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(April 1toOctober31):weekdays 9:30a.m.to5:00p-m.; weekendsandholidays noon to 5:00 p.m. Winter (November 1 to March 31): 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
Courseinformation: 397-1340
Fax: 397-1354
Gardening hotline: 397-1345 (hours: noon to 3:00 p.m.)
Executive committee:
President: Robin Wilson Vice-president and treasurer:
PeterJ. Lewis
Members: Cicely Bell, Mary Ann
Brinckman, Bayla Gross, Kenneth Laundy
Board of directors:
For 1992: Dr. Brian Bixley, Mary Ann
Brinckman, Bayla Gross, Luba Hussel, Kenneth Laundy, Ruth MacKneson
For 1992-1993: Cicely Bell, Heather Brodeur,WendyLawson,Peter].Lewis, Susan Macaulay, Mary Mills, Laura Rapp. For 1993-1995: MarjorieHarris, Louise Kappus, Aird Lewis, Roger Silverthorne, Robin Wilson. RepresentativeofMetropolitanToronto Parks and Property: Victor Portelli.
Honorary counsel: Aird and Berlis
Civic Garden Centre staff members: Executive director: Sally Sullivan
Accounts: Janie Brentnall
Horticulturists: Anne Marie Van Nest
Helen Craig
Librarian: Pamela MacKenzie
Maintenance supervisor: WalterMorassutti
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
3 Volunteer corner
4 The garden in winter
6 Learning what cymbidiums want
8 Plan for spring: plant hardy bulbs now
12 Plant of the month
13 Questions and answers
16 The garden in October Inside back cover: Coming events
TRELLIS
Volume 19, Number 9
Editor: Iris Hossé Phillips
Editorial co-ordinator: Leslie Lynch
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 remuneration is possible.
Articles,manuscriptsandadvertisingmaterial mustbe received by the 15th ofthe month to insure publication six weeks later. For example, materialreceivedbyOctober 15 will be included in the December issue of Trellis.
Opinions expressed within Trellis do not necessarily reflect those ofthe Centre.
The Centre is pleased to grant permission to copy material published in Trellis; however, credit to the author and Trellis mustbe given.
Editorial
By Iris Phillips
One ofthe pleasures ofbeing the editor of Trellis is the access to the vast amount of material that comes to my drawer at the Centre new products, trends and interesting statistics.
TheUniversityofGuelphhasdeveloped a pot that waters plants automatically. The planter, called Aqua Planter (patented in December,1991),watersplantsondemand for up to sixmonths. Theplant takes only the water it needs. Norbert Baumgarten, who helped develop the pot, states: The planterwillsolvetheoldestproblemofall when to water a plant. Up to threequarters of all plant stress has been attributed to improper watering.
A surprise to the researchers was the minimal amount of water that the plants consumed. The researchers originally thought the reservoir of water would last three months; however, some planters provided plantswith water for more than six months. This research makes me question my watering habits with my indoorplants. Theyseemfine,butperhaps [ am inadvertently drowning them.
An interesting statistic I read the other week is that every second household in Germany has a garden, either attached to the house or a leased garden plot. The plots are either rented on an annual basis orleased fora longperiod. Manyofthese leased plots have permanent garden structureswhichprovideaplacetositand relax and a storage place for tools. The plots often contain fruit-bearing trees and shrubs, vegetables and perennials.
Trellis,
AN EDWARDS GARDEN i
Wednesday, October 14, 7:30 p-m.
Creating and maintaining a mixed border
Speaker: Elisabeth Sheldon e
Elisabeth Sheldon studied painting at the ArtInstituteofChicagoandtheUniversity |Combining the various elemens, of Chicago. She has worked as a painter and teacher of English in southeast Asia, llght \_/ Turkey, north Africa and Italy. For more £ than twenty years she has developed her upstateNewYorkgarden. Shehasoperated stone, a smallperennialnurseryfortenyearsand 5 lecturedandworkedasagardenconsultant. plant materlal,
ElisabethSheldon swritingshaveappeared wood and watei regularly in Horticulture, Fine Gardening, American_Horticulturist, the New York to create Times, the Herb Companion, Flower and Garden and Harrowsmith s Country Life. g Mrs. Sheldon s firstbook, AProper gzrden, engag:Tlg and publishedin 1989hasreceivedtwoawards ] from the Garden Writers Association of eegant America. E outdoor settings.
Mrs.Sheldonwillspeakaboutcreatingand maintainingamixedborder. Shewillfocus on the essential tasks: choosing the site, making plans, selecting perennials and shrubs, planting, harmony and maintenance.
The Edwards Garden Evenings arefunded by the Edwards Charitable Foundation. This fundingmakesitpossibleforthemembersofthe Civic Garden Centretoheargardeningexperts speak about their specialty. No admission fee for members, non-members $4.
VOLUNTEER CORNER
Carolyn Dalgarno and Marilyn King, volunteer co-ordinators
Volunteer membership cards
By now, most Civic Garden Centre members who are volunteers have received their new membership cards which indicate that they qualify for a 20% discount in the Trellis Shop. You must be a member and a volunteerbefore you will be issued this specialcard. Ifyouqualifyandhavenotreceivedacard,pleasecallusat397-1351. We apologize and will rectify our error.
Mistletoe Magic
DuringOctober, we recruit volunteers for Mistletoe Magic. The proceeds from this craft show help the Centre offer its members and the public a full range of services throughout theyear. The show is being held November 5, 6 and 7. Pleasevolunteer foratleastoneshiftduringtheshow. Weneed120enthusiasticsupportersandaresure we can find a job that s tailor-made for you.
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday November 2, 3 and 4
Weneedvolunteerstohelpsetuptheshow. Thisincludesputtingskirtsandclothson tables, placing decorations and signage and, on Wednesday, helping the exhibitors locatetheirboothsandotherjobsassociatedwiththemove-in. Wewillworkfrom9:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m. Justcalland letusknowifyoucanassisteitherinthemorningorthe afternoon.
During the show November 5, 6 and 7
We need volunteers to do the following jobs during each shift:
* front door ticket sales
* front door greeter
* exhibitor hosting ¢ sell mums
* sell raffle tickets
® hostess at café door
* help in the café
* plant sale area
* cashiers and helpers for the shop and plant sale areas
Thursday and Friday, November 5 and 6
Saturday, November 7
The three shifts are: The two shifts are: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 8
The party s over! We would be grateful to find six volunteers to help pack away the material and decorations for next year.
Weneed you tojointheteam. Youreffortmakes thisshowoneofthemostsuccessful in Ontario. Please call us at 397-1351.
Mef'nbd;rs: $35
in winter
A C1v1c Garden Centre program
Sunday, October 18, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Non- members: $45
Once flowers fade and leaves fall, a gardenis distilled to its bare bones walls, hedges, pathways and outstanding plant specimens.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden Record
In Canada winter is long and hard, but the garden, with a little attention, can still be a place of visual interest and wonder.
THE BARE ESSENTIALS
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
PennyArthurs, Cabbagetown s own Chelsea Gardener, is agraduate ofoneofBritain's leading schools of garden design, the English Gardening School which is affiliated with the Royal Horticultural Society. Sheis a prominent Toronto landscapearchitect.
Inwinter,morethananyotherseason,thegarden needsgooddesignandawell-ordered pattern. Penny willexplainhowthewintergardenisenhanced throughtheuseofwalls, fences, pergolas, latticework, shapes of plants, garden ornaments, the wrappings on plants and night-lighting. Other elements such as shadow, light, snow, stone, trees, shrubs,bermsand surrounding vistas areimportantfeatures toconsiderwhencreating an attractive winter view.
2:00-2:15 p.m. coffeebreak
Brian Holley is a garden writerand head ofthe teachinggarden at the Royal Botanical Gardens. He is a regular guest on the television program, The Hobby Garden.
Winterisaperiodinthegardenwheneverythingcomestoastandstillandthereisalmost no change. The garden shouldbemade as interesting as possibleparticularly when you are likely to spend much time wistfully looking at it from indoors. Brian will discuss ornamentalgrasses,treebark,groundcovers, seed pods,hellebores,flowering trees and shrubs, conifers for shape and color, winter bulbs and plant material to attract birds.
WINTER PROTECTION
3:15 - 5:00 p.m.
Gardeners must protect their gardens against winter damage caused by cold and wind. A representative from the Toronto Master Gardeners will discuss protective techniques and give tips on how to get the garden ready for winter. There will be ample time for questions.
Thestage,decoratedbyCanadianWildBirdCo.,showshowyoucan attractbirdstoyour garden and insure that you have constant visitors throughout thewintermonths. Many oftheseitemswillbeforsaleattheconclusion oftheprogram. Containersandurns can be used to add interest to the winter garden. A display of garden ornaments will be created for us. SR
Nafn'e: Daytime phone: ( )
Address: City: Postalcode:
Civic Garden Centre membership number: Expiry date:
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Learning what cymbidiums want
By Pleasance Crawford [llustration by Sheila Siegerman
A friend who was moving to the States a fewyearsbackasked if I would like to inherit hisorchids. Ohyes, I said. I've often thought about trying orchids. To be more accurate, Thadadmired theminFloridagardens and Toronto shop windows but concluded especially after interviewing orchid growers for a magazinearticle that my approach to horticulture was too casual for these or any other plant-world prima donnas. Thefriendarrivedwith three large cymbidiums. It being summerandtheybeing cool-season bloomers, the pots were full of pseudobulbs(thickened, bulb-shapedstems)andleaves: dozensof long, coarse, straplike leaves. My new exotics looked more like well-established daylilyclumpsthanlikethetidy,sculptural plants I had admired.
Promising to tend them carefully, I left theminthegardentofend forthemselves. (Well, I may have watered them once or twice.) Just before the first frost, I moved them to the unheated spare room with a bigsouthwindowwhichIhaddesignated
as their winter quarters. It's no wonder that Victorians hung cymbidiums above other orchids in the conservatory; these three, their pots resting on pebble-filled plant trays, overwhelmed a Victorian parlor table.
Whenmycymbidiumsdid notbloom that firstwinter, I was mildly surprised and distinctly disappointed. Perhaps I had beenabittoocasual. PerhapsIcouldhave made more ofa special effort.
Duringtheirsecondsummerinthegarden, [ repotted them in a special bark-chip mixture. [ gave them regular feedings of a special orchid fertilizer. I even created a special shelf for them, facing east, ona tall wooden boundary fence. Then again, just before the first frost, I moved them to the cool spare room.
The rewards were lavish. Soon, each plant producedtwoorthreeflowershoots. These emergedstoutandpointed,thenelongated intograceful,archingsprays eachbearing seventoninelargebudsandcountlesssmall drops of glistening nectar.
Miraculously, one plant bloomed at the winter solstice. During the first quarter of the newyear, the others followed. Aseach plant came into flower, I moved it to the wide, north-facing living-room window. There, in the warmer air but away from direct sunlight, the fragrant, creamy, rose-
tingedflowerslastedthroughoutthegloom of winter and well into the spring. There, too, the whole neighborhood could enjoy the miracle.
Tomycontinuingamazementand delight, the cymbidiums have repeated this performance everyyearsince. Although I stillmaintainmygenerallycasualapproach to horticulture, I now admit as do most gardeners, sooner or later that certain plantsrequireaspecialeffort,andthatthey are worth it.
Pleasance Crawford is a memberofthe Centre, an editor, researcher and writer on Canadian landscapeandgardenhistory. SheilaSiegerman is a member of the Centre and artist. Her painting Cattleya skinneri alba is included ina travellingexhibitoforchids,from theHunt Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh.
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Plan for spring;: plant hardy flower bulbs now
By Anne Marie Van Nest, Civic Garden Centre horticulturist
Fallbulbscangive15outstandingweeksof flower color next spring. Even beginner gardeners can plan a garden with a long succession ofbloom.
Bulbs don t need a large garden area to be effective. Even very small areas can have a wide range ofbulbs planted at different depthsthatwillbloomfromearlyspringto mid-summer.
But they must be planted now. Hardy bulbs need to be cooled for many weeks before they are ready to bloom. With the exception of tulips, fall bulbs should be plantedasearlyinthefallaspossible. This will allow them to send out roots into the soil and become established. Water them after they are planted.
Whenselectingasiteforbulbs, chooseone that is well-drained. A wet, low-lying flower bed is certain to rot the bulbs.
Whilebulbs have stored nutrientsinthem, a bulb fertilizeris advisable when making a new bed.
For the best flowering display, buy the biggest bulbs available. These top-quality bulbs should be firm and free of any suspicious soft spots or rot. Evergreen boughsorothermoreconventionalmulches are helpful in protecting the bulbs from January thaws.
Something different for the garden: Tulip NewDesign ,aTriumphtulipthat bloomsmid-springwithcreamywhiteand softrededgedflowers. Theexcitingfeature is the variegated foliage which is showy longbeforeandaftertheflowersbloom. It has a cream margin alongeach leafwitha hint of pink.
CROCUS
Esperanto is another variegated foliage (and viridiflora) tulip which blooms later. It is a china rose color flamed with green accents.
Narcissus Filly is a trumpet type of daffodil with a white corona and a pink cup. Pink narcissus are an interesting untraditional look for the garden.
Narcissus WhiteLion isadoubledaffodil blooming in mid-spring. It is beautiful withwhiteperianthpetalsand a heartthat iswhiteandyellow. Itgrowstojustover30 cm in height.
Crocus chrysanthus E. P. Bowles is a species crocus blooming very early in the spring. Sometimes the yellow blooms appear through the snow. See Anna Leggatt s article in this issue of Trellis for other species crocus to grow.
Allium karataviense doesn t quite look complete. Introduced in 1885, it is from Turkestan. An 8 cm diameter ball of lilac purpleflowerssitsabovebroadbluishgreen leavesonastalkthatis 15cmtall. Definitely an unusual bulb for the rock garden.
Chionodoxa Pink Giant was introduced in 1910, but is still relatively unknown in the garden. This early bulb (pronounced ki-on-o-dock -sa) has clusters of five pink flowersreaching15cmtall. Itishardyand will self-seed in good, well-drained soil.
Scillasiberica Alba isawhiteformofthe popular blue squill. It is early flowering and would look magnificent scattered amongbluescilla. Thenoddingbellsofthe scilla are great for naturalizing.
Fritillariaimperialis(CrownImperial)isa plant you will not forget. The flower is a magnificentclusterofbrightorange,redor yellow bells hanging down from a tufted topofleaves. Itisalsounforgettableforit s fragrance (a.k.a. stink). If squirrels are a nuisance, try this bulb near yourtulips. It smells strongly of a skunk and will discouragedigginginitsarea. Italsosmells in early summer when it is in flower.
TRIUMPH
Erythronium tuolumnense Pagoda is better known as dogtooth violet. It is an earlyflowering25cmplantwithattractive yellow blooms. Plant this wildflower relative in light shade. It likes moist, alkaline-rich soil.
Bulb favourites:
Tulip Apricot Beauty , is popular partly because it is a single early blooming tulip. Butitsrankas themostpopular isdueto itsflowercolor. Itisa reliable,strongtulip that has a salmon rose bloom that is highlighted with apricot. Beautiful.
TulipasaxatilisisaspeciestulipfromCrete datingbackto1606. Itstands30cmtalland has a very nice rosy lilac bloom in early spring. Oftenmorethanonebloomappears on each stem.
Tulip General de Wet' is another single, earlytulipheraldingthefirstsignsofspring. Ithasdeeporangeblooms. Itsoutstanding featureisthefragrance. Itisoneofthefew tulips that are fragrant.
FRITILLARIA
(Continued over)
Tulipa tarda is another multi-blooming species tulip. From central Asia, it has yellow and whiteblooms that open wide.
Tulip RedRidingHood isaGreigiitype. Itisshortandearlyblooming,butithasthe distinctivefeatureoftheGreigii tulips it has interesting red striped leaves. The flowers are a scarlet red and rise to 15 cm in height.
Narcissus Suzy is popular because ofits fragranceandmulti-flowering. Itstands35 cm tall and has a canary yellow perianth and an orange cup.
Narcissus Thalia is a dwarf, bunch flowering narcissus. It blooms in midspringandisabeautifulsolidcream-white.
In The Unusual.
Monday - Friday 10 to 6 Saturday - Sunday 10 to § (416) 686-2151
380 KINGSTON RD. E., RR. 1, AJAX, ONT. Come to PICOV'S and depart Jfrom the ordinary.
Allium aflatunense Purple Sensation is an ornamental onion that has brilliant purple star-shaped blooms in large balls. When these finish, the flower head is excellent for dried flower arrangements. Reaching90cm,thisbulbshouldbeplanted in odd numbered groups for a very dramatic effect.
Eranthus hyemalis (winter aconite) has bright yellow blooms similar to other membersofthebuttercupfamily. Itcanbe planted in full sun or under deciduous shrubs. Itself-seeds freely and should not bemoved. Itwilldiedownanddisappear in the summer, reappearing in the fall. Plantagroupofwinteraconitetogetheras a clump for the best flowering results. It blooms very early in the spring,
Iris danfordiae and Iris reticulata are bulbousiristhatshould alwaysbeplanted inintermixedgroups. Theyareonly 10cm tallandshouldbeplantedinarockgarden or along a prominent walkway. They are veryfragrantandareathrillinearlyspring.
The Trellis Shop has an excellent selection of hardy fall bulbs ready for immediate planting in the garden. Stop by soon (weekdays 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; weekends noon to 5:00 p.m.) to purchase these bulbs before they are sold out. The horticulture department (397-1355) would be pleased to answer yourbulb questions or to advise about bulb availability.
anada's Largest Craft & Garden Centre. A complete selection of Tropical Plants, lowers, Evergreens, Trees and Shrubs, Annuals, Perennials, Pots & Planters, Patio Leisure Furniture & so much more ... *QUALITY *
Crocus chrysanthus 'Blue Pearl' plant of the month
By Anna Leggatt
IpreferthespeciescrocustothelargeDutch hybrids. They are small, flower early, produce large clusters of blossoms and multiply rapidly. An added bonus is that squirrelsdo notseemto likethem, though thebirds peck the yellow petals. I usually haveseveral typesfloweringbytheendof March; in a protected, sunny spot, they would flower in February.
Crocus chrysanthus is native to Greece. Thespeciesisyellow,butthereareseveral cultivars. 'BluePearl'isoneofmyfavorites: light blue buds open in the sun to reveal shimmery pale blue insides, highlighted by orange stigmas in the middle. 'Cream Beauty'issimilar,butalovelycreamcolor.
Other cultivars have darker colors on the outsidesowhenthebudsopen,theflowers look quite different. For example, 'Zwaneberg Bronze' changes from bronze to pale yellow as the petals turn back.
Another species is Crocus tomasinianus. This comes from southern Italy, and is a frail-looking pale mauvish blue. Thecultivar'WhitewellPurple'is good bright purple, much sturdier-lookingthanthespecies. I must have hundreds ofboth in my garden by now.
Acquire as many bulbs as possible. Thinkofhowmanyyou can fit in and then buy double. Plant themas soon as possible in the fall, about 7.5 cm deep, in groups of at least 25 bulbs.
Plantgroupssothattheyarelinkedindrifts at the edge of shrubs, or in the front of a perennialborder. Theycanbeplantedwith later-floweringbulbsatalowerlevel. Ifthe fall is dry, water till the ground starts to freeze so the roots can get established.
The bulbs are trouble-free and rapidly increase in numbers, both by new bulbs andbyseeds. Crocustomasinianus spreads veryrapidlybutiseasytomove. Ipreferto dividetheclumpsofthisandotherspecies afterfloweringwhenstillgreen,replanting immediately. Thisspecies is good in shade or among grass the other species that I have tried gradually lose vigor in those situations.
Do not neglect the little bulbs . Grow as many as possible, but especially try the smaller crocuses. The Trellis Shop has several types.
Anna Leggatt is a Toronto Master Gardener.
FREE SAMPLE! BULB SAVER
ROT PROOF MESH PLANTING, REMOVALAND STORAGE BAGS WITH ID TAGS FOR ALL BULBS IN DANGER OF FREEZING IN WINTER. PULL UP BULBS WITH LESS WORK- LESS MESS. NEVER CUT, CHOP, LOSE OR FREEZE A BULB AGAIN! FOR FREE SAMPLE, WRITE: BULB SAVERS, DEPT. T, BOX 3024, PRINCETON,NJ 08543-3024 USA
Questions and answers with the Master Gardeners
Q. Ihavea miniature rose in a pot. ShouldIbring it in for the winter?
A. You could put it in the ground outdoors, as J 4%? /Ny miniature roses are hardy over the winter. Or, you NS\ can bring it into the house if you wish. Place it in / A abundant light (14 to 16 hours per day) if it is in a 5 warmlocation. Itwoulddobetterinacoolspot. Have it ina sunny windowand underartificial light when = =5 daylight hours are short. Keep humidity fairly high (mist theleaves) andwateritgenerously. Allowitto dryoutbetweenwaterings. Removefadedbloomsto Y prolongtheflowering. Afterflowering,pruneitback and allow it to go dormant, then start it up again in spring. Givefertilizeronlywhenitisinactivegrowth.
Q. I had a soil test done, but do not understand the recommendation. 1 am advised to use an amount oflime per unit. What is the unit referred to here?
A. AunitisonewholenumberonthepHscale. Forexample,from5.8to6.8isoneunit. Using the recommended amount of lime will make the soil more alkaline by one whole number.
Q. How should Istore my dahlia tubers?
A. Dig around the tubers, after cutting off the stemataboutfourinches. Liftthetuberscarefully; turn them upside down for two to three days, cuttingoffthelongtaprootsandremovingbroken or weak tubers. Clean off the dirt and dust them withbulbdust,tocontrolfungusandinsects. Divide them, leaving oneeye on each piece, thendust the divisionsurfaces, too. Store theminvermiculiteor peat in a dark area at45° F (7° C).
Thanks to Vivien Jenkinsonfor illustrations. Master Gardeners answer questions on thegardening hotline daily, noon to 3:00 p.m.
Mistletoe Magic November 5, 6 and 7
The Civic Garden Centre supports Ontario Crafts
MistletoeMagicistheCivicGardenCentre s annualshowandsaleofOntariocrafts. The show features distinctive work by more than 70 artisans, carefully chosen to represent their categories. The dates and times this year are Thursday, November 5 and Friday, November 6, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p-m. and Saturday,November7, 10:00a.m. t05:00p.m. Admissionis$4andparkingis free.
Duringthepastfewyears,MistletoeMagic hasgainedacclaimbothfromtheexhibitors and thepublicas thebest fallcraftshowin Ontario. = We are proud of this accomplishment and hope you, our members, will support this show. Tell everyone about it and bring your friends. About half of the exhibitors are new this year; however, we hope we've brought your favoritesback, too.
Thisshowraisesmorefundsthananyother single event at the Centre, which makes programming and services possible throughout the year.
To add to your shopping pleasure, the building will be decorated for Christmas and the café will be offering morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea and a light dinner.
total 20% discount a thank you for attending Mistletoe Magic this year.
AvisittoMistletoeMagicwillnotonlygive you a head start on the holiday season aheadbutisan extremelyentertaining way to give your support to an organization of which you are a very important part.
Something for everyone:
At Mistletoe Magic, even the most discriminating shopper will find a wide rangeofproductsfromspecialtyfooditems to gifts and decorations. accessories basketry ceramics children s clothing dried flowers fabric art glass jewellery lace needlepoint paper maché pottery recycled art sculpture silk screening stencilling toys weaving wood women' s clothing smocking ( for indulgent grandmas) unusual plants and planters
The Garden Club ofToronto MilneHouse Garden Club
GARDEN
When you come to the show, you 10% discount in the Trellis Shop. The coupon, combined with your member s discount of 10%, means a Llrln h \hdfotmd l md] o mh&i
In the library
ByPamelaMacKenzie, Civic Garden Centre librarian
Here are two very good new guides to choosing garden plants:
* Heriteau, Jacqueline. The American Horticultural Society Flower Finder. New York, Simon & Schuster, ¢1992. This companion volume to the National Arboretum book of outstanding plants contains recommendations from more than 70 flower experts. Its main sections are devoted to bulbs, perennials, annuals, workhorses of the garden, and theme gardens.
* Bloom, Alan and Adrian. Blooms of Bressingham garden plants: choosing the best hardy plants for your garden. London, Harper Collins, ¢1992.
An authoritative and practical guide from two famous nurserymen. Alan Bloom contributeschaptersonperennials,grasses andhardyferns,andalpines;hissonwrites on conifers, heaths and heathers, and shrubs.
Be a library friend:
Members can help the Centre to acquire new books by taking part in the library s BuyaBookprogram.Ifyousponsorabook forthelibrary,abookplatewithyourname, orthenameofafriend,willbeplacedatthe front of the book.
In October, the books available for sponsorship will be on display. You are invited to donatea title, in person or by telephone. WeacceptVISAorMasterCard and will send you a tax receipt.
On display for prospective donors:
* Lecoutle,M. Carnivorousplants: careand cultivation. $30.
e Bond, Sandra. Hostas. $20.
* Michael Jefferson-Brown. care and cultivation. $18.
* Coss, Melinda. Floral needlepoint. $16.
* Carlson, Eric. The holiday wreath book. $22.
* The visual dictionary ofplants. $15. Lilies, their
Join Canadian Garden Writer JIM ST. MARIE for a
GARDENER STOUROF FRANCE&SWITZERLAND
JUNE 14 - 29, 1993
Visit magnificent Versailles Palace and gardens, Monet's Giverny garden, Count Bernadotte s island garden and a Swiss alpine garden high in the mountains.
Tour a rose, a Japanese, a landscape, a botanic, private home and 4 chateaux gardens. Visit a garden centre, the Paris municipal nursery plus see Swiss farm house gardens.
2 whole days free (Paris and Lucerne)
ForDetails Write to:
UPTOWN TRAVEL, Department TR 104 King Street South, Waterloo, Ontario N2J 1P5 or call: (519) 886-3320
CLASSIFIED
Fall clean-up, garden projects, painting. Quality work at reasonable prices. Call Stephen, 362-7434. References provided.
& The garden in October &
By Vivien Jenkinson
This is anotherbusy month forgardeners, as vegetable harvesting continues, beds arecleanedup,andplantsarepreparedfor winter.
e Lawns can stillbe seeded, or fresh sod laid. Fertilizeand top dress, ifthishas not alreadybeen done.
* Leaf raking starts; keep the lawn free of leaves, to keep it green through fall. Shred the leaves for mulch or compost. If you must give them to the city, you are asked to pile leaves at the roadside now, not stow them in plastic bags.
* Transplant deciduous trees towards theend ofthemonth, whentheyaregoing into dormancy. Container stock can be planted now, too.
* Continueplantingspringbulbs. Tulips goinnow. Otherbulbscanstillbeplanted butmayflowerlaterthannormalinspring. Late-plantedbulbsshouldbemulched for protection.
* Transplant perennial herbs, or pot up herbs such as parsley, chives, thyme or sage to have indoors through the winter. Be sure no insects are brought in with them;hosethemdownwell,useinsecticidal soap spray if necessary.
e Continue the vegetable harvest. Brusselssprouts,turnipsandparsniptaste better aftera fewfrosts and canwithstand fall temperatures. Leave parsnips in throughthewinter,markingtheirlocation with a stake. As other vegetables are harvested, clean up the bed. Sow a green manurecropsuchasrye,tobedugininthe spring. Or, spread compost over the vegetable bed.
® Protectfrost-tenderplantswithmulch. Prepare earth to hill up roses.
* Dig frost-tender bulbs, corms and tubers, such as dahlias and gladioli. Label them securely with color and height, or name, before they are out ofthe ground, to preventamix-upatplantingtimenextyear.
Vivien Jenkinson is a Master Gardener at the Civic Garden Centre.
Fountains, Statuary, Urns, Pedestals, Planters, Birdbaths, Birdhouses, Sundials, Benches, Lanterns and other innovative ideas. .
Open weekends & holidays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. orweekdays witha phonecall.
1094 Derry Road West W. ofGuelph Line, N. ofQ.E.W. & Hwy. %5 S. of401 exit401 atGuelph Line
DERRY RD. WESTENDS ATPICKLETREEFARM (416) 336-1398
Coming events at the Centre
October 1
® The landscape in watercolor - 1, course #4165
® Your story in fabric art, course #4149 3
* Orchid Judging Centre, 1:00 p.m. -
e Southern Ontario Orchid Society, meeting, 1:00 p.m.
6
* Men s Garden Club, meeting, 8:00 p-m. 7
® Decorative fabric and furniture art, course # 4171
e Basic camcording, course # 4108 10
* Toronto Bonsai Society, show, noon 11
* Specimenplantsfieldtrip,course#4155
* Toronto Bonsai Society, show, 10 a.m.
* Toronto Gesneriad Society, plant sale and open house, 2:00 p.m. 12
* Toronto Bonsai Society, meeting, 7:00 p-m.
13
¢ Ikebana International # 208, meeting, 7:30 p.m.
¢ North Toronto Horticultural Society, meeting, 8:00 p.m. 14
o An Edwards Garden Evening Creating and maintaining a mixed border Speaker: Elisabeth Sheldon 730 pm.
* Flower arranging, Japanese style: Ikenobo Ikebana, course # 4115 15
* Milne House, fall fashion fair, 1:30 p-m. and 7:00 p.m.
16
* Basic flower arranging, course# 4114
17
* Experimentinwatercolorcollage,course #4110
¢ Early bird special, course #4162 18
* C.G.C. program: Thegarden in winter 1:00p.m.
Members$35, non-members $45
* Ontario Rock Garden Society, meeting, plant sale and auction. Speaker: Andrew Osyany, Desert Flowers , 1:30 p.m.
* York RoseandGardenSociety,meeting, 2:00 p.m.
19
* Floorclothsandplacemats, course#4127
* The art ofpapermaking, course #4104
* MpycologicalSociety, meeting, 7:00 p.m.
* Southern Ontario Orchid Society Newcomers, meeting, 7:30 p.m.
20
® Toronto Cactus and Succulent Club, meeting, 7:30 p.m. 21
* Chair seat weaving, course # 4105 22
* Late fall planting projects, course#4160 25
® Ontario Porcelain Artists, sale, noon
Mistletoe Magic
Presenting the best of Ontario crafts
Thursday, November 5
Friday, November 6 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 7 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Admission: $4
Parking free
The Civic Garden Centre
May we 1nvite you to join us:
TheCivicGardenCentrewarmlywelcomes newmembers.Joinus,andmeetfriendswhosharean interest in gardening, floral arts and horticulture.
Activities:
TheCivicGardenCentre offers: garden tours
¢ workshops, classes and clinics horticultural library
e flower shows soil testing service
&= Slectures gardening hotline
. Master Gardeners' activities The Trellis Shop (garden supplies, plants, gifts and books)
e Trellis newsletter plant sales fund-raising activities
Member discounts apply on many of these activities.
Volunteers:
ThetalentsandenthusiasmofCivicGardenCentrevolunteerspermitofferingavarietyofprograms and special events. Ifyou are able to offertime on a regular oras-needed basis, please contactour volunteerco-ordinator.Volunteerjobsincludetourguides,shopsales,libraryassistants,secretarial, reception, horticulturalassistant,committeememberoravolunteerposition tailoredto meetyour particular skills or interest.
CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
Mail to: The Civic Garden Centre, 777 Lawrence Avenue East, North York, Ontario M3C 1P2
Newmember s Pleaseprint:
Renewing member [ ] |
Single membership ~ $25
Family membership ~ $35
Mr./MRitev
Gift membership L] T
Donation, tax deductible
Total Apt.
Method of payment
[] Cheque (payableto theCivic City Garden Centre) >
[JvisaA []MasterCard et
Card number
Expiry date
Telephone (home)
Signature (business)