The newsletter of the Civic Garden Centre in Metropolitan Toronto March, 1992 Volume 19, Number 3
THE PRACTICAL & THE ROMANTIC
A specialprogram on perennialgardening Sunday, April 12th l-5p.m.
The Civic Garden Centre 777 Lawrence Avenue East North York 397-1340
The Civic Garden Centre is a volunteer-based non-profit organization with open membership, working to foster interest, involvement and education in gardening, horticulture and related artistic, environmental and community issues. Located in Edwards Gardens, at Leslie Street and Lawrence Avenue East in North York, the Centre serves members throughout Metropolitan Toronto and across Ontario. Registered charity number 0228114-56.
Hours:
Summer (April 1st to October 31st): weekdays 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; weekends and holidays noon to 5:00 p.m.
Winter (November 1st to March 31st): weekdays 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m,; weekends and holidays noon to 4:00 p.m.
Rentals:
The Civic Garden Centre is pleased to rent facilities for meetings, receptions, exhibits and shows. Please contact our rental agent.
Telephone:
All numbers are area code 416.
Main number: 397-1340
Gardening hotline: 397-1345 (hours: noon to 3:00 p.m.)
Rentals: 397-1349
Special events: 397-1350
Trellis Shop: 397-1357
Course information: 397-1340
Fax: 397-1354
Executive Committee:
President: ~ Mrs. Susan Macaulay
Vice-president and treasurer:
Members:
Mr. Peter ]. Lewis
Mrs. Cicely Bell
Mrs. Mary AnnBrinckman
Mrs. Bayla Gross
Mr. Kenneth Laundy
Board of directors:
For 1991: Dr. Brian Bixley, Mrs. Georgina Cannon, Mrs Martha Finkelstein, Mr. Bill Granger, Mrs. Bayla Gross, Mr. Kenneth Laundy, Mrs. Ruth MacKneson
For 1991-1992: Mrs. Mary Ann Brinckman, Mrs. Luba Hussel, Mrs. Susan Macaulay, Mrs. Robin Wilson
For 1991, 1992, and 1993: Mrs. Cicely Bell, Mrs. Wendy Lawson, Mr. Peter J. Lewis, Mrs. Mary Mills, Ms. Laura Rapp. Representative of Metropolitan Toronto Parks and Property: Mr. Victor Portelli.
Honorary Counsel: Aird and Berlis
Civic Garden Centre staff members:
Executive director: Mrs. Sally Sullivan
Accounts: Mrs. Janie Brentnall
Horticulturists:
Mrs. Anne Marie Van Nest
Mrs. Helen Craig
Librarian: Mrs. Pamela MacKenzie
Maintenance supervisor: Mr. Walter Morassutti
Rental agent: Mrs. Betsy Chubb
Secretary: Mrs. Shirley Lyons
Trellis Shop manager: Mrs. Jackie Brisby
Trellis Shop assistant manager:
Mrs. Barbara Stevenson
Volunteer and publicity co-ordinator:
Mrs. Carolyn Dalgarno
Courses: Mrs. Ann Warren
Trellis, March, 1992
By Iris Phillips
Recently, I was rummaging through a remainder table at a bookstore and came across a fascinating book by Lorus and Margery Milne, Because of a Flower, published in 1975. Both authors are biologists and explore the history of flowers and their place in the ecosystem: "Flowers are an important part of our environment ... To truly see a flower, is to see a whole community of life." I enjoyed Kenneth Gosner's drawings and found the text informative. The book reminded me that without flowers, we have no fruit, no berries and no seeds.
Anna Leggatt's article in this issue, About seeds and seed germination, is a sound primer and explores their makeup and germination requirements.
I will re-read the article when my seed packages arrive from the supplier. This year, my order was modest as [ remembered the temptations I succumbed to last year -summer bulbs from the Trellis Shop and numerous plants from the Centre's plant sales (pansies, perennials and annuals).
The popular program, The Hobby Garden, returned in January to Global T.V. on Saturdays at noon. For 26 weeks, some of Canada's foremost horticulturists will offer advice, visit famous gardens and discuss design ideas. Each show has a children's segment. A number of the Centre's members will be guests on the show and Amy Stewart's splendid garden will be featured on March 21.
The Centre has some wonderful events coming up -- I'll hope to see you there.
TRELLIS
Volume 19, Number 3
Editor: Iris Hossé Phillips
Advertising Information: (416) 397-1340
Trellis is published ten times a year as a members' newsletter by the Civic Garden Centre, 777 Lawrence Avenue East, North York, Ontario M3C 1P2. Telephone number: (416) 397-1340.
Manuscripts submitted on a voluntary basis are gratefully received. No renumeration is possible.
Articles, manuscripts and advertising material must be received by the 15th of the month to insure publication six weeks later. For example, material received by October 15 will be included in the December issue of Trellis.
Opinions expressed within Trellis do not necessarily reflect those of the Centre.
2 - 7 Centre programs: Rock gardening made easy; The evolution of the Italian garden; workshops on Oriental are; and program on perennials
Letters
Green Thumb Days
Questions and answers
Order forms -- pansies and Easter plants
About seeds
AN EDWARDS GARDEN EVENING
Rock gardening made easy with Trevor Ashbee
Wednesday, March 18
7:30 p.m.
Trevor Ashbee is president of the Ontario Rock Garden Society. During his travels, he photographs plants in their natural habitat. He was born in England and trained as a horticulturist, came to Canada in 1969, and is now with the city of Cambridge.
Trevor's lecture will explore aspects of rock gardening from the construction of the rock garden, to selection of plant material and planting.
Gertrude Jekyll, a famous English landscape designer, wrote in Wall and Water Gardens (1901): "If any success in the cultivation of rock plants is expected, it is only reasonable to suppose that one must take the trouble to learn something about the plants, their needs, and it is equally necessary to take the trouble to learn how their places are to be prepared. Happily for the chances of success and pleasure in this delightful kind of gardening, the right way is also the most beautiful way."
No cost to members; non-members $4. Refreshments will be served.
We supply a wide variety ofquality grown plant material including trees, K evergreens, shrubs, 5 roses, clematis, unusual annuals, tropicals, water andbogplants, ; natives,ferns, grasses and rare and unusual herbaceous perennials. Visit our interesting garden centre where we takepride in ourfriendly service and expert advice. Open 7 days a week * Tel: 683-5952
The evolution of the Italian garden
Two special presentations by Jennifer Dickson: Wednesday, March 11th and Thursday, March 12th at 7:30 p.m.
Cost: members: $10 per lecture; non-members: $15 per lecture
We introduced Jennifer Dickson to the Civic Garden Centre at the February Edwards Garden Evening program. Her reputation is widespread as an artist and as a lecturer on historic gardens. Italy since 1981. beauty of the Italian garden. Jennifer Dickson has been visiting and photographing gardens in These lectures draw on her evocative slide documentation of the We know you will enjoy this series and become further acquainted with the achievements of this outstanding Canadian.
Wednesday, March 11 -- part one
Our knowledge ofRoman gardens is based partly on the writings of Pliny and partly on fresco fragments and archaeological findings at Pompeii. We visit a reconstructed courtyard garden at Piazza Armerina, and view the beauty of Lake Garda from the villa of the Roman lyric poet Catullus.
Italy has one of the oldest botanic gardens in the western world, the Orto Botanico at Padua, where rare species were propagated from the seeds brought by intrepid travellers from remote quarters of the globe.
The medieval hortus conclusus became the courtyard garden of Renaissance villa and palace. We will visit several in the ducal palace at Mantua, as well as walking in our imagination along the cool terraces of the Medici villas of Cerreto Giudi, Castello and Petraia, near Florence.
The lecture will conclude with three Renaissance gardens with a water theme: the Villa D'Este at Tivoli, the Palazzo Farnese at Caprarola, and the lyrical beauty of the Villa Lante at Bagnaia.
Thursday, March 12 -- part two
The baroque period in Italy produced gardens in which evergreens, stone and water fused in a delightful fantasy. We will visit the water games of the Villa Torrigiani near Lucca, the elegant garden rooms and green theatre of the Villa Reale Di Marlia, and the exuberant fountains and floral parterre of the Villa Garzoni at Collodi.
The romantic shores of Lake Como are next on our itinerary and we will visit Villa Carlotta during the peak of the flowering of azaleas and rhododendron and Villa Melzi D'Eril in early spring.
The lecture will conclude on Lake Maggiore, where an ambient climate has resulted in three of the most profusely planted Italian gardens: the botanic gardens of the Villa Taranto (which rival England's Kew gardens), the early 20th century terrace gardens of Villa San Remigio, and finally, the earthly paradise of Isola Bella.
Full details ofthese evenings canbe found in the February Trellis or call the Centre at 397-1340. Pre-registration is required; registrationform is on page 24. Trellis,March,
Special opportunity:
Workshops led by Henry Wo Yue-Kee
Workshops in Oriental Art Course 4111
May 11 to May 14 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Poetry in Paint 1 May 19 to May 22 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Poetry in Paint 2
It is the experience of a lifetime to work with Henry and observe his mastery of the brush. He has been described as a "poet in paint and "emotion remembered in tranquility . To watch him paint is to see a miracle unfold. He will not only paint in the colors he loves and uses so well, he will demonstrate techniques in pure sumi-e ink.
Further information regarding supplies and materials may be obtained from Moira Mudie, 222-1527.
This is a sought-after event. Pre-registration and full payment are required, so phone the Centre immediately! Discount prices offered to Civic Garden Centre and Sumi-e Artists of Canada members.
Registration form on page 24. Deadline to register is May 8. ree: + both workshops: Members C.G.C. and S.A.C.: $300. Non-members: $330. o per workshop: Members C.G.C. and S.A.C.: $160. Non-members: $175. Cancellation and refunds up to registration deadline only.
Wgm{m@nb of Tororts presents
Gateway to Spring
Dates: March 4 to 8
Times: Wednesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Admission: adults: $6.50, seniors and students: $5.50 children: $1, under five: free Ample free parking
By Pamela MacKenzie, Civic Garden Centre librarian
Be a library friend:
In the library's Buy a Book program, members may assist us to acquire new books by paying for their purchase. If you sponsor a book for the library, a bookplate with your name, or the name of a friend, will be placed at the front of the book.
The following books will be on display during March. You are invited to donate a title, in person or by telephone. We accept VISA or MasterCard, and will send you a tax receipt.
e Foster, Maureen. The flower arranger s encyclopedia of preserving and drying. $25.
e Sala, Orietta. The world 's best roses. $50.
e Toogood, Alan. The Hillier guide to connoisseurs plants. $30.
e Stuart, David. Planting the perfect garden. $32.
e Ehrman, Hugh. Fruits of the earth. $28.
Heritage plants and gardens: The continuing interest in period gardens and the use of old-fashioned plants is reflected in these recent additions to the library:
» Perennials: enduring classics for the contemporary garden, by Rob Proctor. Harper & Row, 1990.
o Classic bulbs: hidden treasures for the modern garden, by Katherine Whiteside. Villard Books, 1991.
e The Victorian kitchen garden and The Victorian flower garden, by Jennifer Davies. B.B.C. Books, 1991.
POETRY IN PAINT
An exhibition of recent works of Henry Wo Yue-Kee May 15 to May 18 at the Civic Garden Centre, Studios 1-2-3
Henry Wo Yue-Kee's sensitive love of life is eloquently expressed in his paintings. He uses ink and colour on paper "In Praise of Nature", by subtle fusing of influences drawn from both the Eastern and Western worlds. With strong heritage of Oriental brushwork, Wo combines traditional Chinese principles with his personal poetry.
Born in Quongdong, China, Wo studied art in China and Hong Kong. His paintings have been exhibited in Canada, Australia, Asia and the United States. They are included in the collections of many significant galleries throughout the world.
Trellis, March, 1992
By Barbara E. Stevenson, Trellis Shop assistant manager
Reviewed:
The Random House Book of Perennials
Volume 1: Early perennials
Volume 2: Late perennials
By Roger Phillips and Martin Rix Price: $30 per volume
Just before Christmas, Random House released two excellent volumes which every plant lover will want to add to their library. The books include over 3,000 glorious photographs, arranged by seasonal flowering. Some are taken in the plants' native habitat and others show cultivars that are now available. The pictures are magnificent and you can almost smell the peonies.
For each plant, hardiness is listed by temperature. Light and soil requirements are also given. Plant groups and associations found in nature
are discussed at the beginning of each book. For example, plant associates for North American prairie and grassland include Phlox maculata, Aster novae- angliae, Coreopsis verticillata, Asclepias tuberosa, Echinacea purpurea, Oenothera, Veronicastrum verginicum and Helianthus.
A history of the growing interest in hardy perennials is provided in volume one. Irish gardener William Robinson started the trend with publishing his renowned text The Wild Garden in 1870. Today, plant breeders in both Britain and North America are introducing many new perennials.
This two-volume set will prove invaluable, not to mention dangerous, while browsing through your gardening catalogues.
MARCH 26 Gardens of Sicily, Southern ltaly & Keukenhof
After reading these books, I'm tempted to try growing pale-colored Lychnis with Iceberg roses as shown on page 136 in volume one. Perhaps I'll combine these with Artemesia x "Powis Castle". MAY MAY
19 Gardens of England, The Chelsea Flower Show & Floriade 20 Cruise on Royal Cruise Line " with Len and Connie Cullen (Cullen Country Barns) to the Scandinavian Capitals & Russia with a tour to Floriade in Holland.
SEVERAL TOURS FROM APRIL AUGUST 1992 TO THE = AMERIFLORA '92 COLUMBUS OHIO U.S.A.
Perennials: The Practical & the Romantic
A special afternoon program on perennial gardening Sunday, April 12
1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Members $35 / non-members $45
If woody plants are the bones of a garden, then perennials are the elements that give it life. Their great diversity in form and texture, foliage and blossom are the defining characteristics of every garden. Perennial plants are central to the mood you wish to create: structured and formal or fluid and ephemeral. In these high-tech times with instant art forms, perennial gardens are a refuge for the romance of the soul. This afternoon program opens a window on the romantic theme and will explore both the practical considerations and the romantic inspiration necessary in planning a perennial garden .
1:00 - 2:00 PRACTICAL GARDENING WITH PERENNIALS
Patrick Lima is the author of many articles and several books including the modern gardening classic, "The Harrowsmith Perennial Garden . He is the creator of Larkwhistle, an extraordinary perennial garden near Owen Sound.
Patrick will look at the practical considerations of perennial gardening: climate and soil preparation, fertilization and cultural requirements, bridging and extending periods of bloom.
2:00 - 2:15 Coffee Break
2:1523:15 PERENNIAL ROMANCE
Anne Milovsoroff holds the Weston Chair at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington. She is a landscape architect and designer experienced in several climates and has detailed knowledge of perennial plant material.
Anne will consider the various elements which appeal to the senses -- colour and texture, bloom and fragrance. These features are an integral part of the design of a romantic garden.
3:30 - 5:00 GROUNDWORK
Toronto's Master Gardeners will provide demonstrations and information in key areas relevant to perennial plants -- fertilization, propagation, insects and diseases. This session is an opportunity to examine and compare new materials and methods, and includes both organic and synthetic approaches to gardening problems. Demonstration areas will be located in the Floral Hall where the Master Gardeners will be available to answer individual questions.
Registration form on page 24.
Trellis, March, 1992
A rebuttal: Why we must save the Oak Ridges moraine (Dec., 1991/Jan., 1992, Trellis)
In the December issue of Trellis, I was disturbed by the article by Wm. Granger on why we must save the Oak Ridges moraine (O.R.M.). The article was, I felt, a great over-simplification of a very complex issue, and irrationally based against all development. Airing such narrow perspectives in Trellis creates partially-informed readers, a situation unhealthy for developing workable land-use strategies.
Unlike Mr. Granger, I am a resident of the moraine; I live on a small farm and am surrounded by a Conservation Authority forest. Along with the many others who enjoy this area, I walk, ski and ride here. I agree with the basic premise that it would be better if the area did not end up looking like Markham. But I also believe there are many questions involved.
For instance, if all development stopped, where would the tax base come from to support the people who live here? How would we fund, for example, Durham's recycling programs? Where would residents work? How would we extract the minerals necessary for the buildings and roads that support Toronto's inevitable population increase, however it is handled? Those very gravel deposits give the moraine its characteristic rolling hills quality. Of course the environmental and recreational aspects of the Oak Ridges moraine must be considered as an
important part of the equation -- but I fear that Mr. Granger's eagerness to provide himself and other urbanites with an accessible recreational area has resulted in a pitifully biased and simplified perspective on the issue.
His over-zealous comparison between Toronto and Frankfurt, Germany, is fatuous at best and exemplifies the lack of thought he has given to developing his stance; at less than a quarter of Toronto's population, doesn't it only make sense that Frankfurt's urban core would give way to a rural landscape more quickly? Quoting surveys from 18 years ago likewise does little to improve the credibility of his claims.
The point is, publicly appointed authorities are reviewing the O.R.M. situation right now, hopefully with more thought than Mr. Granger. As he stated, both the Province and the Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (M.T.R.C.A.) are analyzing the moraine area and, in fact, have established a two-year moratorium on development. Discussions with local governments, interest groups and residents will be part of that process.
If the Trellis is going to continue to bring political issues forward to its readers, then please can we see more balance, better analysis and less bias in future efforts.
Shelagh Meagher, Goodwood, Ontario
Ms Meagher is a Civic Garden Centre member and holds a degree in Land Resource Management from the University of Guelph. Trellis,March
The author responds: I am not especially interested in politicizing Trellis, and I will confirm that, as is the custom, the opinions voiced are mine and not the editorial policy of the magazine. I am pleased that this viewpoint elicited such a strong response. Unfortunately, Ms Meagher seems not to be aware of my involvements with the moraine and questions my point of view as that of "an urbanite [seeking] an accessible recreational area .. resulting in a pitifully biased and simplified perspective on the whole issue. " Even taken in isolation, that one concern seems valid to me and not at all simplified.
In fact, I have first-hand knowledge of the lands and processes underway to contain development to alreadydeveloped modes across the moraine, and was chairman of the Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's working group on the moraine. Part of the provincial document, Space for All, Options for a Greater Toronto Area Greenlands Strategy, authored by Ron Kanter, M.P.P. in 1990, came from meetings with our group. We also met with interested citizens from Uxbridge and Glen Major (Durham Region), King, Vaughan and Gormley (York Region), and Caledon (Peel Region).
I own and garden a property in the Village of Erin, just a stone's throw from the interface of the moraine and the Niagara Escarpment. [ recently read in a local paper that the nearby Town of Halton Hills experienced a $650,000 budget surplus in 1991, as a direct result of an unexpected large number of building permits. Sprawl development is pervasive, even in a recession.
My very real concerns are not solely for recreation potential of moraine
lands, but (as I stated in my article) for the critical recharge areas of the headwaters of all of our minor and major rivers in the greater Toronto area, for protection and enhancement of necessary agricultural land and for linear greenspace, fisheries and wildlife habitat along our river systems. M.T.R.C.A. has just embarked on a massive trial system to link the moraine with the waterfront.
The greater Toronto area, including the Regions of York, Durham, Peel, Halton and Metropolitan Toronto is now home to 3.7 million people. The most conservative provincial estimates put the area population at over 5.4 million by the year 2011. Again, if people like the readers of Trellis who are vitally concerned with green in their lives, don't take up the challenge to save large natural sections of the moraine and intensify developed areas to hold the increased population, then who on earth will?
Bill Granger is director of urban design for the city of North York, teaches conservation and urbanization at York University and was recently appointed chairman of the Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority by the Province of Ontario. He holds a Master s degree in environmental studies from York University.
Wanted
The editor of Trellis requires assistance to input the newsletter on the Centre's Macintosh computer. Time commitment is usually two full days during the third week of the month. Please call Carolyn Dalgarno at 397-1351 if you are free to help.
Trellis, March, 1992
New for children: Green Thumb Days
Children from 7 through 11 years are invited to learn about plants, gardening, the environment, nature and crafts. The Civic Garden Centre's Green Thumb Days are an unique educational and recreational experience. Each program is led by the Centre's horticulturists and special volunteer guests from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The Awesome Adventures Tour runs from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. A refreshing snack of juice and fruit will be served during each morning. Rain doesn't stop gardening and nature, neither will it stop Green Thumb Days. Please come prepared for all weather!
The program:
o, sTerrific.Trees
How old is that tree? Why are trees important? How tall is this tree? What tree is that? These answers and more will be investigated. July 7 and August 11.
¢ Powerful Plants
Explore plants that are helpful to us. Learn about the clean air plants, the insect catchers and other useful plants. All participants will take home a helpful plant. July 8 and August 12.
e Plentiful Plants
We investigate many ways of multiplying plants. Practise on our plants and take home your babies. All participants must promise to "adopt-a-plant . July 9 and August 13.
e Insect Inspectors
A mini-hike through the wilds of Wilket Creek Park to spot nature at its best. Inspectors will search for strange and wonderful land critters. Exploration of this type needs long pants and running shoes. July 21 and August 25.
* Noticing Nature
Budding scientists will enjoy this program full of nature experiments. How acid is our rain? What makes soil acidic? Why is the temperature cooler under a tree? July 22 and August 26.
e Creative Crafts
Let your artistic talents loose! Learn how to create crafts with dried flowers, pine cones and other recycled natural products. Make your own creations. July 23 and August27.
e Awesome Adventures Tour
A full-day hike into Sunnybrook Park to unravel the mysteries of the natural world. This adventure requires that Mom or Dad pack a high-energy lunch for nourishment. July 15, July 29 and August 19.
AATABEL AATTHL 22TTRL 22TTHBH
Green Thumb Days
Registration Form
I would like to register my child(ren) for the following (9:30 a.m. to noon) programs. Registration fees for each program (except the Awesome AdventuresTour) are $6 per child of Civic Garden Centre members or $7 for non-members.
A& Terrific Trees
July 7 D or August 11 D & Powerful Plants July 8 D or August 12 D
A Plentiful Plants July 9 D or August 13 D
A Insect Inspectors July 21 D or August25 D & Noticing Nature July 22 ] or August 26 ]
% Creative Crafts July 23 D or August 27 D @ Awesome Adventures Tour (9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.)
July 15 D or July 29 D or August 19 D $9 each child of members, $10 for non-members.
Name of parent:
Address:
City: Postal code:
Phone (day):
Child's name: Birthdate:
Child's name: Birthdate:
C.G.C. membership number: Expiry date:
Refunds will be issued up to five business days before the program date. Program fees include G.S.T. Each program must meet a minimum registration or a refund will be given. Questions? Call 397-1355.
D Enclosed is my cheque, payable to the Civic Garden Centre.
Please charge my D MasterCard or D VISA
Card number:
Signature: Expiry date:
Master Gardeners graduate, new trainees begin studies
Congratulations to the newest Master Gardeners who have successfully completed two years of work to graduate. These hard-working volunteers have completed two horticulture courses from the University of Guelph and have volunteered to meet a minimum time commitment. Graduation marks the end of the training period; however, they will continue to be active with the Master Gardener group.
Jack Adams
Trevor Cullis
Jane Larson
Phyllis Shepherd
Cathie Cox
MaryGlendinning
Mary Mordy
A special welcome to the 1992 Master Gardeners-in-Training. The new members had stiff competition for the few positions. They passed a rigorous gardening knowledge test and were interviewed by a panel of demanding Master Gardeners. They are an extremely talented group who will be valuable additions to the Centre's programs.
Joan Beattie
Leslie Ferguson
Pat Gray
Margaret Nevett
Bob Zarichansky
Sonia Day
Marie Foley
Mary Mills
Marilyn Shepherd
For the love ofgardens.
When you're at work on the garden you love, remember Sheridan A 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-
nanée services. All for the love ofgardens, at Sheridan Nurseries.
GARDENS BY SHERIDAN: Metropolitan Toronto, Markham, Mississaugaand Oakville Tel. 822-7575
Q. I have an amaryllis which has finished blooming. What should I do with it now?
A. Let the leaves remain intact until they wither. Keep the plant watered and fertilized. When the weather is warm, put the amaryllis outside, keep it moist and fertilize as long as the leaves last. In fall, bring the plant inside, wrap it in newspaper and place it in the refrigerator. Four to six weeks before you want the bloom, bring it out and replace the top half-inch of soil with fresh potting mix. Leave the top half of the bulb above the soil level. Water thoroughly and keep moist (not soaking, however). Put it in a bright window and rotate the pot regularly.
Q. What are the cultural requirements of zoysia grasses?
A. This is a tough, rather rough, grass with prostrate growth that needs little cutting. It turns brown when the temperature falls below 10° to 12° C (50° to 55° F). Zoysia grass does not green up early in spring and turns brown early in fall. Thus, it is not recommended forcentral Ontario,as it is green only fromJune until August.
Q. I have a young grape vine. How long KNIFFE N will it be before it produces grapes?
SYSTEM
A. About four to six years. Vigorously of growing vines can produce well in the third year. Prune it carefully to promote FRUNING a sturdy main stem in the first years. When fruit first sets, reduce the vine to GRAPE VINE half the crop that year. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food publishes a leaflet, Grapes in Home Gardens, # 85-121, which is helpful.
Thanks to Vivien Jenkinson for illustrations. Master Gardeners answer questions on the gardening hotline daily, noon to 3:00 p.m. Phone 397-1345.
Pansy sale order form
Members pre-order day 3 Friday, April 3, 1992 e 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. DR
Brighten up your spring garden with cheerful pansies. Ready to plant immediately, pansies are available in all the most popular colors. New for 1992 are the Majestic Giants Hybrid pansies, one of the finest large-flowered pansies. Also back is an All American Selection from last year -- Padparadja, a distinctive bright pumpkin orange. The extra large blooms will brighten the garden from spring through the summer. Majestic Giant Purple is excellent for planting with yellow pansies.
Pansies are $1.49 per box. Each box has four plants. To place your order, return this form to the Civic Garden Centre.
Universal Series Boxes Boxes Boxes Yellow D Pale blue E Red D Apricot l:l White I_ _] Yellow with a face :]
Imperial Pink E_ _l(shell pink and white, deeper pink face)
e All varieties are subject to availability.
e A 10% member's discount will apply to pre-orders returned before March 30, 1992.
e Please pay for your plants on member's pre-order day, Friday, April 3, 1992. G.S.T. is not included in the price. Public sale runs April 4 and 5 from noon until 5:00 p.m. Questions? Call 397-1355.
Name:
Address:
City:
Postal code:
Phone:
Easter plant sale order form
Members pre-order day Friday, April 10, 1992 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Brighten your home with hydrangeas, azaleas or Easter lilies for the holidays. Each one will be attractively wrapped and include easy care instructions for gift giving. The hydrangeas have five or more blooms and are pink, blue or white. Elegant Easter lilies will add that special touch to a home. Exquisite azaleas are a beautiful gift to give or receive.
A pre-order day has been scheduled for members of the Civic Garden Centre. By pre- ordering your Easter plants before April 6, members will receive a 10% discount and have the best selection of plants. Civic Garden Centre volunteers will be on hand to assist.
To place your order, return this form to the Civic Garden Centre.
Easter plan
* Hydrangeas (five or more blooms)
e Easter lilies
* Azaleas (assorted colors)
* All varieties are subject to availability.
* A 10% member's discount will apply to pre-orders returned before April 6, 1992.
* Please pay for your plants on member's pre-order day, Friday, April 10, 1992. G.S.T. is not included in the price.
Public sale runs April 11 and 12 from noon until 5:00 p.m. Questions? Call 397-1355.
Name:
Address:
City:
Postal code:
Phone:
About seeds and their germination
By Anna Leggatt Seeds
A seed is a plant's survival unit. It consists of an embryo plant with one or two seed leaves (mono- or dicotyledons), a shoot and a root inside a protective skin, together with a food supply.
Many of our so-called seeds are botanically fruits. In a flowering plant, all seeds are inside fruits which may be fleshy, such as the cucumber or cherry, or dry like a milkweed pod or a walnut. In many examples, such as corn and other cereals, each tiny flower produces a fruit with one seed. The skin of the fruit and seed join to form one layer, so each corn 'seed' is botanically a fruit.
Most of our food supply is derived from fruits and seeds as we eat large amounts of cereals and most of our livestock is fed grain.
The coconut is the largest seed. Large size means that the plant used more energy producing one seed and so will only make a few. The size gives a good chance of survival.
Orchid seeds are so small that the embryo has not developed properly and the food supply is non-existent. The seed can only develop if it germinates with a suitable fungus so both can grow together for their mutual benefit. Orchids produce thousands of seeds to increase the chances of one or two forming a new plant.
Seeds can travel. Some, like the coconut, are carried by water. Curly dock seeds float in trickles during rain. We have all seen dandelion
clocks dispersing and thistle down carrying unwanted seeds. Orchid seeds are airborne. Many seeds will hitch-hike on burrs. Animals may eat the fruit and the seeds pass out some distance from the parent plant. Sometimes, the seedpod dries so that pressure builds up in the walls and the seed is shot out explosively. This happens in some members of the pea and the geranium families. Damp fruit usually does not open, so seeds can travel better on dry days.
Given the right conditions, seeds can remain viable and have germinated after hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Desert seeds are programmed to survive heat and drought. All seeds can survive temperatures which would kill their parents.
Many seeds have built-in mechanisms to help the plants survive in their particular habitat. Many of our southern Ontario woodland species have a small handle-like bump on the outside of the seed. This is food for ants which carry the seed to their nests. After the handle is eaten, the seed is difficult to move and so the seed is pushed to one side near the entrance. It is planted, ready to start in the spring.
Other forest plants need light to germinate. Seeds may be buried in the leaf litter for several years. If a tree blows down, light can reach the forest floor and the roots turn the soil over as they are pulled out of the ground. The new space is quickly filled with various seedlings.
Seeds need water, warmth and oxygen to germinate. @ These conditions frequently exist in the fall, but seeds normally do not germinate as they have another built-in survival mechanism. A period of cold is necessary before the seed will absorb water and start to grow. The trillium and some other species need a double dose of cold. This means that they will not start to grow in a prolonged January thaw.
Seed germination
Knowing a little about where a plant grows can help a gardener germinate seeds. The annuals are generally easy. Warmth and moisture is enough to start germination. Perennials, particularly some of the bulbous plants, need more care.
I usually start my seeds in the early months of the year, preferably by the beginning of March. Most are planted in pots containing damp Pro-mix. Only the larger seeds are covered with the 'soil', or those like the violet relations, that need dark. The pots are labelled and are left in a shallow pan to soak up water from the bottom. They are then lightly covered with a plastic sheet and left out on a cool basement floor for about a week. If any seeds sprout, they are placed under lights and kept between 16° and 18° C. The rest are placed in flats and put into a loose-fitting plastic bag. They are left outside on the north side of the house, to freeze and thaw. If any germinate early, they are brought inside under lights when cold weather is expected.
Some seeds have very tough coats. In nature, some are designed to be softened by the acids in a bird's stomach. It is possible to soak seeds in diluted acid to start germination
(rinsing well before planting). I rub most seeds of the pea family on sandpaper, soak them in water for 24 hours and plant indoors.
Sand or grit is added to Pro-mix for seeds that do not like wet conditions. Acid-loving plants are best started in a mixture of sphagnum and perlite.
Many seeds will start to grow by the end of May. However, be patient, more shoots appear in the fall. Others take a year, or even two or three, before they appear. There are many good books in the Trellis Shop and in the Centre's library which give specific recommendations for groups or individual plants.
Anna Leggatt is a Toronto Master Gardener and editor of the Ontario Rock Garden Society Journal.
Carolyn Dalgarno and Marilyn King, volunteer co-ordinators
It's hard to believe that winter is almost over and that the Centre is preparing for the planting season. This spring, we will require a great deal of volunteer help. Without support, it would be impossible for us to offer our members and the public the opportunity to buy plants at the Pansy Sale, the Easter Plant Sale, the Perennial Sale and the Sale of Annuals. Our first need for volunteers is April for the Pansy and Easter Plant Sales.
Pansy Sale
Thursday, April 2
Friday, April 3
Sat. & Sunday, April 4 & 5
setup members pickup public sale
Easter Plant Sale
Thursday, April 9 setup
Friday, April 10 members pickup Sat. & Sunday, April 11 & 12 public sale
The Volunteer Plant Sale Committee
9:30 a.m. to noon 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. noon to 5:00 p.m.
9:30 a.m. to noon 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. noon to 5:00 p.m.
Two days have been organized to distribute flyers in the Don Mills area -Thursday, March 26 and Friday, March 27. Volunteer teams will start from the lobby of the Civic Garden Centre and travel along a designated route. This is a wonderful opportunity to get some exercise and to view neighbouring gardens. We'll start at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and the walk will last about two hours.
It's not too early to check your calendars and let Carolyn Dalgarno know when you can assist. Her new direct line is 397-1351.
Heartfelt thanks to our members
During the past year when many retailers have been hurt by the recession, the G.S.T. and cross-border shopping, your consistent support has enabled us to maintain our market share at the Trellis Shop.
We thank you for your support and pledge to continue to monitor our selection, prices and service to properly meet your shopping needs.
Catalogue available upon request » DwarfEvergreens * « Heathers «Japanese Maples » Rhododendrons *
(416) 562-4836
P.O. Box 98 Martin Road Vineland Station, Ont. LOR 2EQ
CLASSIFIED
Need help with spring clean-up? Call Stephen at 362-7434. Reasonable rates. References provided.
Trellis, March, 1992
March
4 -8
* Gateway to Spring, the Garden Club of Toronto spring show. See ad page 4.
* North Toronto Horticultural Society, meeting. Speaker: Douglas Lycett. Topic: Day lilies including new hybrids. 7:00 p.m.
® Men's Garden Club, meeting, 8:00 p-m.
11
* Ikebana International Chapter 208, meeting, 7:00 p.m.
11 and 12
12
e Calligraphy, course # 4132.
* The scree garden, course # 4166.
15
* York Rose and Garden Society, meeting, 2:00 p.m.
¢ Ontario Rock Garden Society, meeting. Speaker: Marion Jarvie. Topic: ~ Alpine plants of Chile. 1:30 p-m.
16
* Toronto Cactus and Succulent Club, meeting, 7:30 p.m.
18
* Design in your watercolors, course # 4110.
19
* Basic good gardening, course # 4122. 17
* Low maintenance gardening, course # 4150.
* Worldwide perennials in Canadian gardens, course # 4167.
22
* Toronto Gesneriad Society, 2:00 p.m.
25
* Creating a rock garden, course # 4154.
26
* Plant families and their friends, course # 4168.
* Canadian Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society, meeting, 7:30 p.m.
29
° Rhododendron Society of Canada, meeting, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
* Canadian Rose Society, annual general meeting. Speaker: Robert Osborne, author of Roses for Canadian Gardens. 2:00 p.m.
Need more information on Centre courses? Consult the course brochure in last month's Trellis, or phone 397- 1340.
Easy-to-grow, worry-free plants are guaranteed garden performers
By Anne Marie Van Nest, Civic Garden Centre horticulturist
If you are a beginning gardener who is tired of plants that do not live up to their catalogue description, you might be interested in some suggestions of plants that are 'guaranteed' performers, easily grown and worry free.
The fastest way to a gardening disaster is to start growing plants that require plenty of tender loving care or have unusual cultural requirements. Unfortunately, plants do not come with their own difficulty rating or care instructions on their label.
Few garden books give difficulty ratings, either. An exception is the Taylor's Guide to Houseplants which is handy for beginning gardeners with its easy/fairly easy/difficult / special needs list of plants.
Another one is Patrick Lima's book, The Harrowsmith Perennial Garden, which is filled with personal observations and lots of valuable hints.
For trees, Michael Dirr has a category called landscape value that he uses in his book, The Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, to give personal comments.
These personal insights into the culture of plants are unfortunately rare but they are invaluable to gardeners. Why reinvent the wheel? Isn't it helpful to know that Marrubium incanum (silver horehound) will rot in wet summers if it isn't grown in sandy soil?
Here's a list of seasonal plants that are easy to grow, mostly insect and disease resistant and generally trouble free. Cultural notes follow.
Indoor:
Hoya carnosa (wax plant)
Chlorophytum comosum (spider plant)
Spathiphyllum hybrids (peace lily)
Aglaonema commutatum (Chinese evergreen)
Bulbs:
Narcissus 'King Alfred (King Alfred daffodil)
Muscari botryoides (grape hyacinth)
Crocus '"Yellow Giant' (yellow giant crocus)
Scilla siberica (Siberian squill)
Perennials:
Agquilegia hybrids (columbine)
Armeria maritima (common thrift)
Geranium sanguineum (cranesbill)
Saponaria ocymoides (rock soapwort)
Shrubs:
Syringa vulgaris (common lilac)
Weigela florida (weigela)
Philadelphus coronarius (mock-orange)
How to grow the trouble-free plants:
e Hoya carnosa (wax plant) is a trouble-free plant thriving on little care. This is an old-fashioned vine with leathery leaves. The flowers are very fragrant and look like they are made of wax. A sunny window is ideal for good growth. Don't cut the long trailing vines and keep the hoya in a small pot to encourage bloom. Hoya are stubborn and bloom when they are older plants. Have patience with them.
e One of the clean air plants is Chlorophytum comosum (spider plant). It will remove some contaminants from the air. Spider plants are fun to grow with children, too. Similar to the hoya, they should be kept slightly dry and they will produce offspring better if they are crowded in the pot. The spider plant has fat white tuberous roots that sometimes push the plant right out of the pot.
e Spathiphyllum (peace lily) plants have beautiful large glossy leaves with unusual white spathe flowers. The peace lily can be grown in lower light conditions and should not be allowed to dry out. Luckily, the plant will wilt, telling you it is time to water it soon.
e A great plant for very low light conditions is the Aglaonema commutatum ( Chinese evergreen). It usually has green and silver marked leaves and is very undemanding. Let it dry out slightly between waterings.
e The easy-to-grow bulbs listed require little explanation. They should be planted outdoors in the fall as soon as possible. They must be planted early so that they have at least one month of warm soil in which to send out roots. They are planted at a minimum depth of 1 1/2 times the diameter of the bulbs. Smaller bulbs plant at three to four times the diameter. Planting the bulbs slightly deeper will give them added winter protection. Add some sand to the planting area if the soil is heavy clay. Daffodils, scilla, grape hyacinth and crocus will naturalize and spread if they are not disturbed. Squirrels should not be concerned with your daffodils, scilla and grape hyacinths. Bloodmeal, a natural fertilizer. will help keep them away from the crocus.
New gardeners searching for perennials will be faced with an overwhelming selection of plants; and a lot of research to select the appropriate ones. Perennials are a joy in the garden but they do have specific requirements. They are not all suitable to every condition and don't adapt well to unsuitable ones. Here are a few that are tolerant of full sun and well-drained garden conditions
o Agquilegia (columbine) is a showy spring-flowering perennial. A sunny, well-drained site in the garden will suit this plant. If the seedpods are left on the plant to ripen, the seeds will scatter and flower the second year. They will have different variations of the original flower color. The major pest of columbine is a leaf miner which tunnels through the leaf. It is not a destructive pest, but is unattractive.
e Another perennial that can be grown in full sun with good drainage is Armeria maritima (thrift). It is hardy to cottage country along Georgian Bay. Thriving on neglect, this plant will rot if it is too moist and growing in too fertile soil. The plant looks like a healthy clump of grass until the flowers arrive. They are a bright pink and rise above the leaves.
e The perennial, Geranium sanguineum (cranesbill), is named because its seedpod is in the shape of a crane's bill. The annual geranium is not related to this perennial true geranium, which has reddish-purple flowers from early summer onward. Growing to 40 cm, this plant should be placed near the front of the perennial garden.
Guaranteed performers ... continued
* A medieval source for washing soap, Saponaria ocymoides (rock soapwort) is a showy low perennial for the edge of the garden. The bright pink flowers appear in June atop 20 cm plants. Similar to the previous perennials, soapwort would prefer a sandy location.
Selecting shrubs and trees for the garden is a serious endeavor. Choosing an unsuitable plant is a waste of time and money. The 'trial and error' method is not very satisfying. Here are some suggestions that have been valuable additions to gardens for generations.
* The heavenly scent of Syringa vulgaris (common lilac) is a smell one never forgets. It should be planted close enough to the house so that the fragrance can be carried inside. Regular yearly pruning and seed removal should be done to have the optimum number of flowers. Beware, lilacs can reach heights of 4 m.
* Old-fashioned shrubs, Weigela florida (weigela) and Philadelphus coronarius (mock orange), will grow in most soils. Their flowers appear on the current year's branches, so do not prune these shrubs in the spring. Prune them only after they flower in the summer. Both are hardy to southern Ontario.
But ... I want a challenge!
For gardeners who enjoy the challenge of growing plants that require constant attention and extensive cultural and climate modification, here's a list of plants that most people only dream of growing. Gardeners ready for this challenging list are familiar with researching their plants before planting. Thus, cultural descriptions and common names are omitted.
Indoor:
Anthurium scherzeranum
Camellia japonica
Gardenia jasminoides
Passiflora caerulea
Bulbs: Cyclamen coum
Erythronium americanum
Perennials:
Dictamnus albus
Dodocatheon meadia
Mecanopsis sp.
Rodgersia podophylla
Shrubs: Kalmia latifolia
Leucothoe fontanesiana
Andromeda polifolia
Trees: Halesia carolina
Cerdiciphyllum japonicum
Fagus sylvatica "Tricolor
Acer palmatum 'Butterfly
Thanks to Shell Canada!
The Civic Garden Centre has received a grant from the Shell Canada Community Service Fund. The grant will be used to purchase a V.C.R. with monitor, a welcome addition to the Centre's children's programs.
Instrumental in obtaining the grant is Edna Medinger, a Shell Canada retiree and children's tour guide at the Centre. The Community Service Fund is one way Shell Canada supports employees and retirees in community service work.
Children s tour guide Edna Medinger In addition to the purchase of the (right) presents the Shell Canada V.CR. and monitor, the Community Community Service Fund cheque to Service Fund grant will purchase Civic Garden Centre president Sue environment and nature videotapes. Macaulay.
Registration Form Civic Garden Centre programs
The Civic Garden Centre is again using a multi-event form to register participants in our progams. This spring, we offer a wide range ofgarden-related subjects for your enjoyment. To register for one or more programs, use this form or phone, providing either VISA or MasterCard numbers. Should you have any questions about the programs or registration, please call our new number 397-1340. All registration fees include G.S.T.
Please register me for theprogram(s) I have circled:
evolution ofthe Italian garden -- part two
Practical & the Romantic
Name: Daytimephone: ( ) Area code
Address: City: Postal code:
Civic Garden Centre membership number: Expiry date:
Total amount: Payment will be accepted in Canadian funds only.
Chequeenclosed [] Please makecheques payable to the Civic Garden Centre I prefer to use my VISA [_] MasterCard [ Card number: Expiry date:
Signature For programs 4 through 6: S.A.C. membership number:
March, 1992
New course offered
The Civic Garden Centre is pleased to offer a new course, arranged since printing of our coursebrochure.
Spring is just around the corner and the gardens and woods are coming to life again. In this workshop, we'll be using in our baskets available, seasonal, natural materials, such as dogwood, grapevine and willow. The rib technique will be taught to make a melon, an egg and a potato basket. The course is suitable for beginners and continuing students. Prior to the first class, you will need to collect three six-foot lengths of grapevine. Other equipment required is: a plastic bucket, two dozen clothes pegs, a tape measure, scissors or garden snips, an awl or screwdriver and a sharp knife. Additional supplies not listed will be available from the instructor. o % THEN I Country cSc]ui zsé, gamc[sn
PERENNIAL PLANT SPECIALISTS Our NEW LOCATION is 2601 Derry Road West, R.R. 3, Campbellville, Ontario LOP 1B0 (just west ofthe Guelph Line) Growers of over 3000 different hardy plants, alpines, dwarf conifers and shrubs, hardy ferns, vines, groundcovers and native wildflowers. Send $2.00forPlant List #10
WE INVITE YOU TO VISIT US, and here s One Dollar of Bloomin Money for you!! JAMES BB T
Postage paid Post paye
Bulk En nombre third troisieme class classe
S 12139 TORONTO
May we invite you to join us?
The Civic Garden Centre warmly welcomes new members. Join us, and meet friends who share an interest in gardening, the floral arts and horticulture.
Activities:
The Civic Garden Centre offers: . gardentours . workshops, classes and clinics ° horticultural library . flower shows . soil testing service o lectures . gardening hotline o The Trellis Shop (garden . Master Gardeners' activities supplies, plants, gifts and books) e plant sales . Trellis newsletter » fund-raising actvities
Member discounts apply on many of these activities.
Volunteers:
The talents and enthusiasm of Civic Garden Centre volunteers permit offering a variety of programs and special events. If you are able to offer time on a regular or as-needed basis, please contact our volunteer co-ordinator. Volunteer jobs include tour guides, shop sales, library assistants, secretarial, reception, horticultural assistant, committee member or a volunteer position tailored to meet your particular skills or interest.
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
Mail to: The Civic Garden Centre, 777 Lawrence Avenue East, North York, Ontario M3C 1P2
New member Lol Please print:
Renewing member foad :
Single membership $25 Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms
Family membefship $35 Nidrass
Gift membership Lt
Donation, tax deductible Apt.
Total City
Method of payment:
[] Cheque(payable to theCivic Postal code Garden Centre)
