The newsletter of the Civic Garden Centre in Metropolitan Toronto May, 1992 Volume 19, Number 5
THROUGH THE GARDEN GATE
THE GARDENS OF LAWRENCE PARK
By day: June 13 and 14, noon to 4:00 p.m.
By night: June 11, 8:00 to 10:30 p.m.
Civic Garden Centre
General Information
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. The Civic Garden Centre is pleased to rent facilities for meetings, receptions, exhibits and shows. Please contact our rental agent. Registered charity number 0228114-56.
Hours:
Summer(April1sttoOctober31st):weekdays 9:30a.m.to5:00p.m.; weekendsandholidays 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.
Telephone: All numbers are area code 416. Main number: 397-1340
Rentals: 397-1349
Special events: 397-1350
Trellis Shop: 397-1357
Course information: 397-1340
Fax: 397-1354
Gardening hotline: 397-1345 (hours: noon to 3:00 p.m.)
Executive committee:
President: ~ Susan Macaulay
Vice-president and treasurer:
Peter J. Lewis
Members: Cicely Bell, Mary Ann Brinckman,BaylaGross,KennethLaundy
Honorary counsel: Aird and Berlis
Civic Garden Centre staff members:
Executive director: Sally Sullivan
Accounts: Janie Brentnall
Horticulturists: Anne Marie Van Nest
Board of directors: Helen Craig
For1991: Dr. BrianBixley,GeorginaCannon, MarthaFinkelstein,BillGranger,BaylaGross, Kenneth Laundy, Ruth MacKneson
For 1991-1992: Mary Ann Brinckman, Luba
Hussel, Susan Macaulay, Robin Wilson
For 1991, 1992,and 1993: CicelyBell,Wendy Lawson, Peter J. Lewis, Mary Mills, Laura Rapp. RepresentativeofMetropolitanToronto Parks and Property: Victor Portelli.
Librarian: Pamela MacKenzie
Maintenance supervisor: Walter Morassutti
Rental agent: Betsy Chubb
Secretary: Shirley Lyons
Trellis Shop manager: Jackie Brisby
Trellis Shop assistant manager: Barbara Stevenson
Volunteer and publicity co-ordinator: Carolyn Dalgarno
Courses: Ann Warren
Editorial
By Iris Phillips
Preparing Trellis at the Centre has given us control over the design and last-minute changes. Weare pleased with ourprogress and have solved many of our technical challenges. Needless to say, we are very interested to hear from our readers and to learn their thoughts on Trellis. It is only through our readers input that we can shapethenewsletterintoaforumthatreflects theinterestsofourreadership. Pleaseletus know what you think, either in writing or by phone to the Centre.
LeslieLynchwillbeguesteditorforthe June and July/August issues of Trellis. 1 will return to my duties with the September issue.
Happy gardening!
Monday - Friday 9 to 8
Saturday - Sunday 9 to 6 (416) 686-2151
TRELLIS
Volume 19, Number 5
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 M3C1P2. Telephonenumber: (416) 397-1340.
Manuscripts submitted on a voluntarybasis are gratefully received. No remuneration 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.
AN EDWARDS GARDEN EVENING
Brightpromise: Creating the annual garden with Jennifer Bennett
Thursday, May 21
7:30 p.m.
JenniferBennett isanaward-winningauthor and one of the most respected gardening editors on the continent. As well as overseeing the horticultural stories in Harrowsmith magazine, Jennifer has written the quintessential book on cold-weather organicgardening,TheHarrowsmithNorthern Gardener, andhaseditedandco-editedmany Harrowsmith gardenpublicationsincluding The Annual Garden.
With her formidable expertise and recently publishedLiliesOfTheHearth,itwasdifficult tochooseatopicforthisevening. Wedecided to focus on annuals because there has been renewedinterestinthe old-fashion flowers during the past few years. New varieties and designconcepts havegenerated a fresh look at annuals.
Jennifer will speak on all aspects of annual gardening including transplanted annuals, seeded annuals, annuals used for bedding plants,vinesandcontainers. Shewilldiscuss the combination of annuals and perennials as a perfectsolution to the empty spots that inevitably appear as certain perennials die down during the season.
A wealth of gardening knowledge can be gleaned from this timely presentation. We hopeyouwillcomeoutofthegarden,briefly, and join us.
Fountains, Statuary, Urns, Pedestals, Planters, Birdbaths, Birdhouses, Sundials, Benches, Lanterns and other innovative ideas . . .
Open weekends & holidays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. or weekdays with a phone call.
1094 Derry Road West W. of Guelph Line, N. of Q.E.W. & Hwy. #5 S. of 401 exit 401 at Guelph Line
DERRY RD. WEST ENDS AT PICKLETREE FARM (416) 336-1398
Centre volunteers
lead park walks
VisitEdwardsGardensforafreeinformative guided tour through the park grounds. ToursoperatefromMaythroughSeptember every Tuesday and Thursday. Meet in the main lobby at 11:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. and a guide will lead you on a one-hour tour. Come and enjoy nature in the heart of the city. Wear comfortable shoes. Group tours canbereservedinadvanceMondaytoFriday by calling Helen Craig at the Civic Garden Centre, 397-1340.
Trellis, May, 1992
The recent exchange regarding the Oak Ridges moraine may be regarded as unseemly politicizing of your publication, as one of the protagonists suggested, but I for one think such discussions add to the vitality of a publication. Whether two partisans faceoffora single writer presents balanced views, as Anne Marie Van Nest did regarding purple loosestrife, there are issuesrelatingtohorticultureandlandscape planninganddesign whyshyawayfrom them? Thealternativecanbethatwritersof abilitywriteessaysofgreatfinesseandcharm about very little.
The counter-argument may be that horticultural writing is perceived to be an oasis of tranquillity, like the gardens themselves,ina strife-filled world. Ifthatis thecase, then perhaps they should be more thoroughgoing about it and refrain from snide digs at some plants they don t like, carpet bedding schemes in parks, etc. One writer in a society journal recently told us that he didn t like trees. In such an atmosphere that was almost a slap in the face to those of us that do.
Bruce Nord, Scarborough
Oakville Tour - page 6
Correct date is Tuesday June 9th not as indicated in the April issue.
Art in The Link
May 26 to June 8
GARDENSdesigned for Contemplation
TALES of the EARTH
Landscape Architecture 416-469-9646
CLASSIFIED
For attentive, knowledgeable care of your indoor or outdoor garden during your vacation, please call Marie Foley, 225-2067.
Insideandoutsidegardencare: landscaping, garden design, planting, sodding, walkways, patios, retaining walls, spring clean-ups. 534-3462.
For sale: Three-tier light unit. $ 100 or best offer. Phone 425-0308.
Yearn for country living? Help wanted on country estate. Three-bedroom cottage available, rent free, in exchange for assistance in gardens, house, general maintenance. Interest in gardening and wildlife necessary. State experience and expectations. Apply: Box 1061, Station A, Toronto, Ontario M4W 1Gé6.
Need help with spring clean-up, planting Elaine Gitalis or garden maintenance? Call Stephen at 362-7434. Reasonable rates. References provided.
THROUGH THE GARDEN GATE
The Gardens of Lawrence Park
Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14
Noon - 4:00 p.m.
Admission: $15
In June, THROUGH THE GARDEN GATE will visit Lawrence Park. In 1907, Wilfred Servington Dinnick purchased two 200-acre lots of farm land to create a subdivision restricted to elegant homes for people who wanted to live away from the city centre. Dinnick envisioned the creation of a garden suburb , which was a popular British planning concept at the time. In this type of development, houses and gardens were designed to fit harmoniously into their surroundings. Plans for many of the houses in LawrenceParkincluded landscaped gardens,formalcourts,croquetlawnsandterracesand summerhouses. Treesforlandscapingweremadeavailable fromanurseryontheproperty. Today, this area still glistens as a jewel in the crown ofToronto real estate.
This year s tour highlights the talents of many of the best landscape architects as well as outstanding examples of gardens that have been carefully nurtured to maturity by their owners. You will see ravine gardens, woodland gardens, perennial gardens, gardens designed to create an illusion of space, a newly-created garden with mature specimen trees adding privacy, a sloping garden with a mature woodland and interesting shade plant specimens,awildflowergarden,rockgardens,terracedgardensandgardenswithpoolsand waterfeatures. TheMasterGardenerswillbepresenttohelpyouidentifyplantmaterialand answer your gardening questions.
THROUGHTHE GARDEN GATE is a populareventand oneyou won twanttomiss. To make this weekend more enjoyable for everyone, we are again limiting ticket sales. Order your tickets now to avoid disappointment. To receive your tickets by mail please add $1 as a service charge forhandlingand mailing. Alternately, you may pickupyourtickets at the Civic Garden Centre, 777 Lawrence Avenue East between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Please remember your ticket is valid only on the specified day Saturday or Sunday. Ticketsarenotinterchangeableand therearenorefunds. Thetourwillbeheld rainorshine. This is a fundraising event for the Civic Garden Centre.
Ticket order form is on page 20.
THROUGH THE GARDEN GATE BY NIGHT
Thursday, June 11, 8:00 - 10:30 p.m., admission: $27
Last year was the first time the Civic Garden Centre offered an evening tour of private gardens. It turned out to be an unforgettable experience.
This year THROUGH THE GARDEN GATE BY NIGHT will visit seven exclusive gardens in the Teddington Park - Riverview area. These gardens have been chosen to show the effective use of outdoor lighting.
Ticket sales for the evening are limited. Hors d oeuvres will be served during the evening in at least one of the gardens. When you receive your ticket, the map indicates the garden locations. You may visit the gardens in any order you choose. Civic Garden Centre volunteers will be on hand to make you feel welcome.
The eveningwill beheld regardless ofweatherconditions.This isa fund-raisingeventfor the Centre and no refunds will be issued. Ticket order form is on page 20. To receive your tickets by mail, please add $1 as a service charge for handling and mailing.
Hobby Garden
Tours of outstanding private gardens
TheCivicGardenCentreispleasedtooffermembersandtheirfriendstheopportunitytovisit a number of outstanding Canadian private gardens. Order tickets early to avoid disappointment.
Our chartered buses leave from the Civic Garden Centre at 8:45 a.m. and return at approximately 6:00 p.m. Tours include transportation, lunch and refreshments en route.
Tour #1 OAKVILLE AND HAMILTON
Tuesday, June 9
Members $63 Non-members $71 (includesadmissionto theRoyalBotanicalGardens)
The Garden of Harvey Sobel
The meticulously planned formal garden combines with the natural settting. Although modest in scale, the garden includes two courtyards, a gazebo, an antique fountain, statuary, and a pair of whimsical terra cotta benches. The harmonious combination of shrubs, flowers and ornaments attest to the artistic eye of its owner, a talented floral and interior designer. The Sobel garden is featured in the popular book, I a Canadian Garden.
The Garden of Tad and Kay Suzuki
ThisgardenislocatedonHamiltonMountainonone-thirdofanacreand containsa 120-foot perennialborderwhich includes 150 iriscultivars,and many varieties oflilyand daylily. A wild garden as well as an acid bed for rhododendrons and Japanese iris add variety to the site.
The Garden of Charles and Marilyn Sale
Bypopularrequest,wewill return tooneofthemostbeautiful privategardenswevisitedin 1990. The property of Glenorchy in Oakville includes a 150-year-old home close to Lake Ontario and is resplendent with many tree species of the Carolinian forest, 25 varieties of viburnum, over 100 different cultivars of rhododendrons, perennial borders and rockery. The terrace, pergola and reflecting pool add enchantment.
Royal Botanical Gardens Peonies and Iris in the Laking Gardens
The kaleidescope ofnearly one-quarter million iris blooms at the height of their seasonis a breathtaking experience. Included among the tall bearded iris is a collection of Dykes Memorial Medal winners which traces breeding trends since 1927. Other beds display the one hundred best and the American Iris Society Award of Merit winners. Tree peonies, herbaceous peonies and perennials in masterful combinations contribute to this floral spectacle.
Additional outstandingprivategardens will be visited on the tour. Lunch: A delicious meal will be served in pleasant surroundings.
Registration form is on page 20. No refunds can be given after May 18 for tour 1.
Tour #2 PORT HOPE AND ENVIRONS
Tuesday, July 14
Members
$63
Non-members
$69
Founded in 1793byUnited EmpireLoyalists,PortHopehasbecomea favourite settingfor filmmakers. AlongthebanksoftheidyllicGanaraska River,gracioushistorichousesreflect different architectural styles: Georgian, Italianate, traditional Ontario cottage and pillared mansion. The downtown core remains one of the best preserved main streets in Canada. Sheltered behind thecarefully preserved homesarelovingly tended gardens whichwillbe opened to receive our members and their guests.
The Garden of Ian and Daphne Angus
Known as Batterwood, this impressive property was the residence of Governor General Vincent Massey. Spectacular cedar hedges serve as strong structures which divide the grounds into garden rooms. The statues, formal rose beds radiating from the sundial, perennial borders and vegetable gardens compliment the splendid Georgian-style house which has a view of a private lake.
The Garden of David and Anita Blackwood
Separated from the street by high cedar hedges, this elegant house is the home to an important Canadian artist and his wife. A charming waterfall cascades over rocks and descendsintoaponddottedwithwaterliliesandwaterhyacinths.EscortedbytheBlackwoods' KingCharlesspaniels, visitorspassa rarefigurativesculpturebyAnthonyCaroontheway totheformalgardenofrosesandperennials. Thegardenandstudiohaveanexpansiveview of Port Hope.
The Garden of Hugh and Sandra Murray
Inside the white picket fence covered with New Dawn roses, the visitor passes through a courtyard featuring an antique cast iron fountain amid ground covers and shrub borders. Beyond, the main garden is flanked by shrub hedges providing a succession of bloom: yellowforsythia,Persianlilac,andhighbushcranberry. Aswimmingpooliscomplimented by perennial beds, a shady woodland bed and two favourite white rugosa rosebushes, fragrant and heavily covered with bloom.
The Garden of Mike and Shirley Harrison
Anardentgardenerformorethan40years,MikeHarrisonraisesfromseedover3,000plants of450 varieties each year. Grownunder lights inhis basement, these seedlings areplanted into27bedsandtendedwithoutthehelpofchemicalfertilizersorherbicides.Thisfloriferous gardenis featured as Garden oftheMonth in the April/May issue of Canadian Gardening magazine.
Additional gardens in the area will be visited on this tour.
Lunch: A delicious lunch will be served at the Woodlawn Terrace Inn, a historic mansion built in 1835. Converted to an inn, it has been restored to its former elegance with crystal chandeliers, antique furniture and mahogany panelling.
Registration form is on page 20. No refunds can be given afterJune 22 for tour2.
HEER VB EEFIA IR VB IEEEER R X
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 a 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:
e Terrific Trees
Howoldisthattree? Whyaretreesimportant? Howtallisthistree? Whattreeisthat? These answers and more will be investigated during this program. July 7 and August 11.
* Powerful Plants
Exploreplantsthatarehelpfultous. Learnaboutthecleanairplants,theinsectcatchersand other useful plants. All participants will take home a helpful plant. July 8 and August 12.
¢ Plentiful Plants
Weinvestigatemanywaysofmultiplyingplants. Practiseonourplantsandtakehomeyour babies. All participants must promise to adopt-a-plant . July 9 and August 13.
* Insect Inspectors
Amini-hikethroughthewildsofWilketCreekParktospotnatureatitsbest. Inspectorswill searchforstrangeandwonderfullandcritters. Explorationofthistypeneedslongpantsand 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 it cooler under a tree? July 22 and August 26.
e Creative Crafts
Letyourartistictalentsloose! Learnhowtocreatecraftswithdried flowers,pineconesand other recycled natural products. Make your own creations. July 23 and August 27.
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.
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 ofCivic Garden Centre members or $7 for non-members.
& Terrific Trees
A& Powerful Plants
July 7 | or August 11 1
July 8 & or August 12 | A Plentiful Plants
& Insect Inspectors
& Noticing Nature
&% Creative Crafts
July 9 M| or August 13 M|
July 21 D or August 25 D
July 22 D or August 26 D
July 23 [:I or August 27 D
@ Awesome Adventures Tour (9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.)
July 15 I:I or July 29D or August 19 D $9 each child of members, $10 for non-members.
Nameofparent:
Address:
City:
Telephone (day):
Postalcode:
Child sname: Birthdate:
Child sname: Birthdate:
C.G.C.membershipnumber: Expirydate:
Refunds will be issued up tofive business days before the program date. Programfees 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 |:I VISA
Card number:
Signature: Expiry date:
Planters, pots and plants
By Anne Marie Van Nest, Civic Garden Centre horticulturist
The gardening trend for small spaces is containergardening,asthesecreativeprojects areswiftlyrewarding. Anunappealingpatio or deck can almost instantaneously be transformedintoapleasing outdoorroom with a few containers of flowering plants.
Containergardeningmakesthephrase, my gardencouldn t possibly holdanotherplant obsolete. Containers can accent the theme and design of the garden. They may sit on the patio table, hang from the side fence or rise from the walk. Whether they are rustic wooden tubs, natural moss baskets or ornate Italian terracotta containers, container gardens are easy to construct and very effective.
Containergardeninghasbroughtgardening tomanyareasthatotherwisewouldbesadly devoid of plants. Windowsill gardening is anartinmanyareasofEuropewheremasses ofsingleivygeraniums adorn each window ofpicturesquehouses. Balconygardeningis agrowingtrendforthefutureasmanysingledwelling homeowners move into Toronto s new condominiums. Imagine cultivating a water garden on a balcony. Following the trend to highrise balcony gardening will be more rooftop gardens. This is container gardeningatitshighest! Thepossibilitiesfor rooftop community gardening and for seniors residencegardeningtherapyprojects are endless because ofcontainer gardening.
Plants for containers
The types ofplants for container gardening are almost endless. If the container is large
enough (and protected in winter), even trees cansurviveinone. Themostpopularplants forcontainersareherbs. Manycanbegrown in a small pot in full sun near the kitchen door for easy harvesting.
Agoodprojectforlittlegardenersistogrow edible plants in patio containers. Tomatoes are a favorite. Choose the shorter, bush types of tomatoes that do not require tall stakes. Childrenenjoygrowingtomatoesin the new planting bags. Be careful not to overcrowd the bags with too many plants. Twoplantsarebestfor thebagsthatareone metre in length. Other vegetables for a container garden are lettuce, bush zucchini, radish,beets,carrots,peppers,eggplantsand bush beans. Strawberries, parsley and herb mixtures are very attractive in their own terracotta planters.
Watergardensareespeciallypleasingduring thehotsummermonths. Asealedhalfbarrel, one metre in diameter and at least 45 cm in depthisideal. Aformalgardencouldcontain awatergardeninanOrientalcachepot. Small and miniature water plants are best for the scale of the watergarden. It is important to decide where the tropical or hardy plants will be stored during the winter months before they are purchased. Fish are a temptation to raccoons and should be avoided except by highrise gardeners.
Containers to use
Hereis anopportunityto use somecreative talentinthegarden. Anycontainerthatwill hold soil and provide drainage will work. Even containers that are sealed canbeused
if they are not overwatered. These could include last year s gardening boots, discarded bathtubs, a hollow stump,a rusted kitchen pot and other unique items.
The most traditional container is the terracottapot. Itcanbe found inalmostany shape and size, plain or ornately decorated. Clay is the material of choice because it is durable, ages well and is porous. Concrete containers offer the same benefits but are heavy to move if large. Both of these materials may be damaged by water freezing and thawing during the winter.
Plastic and wood offer more options for containers. Someattractiveplasticpotsthat look like terracotta have appeared recently.
For smaller containers, one of the most attractive is a wire basket lined with moss. The top and sides are planted with trailing plants to create an exceptional naturallookinghangingbasket. Unfortunately,this
basket loses moisture quickly and must be watered frequently.
Container gardening basics
The two most important considerations for containerplantingaredrainageandthesoil: too little drainage and waterwill harmfully build up in the container and smother the plantroots; too much light, porous soil and the water will evaporate too quickly, leaving the plants searching for moisture.
Twotypesofplantingmediumareavailable forcontainers: ones with soil and those that are soilless.
The soilless types are typically made of peatmoss,vermiculiteandperlite. Theseare quite light in weight. This is a bonus for balcony or rooftop gardeners. But the lightweight soil will also dry out quickly, hold few nutrients and tipoverinthe wind.
Continued over
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 heres One DoUar of "BloommMoney for you!!
Planters, pots and plants continued
Theplantingmediumwithsoilhassterilized gardenloamwiththepeatmossingredients. It is very heavy to carry but it does have plant nutrients.
The best soil is a mixture of these two. Proportionswillvaryfromgardentogarden depending on the container, the size, exposure, plants grown and how often they will be watered.
A new invention that has helped container gardening tremendously is the waterholdingcrystals. Theselooklikewhitesand andaremixedwithyourcontainersoil. When the soil is watered, they swell and turn into gelatin. This holds the water longer for the plants to use and reduces the frequency of watering. The water-holding crystals last forever in the soil. Some commercial soils are now being marketed with this already included.
Fertilizers are absolutely necessary for containersbecauseof the limited amountof soil used. An easy method is to add a slow releasefertilizertothesoilwhenplanting. A hanging basket formula of 14-14-14 is available at the Civic Garden Centre. This will provide all necessary nutrients for the summer. Theotheroption is toseta regular schedule of fertilizing -- for example, water every time with a very weak solution or every three weeks with full-strength fertilizers. Flowering plants would benefit from 15-30-15 and foliage plants from 20-20-20.
After planting, the containers require only minimal care the spent flowers removed, insect or disease spraying if necessary, and trimming or staking. The containers canbe changed in early fall if the annuals look poorly. Replacethesewithhardymumsand flowering cabbage or kale. Containers can be attractive the year round.
Pine Ridge Garden Gallery
We supply a wide variety ofquality grown plant material including trees, evergreens, shrubs, roses, clematis, unusual annuals, tropicals, water andbogplants, > natives,ferns, grasses and rare and unusual herbaceous i perennials. Visit our interesting garden centre where we takepride in ourfriendly service and expert advice.
Open 7days a week * Tel: 683-5952
Hwy2
VOLUNTEER CORNER
Carolyn Dalgarno and Marilyn King, volunteer co-ordinators
Volunteers are desperately needed for the Civic Garden Centre s Sale of Annuals. It takes approximately 100 volunteers, each working a four-hour shift, to run this sale. If youhaveany timeavailable fromMay 11 throughMay 18, pleasecall us at397-1351. It is particularly difficult to fill the evening and weekend shifts.
DAYS/TIMES:
May 11 and 12 - Annuals arrive at 9:30 - need volunteers to help unload and display
May 13 - Members pre-order pickup. Volunteers needed for regular shifts between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
May 14 and 15 - Public sale. Volunteers needed for regular shifts between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
May 16, 17, and 18 - Sale will continue between noon and 5:00 p.m. on these days
JOB DESCRIPTIONS
. Cashier- a knowledge of cash register procedures and the ability to handle cash in busy times.
< Cashierhelper- all VISA, MasterCard and cheque transactions willbe passed to the cashier s helper after being rung into the cash register.
. Plant sales - the important task ofselling. Helping people locate the plants they want quickly. Communication skills are helpful.
. Plant carryout - it s our service that makes the difference! Assist people to their cars with their purchases. Carts are available.
4 Plantcare-volunteersareoftenmovedtothispositionfromothertasks. Involves watering and often the filling of tables and movement of plants.
- Members pick up - order forms are alphabetized and handed to members when they first arrive.
s Plant sale set up - a time for physical activity. Often dirty but always fun! = MasterGardeners-Weliketohavesomeoneoneveryshiftwhoisknowledgeable and able to advise. The members and the public have come to rely on this important feature.
CALL: 397-1351
Dwarf Evergreens » Rem I nder
Heathers » Japanese Maples « : - * Rhododendrons « Bring your extra perennials to the VINELAND Centre, May 1 to 13, for the NURSERIES perennial sale. Please label plant (416)562-4836 type and color. Questions?
Box 98 ¢ Martin Road = Vineland Station, Ont. LOR 2E0 Call 397-1355.
In the Civic Garden Centre s library
By Pamela MacKenzie, Civic Garden Centre librarian
Be a library friend:
Members can help the Centre to acquire new books by taking part in the library s Buya Bookprogram. Ifyou sponsorabook forthelibrary,a bookplatewithyourname, orthenameofa friend, will beplaced atthe front of the book.
The following books will be on display during May. You are invited to donate a title, in person or by telephone. We accept VISAorMasterCardand willsendyouatax receipt.
e Lowe,Duncan. Growingalpines in raised beds, troughs and tufa. $38.
e Whitehead, Jeffrey. The hedge book. $24. e Taylor, Carol. Christmas naturals: ornaments, wreaths and decorations. $24.
e Duke, James A.H. Handbook of edible weeds. $25.
e Steitz, Quentin. Grasses, pods, vines, weeds: decorating with Texas naturals. $30.
e Time-Life completeguide togardeningand landscaping. $45.
Herearesomerecentadditionstothelibrary:
e Paradisecontained:growinganddecorating with flowerbulbs,byMarySears. Doubleday, 1990
e Taylor's guide to gardening techniques. Thomas Allen, 1991.
e Birds of Toronto and vicinity, by Gerald McKeating. Lone Pine, 1990.
e Theheirloomgarden: selectingandgrowing over300old-fashionedornamentals, byJoAnn Gardner. Storey, 1992.
o Greeningthe garden: aguidetosustainable growing, by Dan Jason. New Society publishers, 1991.
For the love ofgardens
When you're atworkon the garden you love, remember Sheridan 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 stockis 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 maintenance services. All for the love ofgardens, at Sheridan Nurseries.
Find your favorite plants at the Centre s sales
The Civic Garden Centre s May plant sales offer members and the public the chance to purchase quality plants in a convivial atmosphere. Dedicated, knowledgeable volunteers are on hand to assist with plant selection, location and care. There s service with a smile including help in transporting your purchases to your car!
Mark the dates of this year s sales on your calendar:
Perennial sale:
Members day: Friday, May 1, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Public sale: Saturday and Sunday, May 2 and 3, noon to 5:00 p.m. Bring your membership card to receive your 10% discount.
Hanging basket sale:
Saturday and Sunday, May 9 and 10, noon to 5:00 p.m. Bring your membership card to receive your 10% discount. %
Sale of annuals:
Members order pick-up, Wednesday, May 13, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Place your order by May 4 to receive your 10% discount on this day.
Public days:
Thursday, May 14, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday, May 15, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 16, noon to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 17, noon to 5:00 p.m. Monday, May, 18, noon to 5:00 p.m.
Encourage your friends and neighbors to shop for exceptional plants at competitive prices at our sales.
Soil analysis service offered
TheCivicGardenCentreofferssoilanalysis to help gardeners provide the environment their plants need.
The fee for soil testing is $5 for members of the Civic Garden Centre and $7 for nonmembers (G.S.T. not included). The test measuresacidity(pH)andconductivity(salt) levels in the soil. Results can be mailed for an additional $1 in advance.
Take a soil sample before watering or fertilizing. Remove any existing mulch. Dig a hole 15 cm deep in the garden or 5 to 10emdeepinthelawn. Collectsoilfromthe sideoftheholenear thebottomand placeit in a clean container. Repeat three to five times in different locations and mix the samples together. Bring abouta cup ofsoil to the Trellis Shop in the Centre. Your results willusuallybereadywithina week.
Trellis, May, 1992 15
@ Yhe garden cnw MWay
* The lawn grass is now growing vigorously, but there is still time to aerate, fertilizeand topdress (byadding 1/4inchof topsoil) if this hasn t been done already.
* Mowingand weed control startnow. Do not mow too short; most lawns do well with acuttingleveloftwoinches. Useamulching mower and leave the clippings on the grass tosaveonfertilizerandwatering. Ifcrabgrass was a problem last year, use a control early in the season.
¢ Flower beds should be forked over with humusandfertilizerincorporated,andraked ready for seeding or transplanting annuals. Chooseyourplantscarefully;checkoncolor, height and size when mature. Don't get carriedawaybythewealthofchoiceavailable at the nurseries. Don t pick the plants with alotofflowersinbloom,choosesturdyones with buds; these will perform better. Plant them as soon as possible after getting them: they dry out quickly when left in the boxes. Use a little superphosphate or bonemeal when transplanting, to encourage rooting. May often has bursts of heat and drying winds, so provide water, and shade young plants until roots are well established.
® Stocksuchasdeciduoustreesand shrubs,
rosesand perennials, and fruittrees, canbe planted now. If you plant dwarf fruit trees, be sure that the union (graft) is above soil level or you may lose the dwarfing effect.
* Insects start to appear in huge numbers. Use controls (dimethoate insecticides) for leafminers if you have birch trees. Correct timing is vital. Spray when the first leaves unfold, or use a soil drench in early May. Start a spray program to prevent problems with roses. Watch for insects and take promptaction;forexample,aphidscanoften be dislodged with a forceful stream from the garden hose.
* In the vegetable garden, transplant Spanish onions and lettuce. When the soil warms up, put in the herbs, tomato and pepperplants,andsowmelonsandzucchini towards the end of the month. Corn can be sownany time now: remember to plantina block, not in a line, to ensure pollination. Plant bush beans and pole beans. If a late frostthreatens, improvisesomeprotection. Plasticbottleswiththebottomcutoutmake good hotcaps.
* Evergreensandvinesmayneedpruning. Wait until after flowering for vines that bloom on old wood.
Henry Wo Yue-Kee
Questions and answers with the Master Gardeners
Q. Should Igrow cucumbers in mounds?
A. Youcangrowtheminmoundsorin rows. Cucumbers germinate best at a temperature of: 90°F (325C).. At temperatures below 60°F (15°C), they are likely to rot before they sprout. Once germinated,theygrowwellat65°F(18°C) and cango outwhen thesoil haswarmed up. You can start plants indoors three to four weeks before putting them outside.
GROWING CUCUMBERS
Plant them in pots; peat pots are best because cucumbers hate having their roots distrubed during transplanting. Ifyou wait for theearth tobe warm and seed directly, planteightto tenseeds in ahill,withhills spaced fourtofivefeetapart. (You can warm up the soil by covering with a plastic cover, pegged down, to retain the sun s warmth.) Inrows,plantseed eightinchesapartandthinouttoonefootapart. Puttheseedsabout 3/4inchdowninthesoil. Waterwithlukewarmwater. Neverlettheplantsdryoutand be generous in feeding them.
Q. Isprayed thefruit treesyesterday, usinga liquidfruit treesprayand then it rainedovernight. Should I re-spray again today?
A. No, it is not necessary to re-spray, because there was sufficient time (four hours) for the application to dry on the leaves before the rain came.
Q. Goutweedhasspreadeverywherein mynewgarden. Howcan Iget rid ofit?
A. Pullitupby hand and forkoverthebeds;makesureyou get every bit of root out. The roots are quite brittle and breakeasily, and every broken bit grows a new plant. If youusea vegetationkiller,allotherplantswillbekilledtooandyouwill notbeabletousetheground foratleastayear. Goutweedwill grow up into a loose mulch and then is easily pulled up. Use shredded newspapers or leaves four to six inches thick, and leavethemulchforsometimeso thatthegoutweed growsinto Eradicating it fully. It is then quite easy to get all the roots out.
Thanks to Vivien Jenkinsonfor illustrations. Master Gardeners answer questions on thegardening hotline daily, noon to 3:00 p.m.
Coming events at the Centre
May
1
e C.G.C. perennial sale, members day, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 2
e C.G.C.perennialsale,opentothepublic,noon to 5:00 p.m.
e Canadian Rose Society, annual sale, noon 3
e C.G.C.perennialsale,opentothepublic,noon to 5:00 p.m.
e Ontario Rock Garden Society, meeting, 1:30 p.m.; speaker: Barbara Wilkins, Plants of the Arctic . Plant auction and sale, 3:00 p.m. All welcome.
e TorontoGesneriadSociety,meeting,2:00p.m. 4
¢ Canadian RhododendronSociety, sale, noon. 5
* Men s Garden Club, meeting, 8:00 p.m. 6
e Thecountrygardener: copingwithsandyand rocky soils, course # 4136 8
e C.G.C. hangingbasketsale, noon to5:00 p.m. 9
e C.G.C. hangingbasketsale, noon to5:00 p.m.
e SouthernOntarioOrchidSociety,show,noon to 6:00 p.m.
10
e C.G.C. hangingbasketsale, noon to 5:00 p.m.
¢ Southern Ontario Orchid Society, show, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 11
¢ Onehundredbestfloweringtreesandshrubs, course # 4120, 7:00 p.m. 12
e North Toronto Horticultural Society, meeting and plant sale, 8:00 p.m.
13
e C.G.C. sale of annual plants, members day, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
e Flower arranging, Japanese style: Ikenobo Ikebana, course # 4115
¢ IkebanaInternational#208,meeting,7:30p.m.
14
e C.G.C.saleofannualplants,publicsale,10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
e Canadian Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society , sale, 7:00 p.m.
15
e C.G.C.saleofannualplants,publicsale,10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
16
e C.G.C.saleofannualplants,publicsale,noon to 5:00 p.m..
¢ Henry Wo Yue-Kee art exhibit, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
17
e C.G.C.saleofannualplants,publicsale,noon to 5:00 p.m.
e o Henry Wo Yue-Kee art exhibit, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
* YorkRose andGardenSociety,meeting,2:00 p.m.
18
e C.G.C.saleofannualplants,publicsale,noon to 5:00 p.m.
e Henry WoYue-Kee artexhibit, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
e SouthernOntario Orchid Society Newcomers, meeting, 7:30 p.m.
19
e Poetry in paint: workshops in oriental art 2, course #4111
e Making the most of shade, course #4161
e TorontoCactusandSucculentClub,meeting, 7:30 p.m.
20
e Fruit on the garden fence: pruning as an art technique, course # 4120
21
e An Edwards Garden Evening Speaker: Jennifer Bennett Topic: Creating the annual garden Time: 7:30 p.m.
24
¢ Toronto African Violet Society, show, 11 a.m.
25
e Clematis and climbers, course #4120
27
¢ The water feature: how to build and plant it, course # 4164
28
e Canadian Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society, meeting, 7:30 p.m.
Trellis, May, 1992
Fothergillagardenii plant of the month
By Anna Leggatt
Fothergilla gardenii or American witch hazel is one of my favorite small shrubs. It grows in thewild in thesouth-east United States. It and its close relations are slow-growing, with attractive white bottle-brush flowers, about five cm long, in the spring. On close examination,thecolorisprovidedbyclusters ofwhitestamens(thepollen-producingpart). Therearenopetals,buttheflowersarehoneyscented. As the flowers fade, the leaves start to grow. The leaves are oval in shape, hairy underneathand similartoanordinaryhazel.
Although the flowersareattractive, theyare not showy . The main reason for growing theseshrubsistheirmagnificentfallcolor;in the land of the maple, that is quite a recommendation! Theleavesgraduallyturn from green through yellow to brilliant range and deep crimson, often with all the colors on the same leaf.
The plants usually grow slowly, reaching littleoveronemetrein height. They needan
acid or lime-free soil and are a good companion to rhododendrons. The pods produce two shiny black seeds which are shot out when ripe: these, however, are difficult to germinate. New plants can be made from cuttings (which generally need bottom heat) or by layering. This involves bending a stem down to the soil, covering it with some earth and a weight and waiting forittoroot(probablynextyear). Occasional pruning is needed to remove weedy stems and improve the shape.
Other closely related species are Fothergilla major which is larger (two to three metres) andF.monticolawhichmayonlybeaslowergrowing variety of F. Major. F. Gardenii Blue Mist has leaves with a blue tint.
These shrubs are available locally at some nurseries. [ acquired mine at a Wildflower Society auction.
AnnaLeggattisaTorontoMasterGardenerand
editor of the Ontario Rock Garden Society Journal.
Wednesday, May 6, 1992
Damaged and discontinued flower arranging accessories plus silk flowers
Registration form: Civic Garden Centre programs
Use this multi-event form to register for Civic Garden Centre progams and garden tours. Send or deliver the form to the Centre or ifyou're using VISA or MasterCard phone the Centre. (Have your card number handy!). Questions? Call 397-1340.
Please register me for:
|:I Through the Garden Gate by Night June 11
D Through the Garden Gate Saturday June 13
D Through the Garden Gate Sunday June 14
Please mail my tickets for Through the Garden Gate
Name: Daytime phone: ( ) Area code
Address: City: Postal code: Civic Garden Centre membership number: Expiry date: Total amount: Chequeenclosed [_] Please makecheques payable to the Civic Garden Centre
I prefer to use my VISA[_] MasterCard [_] Card number: Expiry date:
Signature
Milne House Garden Club presents .. for your pleasure
" ENBLLES DEM@H [
,// " ' A Flower 8how=< - / flTnQe lcbratmn of@ur"f 25th. Anmvcf@ary
Junc 18,1992 {{- June 19, 1992 Thurs. IOam&p,m \ Fri. 10am-5:30 p.m.
Civic CardcnCeftre"ZY [ havrqnge Avc L T Noth gy N
TICKETS $6.00-GROUD QmAVAILABLE For Further Information Ca 488-2220 / 447-4394
TEA ROOM e DEMONSTRATIONS © MARKETPLACE
WVheel Chair Accessible
1992 - A VERY SPECIAL YEAR FOR THE TRAVELLING GARDENERS FLORIADE & AMERIFLORA
MAY 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 TO OCTOBER, 1992, TO THE "AMERIFLORA '92" IN COLUMBUS, OHIO, U.S.A. AND "THE FLORIADE" IN HOLLAND FOR FURTHER INFORMATION & RESERVATIONS, CALL BETTY: TRAVEL 24 INC. 416-222-2440 Tfellis, May, 1992
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: . workshops, classes and clinics . flower shows . lectures
® The Trellis Shop (garden supplies, plants, gifts and books)
° Trellis newsletter arden tours orticultural library soil testing service gardening hotline Master Gardeners' activities lant sales und-raising activities
Member discounts apply on many of these activities.
Volunteers:
The talents and enthusiasm ofCivic 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, lease contact our volunteer co-ordinator. Volunteer jobs include tour guides, shop sales, ibrary assistants, secretarial, reception, horticulturaf 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 i)
Renewing member []
Single membership ~ $25
Family membershi $35
Please print:
Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms
Gift nz,embership " gl o ol
Donation, tax deductible Apt.
Total
Method of payment: City (] Cheque (payable to the Civic Garden Centre)
CJvisA [JMasterCard
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