THE CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE GARDEN TOPICS & EVENTS NEWSLETTER
MESSAGE TO MEMBERS
by Gordon D. Wick, Executive Director
It was very rewarding to have such an outstanding turnout for the recent R.E. Edwards Memorial Lecture. Anthony Huxley was delighted to have the opportunity of speaking to such a large audience. He very graciously, but modestly, signed a number of copies of the three titles of his books which we have on hand in the Trellis Shop. Anthony s most recent book The Penquin Encyclopedia of Gardening was only recently released and Anthony assured me it was written with the North American climatic conditions kept in mind.
The publishers indicate that Anthony s other recent work the MacMillan World Guide to Houseplants will be available approximately the 1st week of December - published by MacMillan of Canada at $38.95 cloth bound.
I would like to recognize the contributions of our volunteers in making the Memorial lecture such a success.
Congratulations and thanks are due to Brian Bixley and his fellow program committee members Sue Macaulay and Harold Wakefield.
Special thanks to Ella Irving and Pearl Wilby for designing our beautiful floral displays for the tables and the lobby.
Nancy Mallett had arranged for the delightful display by the members of our local Turkish community and we appreciated their efforts in providing us with samplings of genuine Turkish treats and Turkish coffee.
Rae Fowler and Hazel Lyonde had rounded up C.G.C. volunteers and laid out and served the traditional coffee and refreshments we had provided.
The entry wall display of photos and paintings of the Edwards estate was enjoyed by many visitors as were the press clippings and memorabilia in the scrap books. These materials are available through the C.G.C. library for anyone wishing to learn more about the development of Edwards Gardens.
Having made our advance preparations on the premise of 200 people attending, (approx. 300 people turned out), we ran out of the booklet detailing the historical background of the development of Edwards Gardens. We will be reprinting this booklet and copies will be available through the library.
Once again I would like to express our thanks to the Edwards Foundation for their very generous support in funding not only the Memorial lecture, but also providing the major funding for our receptionist staff. In addition to
greeting casual park visitors and answering queries about the C.G.C. and the park, our receptionist answers a new phone listing for Edwards Gardens, giving out general information about the gardens and what there is to see and do in the park and the Civic Garden Centre. We are indeed grateful for this major financial support.
General response to our programs and courses has been very gratifying and we are attempting to develop an even stronger concentration on the actual gardening and floral arts courses. We are also trying to time the courses to use the facilities more evenly throughout the seasons and to utilize displays
to promote registration in courses beginning shortly after the major public l events such as the Garden Festival, February 22 to 28, 1984, (formerly Garden Pool & Landscape Show).
The Civic Garden Centre is assuming a major role in co-ordinating the horticultural educational displays for the show, and we are looking for volunteers to help plan and mount exhibits to educate the general public about the uses of plant material and practices of plant maintenance, propagation, etc.
On behalf of the Civic Garden Centre staff may 1 wish you Seasons Greetings.
SHERIDAN GARDEN CENTRES
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.
UNIONVILLE OSHAWA KITCHENER 4077 Hwy. 7, Unionville 847 King St. W., Oshawa 100 ElImsdale Road, Kitchener L3R 1L5 Tel. 728-9429
Tel. 477-2253
Tel. 743-4146
LANDSCAPE DEPARTMENTS: Metropolitan Toronto 621-9111, East Toronto/Markham 477-1499, Kitchener/Waterloo 743-4146.
CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE
President - Mr. Colin Ferrington
1st Vice - Pres. Mrs. Camilla Dalglish
2nd Vice - Pres. Mr.Donald McLaren
Secretary - Mr. Gordon D. Wick
Treasurer Mr. Donald G. McLaren
Board of Directors:
For: 1983 Mr. Colin Ferrington, Dr.Albert M.Fisher,Mrs.Janeth Cooper, Mrs. Shirley Irvine, Mrs. Helen Skinner, Mr. Douglas Thomas, Mrs. Dodie Wesley
For 1983 & 1984:Mrs.Camilla Dalglish, Mrs. Rae Fowler, Mrs. Mae MacMillan, Ms.Nancy Mallett,Mr.Donald McLaren, Mr.Grant Ross, Mr.Fidenzio Salvatori, Mr.Howard Stensson
For 1983,1984 & 1985:Dr.Brian Bixley, Mr. Charles Coffey, Mr. Peter Hand, Mrs. Hazel Lyonde, Mr. Monte Watler, Mr. Robert G. Bundy
General Information
Volume 10, No. 8 ISSN 0380-1470
Executive Director: Gordon D. Wick
Advertising: G.D.Wick (416)445-1552
Printed by Munns Press Ltd.,Whitby,Ontario
The Centre is located within Edwards at Leslie and Lawrence Avenue East, at the geographical centre of Metropolitan Toronto. It is a non-profit, volunteer board, gardening and floral arts information organization with open membership. Opinions expressed within do not necessarily reflect those of the Centre.
Civic Garden Centre - Winter Hours Shops and Library: Mon. to Fri. 9.30 - 4 pm,Sat.,Sun.12-4
COMING EVENTS AT THE CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE
Dec. 3
Administration - Mon - Fri 9.30 to 4.30
Junior Garden Club (Green Thumbs) 945 am to noon
Making Christmas decorations
4 S. Ont. Orchid Soc. meeting
1 - 5 p.m. Slide Presentation on Vandaceous Alliance Species
6 Mens Garden Club 8 p.m. meeting on Soils
11 Tor. Gesneriad Soc. meeting
1 -4 p.m. social evening
12 Tor. Bonsai Soc. meeting 8 pm A talk on Indoor Bonsai by Gisela Reichert
13 MEMBERS NIGHT at 7.30 Slide presentation on Walking Through The Arctic by Pat and Jim Woodford. This will cover not only flowers but scenes of the Arctic landscape
Jan. 3 Mens Garden Club 8 p.m. meeting - Ladies Night
8 Tor. Gesneriad Soc. 2 p.m. John Bealieu on Gesneriads
8 S. Ont. Orchid Soc. meeting
1 -5 pm AUCTION of Orchids, and related material - art work, books, etc.
9 Tor. Bonsai Soc. 8 p.m. meeting
9 Chinese Brush Painting 10 week course at 10 am for beginners 1.30 for intermediates
10 North Toronto Horticultural Society meeting 8.15 pm. on Wildflowers of Ontario by Kay McGregor
11 Japanese Flower Arranging for Beginners 3 week 10 - 3 p.m.
14 Junior Garden Club (Green Thumbs) 9.45 am. to noon
Art at the CentreIn the Link Gallery:
Nov. 16 - Dec. 15 - Pamela Meacher
Title - The Flower Collection Picotage and watercolour
1984 Jan. 3 - 17 - Mary Thompson and June Pendrith
The Trellis Shop
With Christmas drawing near and this being our last issue of Trellis for 1983, we thought that it might be nice to go over some of our most interesting gift ideas from the shop.
During the last month the shop has received new books almost every day and of course any book is always a welcome gift. However there are two new books in particular that I m sure anybody who is interested in flowers and flower arranging would love to have. The first is called, Small and Beautiful Flower Arrangements by Maria W. Johnson. It s a gorgeous little book that costs $13.95, with lots of full page colour photographs and a lovely clear text. The second is called Pot-Pouri From Your Garden by David Eno. This is a tiny hard cover book that costs $4.95 and not only explains how to make pot pouri but also tells of its history and how it was used as a medicine.
We have been patiently waiting for the arrival of some hand made pottery containers - made especially for us and it s here. It comes in three colours and three designs and ranges in price from $11.99 to $17.99. What makes it especially nice is that it can be used for more than flower arranging,for example, one piece makes a lovely candy dish and is also ideal for even tall flower arrangements. Perfect as a Christmas gift with maybe a few Christmas goodies in.
As you might know we had very little stock of bulbs left after Cornucopia and so we were very lucky to be able to get another shipment of Paperwhites. At 70 cents each they re selling fast so hurry over. (A couple of Paperwhites in one of our more inexpensive bowls would make a lovely hostess gift). We have also received some huge, five year old Amaryllis bulbs at $7.00 each which
come in four beautiful colours, a perfect way to brighten up the house during the winter months.
An, easy to package and mail gift might be one (or two) of our Solitudes tapes which are recorded and produced by Dan Gibson. There are seven selections, ranging from a canoe ride to Loon Lake to a storm on a wilderness lake. At $9.95 it s a more unusual gift idea.
We have had so many requests for the Nature 84 calendar that we have bought more. A good looking calendar is always an acceptable gift and we have several selections including the Bird Identification Calendar, the Canadian Wildflowers Calandar and we have a few copies left of the Florida Flower Arranging Calendar.
If you ve been in the shop lately you might have noticed the Itty Bitty Book Lights . These are a marvellous idea made especially for those of us who just have to read one more chapter before we go to sleep. They come boxed to look like a book but when it s opened it reveals a tiny lamp that attaches to your book plus an adapter so that it can run from an outlet or from batteries - perfect for camping or for night time car travel.
Bill Ivy s latest book A Little Wilderness at $24.95 is a big seller (by the way, the front cover of the Nature 84 calendar is one of Bill s photographs) and Bill has very kindly offered to come to the Centre on Sunday, Dec. 11th, between 1 and 4 p.m. to personalize copies for our members. He will also be bringing some of his photographs for viewing. Definitely a date to remember!
Looking forward to seeing you and Merry Christmas from all the staff of your shop.
CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE MEMBERS PROGRAM NIGHT
TUESDAY, 13th DECEMBER at 7.30 p.m.
WALKING THROUGH THE ARCTIC
Slide
presentation
by
PAT AND JIM WOODFORD
in the GARDEN HALL AUDITORIUM of The Civic Garden Centre
Flowers and the scenes of the Arctic landscape
By the way tuck away these dates in your notebook for other Members Nights JANUARY 17, and 31st;
We care about your gardening problems. Come and see us at our unique Garden Centre and Greenhouses.
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
e Fruit Trees excellent selection
e Number 1 Nursery Sod
¢ Bedding and Perennial Plants
¢ Tropical Plants
® Soils ® Peat Moss
¢ Seeds ¢ Patio Slabs
¢ Fertilizers
Forallyourgardening needs ...all year round.
NURSERY GARDEN CENTRES
C. G. C. HOLIDAY HOURS
Open Reg. Winter Hours to Dec. 22nd
Closed from Noon December 23rd/83 until 9:30am January 2nd, 1984 These hours will allow for statutory holidays and 2 days when our shop is closed for our annual shop inventory.
SPRING FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW
WHEN: APRIL 11 - 15th, 1984
LOCATION - Civic Garden Centre
The Garden Club of Toronto is celebrating Toronto s 150th birthday with the Spring Flower and Garden Show titled THIS IS TORONTO!
More to follow in the January Trellis.
TRIP TO PHILADELPHIA IN MAY
Remember the dates for the Civic Garden Centre Tour to Philadelphia and the Brandywine Valley from MAY 3 to 6, 1984.
The final details will be in the January Trellis but still time to call the Centre at 445-1552 to have your name put on the list.
PROPAGATE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS
Learn at home about ... greenhouse management soils
fertilizers
plant propagation diseases
insect pests & other greenhouse related topics
Independent Study offers over 30 correspondence courses in horticulture which may be studied for general interest or towards a diploma.
For more information contact: Independent Study UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 2W1 519-824-4120, Ex. 3375
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. CRUICKSHANK LTD. Since 1925
Canada' s Leading Bulb Specialists 1015 Mount Pleasant Road Toronto M4P 2M1 488-8292
The CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE
WORKSHOPS AND COURSES
JANUARY THROUGH MAY 1984
PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR COURSES & WORKSHOPS
Please use the form provided and mail proper remittance As classes are limited - Bookings are made as received with fee
GARDENING COURSES
4044 GARDENING WITH WILDFLOWERS
4 week course on WEDNESDAYS, FEB. 8,15,22 and 29, 1984.
TIME: 8.00 p.m. Instructor: FRANK E. KERSHAW FEE: $15. mem. $20. non-mem. Sources of plants, planting and plant selection and mulching, as well as a session on design and layout are some of the topics to be covered in this course on an increasingly popular topic.
4049 PERENNIALS FOR ONTARIO GARDENS
8 week course on THURSDAYS, JAN. 19,26,FEB.2,9,16,23,MAR.1,8,1984
TIME: 8.00 p.m. Instructor: KEITH SQUIRES FEE: $50. mem. $55.non-mem.
All aspects of perennials will be discussed, and the full range of hardy perennials reviewed, including many that are of excellent qualities but little used. Material to be covered will include: achieving a succession of bloom from early Spring until after the first frosts; rare, unusual and novelty plants; alpines, sedums and sempervium; planning and difficult situations
4053 LANDSCAPING COURSE
5 week course on TUESDAYS, MARCH 6,13,20,27 and APRIL 3,1984 TIME: 8.00 p.m. FEE: $20. mem. $25. non-mem. MAR. 6 will be Landscape Design and 1342 Design Characteristics of Plant Material - GEO. CUMMING 20 2 Plants for Special Purposes - ALLEN PATERSON 0.4 s Plants for Small Gardens and APR. 3 7 Climbers & Cover Plants - CHRIS GRAHAM
4044 WOODY PLANTS
3 week course on THURSDAYS, MAR. 15 - Trees, Shrubs and Pruning - GEO. CUMMING 22 - Lilacs and their Care - CHARLIE HOLETICH
29 - Growing Roses - GEO. PAGOWSKI
TIME: 8.00 p.m. FEE: $12. mem. $15.non-mem.
4050 CONTAINER GARDENING
4 week course on WEDNESDAYS APR. 18 - Tubs, bowls and Boxes and 25 - Hanging a Garden - Both by GEO. PAGOWSKI MAY 2 - Terrarium Gardening and 9 - Hydroponics for the Home Gardener - both by FRED PRESCOD TIME: 8.00 p.m. FEE: §15. mem: $20. non-mem.
PLEASE REGISTER ME FOR THE FOLLOWING EVENTS
CLASS NO. COURSE OR WORKSHOP TIME FEE
I would like to take advantage of reduced rates offered members and enclose $10o for my annual fee (add $2.50 for each additional family member $.......................
CndllCard Users Only
LR
R B B
FLOWER ARRANGING COURSES
4045 BASIC FLOWER ARRANGING
5 week course on WEDNESDAYS, MAR. 7,14,21,28 and APR. 4, 1984.
TIME: 9.45 morning, 1.30 p.m. afternoons and 8 p.m. evenings.
FEE: $20. mem. $25. non-mem.
Instructors To Be Announced Later
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
Flower Arranging Equipment Available For Purchase At The Civic Garden Centre Shop Open During The Day. Flowers & Branches Not Available.
4047 INTERMEDIATE FLOWER ARRANGING
Applicants must have completed at least 1 Basic Course in Flower Arranging 3 week course on TUESDAYS, MAR. 6, 13, 20, 1984.
TIME: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please Bring A Lunch
FEE: $20. mem. $25. non-mem.
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. 3 to 5 blooms - also some foliage from flowers or house plants
4. 6 long branches at least 3 feet in length
5. Sharp knife or garden snips - also carton to take home finished arrangement Flowers and Branches Not Available At The Shop
FLOWER ARRANGING COURSES
Have you ever wanted to try Japanese Flower Arranging but were afraid you wouldn t bring the right branches and flowers come and take this course and we will provide the suitable plant material for approx. $2.50 per day.
4046 BEGINNERS JAPANESE FLOWER ARRANGING
3 week workshop on WEDNESDAYS, JAN. 11,18 and 25, 1984
TIME: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please Bring A Lunch Fee: $20. mem. $25. non-mem.
Instructor: MRS. S. KADOGUCHI, Renowned Sensei, of the Ikenobo School, assisted by ELLA IRVING
First Day - Moribana and Nageire - Please Bring -
1. Cylinder type container - Not Glass - and a flat type available at 2. Pinholder - heavy the Trellis Shop 3. Clippers
4043 INTERMEDIATE JAPANESE FLOWER ARRANGING
3 week workshop on WEDNESDAYS, FEB. 15, 22 and 29, 1984.
TIME: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please Bring A Lunch FEE: $20. mem $25. non-mem.
Instructor: MRS. S. KADOGUCHI, Renowned Sensei, of the Ikenobo School, assisted by MRS. ELLA IRVING.
First Day - Shoka Style - Morning - Nishu-ike (2 species Shoka)
Please Bring -
Afternoon - Sanshu-ike (3 species Shoka)
1. Container of your choice (Japanese style or flat dish) Not A Cylinder
2. Heavy pin holder
3. Clippers
4. Notebook and pencil. NOTE: 1,2 and 3 will be available at the Trellis Shop Flowers & Branches For This Course Will Be Provided At Approx. $2.50 per day
4058 CORSAGE WORKSHOP
1 day workshop on THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1984.
TIME: 1 - 3.30 afternoon or 7 - 9.30 evening
FEE: $4. mem. $6. non-mem. Instructor: NAN UNSWORTH
The following items will be required by applicants for this workshop
2. Garden snips and Flora tape (available at Centre)
3. Kits including required number of corsage pins, bags, wire and ribbon have been prepared and are available to applicants at the Class
4. Flowers and foliage to be used also available. Please Purchase at Class
4059 MINIATURE WORKSHOP
1 day workshop on MONDAY, MARCH §, 1984.
TIME: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. afternoon - Please Bring A Lunch Think Small! or 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. evening
FEE: $5.mem. $7.00 non-mem. The Following Items Will Be Required By Applicants notebook and pencil. For mechanics: tweezers, small scissors, plasticine or clay, toothpicks, bits of wire. containers: your own choice bought or made - 2° or under in size flowers: small rockery plants, fine needle evergreens, fresh or dried twigs bases: buttons, pieces of fabric, flat stones, accessories of your choice
This is an opportunity to learn how to do miniature flower arranging
THE CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE
EDWARDS GARDENS
777 Lawrence Ave. East, Don Mills, M3C 1P2
4055 RUG HOOKING COURSE
8 week course on FRIDAY, JAN. 6,13,20,27 FEB.3,10,17 and 24, 1984, TIME: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Instructor: CLARKE SHERBO
FEE: $32. mem. $36. non-mem. Please Bring A Lunch
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.
4057
CHINESE BRUSH PAINTING
10 week course on MONDAYS, JAN.9,16,23,30, FEB. 6,13,20,27
FEE: $50. mem. $55. non-mem. Instructors: MOIRA MUDIE & PATTI SNELL experienced artists in the afternoon. Also available for those wishing to improve their watercolour brush tech.
Please Bring -
Students 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 supplies can be found will be handed out.
4052
BOTANICAL ART
6 week course on TUESDAYS, MAR.6,13,20,27, APR. 3,(skip 10) and 17,1984.
TIME: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Instructor: ANNE DALTON
FEE: $45. mem. $50. non-mem. Please Bring A Lunch
Instruction and guidance will be available in pencil,charcoal,watercolour & oils. Both Beginning & Advanced Students Will Be Welcomed
4048 CREATIVE NATURE CRAFTS
2 day lecture and demonstration on new crafts on MONDAY, MAR. 19 - Skeletonizing Pods & Leaves and on Pressed Flowers 4 MAR. 26 - Pine Cone Animals & Corn Husk Crafts
TIME: 1.30 afternoon and 7.30 evening
FEE: $3. mem. per session $3.50 non-mem. per session
Instructor: MARY FRENCH
These 2 lectures will demonstrate the use of plant materials in preparing nature crafts and hobbies. Please Bring - notebook and pencil
4056
PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE
6 week course on WEDNESDAYS APRIL 18,25,MAY 2,9,16,23,1984
FEE: $30. mem. $35. non-mem.
Instructors: JOAN AND JOHN POWELL
TIME: 8.00 p.m.
Topic: Basic Approach To Better Photography
This is intended to start the beginner on the road to successful photography and to act as a review for the more experienced. Additional instructional assistance is available if needed at no extra cost. It is a comprehensive course covering the varied subject matter and techniques encountered by the Photographer.
g | 4 ;
BOOK REVIEW
ROCK PLANTS FOR SMALL
GARDENS by Royton E. Heath, London, Collingridge, 1982.
Reviewed by Robert L.
Bruce.
This book, which deals mainly with the cultivation of alpine plants in containers, from pot to the so called Billiard Table should find wide acceptance among many of today s gardeners. Modern urban lots, are, for the most patt small - suburban lots may even be smaller,
Suitable rocks are expensive and the gardener may have other claims upon his time. Cultural conditions, much more readily provided in containers, may be the answer, not only to the small scale gardener, but also to the specialist or collector.
Mr. Heath provides excellent line drawings to accompany his clear, concise, directions and the average reader should experience little difficulty in completing the container of his/her choice. A word of caution however, typertufa construction, does not appear to withstand the rigours of a Toronto winter, and tends to crack and spall. This is caused when the aggregate in the mixture (in this instance, milled sphagnum) absorbs excessive moisture, then freezes. Some protections from overhead winter moisture will lengthen the life of hypertufa troughs, but a life span of 2 years must be anticipated. Much better, but unfortunately not so pleasing to the tye is to adopt the alternatives the author provides.
In dealing with scree beds and scree troughs, Mr. Heath provides ample scope for the collector or specialist to grow the more difficult high alpines without the need of a Moraine and its complicated underground watering system, or the scree within the rock garden proper, entailing much backbreaking excavation. It would also
appear that scree troughs would be the ideal means of experimenting with various soil mixtures by providing additional troughs to accommodate them.
The chapter on propagation, while concise, is fairly comprehensive, easily assimilated and adequate for all but the most miffy of subjects - these can be trying under the most ideal conditions. Again caution is advised in the case of the propagating frame, and if it is to be built of brick, suitable footings must be provided to withstand our winter.
Many readers must have been frustrated reading a fairly long discourse on a particular plant only to discover the author has neglected to mention the aspect it prefers or the P.H. value it requires, etc. Mr. Heath, along similar lines to M. Correvin, author of¢Rock Garden and Alpine Plants, has avoided any possible omission by a system of abbreviations under which he lists the genera and species alphabetically. This has enabled him to provide a much more comprehensive list, than would normally be expected in a book of this size.
Most of the photographs, both colour and black and white have been taken by the author and are outstanding and generous. This book should prove a very worthwhile addition to a rock gardener s library and an incentive to the beginner to consider alpines.
Now isthetime
by Ernest Pope
1984 SEEDING (Get ready now)
Now is the time to start planning next year s garden. We should begin by deciding what we want to grow. If we grow our own annuals under lights, then we need to order the seed now of those that require a long period of development. These should be planted on January 1st.
They includeTuberous Begonias, Fibrous Begonias (dwarf), Geraniums, Pansies and Violas, and Browallia.
Stokes Seeds Ltd. caters to commercial and retail growers by issuing their new catalogue in early December to allow for early sowing varieties. They can be started in any of the soilless mixes such as Peat-lite, Jiffy Mix, Pro-Mix, Mother Earth, etc or if you prefer a soil mixture of your own - 1/3 soil, 1/3 peatmoss, 1/3 perlite. The latter mix should be sterilized before using. The soilless mixes contain just sufficient nutrients to feed the seedlings for approximately two weeks, after which they should receive applications of soluable fertilizer every ten days.
BULBS FOR FORCING
Cold temperature rooters such as hyacinths, tulips and daffodils should not be brought into the light for forcing until they have received at least a ten week rooting period, and twelve weeks is even better. (Editorial Note: The Holland Bulb Institute issued a special notice this month to give bulbs 1 extra week of cold treatment this year, due to the effect of the long hot summer season). Roots should be visible through the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. The writer prefers clay pots for this purpose, as they are less likely to be tipped over by the bloom.
December 1983
PAPERWHITE NARCISSUS
Paperwhite narcissus can be planted December 1st for bloom Christmas day. Started prior to that time may result in uneven growth. They should be brought to light immediately. Once they are in full bloom they should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
FAVOURITE ANNUALS
The writer believes that the following are of superior quality and charm.
1. Fibrous begonia - Gladiator
2. Cleome - Rose Queen and Purple Queen
Coleus - Fiji
Geranium - Red Express
Impatiens - Blitz
Marigold - Nugget
Nicotiana - Nicki-red
Petunia - white and pink cascades
Snapdragon - Little Darling
TWO ATTRACTIVE GESNERIADS
Episcia Cleopatra
This beautiful and striking deep pink, white and green leaved plant is one of the loveliest new houseplants. It is a real eye-catcher. The leaves are deep pink on the outside, gradually shading to white and the centre is apple green, in a pattern similar to an oak leaf. It likes a loose friable medium and successful growers suggest a non-soil mixture such as Pro-mix, will give good results. If this is used regular fertilizing is necessary. Cold water should never be used. It requires high humidity. This can be provided by planting it in a terrarium or a glass container such as a bell jar.
It does not do well in ordinary house atmosphere lacking both vigour and depth of colour. The flowers are deep orange, reverting back to the original species colour. They are, of course, unattractive as they clash with the leaf colour and can be removed as they appear. This is a fussy plant, but if you provide it with the conditions it likes you are bound to be successful and more than pleased.
COLUMNEA Early Bird °
Mentioned in previous articles but still in the writer s opinion, one of the outstanding house plants of recent years.
First of all because it blooms at least nine months of the year, thrives in ordinary house plant temperatures, using any good potting soil and is extremely easy to propagate through readily rooting cuttings.
The bright orange and yellow flowers float from the stems, and give the appearance of swimming gold fish hence the plants common name. It should be in every good house plant collection.
Illustrated Guide to Gardening in Canada
This book published by Readers Digest in 1979, is not only an excellent one for beginning gardeners, but also of considerable interest for experienced ones. It would be impossible to read it without getting a number of new ideas.
Probably the best thing about it is the numerous how to do illustrations throughout.
A number of the outstanding horticultural consultants and advisors in Canada and the United States, contributed their knowledge.
This book is forsale in the Trellis Shop, book section at $29.95 per copy. A bargain when one considers it contains over 600 pages. It can also be borrowed by members from the Centre s library.
If you already own Chatelaine s Gardening Book, the addition of the above book will give you about the best fund of successful indoor and outdoor gardening information and reference material available in Canada.
Mealy Bugs
Prior to the 1980 s this insect was only occasionally encountered by house plant growers. But in the last three years it has increased very rapidly and is now probably the most numerous and persistent of all pests including white flies, and spider mites. The old remedy was to use a toothpick or other wooden applicator on the end of which was placed some cotton batten, and after dipping it in rubbing alcohol, apply it to the white encased insects. These usually are located in the axils of the plant, or other out of the way places, making their destruction rather hit or miss. Recently the use of a new remedy called Dexol, (a white fly and mealy bug pump sprayer) has proven to be the most effective one to date for home use, if used as directed. (available at the Centre s shop).
For ideas . . . inspiration . information
. . . join
The CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE
How to keep houseplants happy? Gardens glowing? Shrubs scintilating? Lawns luxurious? Join us and find out all this and more.
At the Civic Garden Centre you ll be among friends, people who share the same interests you do in gardening and horticultural things.
As a Civic Garden Centre member, you enjoy free borrowing privileges from our Horticultural Library s over 5,000 gardening books. On regular priced merchandise over $2.00 you save 10% in the Garden Gift and Book Shop.. You enroll in special horticultural and flower arranging classes. Trellis newsletter will be mailed to your home ten times per year.
Because the Basic Membership fee alone cannot meet our operating costs, we have established other membership categories which include tax deductible donations.
We issue receipts for tax deductions for all but the basic $10.00 annual members fee (Charitable R«u\trdtmn No. 0228114-56-13) >
CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE
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:
Name Address
City Prov.
Postal Code
Phone ( )
Bulk Ennombre third troisieme class classe S12139
CRAFTS & Rose NURSERY
Growers and distributors of quality garden plants and craft products
NOW 10 beautiful garden stores to serve you
HAMILTON
2500 Barton Street East Parkway Plaza Centennial and Barton St. 560-1600
ETOBICOKE
1582 The Queensway Between Kipling Ave and Highway 427 2550725
SCARBOROUGH
1306 Kennedy Rd. South of Highway 401 North of Lawrence Ave 755-5345
MISSISSAUGA
335 Dundas St. E East of Highway 10 West of Cawthra Rd 2772727
CAMBRIDGE 561 Hespeler Rd Highway 24
500 yds. S. of Highway 401 621-5281
WHITBY
1242 Dundas St. E. West of Thickson Rd. East of Anderson St. 668-7505
Open 7days a week
WATERLOO
200 Weber Street North 885-2211
BURLINGTON 4265 Fairview Street 639-8692
NEWMARKET
55 Yonge Street South of Davis Drive 895-2457
UNIONVILLE No. 7 Highway East of Woodbine Ave West of Kennedy Rd 477-3330
