Now isthe time
- by Ernest Pope
During the first half of August, most annuals are usually at the peak of their blooming period. However, many will begin to taper off, if not given attention at this time. It is important to remove, where possible, the dead flower heads to prevent the formation of seed, because once it has formed, active flowering ceases; nature s function has been completed. Seed head removal may be frustrating to the plant cycle, but certainly it extends the length, quantity and quality of the blooming period. This applies particularly to annuals such as zinnias. On the other hand, fibrous begonias, marigolds, and impatiens seem to be able to set seed and continue to bloom vigorously.
.lrost
Petunias have a tendency not only to produce seed, but to grow elongated and unruly stems. When this happens, it is a good idea to shear all the plants back half-way. This will mean forgoingbloom for a period of about two weeks while they send out new blooming stalks. However, it should assure good bloom until To hasten thisperiod,athorough watering with a soluble feedmg such as 20-20-20, or Rapid Grow, will stimulate the process. If the bed is too large to allow the use of a watering can, the fertilizer can be applied as a foliar spray. In fact such a feeding would be beneficial to any annual that appears to be lagging.
If the leaves on the plants in window boxes or_containers take on a pale green or yellow appearance, it is because the nitrogen in the soil has all leached out. A feeding will restore the colour to a healthy green again within a week.
REVITALIZING OLD PEONYCLUMPS
This popular perennialislong-lived, deeprooted and a heavy feeder. This creates problems. Unlike many perennials such as phlox and iris, that are usually divided and reset every three to four years in new and enriched soil, peonies may remain in the same spot for 25 years or longer. Unless proper steps are taken after 5 years, however, blooms may become smaller and in double flowering varieties, semi-double. After the S5th year, when most of the original humus from the initial planting has dissipated, it is not possible to mulch with surface organic materials for fear of leaving the plant with more than two inches of surface covering. This condition would cause it to stop blooming.
The cure calls for the generous application each year of a chemical fertilizer, both in early April, and again just after the plant has finished blooming. A high phosphorous and potash fertilizer is recommended such as 4-12-8 or6-12-12.
As a last resort, should this procedure not give the anticipated results, then the clump should be dug up and divided; reset the divisions with at least 5 eyes in new soil with ample humus. The old, woody portions should be discarded. It will be at least three to four years before the new plants provide ample, full sized blooms.
SAVING SEED
Many of the newest and best annuals are known as F1 or F2 hybrids which do not come true from the seed they produce and, in some cases, the seed is not even viable. Seed, therefore, from our own plants may revert to one or the other of their parents. However seed can be saved from standard varieties and stored in a closed container in a refrigerator. __This techm ue also applies to seed\left over irompackages at the time o The package should be resealed A broad necked glass bottle is an excellent containerfor this.
ing.
longer than one year.
Many varieties stored in this manner will remain good up to 5 years; others seldom It is a good idea to test a few of them each spring before the main planting takes place.
It is usually best to buy fresh seed each year from the growers, because it is produced under specific = modern methods, and it now often comes packaged in moisture proof air-tight packages.
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 flowersand other floral tributes 416-488-8262
WONDERLAND OF BULBS
Send $1.00 for our new catalogues, refundable on first order.
The multitude of rare and interesting bulbs listed,over 700 varieties, many difficult to obtain elsewhere, will prove to be a revelation. By far the most complete bulb catalogue in Canada.
C.A.CRUICKSHANKLTD.
Since 1925
Canada s LeadingBulb Specialists
1015 Mount Pleasant Road TorontoM4P 2M1 488-8292
SENIORGARDENERS
(55 years and over)
The Greenhouse & Gardening Club of | Joseph E. Minnie-Wagman-Centze... invite you to join and enjoy their 5 G een ouss Gardening activities at 55 Amer Ave. North York M6A 2Z1 For more info. 789-5131, Ext. 414
Pine Ridge Nurseries
Homeofall yourgardeningneeds SPECIALIZING in:
®Geraniums over 200 varieties (zonal, novelties, regals, ivies, scented, fancy leaved, miniatures.) e Herbs"
® Perennials
® Annuals e Tropicals
®Trees andShrubs
® Roses
® Evergreens
We care about your gardening problems. Come andsee us at our unique Garden Centre and Greenhouses.
HWY #2
Kamile AN o = TORONTO WHITBY. .@A& 401
L S R N = 683-5952 BROCK RD. N., PICKERING
THE CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE PROGRAMME SCHEDULE
Sept. 6 Mens Garden Club 8p.m. First meeting for the fall
7 BeginnersJapanese Flower Arranging 3 week course starts 10-3 p.m.
11 Toronto Gesneriad Societymeeting 2-4 p.m. Guestspeaker John Beaulieu showing slides from the Nat. African Violet Showin Milwaukee
12 Chinese Brush Painting course starts at 1.30-3.30 p.m. 10 weeks
12 Toronto Bonsai Society reg. meeting 8 p.m. Guest Speaker will be Dan Robinson from Seattle who will bedoing Bonsai demonstrations
13 Botanical Art course starts for 6 weeks 10-2p.m.
14 Garden Therapy Group meets at 1.30 p.m. for handicapped people room for 8 to 10 more people who would like to attend once a month
15 Corsage - a one-day workshop from 10 -3 p.m.
15 Members Night 8 p.m. Topic CarryingPlants Over Winter Under Lights 17- 18 Foreign Bird Society SHOW open to public Sat. 2-9 p.m. Sun. 10-5 p.m.
Admission$1.50
18 York Rose Soc. meeting 1 -4 p.m.
19 Mycological Soc. of Toronto (Fungi Fair) Free Admission Open to the public from noon to 10 p.m.
21 Basic FlowerArranging 3 week course starts at 1.30 or 8 p.m.
21 Growing & Forcing Spring Flowering Bulbs - 3 sessions at 1.30 or 8 p.m.
22 Intermediate Flower Arranging 2 week course starts 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
23 Rug Hooking starts for 8 weeks 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
24 Jr. Garden Club (Green Thumbs) 9.45 a.m. to noon - there are opemngs for children agesfrom 7 to 13
24-25 Can. Chrysanthemum Soc. EARLY SHOW Admission $1.00 Sat. 2pm-6pm and on Sun. 10 am. -5 p.m.
27 Birdwatchingin Fall 4 week course starts 2 p.m. or 7.30 p.m.
28 Hobby Greenhouse meet at 8 p.m.- Winter Gardenmgin the Greenhouse
29 Shrubsand Trees for Small Home Lots - 2 sessions at 1.30 or 8 p.m.
2 So. Ontario Orchid Soc. General Meeting 1-5 p.m. Guest speaker Fred Hillerman from California, authority on Madagascar orchid species
4 Mens Garden Club regularmeeting 8 p.m. e * S Gar 'en%cra'p'y{koupmeet at 1.30 B,
Sept. 22 - Intermediate Flower Arrang. 2 week course 10 am - 3 pm.
Sept. 27 - Birdwatching In Fall - 4 week course. 2 p.m; 01730 pan.
Sept. 29 -Shrubs and Trees for Small Home Lots - 2 sessions 1.30 or 8.00 p.m.
Civic Garden Centre Fall Hours
Shops and Librar3y
Mon. to Fri., 0 -5pm, Sat.,.Sun 12- §
Administration - Mon - Fri. 9:30 to4:30
General Information
Volume 10,No.4 ISSN 0380-1470
Executive Director: Gordon D. Wick
Advertising: G. D. Wick (416) 445-1552
Printed by Munns Press Ltd., Wh i ?'y. 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.
w ri». _,;»_c ,.»,v Sratelios i
6 Miniature FlowerArranging - aone-day workshop10 -3 p.m.
9 Toronto Gesneriad Soc. SHOW Free admission-Open to public1-4 p.m. Guest speaker Francis Batchelor who will give a lecture on Gesneriads.
10 Toronto Bonsai Society meeting at 8 pm. This will be a workshop.
14,15,16 AUTUMN CORNUCOPIA - A show and sale of plants, dried flowers, hand-made crafts and festive decorations. Open to public on Fri. 11-6 p.m., Sat. 10-6 p.m., and Sun.
12-6 p.m. Admission $1.00
We issue receipts for taxdeductions for allbut the basic$10.00 annualmembers fee (Charitable Registration No. 0228114-56-13)
BECOME A MEMBER TODAY!
Basi¢ Annual Membership
CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE
MembershipSecretary, THE CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE, 777 Lawrence Avenue East (at Leslie), Don Mills, Ontario M3C 1P2
I wish to becomea member of the Civic Garden Centre in the category marked. Enclosed is my cheque for $_
Please send myTrellis Newsletter to the following: made out to the Civic Garden Centre.
Name Address City Prov. . = Postal Code_ Phone ( ).
SPRING 1984 HOUSE AND GARDEN TOUR
The Civic Garden Centre is thinking of planning a House and Garden Tour of Philadelphia and The Brandywine Valley for four days in early May, 1984- Azalea Time!
The tour would include first class accommodation, talks, cocktails, and special meals in country inns, garden settings, and historic restaurants and/or clubs. There would be a walk through old Philadelphia and an open air trolley ride through Fairmount Park. We would include a visit to therestored century old grist mill now housing The Brandywine River Museum with its collectjon of paintings of three generations of Wyeths, and stroll through its wildflower gardens. We would view what has been described as the finest collection of Early American craftsmanship in textiles, glass, needlework and handmade furniture at Winterthur, and then explore the 60 acres of informal gardens featuring the azalea woods ablaze in shades of red, pink and white. =
Time would be spent at the famous 350 acre Longwood Gardens where
Europe to plan water gardens, arock and heather garden, afountaingarden, anda four acre conservatory. Other possibilities include Nemours, a modified Louis XVI chateau and its Versailles-like gardens. Details for these and other visits are being worked out as interest is shown.
We ve been talking of such a tour for some time, and have wondered if there was enough interest among the members? We would travel by air - probably leaving Toronto early on a Thursday morning and back on Sunday. The all-inclusive cost would range in the neighbourhood of eight to nine hundred dollars, and would include a donation to The Civic Garden Centre.
If you are interested in hearing more about such a tour and possibly being a part of it, please fill out the attached form and return it to The Civic Garden Centre assoon as possible.
Part1c1pat10n will be hmlted
Name it et s o pleaséprint
Addressil ow
Arranging Flowers For The Church
Anyone interested in helping us organize a One-day Lecture in their Churchplease contact the Centre at 445-1552
A teacher would be available to go out for a one-day lecture and workshop or perhaps two evenings.
BOOK REVIEW
by
P. MacKenzie, Librarian
A welcome addition to the Centre s Library is A LITTLE WILDERNESSTheNatural History of Toronto by BILL IVY. Oxford 1983.
The author matches accurate descriptions of nearly 100 species of plants, birds and animals-stunningly beautiful photographs.
After seeing this book, many people will wish to add it to their own collection. It is available at the Centre s bookstore at $24.95.
Cherry Tree Gardens
Consultation -Desngn Small Garden Speclallst 922-5179 =
AUTUMN CORNUCOPIA
Once again our exciting annual fundraiser Autumn Cornucopia is taking place on OCTOBER 14, 15 and 16, 1983
It will be a show rich with ideas and things to buy; a plant sale put on by Gesneriad Soc., S. Ont. Orchid Soc., North Toronto Hort. Soc.; Spring and Winter Bulbs; over 40 Craft Booths; a mini Art Show in the link; Christmas ideas; dried flower arrangements; Creative Country Crafts. Canada Packers Quilt Collection will be on display. Snack Bar will provide inexpensive lunches.
Come and enjoy a lovely autumn day at the Civic Garden Centre. Bring your friends. Tickets available now $1.00.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN GROUP designing& building thecitylandscape RON FUCHS 654-9716 st
Tel No. Home... Bus: .ot s s - a
Where
Great Gardens
At your closest Sheridan Garden Centreyou will find the finest selection of nur- sery stock in Canada, including more than 750 varieties of plants and treesgrown on Sheridan 's ownfarms.
one full And Sheridan 's nursery stock is guaranteed for year. At Sheridan Garden Centres you will also find qualified nurserymen who will be pleased to help you in any way they can.
Please use the form provided and mail proper remittance As classes are limitedBookings are made as received with fee S e g
FEE: $35. members $40. non-mem.
TIME: 1.30 to 3.30
p.m.
Instructor: ALICE COLMAN
6 week course on MONDAYS OCT. 24,31, NOV. 7,14,21 and 28, 1983
4058 PAINTING ON SILK
These 5 sessions will be on 5 different specialized plant familiespresented as discussion groups by several different successful growersslides and/or live materials will be used in the presentations. REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR COURSES & WORKSHOPS
BOTH BEGINNING AND ADVANCED STUDENTS WILL BE WELCOME
Instruction and guidance will be available in pencil, charcoal, watercolour and oils.
FEE: $45. members $50.non-mem. PLEASE BRING A LUNCH
TIME: 10.00 a.m.to 2 p.m. Instructor ANNE DALTON
6 week course on TUESDAYS SEPT. 13,20,27,0CT. 4,11 and 18, 1983 repeated again on TUESDAYS NOV. 1 8 15 22 29 and DEC 6, 1983
4052 BOTANICAL ART
PLEASE BRINGStudents please come prepared with a large newsprint pad, two containers for water and some paper towels. Basic supplies available for purchase at the first class and a list of sources where supphes can be found will be handed out.
FEE: $50. members $55. non-mem. There will be classes for both the absolute beginner and the more experienced artist. Also available for those wishing to improve their watercolour brush tech.
TIME: 1.30 p.m. to 3.30 p.m.
Instructors: MOIRA MUDIE & PATTI SNELL
NOV. 7, 14 and 21, 1983.
10 week course on MONDAYS SEPT. 12,19,26,0CT. 3,(skip 10),17,24,31.
4057 CHINESE BRUSH PAINTING
PLEASE BRING TO THE FIRST CLASS Scissors, Carrying Bag, Hook and hoops if you have them. (These will be available for sale at class), Material and pattern for chair seat or cushion(also available for sale). Notebook and pencil. Advanced students please call Mrs. Sherbo 782-3178 regarding patterns.
FEE: $32. members $36. non-mem. PLEASE BRING A LUNCH
TIME: 10 a. m. to 2 p.m.
Instructor: CLARKE SHERBO
NOV. 4,11, 18 and 25, 1983
8 week course on FRIDAY, SEPT.23,30,0CT.7 ,(skip 14), 21,(sk1p 28),
4055 RUG HOOKING COURSE
This workshop is on attracting birds to the garden throughout the year. Aimed at the gardener whose knowledge of birds is limited but would like to make his or her garden a more interesting place year round.
FEE: $5. members $7. non-mem. Instructor CLIVE GOODWIN
1 session workshop on MONDAY, OCT. 24, 1983 at 2.00 p.m. or 7.30 p.m.
4059 ATTRACTING BIRDS TO THE GARDEN
This course for the beginner birder covers the what, where and how of birdwatching especially the fall and winter birds to be seen in the weeks ahead.
FEE: $30. members $35. non-mem.
TIME: 2.00 p.m. or 7.30 p.m.
Instructor: CLIVE GOODWIN
4 week course on TUESDAYS SEPT. 27, OCT. 4,11,18,1983 plus 2 field trips
4054 BIRDWATCHING IN FALL
For this session the teacher will supply enough silk to practise on. She will also supply for your use during the sessions the French aniline dyes, frames and will do the steaming to set the dyes. Advanced students contact Centre if interested in a future course. If it s about gardening ask Toronto s Civic Garden Centre Telephone 445-1552
777 Lawrence Ave. East, Don Mills, M3C 1P2
THE CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE EDWARDS GARDENS
2,9,16,23 and 30, 1983 TIME: 1.30 or 8.00 p.m. FEE: $20 members $25 non-mem.
5 sessions on WEDNESDAYS NOV.
Providing practical growing information as well as exposure to a very wide range of each plant group
4050 GROWING UNUSUAL AND EVERYDAY HOUSEPLANTS
These sessions will cover Evergreens, Deciduous trees and Shrubs He will be giving slide illustrated talks covering the wide range of suitable material to landscape small home lots.
Instructor: CHRIS GRAHAM
2 sessions at 1.30 or 8.00 p.m. on THURSDAYS SEPT. 29 and OCT. 6,1983 FEE: $8. members $10. non-mem.
4044 SHRUBS AND TREES FOR SMALL HOME LOTS
NOTE: BULBS FOR SALE IN EACH OF THE PROGRAM CATEGORIES
3 sessions at 1.30 or 8.00 p.m. FEE: $12. members $15. non-mem. on WEDNESDAYS SEPT. 21Minor Bulbs to welcome an early spring SEPT. 28Selecting and preparing bulbs for winter forcing OCT. SPlanting bulbs for longer seasonal bloom
Instructor: GORDON WICK
An4056 all round exploration of the many different types of bulbs available for garden planting as well as techniques and variety selections of bulbs for forcing in winter (ind oors in spare fridges or outdoors in pits)
GROWING & FORCING SPRING FLOWERING BULBS
%Q Cs
The CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE WORKSHOPS AND COURSES FALL & 1983
Please use the form provided and mail proper remittance As classes are limitedBookings are made as received with fee 4046 BEGINNERS JAPANESE FLOWER ARRANGING
3 week workshop on WEDNESDAYS SEPT. 7,14 and 21, 1983
TIME: 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. PLEASE BRING A LUNCH 'FEE: $20. members $25. non-mem. Instructor: MRS. S. KADOGUCHI
Renowned Sensei, of the Ikenobo School, assisted by ELLA IRVING
FIRST DAYMORIBANA AND NAGEIREPLEASE BRING: 1. Cylinder type containerNOT GLASSand a flat type 2. Pinholderheavy 3. ClippersFLOWERS AND BRANCHES WILL BE PROVIDED AT APPROX.$2.50 per day WIRES AND TAPE AVAILABLE AT THE GARDEN CENTRE SHOP
Notebook.and pericil Garden snips (available at Centre) Flora tape o Kits including required number of corsage pins, bags, wire and ribbon have been prepared and are available to applicants at the Class Flowers and foliage to be used also available. Please purchase at class s e I would hk to take advantage of reduced rates offered members and enclose $10. for my annual fee (add $2.50 for each additional family member Redln Credit Card Users
CORSAGE WORKSHOP
1 day workshop on THURSDAY SEPT. 15, 1983 TIME: 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. PLEASE BRING A LUNCH i FEE: $5.00 members $7.00 non-mem. Instructor: ANNE WILSON
The following items will be required by applicants for this workshop Sharp knife (pen or paring) and Wire cutters
MINIATURE WORKSHOP 1 day workshop on THURSDAY OCT. 6, 1983 FLOWER NGING COURSES
TIME: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. PLEASE BRING A LUNCH
$7. non-mem.
FEE: $5.00 members
Instructors: PEARL WILBY and ELLA IRVING 4045 BASIC FLOWER ARRANGING PART 1
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WILL BE REQUIRED BY APPLICANTS For mechanics: tweezers, small scissors, plasticine or clay, toothpicks, bits of wirecontainers: your own choice bought or made2 or under flowers: small rockery plants, fine needle evergreens, fresh or dried twigs, herbs, small dried flowers, weeds, grasses, bits of driftwood, bark, etc.
bases: buttons pieces of fabric, at stones accessories of your choice notebook and penc THINK SMALL'
This is an opportunity to learn how to do miniature flower arranging
4048 DRIED FLOWERS AND RELATED CRAFTS
5 week workshops on: MONDAY OCT. 17,1983 DRIED FLOWERS AT 7.30 p.m.
Bring own containers & flowers & leaves you have processed OCT.24 PINE CONE CRAFTS at 7.30 p.m. Wire or Styrofoam Wreath forms and pine cones needed Bring your own or a few will be for sale
OCT. 31-PRESSED FLOWERS at 7.30 p.m.
Bring picture frames,blank cards,plain candles, etc. NOV. 7-CORN HUSK CRAFTS at 7.30 p.m.
Bring natural and coloured corn husks NOV. 14-CHRISTMAS CORSAGE MAKING at 7.30 p.m.
FEE: $3.00 per session for members $3.50 per session non-mem. 14.00 for 5 sessions 16.00 for 5/sessions |77/
PLEASE BRING: Instructor: EILEEN BROOKS good wire snips or scissors, needlenose pliers or knife, your own dried material, etc. for any of the sessions if you want to use it.
3 week course on WEDNESDAYS SEPT. 21,28 and OCT. 5,1983.
TIME: 1.30 or 8.00 p.m. FEE: $12. members $15. non-mem.
instructors: PEARL WILBY afternoon & PAM WRIGHT evening
PARTICULARS: PLEASE BRING TO THE FIRST CLASS
1. Small low container about 10 in diameter (oblong or round) 2. Small pincup or holder 3. 5 or 7 blooms (some to be in bud) also a few leaves of foliage
4. 2 or 3 slender branches, beauty of line NO SHORTER THAN 18 5. Sharp knife or garden snips and carton to carry home finished arrangement SOME FLOWER ARRANGING EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT THE CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE SHOP WHICH IS OPEN DURING THE DAY
NOTEFlowers and branches not available at the shop.
INTERMEDIATE FLOWER ARRANGING
4049
Applicants must have completed at least 1 Basic Course in Flower Arranging 2 week urse on THURSDAYS SEPT. 22 and 29, 1983. TIME: 10 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. PLEASE BRING A LUNCH
FEE: $ 2. members $15. non-mem. Instructor: ELLA IRVING
NOTE: This course is an extension of the Basic course but using plant material to create interesting designs.PLEASE BRING: 1. One low dish plus a second container of your choice 2. A good pin holder and a pincup holder 3 to 5 bloomsalso some follage from flowers or house plants . 6 long branches at least 3 feet in length Sharp knife or garden snipsalso carton to take home finished arrangement FLOWERS AND BRANCHES NOT AVAILABLE AT THE SHOP
SWEET PEAS
or, botanically named, La'thyrus Odoratus by
Neville Holmes
A SHORT HISTORY
Back in 1699 was probably the first time that Sweet Peas were grown in England. An Italian Monk sent some wild seed to a friend in Enfield, a Dr. Uvedale, the colour being purple.
In 1980 Henry Eckford, by cross fertilization, improved the form, shape and colour. Then in the early 1920 s a new form of sweet pea was discovered by Silas Cole, gardener at the grounds of Althorp Park, home of the Earl Spencer, %reat grandfather to the now Lady Diana rincess of Wales. These plants ha frilled or wavy petals and are now the mother and father of all modern varieties.
My method growing sweet peas in Scarborough, Ontario over the past three years is as follows:
GroundPreparation
Preferably this should be done during September to October. Choose a welldrained area, and double dig it. Into the bottom of the pit, add some well-rotted stable manure, or a concentrate, and dig in; then add, per sq. yard, 4 oz. of bone meal and 4 oz. of potash; mix thoroughly, and cover with one spit of soil. Now repeat this process, leaving out the manure, and cover with second spit of soil. Finally add 2 oz. of bone meal, and 2 oz. ~of potash and mix well. Now sprinkle . some lime, and leave to winter.
Sowing of the seed
The sowing can be done indoors, any time from November to February, or directly into the ground 2nd. to 3rd. week of April.
Seed Germination
Prepare compost, using a mixture of Promix with 20% Perlite, as this allows for drainage. Place mixture in seed trays and soak from below, and then drain. Press seeds into compost, but do not cover with more compost. Place sheet ofglass or plastic lid over tray and keep at a temperature of 55-65 deg. F. Inspect after 24 hours.
See Diagram.
Glass
q& g v G D{S e\eds
Soilless compost + 20% grit
Potting On
As soon as germination is noticed, remove glass or cover and place tray in full light. When most seeds have germinated, place in a cold greenhouse or garage under lights to allow plants to harden and grow slowly. Open windows or doors if temperatures permit. When plants reach the two-leaf stage, transplant into 31 jiffy pots after removing part of the tap root; this procedure will promote a bushier root-system. Removed
Using similar compost to that in seed tray, plant seedlings % below the surface of the soil. I plant two to a pot. Pack the jiffy pots into trays, and replace under the lights Try to allow good circulation of air, and keep doors and windows closed if frost warning is minus F. or lower. I have tried,when very cold, switching my lights around, 16 hours on through the night and then off 8 hours through the day since my plants are in the garage.
Stopping
During late January inspect autumn- sown tplan.ts - if side-shoots are showing at leaf axile, sto;:lpin %l is not necessary. If there are no side shoots, the growing tip should be pinched out (in late February or early March). This could be e leated, if the plants are getting too tall.
Spring Seed Sowing
Proceed, as for October, sowing and take great care in hardening off. Stop growing point at two-leaf stage. 5
Planting Out
For October or November sown plants, this procedure should be in late April, or earlier in April if ground is workable and weather permits. Carefully remove plant from pot and plant out complete with undisturbed root ball. When plant- ing is finished and ground firmed, the first side shoot should be level with the soil. January to February sown plants will be ready to plant out in mid May. It is advisable to give your plants some or about the first four weeks after planting. This can be done by placing twigs around the plants, and possibly %oréle polythene around the sides of the ed.
Outdoor growing systems
Cordon or bush.
Cordon-grown plants produce the largest flowers and longest stems, but entail the most work. This method is invariably used by the exhibitor, and by those who require the best flowers for Floral Art. The Plants are trained up canes as a single stem - all side-shoots and tendrils being removed every day or two. As all the strength from the roots is concentrated in a single stem, it becomes very wide and has to be supported by rings or ties. When the plants reach the top of the canes, the ties are removed and the plants laid along the ground, and trained up another suitable cane. layering of Sweet Peas. This is called canes - Ties
73" between
Types of Sweet Peas
Spencer - Grow over 16 feet and suitable for Cordon.
Jet-Set -Grow 3 to 4 feet
Knee-High and Snoopea are suitable for barrels.
PLEASE NOTE
(1) Use insecticide spray every 10 to 14 days and try to use before pests appear.
Plant grown in doublerow so that layered plants can be turned round the end of the row, and continued in a parallel row.
Bush-grown plants or those in barrels can be either in a wigwam of sticks or wire netting. Flowers are smaller and stems shorten quickly, but they do give masses of bloom.
Never allow plants to dry out. Extra watering and misting is needed during the hot summer months. This encourages humidity so necessary for Sweet Peas.
Pick the blooms frequently and never allow seed pods to form unless you wish to save your seed, but if you do this, you are shortening your flowering season.
If troubled with slugs after planting out, slug bait can be used. If troubled by birds, criss-cross black cotton around your supports. (2) (3) 4) 5)
Do have a go at growing them. Gentlemen, your wives will love you when you carry in that first bunch! Iknow.
I can be contacted at:-
49Cumber Avenue, West Hill Scarborough, M1E 1T2 Telephone 1-416-281-2709
NOW OPEN YEAR ROUND
2714 St. Clair Ave. East Toronto, Ont. M4B 1M6
Complete Garden Supply Centre located centrally in East York just east of O Connor Drive.
e Roses Ontario grown stock
* Nursery stock and
* Fruit Trees excellent selection
e Number 1 Nursery Sod
e Bedding and Perennial Plants
e Tropical Plants
¢ Soils ® Peat Moss
e Seeds ¢ Patio Slabs
e Fertilizers
Call
TREES AT HOME
by GailGraham, Age 8, Echo Bay
Trees are very important to us. Each May my parents plant a new one to mark the starting of another year of happiness. To me family trees are a symbol of life.
Last year my sister and I planted a -f_lbweri ng crabapple tree to brighten up mom s garden. Mom says that when the redblossoms come out they will attract the blrds to come and nest in our garden. We have several old pine trees around our yard where we have hung bird feeders. These pine trees were planted a long time ago bymy great grandfather Shuttleworth. He put them in to stop the wind that came whistling across the open fields.
JUNIOR GARDEN CLUB (GREENTHUMBS)
Are you aware that there is a Green Thumb s program at the Civic Garden Centre for children aged 7-12 years?
Our membership is currently 25 but we arealways looking for new members.
The purpose ofthe club is to encourage our awareness of nature, the joys of active participation and the fun of making new friends while learning in our varied programs.
We are hoping to have field trips, nature walks through the gardens 1gnterestmg
speakers. We will be making _scrap books, posters, gifts as well as learning how to care for plants and flowers.
The Green Thumbs are fortunate to have a donation from the Jim Boyd Fund but we do require $3.00 per year membership fee. This membership will entitle each child to use theCivic Garden Centre s library, which is the largest horticultural library in Canada. It will also allow the children to have a 10% discount in the giftand book shops.
The Green Thumbs meet once a month, on a Saturday morning 9.30 - 12 noon and refreshments are provided.
Current members are reminded to bring in their peanutplants as well as any other interesting projects for our show table.
We would like as much input as poss1b1e from our Green Thumbs...this is their club.
If any adults are interested in becoming Green Thumb volunteers we would like to hear from you. With help we will be able to plan adventures further afield. Maybe you know a child who would like to become a Green Thumb?
For more information please call us. Thank you.
Mrs. Daisy Doherty 4974593
Mrs. Marjory McKee 484-1108
Mrs.Patricia Walker 699-7437
Another reason we plant trees isfor their fruit. Three years ago we put in a fastgrowingapple tree and now mom can make us appledesserts. We also have twocherry trees in our back yard. These are very good to eat. Mom also makes jam out of the cherries for our toast.
When mom and dad were first married they planted a young birchtree beside the old pines. It has now grown to over twelve feet tall. In the summer we had a picnic table under the shade of its leaves.
Across the road from our drive is a big hazelnut tree that yxelds nuts every year. We gatherthe nuts to dry in the fall. I hey are a treat for my sister and me in the eveningsafterschool.
Allalong the road where we walk to catch the In the bus each day there are tall maple trees. spring I go with my dad to gather the sap. This my dad boils down into maple syrup.
Trees help my family every day. They should never be taken for granted. Without trees dad would not have the lumber to build the patio deck for us to play on.
Trees help us with our school work. If we did not have trees we would not have paper to 3
write on. I could not send cards or Valentines to my friends.
In the fall there is a local fair. They asked us to enter our hobbies. One of my hobbies is collecting leaves. These I press and tape in a scrap book. Last year I came in first. Without trees I would have to find a different hobby.
My sister and grandpa entered their home made raft in a race. They made it from cedar trees. Grandpa has his own mill and he cut the lumber from a grove of cedar trees that used to Without trees they would never have built their raft, and it would not have been so much fun tocheer them on.
Trees give us a lot of pleasure. From raft making to summer picnics.. Trees make painting plctures fun and colourful. They make a walk in the forest fun gathering acorns and leaves with my sister.
Each year when we plant a young tree around our yard it makes me feel like one of the family.
First place Essay for 12 yrs. & under from the 1983 Ont.Hort.Assoc.Competition at Hamilton
grow down by his barn.
WATERLOO
