The newsletter of the Civic Garden Centre in Metropolitan Toronto March, 1994 Volume 21, Number 3 st Sale of Easter Plants
= March 25, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm im us March 26 & 27, noon - 4:00 pm i EE Orderform and details on page 4 EE
bbb e L = Spring Pansy Sale i = April 8, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm = =i April 9 & 10, noon - 4:00 pm = - Order form and details on page 5 .
The Civic Garden Centre promotes involvement in gardening, horticulture and the related arts. It is a volunteer, not-for-profit resource centre. Registered charity number 0228114-56.
Located in Edwards Gardens, at Leslie Street and Lawrence Avenue East in North York, theCentreserves members throughoutMetropolitan Toronto and across Ontario. TheCivicGardenCentreispleasedtorentfacilitiesformeetings,receptions,exhibits and shows. Please contact our rental agent.
Hours:
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. Summer (April 1 to October 31): weekdays 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p-m.; weekends and holidays noon to 5:00 p.m.
Telephone: All numbers are area code 416. Trellis Shop: 397-1357
Main number: 397-1340
Rentals: 397-1349
Courseinformation: 397-1340
Fax: 397-1354
Gardening hotline: 397-1345 (hours: noon to 3:00 p.m.)
Executive committee:
Honorary counsel: President: Robin Wilson
Aird and Berlis Vice-president and treasurer:
PeterJ. Lewis
Civic Garden Centre staff members: Members: Cjcely Bell, Mary Anne Executive director: Sally Sullivan Brinckman, RogerSilverthorne Accounts: Janie Brentnall Courses: Ann Warren
Horticulturists: Board of directors: :
For1993: CicelyBell,HeatherBrodeur, Anne Mar%e Van Nest Peter. Lewis, SusanMacaulay, Mary _ HelenCraig ' Mills, Maureen Naylor, Laura Rapp. lerarlan: Pamela MacKenzm
For1993-1994: MarjorieHarris,Louise ~ M2i1{ nancesupervisor: Kappus, Roger Silverthorne, Robin T¥alter ooy Wilson. Rental agent: Betsy Chubb
For1993-1995: MaryAnneBrinckman, iig tsagl:oS}rlrl::z Le};?r}:\ckie Brisb Bayla Gross, Nancy Laurie, David P R
Trellis Shop assistant manager: Money, Pamela Stagg. v = 8 . : Barbara Stevenson RepresentativeofMetropolitanToronto v/junteer co-ordinator and publicity: Parks and Property: John Howard. Carolyn Dalgarno
Volume 21, Number 3
Editor: IrisHosséPhillips
Editorial co-ordinator: Leslie Lynch
Advertisinginformation: (416)397-1340
PrintedbyRaised Image, Etobicoke,on recycled paper
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, manuscripts and advertising material must be received by the 15th of the month to insure publication six weeks later. For example, material received by April 15 will be included in the June issue of Trellis.
Opinions expressed within Trellis do not necessarily reflect those of the Centre. Submissions may be edited for style and clarity.
The Centre is pleased to grant permission to copy material published in Trellis; however, credit to the author and Trellis must be given.
ByIris Phillips
OnJanuary22myfamilyfeastedonthelast tomatoes from our 93 crop. The tomato salad with olive oil and tarragon vinegar wasdelicious. LongKeepertomatoeshave apalered/orangeskinandbrightredflesh. The flavour is excellent. I first read about the variety a couple of years ago and decided to try four plants in my trialbed last year. This spring Iwillcertainlystartmore seedsandexpandthecrop. However,with the addition of more Long Keeper tomatoes I must decide which of my regulars (Beefstake,BigBoy,orSweet100)toforego. Unfortunately,onlyasmallareaoftheyard receives full sun so I must make my selection carefully.
The last issue of Trellis contained an article on peat moss and the 'green gardener. A few weeks ago I learned that Canadianpeatmossharvestersareincourtin the U.S. to stop the sale ofa product called EZ Peat. The suit states that the name misrepresents the item as there is no sphagnum peat moss in the product which is 100%coconuthusks.Gardenersbewarned!
Takenotice thatanannualand special meeting ofmembers oftheCivicGarden Centrewillbeheld on26dayofApril, 1994 intheFloral Hall at777Lawrence Avenue East, NorthYork, Ontario M3C 1P2at thehour of7:30 pm.
Detailsofthemeetingwill bepublished in the AprilissueofTrellis.
Topic: The anatomy of a bed
Monday, March 21, 7:30 p.m.
Members who enjoyed hearing Brian speak on different occasions when he served as presidentoftheCivic GardenCentrewilllook forward to thisreturnengagement. Brian is a professorofeconomics, buthis obsession has alwaysbeenthe garden. He is an avid rockgardener and a clematis expert. In the lastfew years, Brian haswrittenextensively for such publications as Hortus, the Alpine Society Journal, the Journal ofthe Scottish Rock Garden Club, the Ontario Rock Garden Society Journal and an article that will be published in the coming issue ofHorticulture magazine. Brian is a popular lecturer in Canada and the United States and has speaking engagements in Denver, Ithaca and Boston. Lookingatonebedinhisowngarden,Brianwillshowslidesandexplainthedifficulty ofsustainingaperennialbedthroughoutthegardeningseason. Hewilltracethechanges ingrowthandcolourinthisbedandexaminebulbsuccessionfromearlyspringtolatefall. WeareverypleasedtohaveBrianbackandhopemanyofyouwillusethisopportunity to enhance your gardening knowledge. Join us for an evening that promises to be filled with inspiration, ideas and wit!
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, includingover 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-
nance services.All forthe loveofgardens, atSheridanNurseries.
* During March Break
* a newprogram in 1994, *Pnddu's plants and pots ¥
Thursday, March 17
10:00 a.m. - noon or 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
TheCentreintroducesanewhandson workshop for children ages six throughten. Our studentswilllearn about gardening by starting their own seeds, taking plant cuttings and creating a seed craft picture.
Registration for Paddy s plants and pots is $8 foreach child (GST included). See page 20 for a registration form.
Full details are found in the December/January issue of Trellis. Helen Craig or Anne Marie Van Nest will gladly answer your questigns. Call 397-1355.
Mark your calendar for the Centre s premier plant events: THE SPRING SALE OF PERENNIAL PLANTS April 29 to May 4 and THE SPRING SALE OF ANNUAL PLANTS May 18 to 23
*&mgwdmaub of Tororts presents World in Bloom
March 2 to 6 at the Civic Garden Centre
Admission:
Adults: $8, seniors and students: $6, children: $1, under 5, free
Times: Wednesday to Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Members pre-order day Friday, March 25, 1994 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Brighten your home with Hydrangeas, Azaleas or Easter Lilies. Each plant will be attractively wrapped and have easy care instructions for gift giving.
The Hydrangeashavefiveormore bloomsand arepink, blueorwhite. ElegantEaster Lilieswilladdthatspecialtouchtoyourhome. ExquisiteAzaleasareabeautifulgifttogive or receive.
A special day has been organized for members. By pre-ordering your Easter plants before March 21, members will receive a 10% discount and have their plants reserved on pre-order day.
IfyouselectyourEasterplantsfromtheunreservedplants,bringyourvalidmembership card during the sale for a 10% discount on your purchases.
Civic Garden Centre volunteers will be pleased to assist.
Mail orfax (397-1354) this form to the Civic Garden Centre or phone 397-1355 to place your order.
Hydrangeas with five or more blooms:
$13.99
$13.99
$13.99
Number of plants
Easter Lilies
$7.99
Azaleas (in assorted colours) $16.99
« Prices have remained the same for 4 years!
« All varieties are subject to availability.
« Plants will be reserved for pickup on Friday, March 25 for members returning preorders prior to March 21, 1994.
« Member discounts apply to unreserved plants on all days.
» GST is not included in the price.
« Sale continues March 26 and 27 from noon until 4:00 p.m.
¢ Questions? Call 397-1355.
Name:
Address: City:
Postal code: Phone:
Membership number: Expiry date:
In a Rush? Phone in your order - 397-1355.
Members pre-order day
Friday, April 8
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Brighten upyourspringgardenwithcheerfulpansies! Readytoplantimmediately, pansies will brighten your garden from spring through the summer.
New this year are Maxim Marina and Maxim Rose. Returning for 1994 are the two Princess Violas and the immensely popular Imperial Frosty Rose, Beaconsfield and Antique Shades pansies.
If you would like to select your plants from our unreserved section, just bring your membership card fora discount anytimeduring the sale. Civic Garden Centre volunteers will be on hand to assist.
Pansies are $1.49 per box. Each box has four plants.
Mail or fax (397-1354) this form or phone 397-1355 to reserve your plants today.
Please indicate the numberof boxes you would like to order.
[ JUniversal Yellow Universal Pale Blue B
[ ]Universal Apricot Universal White B8
[ IMajestic Giant Mixed Maxim Marina (blue)(NEW)[ ]
[ ]Maxim Yellow (with aface) Maxim Rose (NEW) =]
[ |Imperial Pink Shades (pinkand white with a deeper pink face)
[ Jimperial Beaconsfield (deep purple with lighter purple top)
[ ]Imperial Antique Shades (each is a blend of apricot, orange or white)
[ ]Imperial Frosty Rose (light rose to deep rose on the lower petals)
[]Johnny Jump Ups
[]Viola Princess Cream (creamy white)
[]Viola Princess Bicolour (purple with mini white faces)
* All varieties are subject to grower availability.
¢ Plants will be reservedfor members returning this pre-order form prior to April 4, 1994 and 10% discounts given to all members purchasing plants with valid membership cards anytime during the sale.
* GST is not included in the price.
» Sale continues April 9 and 10 from noon until 5:00 p.m.
* Questions? Call 397-1355.
Name: Address: City:
Postalcode: Phone:
Membership number: Expiry date:
In a Rush? Phone in your order - 397-1355.
Sunday,April 10
10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Members: $37
Non-members: $47
Join us for a fun-filled day packed with information on perennial gardening. We will start with a dialogue between Marion Moore and Bill Roff, then travelbybus to HumberNurseries to view over2,300 differentperennials. Three ofHumber s horticultural experts will be available to answer questions.
Our leaders
MarionMoorewastaughttogardenbyhergrandmotherinEnglandanddesignedher firstgardenatageeight. ShereceivedherdiplomainlandscapetechnologyfromRyerson and a degree in art history from Queen s University. Marion specializes in designing perennial gardens.
Bill Roff graduated from Cambridge University in England with a doctorate in plant ecology. He taughtfor20years, 17ofthematQueen sUniversity in Kingston. After he retiredfromQueen sin1982,hestartedto designgardensforclientsintheKingstonarea. Small gardens are his specialty.
Note: Oncewearesettledonthebus,wewillhandouttheextensivelistofplants offered intheCentre sPerennialSalefromApril29toMay4. CivicGardenCentrememberswill receive a 10% discount on plant purchases during our sale.
TheexcursiontoHumberNursariesisnota shoppingtripbutratheraplantdiscovery mission. You may bring back what you can hold on your knee. The purpose of this program is to acquaint you with the plant material available in the industry.
A registration form is on page 20.
9:30 a.m.
10:00 - 11:15
11:15-11:45 Noon
1:00 p.m.
1:00 - 2:30
2:30 - 3:30 3:30
Registration and coffee
Marion Moore and Bill Roff
Adialoguebetweentwo gardenerson finding the right placefor perennialsinthegarden. Usingslides,theywilllookattwoexistinggardensfrom the point of view of redesign and will note the existing features and conditionsincludingshade aswellastheowners useofthegarden. They will then choose plants that will flourish in these circumstances and describe what new perennial plants are available for the 94 gardening season.
Take a break and board our luxury bus.
Leave the Centre. Bring your own lunch. A cold drink will be served on thebus. The tour willbe accompanied by MarionMoore and Bill Roff.
Arrive at Humber Nurseries
An introductory tour of Humber Nurseries perennial section. Three experts will be on hand to answer your questions. You're on your own to browse and look at the many choices available in perennials, roses, annuals, ferns, hostas and ornamental grasses. Buses return to the Centre.
Registrationform on page 20.
The CityofTorontoAnnualSpringFlowerShow Presents the Enchanting Gardens ofGermany
Toronto City Hall, Rotunda, 100 Queen Street West March 20 - 27, 1994
Opening Ceremony: Sunday. March 20, 2:00pm, Entertainmentfollowing
Show Hours: Sunday, March 20, 12:00 noon- 7:30pm Monday, March 21 - Saturday, March 26, 8:30 am - 7:30pm Sunday, March 27, 8:30 am - 4:00pm
Forfurtherinformation, please call302-1111, Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30pm
Admission isfree. Parks
byAnn Warren, course coordinator
The Spring Courses 1994 brochure, which came with the last issue of Trellis, contains asteacherssomeofthe greats ingardening and nature related arts. Joining our othergreatstoteachattheCentreareShirley Binns,DugaldCameron,MarjorieHancock and Jim Sandy Spencer. They are all highly qualified so have a careful look at their specialties.
January was quite a trial for most of us given extreme weather conditions, associatednastyillnesses,andyes...thecontinual financialandpsychologicaladjustmentsto theeconomicdownturn. Manyarebecomingstrongerpersons, takinglessforgranted and planning more carefully.
Themajor forinstance formeoccurred when four of my colleagues were away ill for a week, all at the same time, and just at the crucial deadline in my timetable for publishing the Spring Courses brochure. Registrationswereallhappeningatthelast minute the minute everyone is away ill and theminuteourprinterischompingat thebit for my delivery. Panic!! Who me??
As it turns out, itwas a truly enlightening experience to answer the phone and take registrations. Everyone was so congenial giving me lots of positive input aboutthecoursestheyhadtakenandpraise for what is offered. So many of our users said they would far rather come to the Centrefortheir(unsubsidized)coursesthan attend at other (subsidized) institutions.
The reasons: free parking, our lovely facilities and location, smaller classes with individual attention, and the informality and friendliness all coupled with the qualityofinstruction. And the instructors like teaching here for the same reasons!
Other supportive souls during this stressful time were our printers Don and Liana at Raised Image, and our editor Iris
HosséPhillips,especiallyinthelightofthe factthatwewereshootingforthestarswith ournewlook. (We'dlovetohearwhatyou think.)
TheSpringCourses1994brochure,included inyourlastissueofTrellis,hasa few outrageous errors. Please note the corrections markedwithasterisks.(Andpleasealsobe sure to give due consideration to registering for these courses, which are outstanding!)
Pages 3 and 9:
Great Gardens Of The Eastern Seaboard Date: May 19 *
Cancellation Date: May 12*
Page 12:
Prairie and Meadow Gardens Regis FeeMemb: $36.* Non M: $51.*
Page 8:
* Additional course under FLOWER ARRANGING
Sogetsu: [ntermediate Instructor: Greg Williams
As in the traditional schools of Ikebana, SogetsuIkebanatakesanumberofyearsto understand.ManystudentswhohavestudiedatCentreforthepastfewyearscometo realize that the artist becomes only truly free through mastery of the basics. This courseisacontinuationoftheBasicSogetsu Course and offers the opportunity to develop theimaginationand showindividuality.
Day:Monday Time: 10am-1pm
Dates:May 2, 9, 16, 30; June 6
Regis Fee Memb: $80.Non M: $95.
Cancellation Deadline:April 25
Page 4:
New description for Advanced Botanical IllustrationInWatercolour-4130(April 1518).
Instructor: Pamela Stagg
An intensive workshop that allows participants to polish their skills through exercises and individual feedback. Course participants have an opportunity tosuggesttopicsfordiscussionanddemonstration. Botanical painting experienceandadvancedwatercolourskillsare required.
IextendmyapologiestoFrankKershaw, GregWilliams, PamelaStaggand to our readers.
February-March, 1983
LorenTiebe,inanarticleongardenplanning, said With a little time set aside for some careful planning, your garden can be your own personalized retreat. For example,areflectingpoolmayremindus of favorite water scenes, or shrubs with berriesmayattractsongbirds to feed;we cancreateoutdoor rooms withafloorof grassorbrick,brickorwoodscreenwalls, a canopy ceiling of a favourite tree or a canvas awning. When the room is created, it is time for the personal touches: a favourite clay pot or a wooden chair bought from the artisan.
By AnneMarie Van Nest, Civic Garden Centre horticulturist
Summerflowering tenderbulbs are a very exciting and interesting group of exotic plants. Many can be container-grown in full sun on a patio or balcony. Some even have the extra bonus ofbeing fragrant. Theydeservetobebetterknownandgrown. But they are often overlooked because they re thoughtto causeextra work liftingand storingthemin thefall. Is thisany more ofa chore than hilling roses?
The following tender bulbs are just a samplingofunusualfragrantplantsforthe garden.
Acidanthera murielia, also sometimes called Acidanthera bicolour,is a native ofthe tropical Ethiopian highlands where they grow in well-drained soil in full sun.
Acidantheraisatenderplantgrownjust like gladiolus which it resembles. It has long, upright-growing, sword-like leaves andaloosearrangementofhandsome,nodding, star-like creamy-white blooms with maroon markings. The fragrant flowers are borne on long stalks gladiolus-style in late summer.
Acidanthera is grown from a 2.5 cm browncormthatisplantedoutdoorsinlate Mayorstartedindoorsinpotsinthespring foranearlystart. Outdoors,placethecorms 10 cm deep and 15 cm apart in loose gritty soil with plenty of compost added. After bloomingwhentheleaveshavedieddown, lift and discard the old corm and save the largest new ones for next year. Store the cormsindoorsforthewinterinawarmand dry area.
Rosemary Verey in The Scented Garden writes ofacidanthera: Theyare allworth growing as houseplants or for use as cut flowers, for the highly fragrant blooms carry their scent well indoors.
Freesia is well known as a fragrant cut flowerfromtheflorist. Theycanbegrown as a container plant by knowing a few tricks. Plantseventoninebulbsina 15cm plastic pot barely covering the tips of the bulbs. Store the pot in the refrigerator for fourweeksandthenmovethemtoasunny window where the night-time temperatures willbe about 10° C. Water thebulbs regularlyoncegrowthstarts. Theyshould flower in ten to 12 weeks from starting.
Babiana stricta is a South African tender bulb. It has the unfortunate name of ba-
boon flower and baboonroot. Babiana is from the Dutch name forbaboons that eat the bulbs in their natural habitat.
The plants have hairy sword-shaped leaves growing only to 30 cm. Clusters of colourful reddish-purple and creamywhitefragrantbloomsappearinearlysummer. Plantbabianainacontainerwithvery sandy soil. It will be very attractive on a sunny patio.
After blooming, allow the plant to go dormant after the leaves have turned yellow. Itisgrownfromacormandshouldbe stored warm and dry from September to January when it canbe started indoors.
The new arrival from Chile is Chlidanthus fragrans. ChlidanthuscomesfromtheGreek words meaning delicate and flower. The flower is more thanjust delicate, it resembles a bright yellow day lily. The leaves evenresemble those oftheday lilybut on a smaller scale at 15 cm.
Chlidanthus is related to amaryllis and shouldbegrownina containerinfullsun. This is a great indoor houseplant with a wonderful lemon fragrance.
Galtonia candicans is a South African bulb comonlyknownasgiantsummerhyacinth. Itwas named for Sir Francis Galton, a British anthropologist.
Inmid-summerthisbulbproducesatall flowerstalkoftenoveronemetreinheight. The sweetly scented flowers are whiteand hangdown likebells. Thebulbs should be plantedinfullsun,15cmdeep,inrichwelldrained soil afteranydanger ofa latefrost has passed.
Galtonia might overwinter in milder parts ofsouthern Ontario with a very generous mulch. But if Mother Nature sends winterweatherthatis twohardinesszones colder than normal, the bulbs should be stored in a frost-free location indoors. Galtonia can be increased naturally by removing the offsets or by sowing seed.
Allthesetendersummerfloweringbulbs have been ordered and will be available in early March in the Trellis Shop. A full list of summer bulbs (including descriptions and planting information) is available at the shop.
By Anna Leggatt
In the U.S., the National Garden Bureau is celebrating 1994 as the Year of the Snapdragon.
Thisisoneofmyfavouriteflowers.Like mostchildren, Iwasintriguedbythesnapping jaws of the flower when they were gentlysqueezed.Ifrequentlygotintotroubleforpickinglotsofflowers,playingwith them and leaving them to wilt.
SnapdragonsarenativetosouthernEurope and the Mediterranean. Today, they are an important commercial crop for the cutflowertrade(inthe1950stheywereone
of the top five cut flower crops grown in NorthAmericangreenhouses)andforbedding plants.
In the past, they were used to ward off spells. Discorides (a 1st century Greek physician and botanist) wrote, The herb being hanged about onepreservetha man from becoming bewitched, and it maketh a man gracious in the sight of people. The seedswereusedinRussiaandtheBalkans to make an oil that was used in place of butter.
TheRomansprobablyintroducedsnap-
dragons to Britain and they were common bythereignofElizabethI. Thomas Jefferson grew them in the U.S. in 1767.
Snapdragonsbelongto the figwortfamily or Scrophulariaceae. Close relations are foxgloves, penstemons, calceolarias, veronicas and verbascums, among others. Theyallhaveacommonseedpod structure a dry capsule that has two chambers filledwithmanysmallseeds. Thescientific name for the garden snapdragon is Antirrhinum majus; anti means like , rhinos means snout. The Japanese or Chinese name translates as goldfish flower.
Massivebreedingprojects in thepast 40 years have resulted in three flower forms: dragonjaws;butterfly,thathaveopen-faced florets; and doubleazalea flowered thatare like thebutterfly types, but have extra petals in the centre of the bloom. They now comeineverycolourbutblueandsomeare evenbi-coloured.
They can be divided into three groups according to size: dwarf, 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches) lookfor FloralCarpet , Pixie , Tahiti series; medium, 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 inches) Liberty , Princess , Sonnet ;and tall,60to90cm(24to36inches)
Bright Butterflies and Rocket .
Snapdragons are adaptable. Here in Canadawegrowthemasannuals,butthey
arereallyhalf-hardyperennialswhichwill not survive below -12° C. Occasionally theywilloverwinterunderagoodblanket of snow, but do not do as well the second year.
They are easy from seed. Start indoors about ten to 12 weeks before setting out. Grow in a soilless mix that has been well watered. Sprinkletheseeds ontop, putin a clear plastic bag and place under lights. After they have germinated in one to two weeks, remove the bag. Grow with the topsofthe leaves about 12 cmbelow fluorescent tubes. Transplant into 4 cm pots when they have developed true leaves. Whentheyareabout 7.5 cm high, theyare ready to go outside. Harden them off before planting. Plants will be sold at the Civic Garden Centre Sale of Annuals in May. Theymayseedthemselves,butusually will not be true to type as they are mostly hybrids.
The plants prefer a soil with a nearneutral pH and dislike heavy or overwateredsoil. Amendwithcompostor peat moss.
Few diseases are problems. If you get verticillium wilt, remove and destroy the plants. Aphidsmayfeedonplantjuiceson the leaves and stems.
Inowprefersomeofthespeciessuchas the small pink and yellow Spanish snapdragon, Antirrhinum hispanics, or some of the close relations, the butter-and-eggs grouporLinaria,whichhavesimilarflowers, except they have a long wispy tail, or the climbing annual snapdragons or Asarina (Thompson and Morgan).
Anna Leggatt is a Toronto Master Gardener andeditoroftheJournaloftheOntarioRock Garden Society.
References: Fact sheet from the National Garden Bureau.
Introducing our new catalogue service
Come in to the shop to checkthe hundreds of W) items available by = = ] Ipl\l"n order in our various | \.\ lm ' catalogues. Placeyour ey special order withus.
The shop has the latest in elegant garden sculpture, useful accessories and tools in stock.
Peony lovers among Civic Garden Centre members may be able to help Burlington s Royal Botanical Gardens. A request has been received from Master Gardener John Simkins, as follows:
ThepeonycollectionattheRoyalBotanical Gardens is being redesigned, enlarged andrelocated. Anareahasbeenincluded to show plants bred in Canada.
Dr. Frederick G. Brethour was a prolific Toronto breeder who registered 19 herbaceousvarietiesfrom 1923to 1939. TheregistrationswerelistedbyMissAileenBrethour, Toronto,intheAmericanPeonySocietyBulletin Number 91, September, 1944.
The R.B.G. would like to place Dr. Brethour s originations in the garden and would appreciate all help in locating a few. PeoniesdevelopedbyotherCanadianbreederssuchasWilliamBrownfromElora,Lymon W.CousinsfromLondonandO.A.Kummer fromPrestonarealsotoberepresentedinthe garden. Contact John Simkins by phone at (905) 845-8380 orfax (905) 825-1025.
March, 1981
An article titled Build Green Fences by Russ Gomme suggested that property boundaries and private areas can be defined by plants rather than fences. While
Peonies sought are:
Aileen Brethour, double, soft pink clusters
Alice May Brethour, double, late, fragrant, blush pink
BlancheElie, double, paleyellowcollar, red flecks
Capitulation, double, white guards, yellow collar
Chastity,double,whiteguards,yellowbomb centre
Dieudonne, double, pink and white
Dolly Varden, Japanese, violaceous pink guards
Ecstacy, double, white with yellow base
Etienne Brule, double, late, white, yellow and pink
Fascination, double, creamy white
Hidden Blushes, double, white, suffused pink at base
InMemoriam,double,pink,redringaround centre
Josette, single, late, pale pink
La Canadienne, double, white, tall, fluffy
Lady of the Snows, double, white with yellow collar
Princess Margaret Rose, Japanese, medium pink
Shrine, double, blush
Symphony, double, light salmon pink
Vimy Ridge, double, pink, loose.
4540 Martin Road (905) 562-4836
Dwarf Evergreens Heathers Japanese Maples Rhododendrons
For catalogue please send $1.50 to:
both evergreens and deciduous plants are suitable, he suggestd that evergreenshavetheadvantageofcolourall year. Herecommendedearlyspringor mid-autumn forpurchasing and planting hedges and suggested that smaller size plants can be a good buy, because they are usually less expensive and establish themselves more readily. P.O. BOX 98, VINELAND STATION, ONT., LOR 2EO0
Q. I'dliketogrowahazelnuttreeatmycottage,locatedjustsouth ofCollingwood. Would itgrow there?
A. Yesthehazelnut,Corylusamericana,ishardytozone2,so\ it should grow well at Collingwood. It is not found wild there, but C. Cornuta, the beaked hazel, is and a purple variety, giant filbert,ishardy inzone4. Hopefully, thereare X S notmanysquirrelsorchipmunksonthepropertyifyouwant SEeY toeatthenutsyourself! Thehazelnutthrivesinpartialshade and in any well-drained soil. Grow several to ensure good pollination. Youcanpropagatefromrooted suckers orfrom j soil-layered branches.
£ y = = £ @\ ~
Q. Igrew seedlings indoors last year, but they are very leggy, weakplants and they were late coming intoflower.
%} A. Seedlings need sufficient light to flourish indoors. Use portable lightswithin six inches ofthe seedlings. Select seed varieties for early blooming. Go easy with nitrogen fertilizer use 15-30-30 at half strength.
Plants nearthe light source are sturdier
Q. What seeds can be planted in eggshells for a school project?
A. The edible sprouts such as alfalfa, mungbeans, mustard andcresswouldbegood forthis. Theycan be obtained at health food stores. Mustard and cress grown in eggshells. Thanks to Vivien Jenkinsonfor illustrations.
Need gardening advice?
Call the Master Gardener Hotline daily, noon to 3:00 p.m. 397-1345.
By Pamela Stagg
In the December issue of Trellis, we explained that the Civic Garden Centre was consideringachangeofname. Asyoumay recall,wewanttominimizeconfusionwith commercial nurseries, now known as garden centres. And we want to make sure that the Centre s name is appropriate for the role we play in the community today. That may mean a new name or the current name may stillbe the best.
We received your comments and as you might expect there was no consensus on whether the name should change and if so, what the new name should be. However,therewereexcellentideasonthe direction our process should take.
Some of you commented that Civic Garden Centre is familiar and widely known. Thisisimportant wedon thave a large budget to publicize a new name. Many people have been members of the Centreatonetimeoranother. Othersknow the Centre through plant sales, the Great Canadian Gardening Conference, Mistletoe Magic and so on. The Civic Garden Centreispartofthecommunity butonly ifpeoplerecognizeourname. Asweevaluatenames,we'llwanttofindwaystomain-
tain the heritage we have built up in the community.
Some members commented that our nameshoulddescribewhatweare. Again, this makes a lot ofsense. Every year, new people discover an interest in gardening. Perhaps they haven t heard of the Civic Garden Centre before but they want to learn more about gardening. If our name explains our role, it s so much easier for people to discover us and join us.
Withyourhelp,wehaveestablishedthe mostimportantobjectivefortheCivicGarden Centre's name, old or new:
The name must help explain what the Civic Garden Centre is and/or what it does.
While there were many other excellent suggestions, thisobjectiveclearly emerged askey. Andsincethebestnamesaredeveloped from a limited number of objectives, this has become the primary objective for our name evaluation. It will be presented as part of our brief to a professional name development company, which is the next step ofour process.
Pamela Stagg is a member of the Board of Directors,withprofessionalexperiencein name generation.
Reviewed by Stan Perenack and Barbara Stevenson
By Geoff Hamilton, $37.95
This good general purpose gardening book is the result of 30 years of gardening. It offers a tried and tested mixture of traditionalgardeningandmoderntechnologywithanorganic slant. This book will help you have healthy chemical-free plants in a garden that provides a habitat for wildlife. It contains good advice on pruning and garden maintenance.
Inspired arrangements for all occasions
By Paula Pryke, $50
This book transcends mere floral arranging. It instructs and inspireseven thebeginnertocreatefloral art. Itcovers all the how-tos on containers, colours, materials and themes. Plus a guide to over 300 flowers and step-by-step photographs on techniques for perfect results. Superb photographs.
By David Austin, $29.99
Pursuit of the perfect rose has been David Austin s passion for over 40 years. He guides the reader through the history and development of the English rose, provides practical advice and a catalogue of the best varieties. Through the book, a profusion of ravishing photographs captures this passion perfectly.
Trellis book shop offers personal service. The Centre s Trellisbook shop has over 2,000 titles in stock; special orders are filled on anybookin print. Call 397-1359 or 397-1357to placeyour order, or fax us at3971354. WewillgiveyourrequestVIPattentionandyourorderwillbefilledaspromptly as possible. As a member, you receive a 10% discount on most book purchases.
By Pamela MacKenzie, librarian
Recent additions to the library include:
* Gardens in the modern landscape, by ChristopherTunnard. Architecturalpress, 1938. (Historical collection)
o Thegardener sguide togrowinghellebores, byGrahamRiceand ElizabethStrangman, Timber press, 1993.
» The secret gardens ofFrance, by Mirabel Osler. Prentice Hall, 1993.
e The quest for the rose, by Roger Phillips and Martyn Rix. BBC books, 1993.
e Flowers, Flowers!: inspired arrangements for all occasions, by Paula Pryke. Rizzoli, 1993,
e Gardens of Mexico, by Antonio Haas. Rizzoli, 1993.
e The Hillier colour dictionary of trees and shrubs;second edition. David and Charles, 1993.
* Spring cleanup, garden projects, pruning,plantingorbooknowforgardenmaintenance. Will also clean windows both inside and out. Reasonable rates. References provided. I'll work for you or with youtohelpyoucreatea successfulgarden. Call Stephen, 362-7434.
* Need help redesigning or improving your garden? Special expertise in designing with bulbs and antique roses. Estimates and references available. Isabelle Robinson, 487-7233.
Drop by your nearest WOODHILL
to select your favourite shade tree which We will then Deliver and Install in the perfect spot to shade your patio
Our on site staff will be happy to help you select the best tree for your location and purpose or You may have one of our Landscape Consultants come to your home to discuss your needs
Upon presentation of this coupon will pay ALLTaxes onthePurchase of anyinstalled ShadeTree = Not valid with any othes disouat Vlid March 1 1oMay15,1994
We are open every day to assist you in your selection and can arrange the installation of your tree to suit your convenience 905 889-2917 905 881-5673
Carolyn Dalgarno and Marilyn King, volunteer co-ordinators
Lookingoutthewindowonacold,snowy, Januaryday(Trellisdeadlinearesixweeks in advance), it is hard tobelieve that it s time to anticipate staffing requirements for plantsalesinMarchandApril. Willwereallybeworkinginourgardenstwomonths from now?
Volunteers willbe needed firstfor the EasterPlant Sale. Setup dayisThursday, March24. Themembers pre-orderdayisFriday,March25. Helpisalsorequiredon the weekend, March 26 and 27, for the sale of plants to the public.
OneoftheCentre smostpopularplantsales,ThePansySale, willbeginwiththe arrival of the plants on April 7. Volunteers are needed to help unload, display and price. Members day is April 8 and sale to the public is April 9 and 10. Many volunteers are required throughout these four days.
Foranyofyouwithcashorsalestraining,volunteersarestillrequiredfortheCivic GardenCentre ssaleofplantsatThe Garden Club ofToronto FlowerShow,March 2toMarch6. TheshowisopenWednesdaytoFridayfrom10:00a.m. to8:00p.m.and SaturdayandSundayfrom10:00a.m.to6:00p.m. Thisisanopportunityformembers who are not available during regular office hours to work a shift. Volunteers are desperately required in the evenings and on weekends.
Mistletoe Magic workshop
Volunteersareneededwhofeelcomfortableusingagluegunandwhowouldenjoy making wreaths and other natural items for Mistletoe Magic. The group will meet every Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m. Call Carolyn at 397-1351 if you are interested.
Natural items wanted
Dry white pine, Douglas fir, hemlock, larch (tamarack) and other cones as well as acorns, beechnuts and chestnuts are urgently required for Mistletoe Magic. Please bring to Studio 4 on Wednesday mornings or leave withCarolyn in the administration area.
Ifyou want to stay ahead ofthe crowd, join the Children s Tour Guide Program at the Civic Garden Centre! In 1993, our guides led hikesinEdwards Gardens for 1,800 school children.
For further information call Helen at 397-1356.
Usethismulti-eventformtoregisterforCivicGardenCentreprograms. Send,faxordeliver theformtotheCentreor -ifyou'reusingVISAorMasterCard-phonetheCentre.(Haveyour card numberhandy!) Questions? Call397-1340. Fax397-1354.
Pleaseregister me for: Event
1.Paddy'splantsandpots
NorefundafterMarch14 10:00a.m.
2. Paddy'splantsandpots
NorefundafterMarch 14 1:00p.m.
3. Perennial Pursuits April10 $37
10:00a.m. to 4:30p.m.
Please register me for the program(s) I have circled: 1 2 3
Name: Phone: ( ) Area code
Children's namesfor"Paddy"
Address: City:
Postalcode:
CGC membershipnumber: Expirydate:
Total amount:
Cheque enclosed |:| Pleasemakecheques payable to The Civic Garden Center
I prefer to use my VISA I____] MasterCard I___I
Cardnumber: Expirydate:
Signature:
March
2 through 6
e The Garden Club of Toronto, show: World in Bloom. Wednesday to Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission: Adults: $8; seniors and students: $6, children: $1, under 5, free.
7
e TheOntarioRockGardenSociety,meeting: Turkish alpines, 7:30 p.m.
e Southern Ontario Orchid Society Newcomers, meeting, 7:30 p.m.
8
e North Toronto Horticultural Society, meeting,8:00p.m. Speaker:CharlesSamms, supervisor of greenhouses, City of North York. Topic: Tropic Showhouse Tour. Slides and discussion.
9
e Men s Garden Club, meeting, 8:00 p.m.
e Jkebana International Chapter #208, meeting, 7:30 p.m.
12
¢ Orchid Judging Centre, 1:00 p.m.
13
¢ Ontario Rock Garden Society, meeting: Rocky Mountain Alpines, 1:30 p.m.
¢ SouthernOntarioOrchidSociety,meeting, 1:00 p.m.
14
e Toronto Bonsai Society, meeting, 7:00 p.m.
e Toronto Cactus and Succulent Club, meeting, 7:30 p.m.
17
e Paddy s plants and pots, 10:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. Registration: $8. Aprogramjust forchildren.
20
e Willowdale Mini Makers, show, 10:00 a.m.
24
¢ An Edwards Foundation garden evening.
Speaker: Dr. BrianBixley.
Topic: The anatomy ofa bed. Members, no charge, non-members, $4. 7:30 p.m.
22
e Watercolour studio, course #4157
* Continuing watercolour, course#4121
¢ Balcony,patioandrooftopgardens,plant selections, course #4123
24
¢ Canadian Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society, meeting, 7:00 p.m.
25
¢ C.G.C. Easter PlantSale, member pickup, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
26
¢ C.G. C. Easter Plant Sale, public day, noon to 4:00 p.m.
27
e C.G. C. Easter Plant Sale, public day, noon to 4:00p.m.
¢ Canadian Rose Society, annual general meeting, 2: 00 p.m.
¢ Tkenobo Ikebana Show.
Welcome to the newest Master Gardeners-in-Training: Joanna Bechtold, Jack Cameron, Mary Fisher, Linda Greven, Irene Grosvenor, Joan Hodges and Anne Kotyk.
The Civic Garden Centre warmly welcomes new members. Join us, and meet friends who share an interest in gardening, floral arts and horticulture.
Activities:
The Civic Garden Centre offers: e workshops, classes andclinics e flower shows e lectures
¢ The Trellis Shop (garden supplies, plants, gifts and books) e Trellis newsletter
Member discounts apply on many of these activities.
Volunteers:
garden tours horticultural library soil testing service gardening hotline
Master Gardeners' activities plant sales fund-raising activities
ThetalentsandenthusiasmofCivicGardenCentrevolunteerspermitofferingavarietyofprograms and special events. Ifyou areable to offertime on a regularor as-needed basis, please contact our volunteerco-ordinator.Volunteerjobs include tourguides,shopsales,libraryassistants,secretarial, reception, horticultural assistant, committeememberoravolunteerposition tailoredtomeetyour particular skills or interest.
Mail to: The Civic Garden Centre, 777 Lawrence Avenue East, North York, Ontario M3C 1P2
New member Please print: Renewing member ] =
Single membership ~ $30 ) $40 Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms
Family membership
Gift membership (33 Al
Donation, tax deductible
Total Apt.
Method of payment _ [] Cheque (payabletotheCivic City Garden Centre) kb
[JvisA [ ]MasterCard e garc} m(limber Telephone (home) xpiry date
Signature (business)