FROM THE GROUND UP:
Sunday, April 21, 1991 1:00 - 5:30 P.M.
Executive Director: Mrs. Sally Sullivan
Accounts: Mrs. Janie Brentnall
Editor-Trellis: Mrs. Iris Hosse Phillips
Horticulturists: Mrs. Anne Marie Van Nest
Mrs. Helen Craig
Librarian: Mrs. Pamela MacKenzie
Library Secretary: Mrs. Jane Von Bredow
Maintenance Supervisor:
Mr. Walter Marassutti
Programme and Special Events
Co-ordinator: Mrs. Dorothy Whiteman
Rental Agent: Mrs. Betsy Chubb
Assistant Rental Agent: Miss Mavis Griffin
Secretary: Mrs. Shirley Lyons
Trellis Shop Manager: Mrs. Jackie Brisby
Trellis Shop Assistant Manager: Mrs. Barbara Stevenson
Volunteer Co-ordinator and Publicity: Mrs. Carolyn Dalgarno
Perennial Flowers
Since 1975, we have beencommitted to producing a collection of perennial flowers second to none. Visitour nursery or orderby mail. Our descriptive illustrated catalogue
Crawfords Country Gardens
R.R.#3, Milton, Ont. LIT 2X7 (416) 878-0223
VISA e Mastercard
Civic Garden Centre
GENERAL INFORMATION
Vol. 18, No. 3
EDITOR: Iris Hossé Phillips
ADVERTISING INFO: (416) 445-1552
Registered charity number 0228114-56 TRELLIS is published ten times a year as a members newsletter by the CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE, 777 Lawrence Avenue East, North York, Ont. M3C 1P2. Tel. No.: (416) 445-1552. Manuscripts submitted on a voluntary basis are gratefully received. No remuneration is possible.
Lead time for inclusion of articles and advertising material is six weeks: manuscripts and material must be received by the 15th of the month to insure publication. For example, material received by October 15 will be included in the December issue of Trellis.Opinions expressed within do not necessarily reflect those of the Centre.
The Centre is located in Edwards Gardens, at Leslie Street and Lawrence Avenue East. It is a non-profit, volunteer-based gardening, floral arts, and horticultural information organization with open membership.
SUMMER OPERATING HOURS
The Civic Garden Centre is open from April 1st to October 31st. Weekdays: 9:30a.m. -5:00 p.m. Weedends: Noon - 5:00 p.m.
WINTER OPERATING HOURS
The Civic Garden Centre is open from .November 1st to March 31st.
Weekdays: Weekends & Holidays: 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Noon - 4:00 p.m.
OUT- OF-TOWN GARDEN TOURS
Watch coming issues of Trellis for news of this year s garden tours. When these tours are announced, please register quickly to avoid disappointment.
This year the Centre is planning a tour of gardens in and around Niagara-on-the-Lake, as well as a day tour to gardens north-west of Toronto.
ART IN THE LINK
March 12 to April 8
Willowdale Group of Artists Spring Pallette
Contents
Out ofTown GardenTours . . . .. .. 1
What is the Civic Garden Centre? .. 2
Using Scentinthe Garden. . . . . .. 3
Spring Fangy Saler s F e 7
Voliinteer Gamer . i e 6
Spring Easter PlantSale ... .... 5
Flomihe GBlnatp. 50 o v o 8
Intheltibrapy sy RGN s 10
1991 Green ThumbCamp . . .. .. iH
Coming EVents rife: T sure AT 12
GivealastingGifte 0 0 13
Master Gardeners . .. .......... 13
Foxgloves Beautiful MedicinalBlants T 14
MEMBERS PROGRAMME
Monday, March 11 7:30 p.m.
THE AMAZING FLORA OF SOUTHAFRICA
Speaker: Larry Mellichamp
s
The Civic Garden Centre is pleased to welcome as its guest, Larry Mellichamp, botanist at the University of North Carolina, horticulturist, teacher and researcher.
In 1989, Larry drove over 3,000 miles in southwestern South Africa. For five weeks he explored the daily life, economic crops, local customs and special plants in the area.
Through a slide presentation, we will see familiar and famous cultivated plants that originally came from South Africa. The geographic location which includes deserts, mountains, coastal areas and wine-growing regions will be viewed. Larry will show us the famous habitats where proteas and heathers originate, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and special plants and animals of the area.
%in us for this very special evening.
/ Refreshments
Non-members $4.00
WHAT IS THE CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE?
The Civic Garden Centre is a unique and dynamic public institution founded in 1962. Its mandate is to promote gardening, horticulture, the floral arts, and conservation. The Centre is open 7 days and many evenings for 51 weeks of the year. This non-profit volunteer-based organization has 3,500 members, a growing volunteer force of 370, and a small staff of 13 fulltime and 8 part-time people. As an umbrella organization, it is home to two garden clubs and 28 horticultural societies. The Centre is governed by a Board of Directors of twenty-one persons who meet monthly.
Funding
Premises
The Centre leases the premises from Metropolitan Parks and Property based on a ten year lease at one dollar ($1.00) per annum.
The lease includes electricity, heat and basic telephone equipment and a twenty-five thousand dollar ($25,000) grant to maintain the interior of the buildings.
Operating Budget - 1991
The Centre receives Government assistance only as stated above.
The majority of the Centre s funds are generated internally through membership fees, facility rentals, art shows, plant sales, shop profits, donations, special events and course fees.
Anticipated Income - $992,962
Anticipated Expenses - $1,036,213
Anticipated Deficit - $43,251
Background
The Metropolitan Toronto Civic Garden Centre is a registered, non-profit organization founded in 1962 to encourage and promote interest in a study of gardening, conservation, research and horticulture generallyto achieve community improvement .
The Centre s 3,500 members are mainly concentrated in the greater Toronto area. A variety of services are provided both to individual members, the public and other horticultural associations. These include:
® One of Canada s largest horticultural libraries
® Free horticultural advice to residents of Metropolitan Toronto
* Ten issues of the Center's Newsletter, Trellis
* Toronto s only soil testing service
* A gift shop which includes Toronto s largest collection of gardening books and flower arranging materials.
* Gardening and botanical art courses are held throughout the year for both the amateur and the professional.
® The Centre s conferences have made it a leader in English speaking horticultural circles.
* The facilities are used extensively by specialized horticultural organizations which hold their meetings and flower shows throughout the year.
e 1500 functions and meetings were held at the Centre in 1990.
Using Scent in the Garden
by Anne Marie Van Nest
Fragrance in plants and flowers is one of nature s miracles. Like the icing on a special occasion cake, floral scents are an unexpected treat that complete the whole plant. It is no wonder that the rose is the most popular flower. Beautiful to look at, velvety to the touch and the fragrance. Rosemary Verey in her book The Scented Garden devotes seven chapters to the rose. The Civic Garden Centre library has two copies of this book for members to borrow.
Scents often trigger very vivid memories in people. Somehow the memories of scents are stronger than visual recall. Thinking back to my childhood home, | can still smell the lilacs blooming by my bedroom window. | will probably remember that place and time forever whenever | smell that sweet shrub.
There is an interesting similarity among the plants listed below. A great many have white flowers. There is obviously a distinct relationship between the colour white and the sweetest, strongest scents.
Fragrant Indoor Plants
Citrus spp. (Lemon, Orange or Grapefruit Trees)
Coffea arabica (Coffee Tree)
Gardenia jasminoides (Gardenia)
Hoyla bella and Hoya carnosa (Waxplant)
Jasminum spp. (Jasmine)
Myrtus communis (Myrtle)
Nerium oleander (Oleander)
Pittosporum tobira
Stephanotis floribunda (Stephanotis)
Many forced bulbs
Trees and Shrubs
Berberis julianae (Barberry) Fragrance being a very subjective sense, Barberry may not appeal to everyone.
Buddlea davidii (Butterfly Bush) Butterflies have a sense of smell also.
Calycanthus floridus (Carolina Allspice) Grow in a protected location.
Daphne spp. Beautiful spring flowers.
Elaeagnus spp. (Russian Olive) Sweet scented white flowers. Hamamelis mollis (Winterhazel). Delicate flowers very early in spring.
Lonicera spp. (Honeysuckle) Very fragrant and long blooming.
Magnolia spp. Very attractive flowers too. | Philadelphus spp. (Mock Orange) Delightful citrus scent. | Rhododendron spp. A few white-flowered Rhododendrons are scented. | Ribes spp. (Flowering Currant) An interesting clove scent.
Syringa spp. (Lilac) A must in every scented garden. | Viburnum spp. Most Viburnum are fragrant. Viburnum carlesii is my favourite. Wisteria spp. Cherish every flower from this tender vine.
Perennials
Achillea spp. (Yarrow) Scented but might be malodorous. Borago officinalis (Borage) A versatile herb.
Clemetis spp. Some of the native species are fragrant. Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley) Beware! Fragrant but invasive.
Crocus spp. Many are needed for effect.
Cyclamen spp. Not very hardy and tricky to grow.
Dianthus spp. Plant a group for a mass effect.
Dictamnus albus (Gasplant) A challenging plant to grow, but worth trying.
Filipendula hexapetala (Meadow Rue) Sweetly almond scented flowers.
Fritillaria imperialis (Crown Imperial) Strongly scented like skunks.
Hesperis spp. (Dame s Rocket) Grown more for its scent than form.
Iris spp. Most species fragrant, especially Iris reticulata.
Lathyrus odoratus (Sweet Pea). Magnificent.
Lavandula spp. (Lavender) Beautiful scent.
Lilium spp. (Lilies) Many types are scented.
Monarda didyma (Bergamot) A valuable herb and sweetly scented perennial. The bees love this plant also.
Myosotis spp. (Forget-me-not) Sweet but light.
Narcissus spp. (Daffodils) Many of the small rock garden type Narcissus are scented.
Oenothera spp. (Evening Primrose) Described as a combination of lemon and jasmine scents.
Paeonia spp. (Peony) Beautiful flowers which don t last long.
Primula spp. Lightly scented.
Rosa spp. (Rose) Most types.
Sedum spectabile (Stonecrop) Watch for the bees when smelling this autumn flower.
Viola odorata (Sweet Violet) A spring delight.
Annuals
Lobularia maritima (Sweet Alyssum) Beautiful scent.
Calendula officinalis (Pot Marigold) Edible flowers too.
Datura spp. (Angel s Trumpet) Fragrant but poisonous.
Heliotropium peruvianum (Heliotrope) Very Sweetly fragrant.
Humulus lupulus (Hops) Fruit used in beer making.
Lantana camara (Lantana) Strongly scented, but not very pleasant.
Mirabilis jalapa (Four O'Clocks) Very strongly scented as the flowers open in late afternoon.
Nicotiana alata & N. sylvestris (Flowering Tobacco) A wonderful scent during the hot days of summer.
Nymphaea spp. (Water Lilies) A challenge to smell.
Tagetes spp. (Marigolds) Scented yes. Pleasant no.
Tropaeolum majus (Nasturtium) In addition to fragrance, the whole plant is edible.
Evening Scents
Cereus spp. (Night blooming Cereus) Indoor Cactus.
Daphne spp. A small shrub with white flowers.
Datura spp. (Angel's Trumpet) Annual, very poisonous.
Hemerocallis flava Day lily with a small yellow flower.
Matthiola bicornis (Evening Scented Stocks) Annual.
Nicotiana alata (Flowering Tobacco) Large white flowers.
Oenothera spp. (Evening Primrose)
Anne Marie Van Nest is the Centre s horticulturist.
Spring Easter Plants
Members Pre-Order Day
Friday, March 22, 1991
2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Brighten your home with Hydrangea, Azaleas or Easter Lilies for the holidays. Each one will be attractively wrapped and have easy care instructions for gift giving. The Hydrangea have five or more blooms and are pink, blue or white. Elegant Easter Lilies will add that special touch to your home. Exquisite Azaleas are a beautiful gift to give or receive.
A special pre-order day has been scheduled for members of the Civic Garden Centre. By pre-ordering your Easter plants before March 18th, members will receive a 10% discount on all their plants and have the best selection of plants. Civic Garden Centre volunteers will be present to give assistance.
Spring Easter Plants
Hydrangea with five or more blooms.
e All varieties are subject to availability. ® A 10% Members discount will apply to pre-orders returned prior to March 18, 1991. ® Please pay for your plants on Members Pre-Order Day, Friday, March 22, 1991. ® GST is not included in the price. ® Public Sale days are March 23 & 24 from 12 until 4 p.m. ® Question? Call 445-1552. ® Looking for some spring garden plants? Order your Pansies now.
Name:
Address: City:
Postal Code: Phone:
Membership Number: Exp. Date:
* Thank you for supporting the Civic Garden Centre.
VOLUNTEER CORNER
by Carolyn Dalgarno Volunteer Co-ordinator
It's hard to believe that Spring is just around the corner! Our need for volunteers increases dramaticially from March to May. We are currently looking for volunteers to help with the Easter Plant Sale and the Pansy Sale. If you have any free time on any of the following dates, please call me at 445-1552.
EASTER PLANT SALE
Thursday, March 21, 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Help is needed to unload, sort and display
Friday, March 22, 2 - 6 p.m.
Volunteers needed to service members pre-order pick up
Saturday, March 23 & Sunday, March 24, 12 - 5 p.m.
Sell plants to the public and assist them with their choice
PANSY SALE
Thursday, April 4, 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Help needed to unload, sort and display
Friday, April 5, 2 - 6 p.m.
Volunteers needed to service members pre-order pick up
Saturday, April 6 & Sunday, April 7, 12 - 5 p.m.
Sell pansies to the public and assist them with their choice.
Please call. We need you.
"The Hobby
Join Horticulturists, Brian Holley Garden & Roland Barnsley Saturdays at 12:00 noon Ross Hawthorne GLOBAL & host TELEVISION Dale Mullins NETWORK
*Tour award winning gardens *Innovations in horticulture
*(srowing Gardeners: Children in the garden
You are invited to the
SPRING PANSY SALE
Members Pre-Order Day
Friday, April 5, 1991
2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Brighten up your spring garden with cheerful pansies. Ready to plant immediately, pansies are available in all of the most popular colours. One of the nicest colours from 1990 will again be available; Imperial series Pink Shades. This will make a spectacular addition to your spring garden. They can be planted immediately. Two new pansies are being introduced this year. One is an All American Selection Winner for 1991 Padparadja is a distinct bright pumpkin orange colour. The extra large blooms will brighten the garden from spring through the summer. The other is one of the Crystal Bowl series. It is a deep purple, an excellent choice with the golden yellow pansies.
A special pre-order day has been scheduled for members of the Civic Garden Centre. By pre-ordering your pansies before March 30th, members will receive a 10% discount on all their plants and have the best selection too. Civic Garden Centre volunteers will be present to give assistance.
Pansies are $1.49 per box. Each box has four plants.
Universal Series Pansies
Imperial Pink Shades (Shell pink & white with a deeper pink face)
New Padparadja (AAS 91 winner, bright pumpkin orange)
New Crystal Bowl Purple
® All varieties are subject to availability. ® A 10% Members discount will apply to pre-orders returned prior to March 30, 1991. ® Please pay for your plants on Members Pre-Order Day, Friday, April 5, 1991. ® GST is not included in the price. ® Public Sale days are April 6 & 7 from 12 until 5 p.m. ® Question? Call 445-1552.
Name:
Address: City:
Postal Code: Phone:
Membership Number: Exp. Date:
® Thank you for supporting the Civic Garden Centre.
FROM THE GROUND UP:
An Introduction to High Performance Gardening
Sunday, April 21, 1991
1:00 - 5:30 P.M.
Basic information on high performance gardening.
Learn how to make your garden measure up to your expectations.
Designed for people who:
* are beginning to garden and would like to learn how to do it properly, from the ground up
* have gardened before, without total success and are now, asking How does a garden grow?
This half-dayprogram, looks at the gardenfrom surveying the site to soilpreparation and instructs you how to achieve afunctioning green environment.
1:00 - 2215 MARJORIE HARRIS on Garden Planning
Horticultural journalist and author of The Canadian Gardener, Marjorie Harris will help you identify key elements of your site: its best features, what has to be eliminated, how to improve light conditions, dividing the site into functional areas, shaping and raising borders and solving drainage problems. Choosing and combining perennials, annuals and biennials and helpful tips on how to buy plant material will also be covered in her approach to site analysis.
2:15-2:30 Coffee
2:30 - 345 KIM DELANEY on Soil Preparation
A partner in the design/construction firm of Garrison Creek Planting Company and an instructor in the School of Landscape Architecture at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute, Kim Delaney will describe the characteristics of Toronto soils and methods for determining your own soil profile. Kim will explain how to amend dense clay with organic materials, creating a nutrient rich and selfsustaining soil for lush plant growth. Master the mysteries of acid and alkaline pH ratings, fertilizers, both organic and synthetic and the growing list of available soil amendments.
3:45 - 4:00 Coffee
4:00 - 5:30 CIVIC
GARDEN CENTRE MASTER GARDENERS on Basic Gardening Skills
Trained horticultural advisors will demonstrate ® how to prune trees and shrubs for best growth and bloom ® seeding methods for lawns and ornamental plants
* how to add organic amendments to your soil for better texture and enriched plant nutrients.
In addition, a panel of 4 Master Gardeners will answer individual gardening questions concerning soil, plants, insects and diseases.
The speakers will be available following the program for further questions. Take-home information shows where and how to begin transforming your garden into a living, green environment.
Please register me for From The Ground Up. Enrollment is limited, registration deadline is April 15th, 1991. Civic Garden Centre membership number | enclose my cheque in the amount of:
$30i00 member = %
$40.00 non-member
Name Phone
Address
City Postal Code
| prefertousemy Visa___ MasterCard
Card number
Signature
Expiry date
In the Library
by Pamela MacKenzie Librarian
Here are some books about flower arranging recently added to the library.
Bougquets flowing, airy and colorful, by Gregor Lersch. Gunzburg, Donau-Verlag,
1987. (Text in German and English).
The creative book of dried flowers, by Sarah Waterkeyn, London Salamander, 1987.
TOUR
GUIDES
The Centre requires volunteers to act Wreaths 'round the year, by Dawn Cusick as Tour Guides for the Walk in the and Rob Pulleyn. New York, Sterling, 1990. Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Katy Lamancusa s Guide to floral design. If ; : you are interested in learning about Blue Ridge Summit, PA, TAB books, 1990. the history, trees, flowers, and shrubs . in Edwards Gardens, consider joinin Wild and wonderful flowers for your home, the Tour Guides. Call Helen Crajlig fo? by Irma Fleck. Portland, Timber press, 1990. details. 445-1552.
Bouquets en France. Paris, Société Nationale d Horticulture en France, 1990.
Inspired flower arrangements, by Toshiro Kawase. Tokyo, Kodansha, 1990. (Text in Japanese and English).
For the love ofgardens.
When you're at work on the garden you love, remember Sheridan 4 Nurseries. At Sheridan, we have expert staffto help you, and the ' finest selection ofnursery stock in Canada, including over 750 types ofplants and trees grown on our own farms. And all ofour nursery stock is guaranteed for two full years.
Need any advice to help make your garden even lovelier? Gardens
By Sheridan landscape designers offer everything from peerless consultation and planning to complete construction and mainte- SHERIDAN nance services. All for the love ofgardens, at Sheridan Nurseries. NURSERIES
1991 Green Thumb Children s Camp
Registrations are now being accepted for the fourth annual Summer Camp run by the Civic Garden Centre. Children from 8 through 11 years are invited to learn about plants and gardening, the environment, nature crafts, and wildlife. The camp, a unique educational and recreational experience, is restricted in enrollment numbers. The children will be instructed by the Centre s Horticulturists and special volunteer guests from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm each day.
Registration Form
Please register my child for the 1991 Green Thumb Camp.
My child will attend: Week 1 L] July 15 to July 19 (9:30 am - 12:00 pm)
Week 2 [J July 29 to August 2 (9:30 am - 12:00 pm)
Week 3 [J August 12 to August 16 (9:30 am - 12:00 pm)
Weekly Fees: $74.90 per child of Civic Garden Centre members. $85.60 per child of non-memers.
Name of Parent:
Address: City:
Postal Code: Telephone (day):
Camper s Name:
Camper s Name:
Birthdate:
Birthdate:
Civic Garden Centre Membership Number: Expiry Date:
Refunds will be issued up to five business days before the first day of Green Thumb Camp. Green Thumb Camp fees include GST.
[l Enclosed is my cheque, payable to the Civic Garden Centre.
Please charge my Mastercard [ Visa [J
Card Number: Date of Issue:
Signature: Expiry Date:
COURSE
Registration deadline: March 1, 1991
Members $48.15 Non-members $58.85 G.ST. included
DRAWING TECHNIQUES COURSE
Registration deadline: March 4
Members $74.90 Non-members $85.60 G.ST. included
Men s Garden Club - Meeting
RUG HOOKING COURSE
Registration deadline: March 6
Members $58.85 Non-members $69.55 G.ST. included
Southern Ontario Orchid Society - Meeting
Ontario Rock Garden Society - Meeting
CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE MEMBERS PROGRAMME
The Amazing Flora of South Africa
Larry Mellichamp, Biology Department, University of North Carolina
Toronto Bonsai Society - Meeting
North Toronto Horticultural Society - Meeting
Dugald Cameron Summer Bulbs
lkebana International Chapter 208 - Meeting
York Rose and Garden Society - Meeting
Rhododendron Society of Canada - Meeting
Ikenobo Ikebana Show
Southern Ontario Orchid Society - Newcomers Mtg.
BASKETRY BASICS COURSE
Registration deadline: March 18
Members $48.15 Non-members $58.85 G.ST. included 6
Toronto Cactus and Succulent Club - Meeting
LOW MAINTENANCE GARDENING COURSE
Registration deadline: March 18
Memers $39.59 Non-members $50.29 G.ST. included 3 weeks
THE URBAN_ FOREST: TREES FOR CITY PROPERTIES COURSE
Registration deadline: March 18
Members $48.15 Non-members $58.85 G.ST. included NEWER DESIGNS FOR OLDER GARDENS COURSE
Registration deadline: March 19
Members $28.89 Non-members $39.59 G.ST. included
CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE EASTER PLANT SALE
Members Pre Order Pick Up
CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE EASTER PLANT SALE
Toronto Ohara Chapter Ikebana Show
CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE EASTER PLANT SALE
Toronto Gesneriad Society - Meeting
Canadian Rose Society Annual Meeting
Mike Lowe from Nashua, New Hampshire
In Search of Old Roses
BASIC FLOWER ARRANGING COURSE
Registration deadline: March 25
Members $53.50 Non-members $64.20 G.ST. included
Canadian Chrysanthemum & Dahlia Society - Meeting 3 weeks 2
8:00
pm 2:00 pm 2:00 pm 1:00 - 5:00 pm 7:.00 pm 10 am - noon 7:30 - 10:00 pm 7 -9:30 pm 7:30 - 9:30 pm 7:30 - 9:30 pm 2-6pm 12-4 pm 9-6pm 12-4pm 2:00 pm 2 pm 10 am - noon& 1-3pm 7:30 pm
Give a Lasting Gift
The Civic Garden Centre s library houses over 6,000 books and more than 70 periodicals. It is one of the finest collections of books in North America about plants, gardening, garden history, design and the floral arts. To help maintain the high calibre of this facility, we are asking for your support in the form of a book donation. This month, we are seeking donors for the following books. These books will be on display in the Civic Garden Centre library.
Aden, Paul. The Hosta Book; 2nd ed. 1990. $37.74
The authoritative work.
de Lestrieux, Elizabeth. The Art of Gardening in Pots. 1990. $74.97
A handsomely illustrated book.
Lobel, Anita. Alison s Zinnia. 1990. $19.95
Plant alphabet for children.
Bennett, Jennifer and Forsyth, Turid. The Harrowsmith Annual Garden. 1990. $17.96
The latest in this popular Canadian series.
Laverett, Brian. Water Gardens. 1990. $13.46
A good introduction.
If you wish to donate a book, please indicate your selection, include your name, address and telephone number and let us know whether you would like your name to appear as a donor or whether you would like to give the book in honour of , * in memory of or in celebration of a birthday etc. and the name that should appear on the bookplate. You can easily make this donation by calling 445-1552, asking for the library and charging it to either VISA or Mastercard. You will receive a tax receipt.
MaStel Gal dellel's
The Centre extends a warm welcome to the newest Master Gardeners. Grace Andrews, Nineteen-ninety was a very successful and Diane Arsenault, Diane Croswell, Trevor Cullis, busy year for the Master Gardeners. In addition Richard Fisher, Charmiene Montgomery and to the daily hotline duties, they participated in Mary Schuchardt started the program in over eighty activities of which the majority were January. speaking engagements. Demonstrations, panel activities and staffing booths account for aimost The Master Gardeners are always near. Look thirty events. To fulfil their busy schedule, the for them in 1991 at many gardening events or forty-four Master Gardeners accumulated over call the hotline daily from 12 to 3 p.m. at 2200 volunteer hours. 445-1552.
Foxgloves - Beautiful Medicinal Plants
by Anna Leggatt
Digitalis or foxgloves have always been one of my favourite flowers. As a child was told not to touch them as they were very poisonous. This added to their attraction. | wondered if | would die after | touched them and didn t wash my hands? But slipping their soft pink silky thimbles onto my fingers led me into a secret world of the imagination.
Digitalis purpurea grows wild in some parts of Britain, but not in the area in which | grew up. When we went on holiday, the sight of the tall spires in the hedgerows was one of the first indications that we were in a new world, soon to get our first glimpse of the sea that was always vast and blue in those far off days.
Most of the plants | found in Canada were the Foxy hybrids. The individual flowers are born all round the stem instead of more elegantly to one side as in their wild parent. | brought seed back from home so that | could still enjoy the flowers. However, remembering my childhood, | waited till my own children were older.
Digitalis purpurea is easy to grow from seed. surface sow in promix in late February or early March. The pots are placed under lights at about 20°C day temperature with cooler nights. Germination takes place in just over a week. The seedlings are transplanted into cell packs when they have four leaves. After hardening, they are placed in their permanent position in semi-shade, in a well drained humusy sail. D. purpurea is a biennial: it will flower the second year providing it has grown large enough to provide energy for seed production. Small plants will not flower until their third summer. They may flower the first year if planted early enough. | raised very large plants that did not flower. The first winter turned them to mush. The secret is to grow to the right size and to cover with protective evergreen boughs after freeze up.
The plants self seed, sometimes appearing several years later. Once | had a cross between the species and the white variety.
Two years later the self sown seeds produced a magnificent blend of metre high spires of whites through pale to dark pinks with a range of darker pink spots inside the * fingers .
| discovered that Thompson and Morgan had several different species listed. These are native to Europe, spreading across to Asia Minor with occasional examples elsewhere. All produce spikes of flowers around mid summer, varying in size and flower colour. Many cross pollinate so seedlings are sometimes a surprise. The easiest to grow is Digitalis lutea or small yellow foxglove. This perennial species has an evergreen rosette of mid-green, more lanceolate leaves, thinner and not as hairy as D. purpurea. The flowers are much smaller, about 1 cm long, pale yellow with 5 petal tips at the end of the tube. Individual plants live about five years.
D. gradiflora (or yellow foxglove) has larger flowers, similar to D. purpurea only creamy yellow in colour. The tube mouths flare open a little more. The variety, Temple Bells is shorter at 30 cms. These are short lived perennials two to three years.
D. x mertonensis is a hybrid between D. purpurea and D. grandiflora. It is very similar to the former but has flowers of a lovely squashed strawberry shade. It occasionally flowers twice but is usually biennial. It comes true from seed.
My favourite is D. ferruginea or rusty foxglove. It only flowers for two or three years. The flower tube is about 2 cms long, yellowish with a network of darker veins. One of the tips of the petals sticks out in a long yellow tongue. Similar to this is D. lanata or Grecian foxglove. Surprisingly this is not woolly, only the stems of the flowers. The flower tube is yellowish white with purple veins. The tongue is white. It can be perennial but has always been biennial for me. This species has naturalised in some of the Toronto ravines, far from its native Balkans.
| recently found a treatise on the use of foxgloves to cure dropsy. This was written by Dr. Withering of Birmingham, England in 1785. He writes, The foxglove when given in very large and quickly-repeated doses, occasions sickness, vomiting, purging, giddiness, confused vision, objects appearing green or yellow; increased secretion of the urine, with frequent motion to part with it, and sometimes inability to retain it; slow pulse, even as low as 35 in a minute, cold sweats, convulsions, syncope, death. He advised care in using the leaves to treat dropsy and advised more study of the plant. One of Dr. Withering s concluding remarks is That it has a power over the motion of the heart, to a degree yet unobserved in any other medicine and that this power may be converted to salutary ends. Today the foxglove is used for the production of digitalis, which saves many lives by regulating the heart beat. D. lanata is used as well as D. purpurea.
am trying to grow all the species of this fascinating genus.
Anna Leggatt is a Toronto Master Gardener
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