out general information on Edwards Gardens. Dorothy will be on duty five days per week, usually Tuesday through Saturday. We are pleased to continue to utilize our volunteer receptionists on Monday, when Dorothy is off, and on Wednesday when Dorothy will help in other administrative areas.
With the retirement of our bookkeeper, Gordon Kemmis, as of the end of March, we are currently taking steps to transfer our manual posting system to an electronic accounting system.
The time I have spent in interviewing applicants for these two positions, in preparing the year s budget proposals, and in attempting to gather the information for transfer to the electronic accounting system, has placed heavy demands on not only me, but on our other administrative staff. I do hope our members won t think that we have brushed aside other areas to which we need to devote further time and attention.
MEMBERS NIGHTS
We are making progress in setting up future programgqing plans. Although the TUTturnoutTatTmembers T Tnights Thas been quite variable, I feel that the members who have turned out have enjoyed both the evenings programs and the opportunity to get to know other members with similar interests.
If you have a program topic and/or speaker in mind, do let us know. If you are amoung our many talented members who could present a program on some special area of interest, I would like to know of your availability.
Because of the variable turnout, it is difficult to know if it is worth calling in volunteers to man the shops and library for each members night. Please let me know if you feel this service is really worth the effort. If you haven t helped before, but would like to on members nights, please call Dorothy.
In listing the proposed slate of new members of the CGC board, we omitted Mr. Coffee, and listed Dr. Brian Bixley incorrectly. Please accept my apology.
For all your gardening needs ...all year round.
GARDEN CENTRES
One group of volunteers are largely forgotten when it comes to handing out a thank you our Board of Directors . These 21 members serve on many committees as well as attending the regular monthly board meetings. A number of the 1982-83 board members are retiring from active duty this year. They have given many years of active service and we will miss them at the regular board meetings but I do hope to keep them active from time to time on specific committees.
On behalf of all our members I extend our thanks to our retiring directors.
We were saddened to hear that one of our long time active members has had a stroke. Gordon Galloway has served for a number of years as one of our security commissionaires. We will miss Gordon s cheery greetings at our reception area and we wish him a speedy and complete recovery. P ) -y
Genevieve Robertson who has co-ordinated our flower arranging classes and demonstrations for many years has indicated a desire to step down as coordinator. We wish to thank her for many years work as a very devoted promoter and volunteer here at the Centre. In addition to arranging the flower arranging courses, Genevieve set up many individual guest lectures and demonstrations at outside clubs as part of the Centre s outreach program.
By the time this reaches you, I expect to have discussed the terms of reference for the future co-ordination of the courses with Ella Irving, who has been personally recommended as Genevieve s successor. Ella has worked hard for the Centre in setting up our Japanese flower arranging courses and is well known and respected amoung our user groups. I trust she will receive the continued input and co-operation of our many floral arranging devotees.
Time to dig and fertilize the beds for annuals and to mix the soil for containers and window boxes. If you have not already done so, plant outdoors the seeds of cold tolerant vegetables, such as lettuce, radish, spinach, onions and peas. Crabgrass control should be applied now before the seed germinates.
MAY 15th
Time to buy annual plants if you are to get the best selection even though it means keeping them on the patio until planting time. Lawns should be sprayed with 2-4-D if weeds are prevalent. If spot weeding only is necessary Killex is good. Forsythia bushes should be pruned as soon as the blooming period is over.
MAY 24th
Plant out the hardier annuals such as snapdragons, petunias, It takes courage to remove any blooms but it will enable theplants to get their roots established. sooner.
JUNE
1st
Tender annuals such as marigolds, begonias, impatiens, and nicotiana can go into the ground now along with heat loving vegetable plants such as squash, cucumber and tomatoes.
SPRAYING (MAY 31st)
Preventative spraying for mildew on phlox and tuberous begonias should be started now, plus the application of slug pellets to eliminate slugs. For best results don t wait until you are aware of these afflictions. A group of experts have this to say about mildew, Phlox, zinnias and veronica are examples of plants that always suffer from powdery mildew in humid climates. There is no way you can grow them satisfactorily without spraying or dusting with a fungicide . If you are not prepared to spray it is wise to avoid mildew susceptible plants such as the above including tuberous begonias.
ORGANIC vs. CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS
Radicals of both groups are convinced they have the complete answer but most of them have only looked at one side of the coin.
What dyed-in-the-wool organic gardeners overlook is that chemical fertilizers were created of necessity for urban & suburban growers as the supply of organic materials was very difficult to obtain. Also the average gardener can seldom get sufficient compost from his own garden refuse to supply all his annual needs. It takes a substantial amount of vegetative waste to make even 1 bushel of the final product.
Conversely, chemical enthusiasts are guilty of overlooking the fact that organic materials are basic and nature s way of creating good soil. Not only do they open up and improve soil texture, but they retain moisture. Best of all, they create the beneficial bacteria that break down the fertilizing elements in the ground.
These in turn feed it to the plants as chemicals. In a nutshell, chemicals feed plants but they do nothing to improve the quality of the soil.
Both methods supply the same basic nitrogen, phosphorus and potash to the plants. Therefore, to say that vegetables grown and harvested by either method have a better flavour is, in the writer s opinion, wishful thinking.
Most of the time horticultural authorities recommend a compromise of combining the two procedures because of the scarcity and often poor quality of organic materials. They use as much good organic matter as is available when it is needed and supplement it with chemical products, particularly when the need is for quick action.
PICK-UP PLANT SALE ORDERS
Pre-Orders - Thurs. May 12th, 1983
3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Public Sale - Friday, May 13th, 1983
10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Springwood
Miniature Roses
Quality Plants
Speedy Delivery
Selected varieties to grow indoors and outdoors featured in our 1983 descriptive catalogue. Box 255T, Port Credit P. O., Mississauga, Ontario L5G 4L8
SLUGS
The most in today s persistent leaf eaters gardens. We should take it for granted that they will do considerable damage, unless we do something about it.
They feed by night and spotted eating plant you take a flashlight out garden about one hour after They are particularly fond marigolds, petunias, primulas coleus.
can be leaves if into the dark. of and
The writer has found the wuse of Metaldehyde pellets, (sold under various trade names) to be the most effective remedy, providing they are applied systematically and periodically. You must start dJune 1st, because that is the month that they breed and if you don t eliminate the parents you will be overrun with slugs, both large and small during July and August.
the rate square lightly Apply at pellets per and sprinkle
of about four foot of soil with a watering can or hose to cause them to activate otherwise they have no effect. It is important to do this on an evening when there is no chance of rain, because a heavy downfall will completely dissolve the pellets, making them worth_dess.......This. . treatment should bhe repeated every two weeks until mid September.
NEW PICOTEE PETUNIAS
While it is too late to start petunias from seed the following picotee (solid colour with white edges) varieties can be purchased at most nurseries. They provide colourful displays especially if used as companion plants. All are of the grandiflora, large flowered type.
Red Picotee - An all America winner for 1983. Colour is bright red with a contrasting white border. The pattern is unique to date, and doesn t break into color variations, the fault of the previous picotee varieties.
Cherry Frost - Deep cherry red with white outer edge.
Blue Frost - Violet blue with pure white edge. It has a more stabilized pattern than Blue picotee which it has replaced.
Velvet Picotee - velvety purple blooms, with white edge.
- Design Small Garden Specialist 922:5179
COMING EVENTS AT THE CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE
Art at the Centre
In the Link Gallery:
May 9 - 25 Stephen Knapp
Impressionistic oils
27 - June 18 Rosemary Dunning: - watercolours
Art in the Studios:
May 10 - 26 Richmond Hill Art Group
COURSES STARTING SOON...
May 2 - Pine Cone Craft lecture and demonstration 7.30 pm Fee: $3. mem. $3.50 non-mem.
4 - Photography 6 wks. course 8 pm Fee: $30. mem. $35. non-mem. Communicating through Photography is the title for this popular course. Equipment, perception, design & miscellaneous techniques are among the subjects covered.
4 - Home Landscape Design workshop by Lorin Teibe 4 wks. 7 - 9.30 pm Fee: mem.$35. non-mem. $45. Topics presented through illustrated lectures and discussions, covering creation of your entryway, outdoor living areas, work and storage spaces, children s play areas, proper selection of plant material,reducing your maintenance problems, renovating your existing garden and common landscape errors toavoid.
5 - Part I Flower Arranging for Beginners 3 wk course at 1.30pm or 8 pm
June
2- Part 2 Flower Arranging for Beginners 3 wek course starts 1.30 pm or 8 pm Fee: $12. mem. or $15. non-mem.
CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE HOURS
Weekdays 9:30am to 4:00pm Sat., Sun., & Hols. 12pm to 5pm
General Information
Volume 10, NO@ ISSN 0380-1470
Executive Director: Gordon D. Wick
Advertising: G. D. Wick (416) 445-1552
Printed by Munns Press Ltd., Whitby, Ontario
Trellis is published nine times per year as a member s newsletter, by the Civic Garden Centre, 777 Lawrence Ave. East, Don Mills, Ontario M3C 1P2 Telephone (416) 445-1552
The Centre is located within Edwards Gardens, at Leslie and Lawrence Avenue East, at the geographical centre of Metropolitan Toronto. It is a non-profit, volunteer based, gardening and floral arts information organization with open membership. Opinions expressed within do not necessarily reflect those of the Centre.
THE CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE PROGRAMME SCHEDULE
May 2 - Rhododendron Society PLANT SALE 6.30 p.m.
3 - Mens Garden Club reg. meeting 8 p.m. Ken Duncan will be speaking on Rhododendrons
7,8 -ORCHID SHOW - So. Ont. Orchid Soc. Public hours Sat. 12-6 p.m. and Sun. 9 - 5 p.m. Admission $2.00 - There will be a plant sale of plants from some of the best growers in the U.S. and Canada.
8 - Toronto Gesneriad Soc. reg. meeting 2-4 p.m. Talk on Columnea and how they can be used in design division of shows.
9 - MEMBER S NIGHT - in co-operation with the Toronto Bonsai Soc. 8 p.m. Jerald Stowell. from the USA, author of several books, will be speaking on Fruiting Bonsai Plants He will bring a tree and make up a bonsai planter.
10 - MAY MEDLEY MINI SHOW by Garden Club of Toronto - Open to public 2:30 to 4pm ONLY - No Charge a one day flower show of competitive flower arranging and horticultural classes.
11 - Garden Therapy Group regular meeting 1.30 p.m.
11 - Donations for our C.G.C. Plant Sale can be dropped off at the service entrance, at the east end of the building from 9am to 9pm.
12 - Civic Garden Centre donated plants also to be dropped off Thurs. morning 9 a.m. to 12 noon.
PREORDERS to be picked up from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday ONLY.
12 - Canadian Chrysanthemum Soc. PLANT SALE
13 - PLANT SALE - Civic Garden Centre - Public sale 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Annuals. Box plants, Perennials and Container plants
15 - York Rose Society meeting 2 p.m. Open to anyone
25 - Hobby Greenhouse reg. meeting 8 p.m. - last meeting until fall Summer in the Greenhouse and what to do with it .
26 - Can. Chrysanthemum Soc. reg. meeting 8 p.m. Topics to include Plant care and Why and When to fertilize for both Mums and Dahlias and a speaker on Insect and fungus control .
12 - Toronto Gesneriad Soc. reg. meeting 2-4 p.m. OPEN HOUSE and Mini Show of Flowering Plants
13 - Annual Meeting - Toronto Bonsai Soc. 8 p.m.
21,22 Milne House Garden Club ANNUAL FLOWER SHOW Theme: All you need is Love Admission $2.50 Tuesday 1 - 8.30 p.m. and Wed. 11 a.m. - 4.30 p.m.
BECOME A MEMBER TODAY!
CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE
Basic Annual Membership Additional family member
$10.00 2.50
Donation to the Civic Garden Centre
Other Membership Categories: By Annual Subscription
Sustaining $35.00 or more
Contributing 50.00 or more
Supporting 100.00 or more
Membership Secretary, THE CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE, 777 Lawrence Avenue East (at Leslie), Don Mills, Ontario M3C 1P2
I wish to become a member of the Civic Garden Centre in the category marked. Enclosed is my cheque for $ made out to the Civic Garden Centre.
Please send my Trellis Newsletter to the following:
WHAT S NEW IN GERANIUMS
by Marjorie Mason
Marjorie Mason is Greenhouse Manager of Pine Ridge Nurseries and a collector of pelargoniums. In the past few years there has been a tremendous increase in the popularity of geraniums. Much of the reason for this is the work that has been done by the hybridizers in the development of new varieties.
Two new zonals which are grown from vegetative cuttings are Fame - a bright red semi-double and Veronica a semi-double deep rose pink. The habit of the latter is compact and uniform with the blooms held well above the foliage.
Hybrid geraniums grown from seed are becoming increasingly popular. An exciting 1983 introduction is Merlin with a single bloom of magenta-rose and an orange-scarlet eye. One problem with the hybrids is that compactness requires spraying with a growth retardant. Therefore there has been much work done in producing genetically dwarf geraniums which reach a maximum of only 12 and do not require any chemical treatment.
Last year the Gremlin series was available only as a mixture of colours. This year I have grown Gremlin Rose Blossom, Peach Blossom and Cardinal Blossom.
I had hoped to purchase seeds of the new dwarf ¢Video series just developed in England but unfortunately the demand was greater than the supply. However, I was able to obtain seed of the Amarette-deep salmon, Flamingolight salmon, Sunbird - brilliant scarlet. These were bred under low light and cooler conditions than normal. They often produce several secondary buds ready to bloom when other varieties have only one or two.
Last year Orange Cascade was introduced as a hanging basket geranium - now, we have Red Fountains a zonal geranium bred especially for hanging baskets.
Plants are basal branching and bushy. Three plants make a good 10 basket covered with scarlet salmon blooms which held up well in heat.
The most unusual hybrid is Stardust which produces delicate starshaped blooms above zoned dark green, highly serrated foliage.
Many garden centres this year will be carrying some of the very old varieties of fancy-leaved geraniums - Mrs. Parker - double soft pink - green and white foliage. Madame Wilhelm Languth - double cherry red - green & white foliage. Happy Thought-single cherry red blooms, leaves are green with yellow butterfly variegation, Mrs. Henry Cox (listed as Velma Cox) single salmon bloom against bright
see these delightful old varieties making a revival.
I was happy to obtain some of the first cuttings that were sent to North America in December. We will have available in May, 10 hanging baskets and 4 pots. (Some of the varieties are in short supply).
Have you ever thought of using ivy geraniums as a ground cover or to trail down walls or over rocks in a rock garden? The scented geraniums Filbert and Strawberry also make excellent cascading plants covered with rosyred blooms.
Last year at the C.N.E. so many people fell in love with Appletri-coloured foliage. It isgoodto blossom Rosebud that it was in very short supply. I am happy to report that we will have an ample supply for this spring.
When the red and white bicolour ivy geranium called Rouletta was released a few years ago it caused a minor sensation - unfortunately it has become known by several different names - Mexicanerin (Germany), Mexicana (England), Bayview Peppermint, Peppermint Candy, and Mexican Girl (North America), and Cocktail (Holland). When Rouletta reached England in 1975 an English research team set about determining its genetic origins. This team invented a method of producing picotee ivy geraniums in a range of colours on a white base. They were named the Harlequin Series and there are six varieties ready for sale:
Harlequin Alpine Glow - mauve, Harlequin Mahogany - deep red, Harlequin Picotee - soft pink, Harlequin Pretty Girl - orange, Harlequin Rosie O Day - rich pink.
We care about your gardening problems. Come and see us at our unique Garden Centre and Greenhouses.
HWY #2 (og.8
Mini Rose Nursery
Specializing in Miniature Roses For 1983 Listing Write Florence Gahagan
P.O. Box 873, Guelph, Ont. N1H 6M6
NOW AND AGAIN
has a wonderful way to preserve your wedding flowers and other floral tributes 416-488-8262
Listen To TOMMY THOMPSON' S TORONTO
Every Saturday Morning at 11:15 am
C.J.C.L. 1430 AM
WONDERLAND
OF BULBS
Send $1.00 (refundable on first order) for our new colour catalogue, plus a surprise bonus. You'll be glad you did! Justreturn this ad with your remittance.
The multitude of rare and interesting bulbs, seeds and plants listed, many exclusive with us, will prove to be a revelation. By far the most complete bulb catalogue in Canada.
C. A. CRUICKSHANKLTD.
Since 1925 Canada' s LeadingBulbSpecialists 1015 Mount Pleasant Road Toronto M4P 2M1 488-8292
THE CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1982 AND 1981
REVENUE
Membership fees
Auditorium & meeting facilities
Donations
Interest Activities - net
Garden shop
Book shop
Floral craft workshop
EXPENSES
General and administrative salaries
Trellis - net
Library
Other
Excess (Deficiency) of Revenue over Expenses For the Year
Accumulated Excess of Revenue over Expenses
Balance, beginning of year Interest on funds held in trust Excess (deficiency) of revenue over expenses for the year
Balance, end of year
Represented by:
and term deposits
~~Inventories in shops -
portion of designated donations Due to James Boyd Fund
AUDITORS REPORT
$ 94,200 $ 40,196
$115,407 $ 76,186
We have examined the statement of financial position of The Civic Garden Centre as at December 31, 1982 and the statements of accumulated excess of revenues over expenses, and revenue and expenses for the year then ended. Our examination was made in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, and accordingly included such tests and other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances.
In our opinion, these financial statements present fairly the financial position of The Civic Garden Centre as at December 31,1982 and the results of its operations for the year then ended in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, for non-profit organizations, applied on a basis consistent with that of the preceding year. Murray, Keeso & Company Chartered Accountants
RHODODENDRONS & AZALEAS _ [ °% IN EDWARDS GARDENS
An Updated Report by Ken Duncan
The original article on the history of the planting of rhododendrons and azaleas in Edwards Gardens was in the June 1977 issue of Trellis magazine. The planting has grown considerably since that time and is still in the process of development. Referring back to that article will give the reader the early history of the planting.
Briefly, the late Leslie Hancock, of Woodland Nurseries, Mississauga, one of the pioneer rhododendron growers in the Toronto area, planted some hardy rhododendrons and azaleas in Edwards Gardens in the early 1950 s. These are on the west side of Wilket Creek which flows through the valley in the Gardens from north to south and thence into a tributary of the Don River. The planting is opposite the main steps into the valley on the east side of the creek and half way down the Gardens. The plants have done well and are now about 10 feet tall.
In 1971, the Rhododendron Society of Canada was formed, Mr. Hancock being a founding member. In 1973, a few Toronto members approached Mr. T.W. (Tommy) Thompson, then Metropolitan Toronto Parks Commissioner, with the suggestion of presenting an additional collection of rhododendrons & azaleas to Edwards Gardens in the name of the Society. Mr. Thompson was ~quick to aeeept-the idea. The-Parks Department prepared ground adjacent to the originaL&)lanting and Toronto members donated plant material or money for the purchase of new hybrids at local nurseries. These nurseries gave generous discounts or free plant material for the project and, indeed, have continued this tradition every year since.
In 1976, the Toronto Regional Group, Rhododendron Society of Canada was formed and has held a plant auction and sale every May in the Civic Garden Centre, Edwards Gardens, the proceeds going toward further purchases of plants for the collection. During this time the Parks Department has prepared additfonal beds to accommodate a steady flow of new plant acquisitions.
The new administration of the Metro Toronto Parks Dept. in 1979 decided that the Toronto Region, RSC, should justify expanding the planting further. A small deputation of the Regional executive appeared before the Metro Toronto Parks Board in November of that year, and presented the aims of the Society regarding the planting. The Parks Board voted in favour of continuing the project provided the Metro Parks Department and the Society agreed on a plan for future development. An agreement was reached by these two parties and proved to be in the interest of all concerned.
The planting now extends from the north end of the Gardens to the service road at the south end, along the west bank of Wilket Creek. A long bed is being planted on the south side of this service road which climbs out of the
valley to the nursery area on the south west corner of the Gardens. The planting will then continue, at intervals, along the top of the valley to the wooden steps at the north end. These lead down the slope to the Winter Pool and Wilket Creek. In effect, the entire planting will be in the shape of a loosely formed oval, the eastern half down in the valley and the other half on the high ground to the west.
The advantage of this arrangement 1s, by following the oval, one can enter at any point in the planting and see the entire collection, eventually returning to one s starting place.
To quote my previous article - The soil in the valley of Edwards Gardens consists of about six inches of good loam over a subsoil of blue clay. The beds for the rhododendrons and azaleas have, therefore, been raised above the surroundin lawns with a 50-50 mixture of peat an loam to give the proper acidity required by the plants. Visitors can observe this method of planting on heavy clay and use it in their own garden. As the plants are shallow rooted, they grow well in this medium as long as moisture is present. Note also the mulch of pine needles to conserve moisture, ke and give a COOI l OOE run.
The collection itself consists of about 500 rhododendrons and azaleas with more being added each spring. These vary in height from 6 inches to 10 feet. There are about 70 different named hybrids (cultivars) of large and small leaved rhododendrons plus 8 species - about 250 plants in all. These include many old cultivars (known as ironclads) as well as newer hybrids, some having been developed by our own members. The rhododendrons are planted in the more sheltered, partly shaded areas, and the azaleas in the more sunny exposures.
Among the ironclads are the cultivars America, Boursault, Catawbiense Album and Grandiflorum, Chiooides, Everestianum, English Roseum, Ignatius Sargent, Nova Zembla, President Lincoln and Lee s Dark Purple.
The newer hardy
hybrids include Besse Howel, Blue Peter, Caroline, Doa Amateis, Elie, Katherine Dalton, King Tut, Pink Twins, lf)t_ax}::apo, Scientillation and Wyandanch ink,
The rhododendron species include brachycarpum, carolinianum, dauricum, Fortunei, hippophaeoides, maximum metternichii, mucronulatum, and Smirnowii.
The number of different named hybrids of deciduous azaleas in the planting is around 100, with two or three of one cultivar in many instances. The total number of deciduous hybrids is about 250 plus 11 species. The various strains of azaleas include Ghent, Mollis, Occidentalis, Rustica flore plena, Knap Hill, Viscosum, Leich, and Pride hybrids. We also have some Canadian hybrids ...from Vineland Research Station (Ont.) and our own members.
Where
Great Gardens
At your closest Sheridan Garden Centre you will find the finest selection of nursery stock in Canada, including more than 750 varieties of plants and trees grown on Sheridan 's own farms.
LANDSCAPE DEPARTMENTS: Metropolitan Toronto 621-9111, East Toronto/Markham 477-1499, Kitchener/Waterloo 743-4146.
RHODODENDRONS & AZALEAS
Continued from page 6
The azalea species are alabamense, atlanticum, arborescens, bakeri, calendulaceum, nudiflorum, occidentala, roseum, Schlippenbachi, \faseyi, & viscosum.
In addition to the rhododendrons and azaleas in the collection companion plants are also featured. The magnolia collection is growing, as well as several of the best of the flowering crabs. These lants have been donated by the Milne ouse and the Men s Garden Clubs over several years. These, as well as other interesting and unusual shrubs and trees, add interest to the planting before and after the rhododendrons & azaleas bloom.
Some of the interesting trees include Japanese maples (Acer japonicum, palmatum and sieboldiana), Hawthorn (Craeaegus mordenensis Snowbird), Liquidambar syraciflua, Nyssa sylvatica, Japanese cherries (Prinus hillieri Spire, Kwanzan, Sargentii, and yedoensis Akebono), and Shingle Oak (Quercu styraciflua, Nyssa sylvatica, Japanese cherries (Prinus hillieri Spire, Kwanzan, Sargentii, and yedoensis Akebono), and Shingle Oak (Quercus imbricaria).
Shrubs of interest include Chinese dogwood (Cornus kousa chinensis), Enkianthus campanulata, Witch Hazel (Hanamrelis mollis and virginiana), Fotherrgillaqni?,pticola, Holly (Ilex meserveae and verticillata), Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia), Labrador Tea (Ledum groenlandicum), Pieris floribunda, Stewartia pseudocamellia, Viburnum bodnantense, and tomentosum Mariesii.
There is always something of interest to see in the collection at any time of the year and it is always open to the public. The blooming time of the rhododendrons and azaleas is from mid-April into July, depending on the variety. The Toronto Region normally holds a spring flower show in the Civic Garden Centre at the end of May. However, this year (1983) we are declaring an Azalea Festival in the Gardens from May 21 throu%h May 29. Tommy Thompson will officially declare the Festival open on Saturday May 21 at 2 p.m. at the entrance to the Gardens near the Civic Garden Centre. This is a first for Eastern Canada nnd the public invited to participate.
A Rare Plant Sale is to be held on Monday May 2nd at 7.30 p.m. in the Civic Garden Centre, Edwards Gardens. This is a good opportunity for the gardening public to purchase, at very reasonable prices, rhododendrons, azaleas and companion plants, as well as more common plants. The Toronto Region RSC uses the proceeds of this sale to acquire more plant material for the collection. Come early for the best selection and bargains.
Ken Duncan is Chairman of the Planting Committee of the Toronto Region, the Rhododendron Society of Canada and a Past President of both the Toronto Region and the National Society.
1982 C. G. C. DONATIONS
We wish to acknowledge the following doners whose financial support during 1982 has helped us to set aside funds for future improvements and developments.
Supporting Members
Royal Bank, Markborough Properties, James Craig, Aylesworth Thompson, A. Lusink, T.J. Lipton Ltd.,Horizon Chicks Ltd,Ross Skinner, Garden Club of Toronto, McGraw Hill, U. Manski, Gage Publishing, Crown Life, Boland Foundation, Mrs.R.McCleary, Mrs. Lois Young, Senang Investments Ltd., S.Ont.Orchid Soc., Miss A. Gray, McLean Foundation, Colin Ferrington, D. F. Davis Trust, A. Stewart.
Contributing Members
Peter Beattie, H. Roy McLean, P. Petropoulos, Hume Publishing Ltd., Dr. James Ainslie, D. Campbell, Mrs. J. Weir, Garden Club, Mrs.Paul Shannon
Sustaining Members
R. Hull, Mrs. J. F. Barrett, Brampton Hort.,
We further acknowledge the generous donation by the following members
D. Wilder, Dr. Hancock, S.Wallace,M. Hall, M.I.Tuer, J.A.Sarjeant,D. Ball, Mr.Bunnett, Mrs.A.Hussey,Lawry s Foods, Mrs.W.A. Young, D.M.Smith, K. Radacz, Yorkminster Church,
"~
Dr.D.Firth, Dr. G.M.Horne, M.Geary, G. Ross, R. Imrie, D.C. Higginbotham, H. Patrick.
We must not neglect to recognize the outstanding fund raising efforts of the Milne House Garden Club members who worked as a committee in preparing the Studio areas for the Cornucopia sale.
We wish to also recognize the continuing efforts of members of the Garden Club of Toronto in assisting us with our fund raising. A committee of the Garden Club is operating the Floral Workshop as a fund raising project for the Civic Garden Centre. They have already met the 1983 committment and they look forward to increased sales in the coming year.
We really don t want to leave anyone out, and do wish to thank all those who help us set up our fund raising projects as well as those whose donated time makes our courses and other events so successful.
city gardens
Tropical Plants
Sales and Maintenance
lan A. McCallum, B:Sc.(Agriculture) 446-1040 9:00 - 5:00 Monday to Friday
THE "@ountry Squires Garden PERENNIALPLANT SPECIALISTS
Approximately 2000 Species and Hybrids
* Good supplies of Chinese Tree Peonies, especially the yellow one.
* Miniature Trees and Shrubs
* Exciting range of miniature roses
* Extended range of Daylilies
* New varieties this year of Iris Germanica, tall bearded.
Send $1 today for a plant list by mail The Country Squire s Garden Steeles Avenue West, R.R. 10, BRAMPTON, Ontario L6V 3N2
Opening April 16 Sat.,Sun., & Hols. till the middle of June.
After June 18th, Open Daily Steeles Ave. 2 miles west of Highway No. 10
NOW OPEN YEAR ROUND DON VALLEY GARDEN CENTRE
2714 St. Clair Ave. East Toronto, Ont. M4B 1M6
Complete Garden Supply Centre located centrally in East York just east of O Connor Drive.
* Roses - Ontario grown stock
* Nursery stock and
¢ Fruit Trees excellent selection
e Number 1 Nursery Sod
¢ Bedding and Perennial Plants
¢ Tropical Plants
e Soils ® Peat Moss
e Seeds ¢ Patio Slabs
e Fertilizers
CALLING ALL JUNIORS
Ages 9 to 13 years...
Our Green Thumbs Garden Club meets at the Civic Garden Centre once a month on Saturday s at 9.45 am. The next meeting will be May 14 and will consist of a demonstration-workshop on planting terrariums. To participate you must register ahead - pay the yearly $3.00 membership fee and bring a container such as one of the wide mouth clear glass jars in which restaurants buy bulk food items (approx. 6 round x 11> high). Often free for the asking!
It is vital to register ahead in order to have sufficient component materials and plants.
WANTED !
An Adult who is interested in helping as a program co-ordinator for the Green Thumbs. This involves behind the scenes set up of programs, collecting materials ready for the teachers/demonstrators and possibly organizing a late summer flower and vegetable show.
Since the James Boyd Fund provides most of the needed funding for the juniors our main concern is getting programs planned ahead so details can be sent and given out to juniors to rejuvenate the club and increase our turnout once again.
BOOK REVIEW
by T. W. Thompson
The Harrowsmith Northern Gardener, by Jennifer Bennett, is a battle plan, prepared and developed under fire. The author |is interchangeably a successful gardener who writes well, or a successful writer who gardens very well.
Since it seems that many people believe that gardening is a confrontation against soil, weather and terrain, the book has been prepared to reduce the hazards and increase the interest and the production. Production because it is not a book about flowers but rather one which describes in some detail the cultural requirements of 72 vegetables and 20 herbs.
Instruction starts with the arrival of the seed catalogues, proceeds through the garden plan, the preparation of the soil, the sowing of the seed, and the nourishment of the crops. It anticipates the potential problems and provides pre-tested solutions, all without the use of the wusual range of insecticides and fungicides. And when the crop is ready for harvest, there are suggestions on how to preserve the bounty in the freezer, cold cellar or quart jar.
This is an excellent book of value, not only to the beginner, but full of wuseful hints for the experienced gardener.
GARDEN THERAPY GROUP
The Centre has for a number of years provided meeting facilities for a small group of interested adults who now find themselves in need of a person to organize the meeting topics for future programs. We have a good committee looking after the transportation and social aspects but one volunteer is needed to set up programs and obtain speakers or films for the once monthly meetings.
If you would like to try to assist in this way, please call Dorothy Whiteman at 445-1552.
COMMISSIONAIRE WANTED
The Civic Garden Centre is looking for an occasional, part-time commissionaire to assist primarily at week-end functions. Written applications ONLY will be accepted and application forms are available through the membership office.
PATRONIZE OUR C.G.C. SHOPS
One of the basic reasons for having our shops is as a service to members, and it is important that we use them regularly to warrant their very existance. As you can see from our financial statement, profits have not been high, and projections for this year are for serious losses due to a lack of major shows to attract large crowds who happily shop in our stores while here but never think to make a special trip here to shop. A shop review committee is now being set up to consider possible changes which might reduce our expected losses.
We have made a special purchase of QOasis for flower arranging and it will be offered to members at special prices just in time for our upcoming summer shows. Along with a good selection of pinholders and pincups (some at sale prices) you will find almost any item you need for floral design work.
Come in soon and browse you may be pleasantly surprised at the wide range of stock purchased with the active gardener in mind.
CRAFTS &
10 beautiful garden stores to serve you
SCARBOROUGH 1306 Kennedy Rd.
HAMILTON 2500 Barton Street East Parkway Plaza South of Highway 401 Centennial and Barton St. ~ North of Lawrence Ave. 560-1600 755-5345
ETOBICOKE MISSISSAUGA 1582 The Queensway 335Dundas St. E Between Kipling Ave East of Highway 10 and Highway 427 West of Cawthra Rd 255-0725 2772727
WATERLOO 200 Weber Street North 885-2211
BURLINGTON 4265 Fairview Street 639-8692
CAMBRIDGE NEWMARKET 561 Hespeler Rd. 55 Yonge Street Highway 24 Southof Davis Drive 500 yds. S. of Highway 401 895.2457 621-5281
WHITBY UNIONVILLE 1242 Dundas St. E No. 7 Highway East of Woodbine Ave. West of Kennedy Rd. 477-3330 West of Thickson Rd East of Anderson St 6687505
