Trellis

The newsletter of the Civic Garden Centre in Metropolitan Toronto May, 1994

THROUGH THE GARDEN GATE

A country walk

Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19

Civic Garden Centre General Information

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, the Centre serves members throughout Metropolitan Toronto and across Ontario. TheCivicGardenCentreispleasedtorentfacilities formeetings,receptions, exhibits and shows. Please contact our rental agent.

Hours:

Summer(April1 toOctober31): 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: Area code 416.

Main number: 397-1340

Rentals: 397-1349

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: ~ Robin Wilson

Vice-president and treasurer:

PeterJ. Lewis

Honorary counsel:

Aird and Berlis

Civic Garden Centre staff members: Members: Cicely Bell, Mary Anne

Brinckman, Roger Silverthorne

Board of directors:

Executive director: Sally Sullivan

Accounts: Janie Brentnall

Courses: Ann Warren

Horticulturists:

For 1993: Cicely Bell, Heather Brodeur, Anne Mar%e Van Nest

PeterJ. Lewis, Susan Macaulay, Mary Helen Craig Mills, Maureen Naylor, Laura Rapp. Librarian: Pamela MacKenzie

For 1993-1994: MarjorieHarris, Louise Maintenance supervisc?r: K : : Walter Morassutti appus, Roger Silverthorne, Robin Wi

Rental agent: Betsy Chubb

Secretary: Shirley Lyons

For 1993-1995: Mary Anne Brinckman, 3 y: : Y-y - y Trellis Shop assistant manager: Bayla Gross, Nancy Laurie, David Bt Shcerinon

Money, Pan.lela Stagg. : Volunteer co-ordinator and publicity: RepresentativeofMetropolitanToronto Carolyn Dalgarno Parks and Property: John Howard.

20 A guide to the Centre s plant sales

Insideback

TRELLIS

Volume 21, Number 5

Editor: Iris Hossé Phillips

Editorial co-ordinator: Leslie Lynch

Advertisinginformation: (416) 397-1340

Printed by Raised 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 August 15 will be included in the October issue of Trellis.

Opinions expressed within Trellis do not necessarily reflect those of the Centre. Submissions may be edited for style and clarity.

Editor's note

By Iris Phillips

Five years ago I decided to search out an attractivevineforanorth-facingbrickwall. Most of the books that I consulted at the Centre s library praised the climbing form of hydrangea, Hydrangea petiolaris, as a lovely vine for shade. I knew it would be hardybecauseIrememberitgrowingover stonepostsat theentrance to MountRoyal Cemetery in Montreal. The photographs of the mature vine in two books were exquisite. However, my vine has not flowered and looks decidedly feeble. I am giving the vine one more year to establish or bloomand thenI'llmoveittoabetterspot. Obviously Imadeamistakeinbelieving the reference books. Had I been more astute I would have searched out the climbing hydrangeas in my neighbourhood beforeI dugin myplant. Needless to say, the reallygorgeoushydrangeasreceiveatleast four hours of sun or are in dappled sun most of the day. A friend showed me two photographs of climbing hydrangeas on a garagewall. Inoticedimmediatelythebrick waspaintedwhiteandthatitbroughtlight intothearea.MaybeIshouldgetamirrorto reflectsunshineonmyunhappyplant...not! Ohyes,Iamgettingmysoiltestedatthe Centreandhopethatthesoilhasanutrient deficit.

If that is the diagnosis, I will add the missing nutrients and notworry about the sun.

Trellis deadline:

Submissions for the JulyAugust issue of Trellis should be delivered to the Centre's office by May 15. Trellis,May 1994

AN EDWARDS FOUNDATION GARDEN EVENING

Favourite garden tips with Marjorie Harris

Wednesday, May 25, 7:30 p.m.

Marjorie Harris is a journalist and author with a special interest in gardening and ecology. Her topic this evening is taken fromhernewestbook, now available in the Centre sbookshop,MarjorieHarris Favourite Gardening Tips.

Marjorie s books include: The Canadian Gardener, TheCanadian Gardener s Year, Ecological Gardening and The Canadian Gardener s Guide to Foliage and Garden Design. Marjorie is heard regularly on C.B.C. radio and read avidly in her Globe and Mail column. She lives in downtown Toronto with her husband, writer Jack Batten, and grows hundreds of plants successfully in her small garden.

Michele Landsberg in The Toronto Star makes thefollowing statement: Thegreat thing about Marjorie s books is her utter lackofpretension, coupled withvast experience ... Open her book about designing, planting, growing and maintaining a yearround beauty of a garden and instead of feeling inadequate, you may well experience a heady new rush of the possible.

The wonderful slides are by Tim Saunders,oneofNorthAmerica sbestgarden photographers.

TheEdwardsFoundation Garden Eveningsare funded by the Edwards Charitable Foundation whichhelps theCivicGarden Centreprovideits members and thepublic with excitingand variedpresentationson topicsrelatedtogardening. Thereis noadmission chargeformembersofthe Centre; non-members, $4.

Sale of hanging baskets

Varieties for sun and shade

$14.99 each

Wednesday, May 4 Noon to 5:00 p.m.

Bring your membership card for your 10% discount during this sale.

Free Gift to every | purchaseropening weekend

THE BEST SELECTION OFGARDENACCENTSFROM EUROPEANDNORTHAMERICA

OpenWeekends and Holidays 11am -5 pm or with a phone call

1094 Derry Road West W. ofGuelph Line, N. of Hwy#5 S. of401 and QEW at Guelph Line (905) 336-1398

Time to sign up for the Centre s tours of outstanding private gardens

Tour# 1: Unionville, Uxbridge and Newmarket

Thursday, June 23

Members: $65

Non-members: $75

Cancellation deadline: June 2, 1994

Tour highlights:

e the Gillian and David Stewart garden featured in Marjorie Harris latest book, The Canadian Gardener s Guide to Foliage Design the garden of nursery owner, radio host and lecturer Marjorie Mason-Hogue the garden of sculptor Victor Tinkl and quiltmaker Judith Tinkl the garden ofGrace and Roger Wyler with its collection ofornamental grasses the woodland garden of antique dealer Ron Windebank the bog gardens of retired biologist Harry Lumsden. Lunch will be served in a charming restaurant.

Tour # 2: Etobicoke, Port Credit, Mississauga, Bramalea

Thursday, July 14

Members: $65

Non-members: $75

Cancellation deadline: June 23,1994

Tour highlights:

e theEnglishcountrygardenoflandscape

architect Robert Packham

* the garden of Patricia Singer, featured on Kathy Renwald s television program

Gardener s Journal

e the garden of Wayne Renaud and Gordon Webber featured on the cover of Canadian Gardening, February, 1993

e the Japanese garden of Susan Colacott with waterfall, moss mountain and bridge over dry stream

e thegardenofDouglasCampbellwithacollectionofmorethan70speciesofwildflowers and native plants, 40 types of ferns and 65 varieties of hostas

* the garden of Liz Primeau, editor ofCanadian Gardening, featured on Gardener s Journal

* the garden ofRosemary Pauer which was the grand prize winner of the 1992 garden of the year competition sponsored by Canadian Gardening. An elegant lunch will be served at the Toronto Golf Club.

Registration form on page 4. Full details of tours are listed in the April issue of Trellis.

A master class with Peter Thoday

Tuesday, June 14, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Members: $59

Non-members: $69

The master class will be held at Clair and Amy Stewart s garden in Caledon East. Organized as a workshop with a hands-on approach, the aimis to allow already keen amateur gardeners to gain a deeper understanding ofhow plants respond to cultivation and to improve confidence and skills.

PeterThodayisa renowned lecturerandpastdirectorofstudiesforhorticulture for the University of Bath, England.

The workshop will address pruning in the cultivation of naturalistic gardens. Theuse ofstone in a garden has a long and varied history. Peter will look at ways in which the natural stone interacts with plants to give character to garden design.

Weare limiting this class to 28 peopleso that everyonewill receive individualattention. We will takeawaitinglistafterthisnumberhasbeen reached. Amapwillbeprovidedforthosewishingtotravel on theirown. Alternatively,you maysign upforacarpoolstartingattheCivicGarden Centreleavin at noon sharp. The registration deadlinefor this class is Monday, June 6. There will be no refunds after this date.

Registration form: The Civic Garden Centre s programs

Phone, 397-1340, mail orfax 397-1354 thisform to the Centre.

[] Peter Thoday master class June 14

Members NonMembers

$69 will meet at garden

[ car pool - need ride

[ car pool - will drive participant

R Through the Garden Gate Saturday, June 18

s Through the Garden Gate Sunday, June 19

[ Please mail my tickets for Through the Garden Gate

I Tour #1, (east of Toronto) June 23

[ Tour #2, (west ofToronto) July 14

NAME PHONE (DAY)

ADDRESS CITY POSTAL CODE

C.G.C. MEMBERSHIP NUMBER EXPIRY DATE

TOTAL AMOUNT CHEQUE ENCLOSED PAYABLE TO CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE

VISA MASTERCARD

CARD NUMBER EXPIRY DATE

SIGNATURE

THROUGH THE GARDEN GATE

Ontario'spremiergarden tour

This yearfeaturing: A country walk

Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19

Noon to 4:00 p.m.

Admission: $15

JUST for children! Green Thumb Days

Children from seven through 11 years are invited to learn about plants, gardening, the environment, nature and crafts.

The Civic Garden Centre s Green Thumb Days are an unique educational and recreational experience. Each program is led by the Centre s horticulturists and special volunteerguests from9:30 a.m. to noon. The Awesome AdventuresTouris a whole day from9:30a.m.t02:00p.m. Arefreshingsnackofjuiceandfruitwillbeservedduringeach morning. Raindoesn tstopgardeningandnature,neitherwillitstopGreenThumbDays. Please be prepared for all weather!

Insect Inspectors

A mini hike through thewilds ofWilket CreekPark to spotnature at itsbest. Inspectors will search for strange and wonderful land critters. Exploration of this type needs long pants and running shoes. July 12, August 9 and August 18.

Noticing Nature

Budding scientists will enjoy this program full of nature experiments How acid is our rain? What makes soil acidic? How are trees different from each other? July 19.

Plentiful Plants

Multiplyingplantsinmanyways. Practiseonourplantsandtakehomeyourownbabies. All participants will adopt many plants. July 20 and August 11.

Creative Crafts

Let your artistic talents loose! Learn how to create crafts with dried flowers, pine cones andotherrecyclednaturalproductsandmakeyourowncreations. July21,August 10and August 24.

Plants Plus

Investigate plants in all shapes and sizes. From the miniature plants in your own terrarium creation to caring for your own clean air plant. All participants take home a helpful plant. Please bring a large pickle -type clear jar. August 17.

Awesome Adventures Tour

Afull dayhikeintoSunnybrookParktounravel themysteriesofthe natural world. This adventure requires thatMom orDad packa high energy lunch fornourishment. July 13 and August 16. (9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.)

s34 4T Y s mhtaoREFRsmtlf

Green Thumb Days Registration Form

I would like to register my child(ren) for the following (9:30 to noon) programs. Registration fees for each program (except the Awesome Adventure Tour) are $8.00 per children of Civic Garden Centre members or $10.00 for non-members.

Awesome Adventure Tour fees are $12.00 each child of members, $15.00 for nonmembers.

Refunds willbe issued up to five business days before the program date. Program fees includeG.S.T. Eachprogrammustmeetaminimumregistrationorarefundwillbegiven. Questions? Call 397-1355.

Insect Inspectors July 12[_Jor August9 [] or August 18 []

Noticing Nature July 19 []

Plentiful Plants July 20 Cor August 11 =

Creative Crafts July 21 Clor August 10 ] or August 24 3 Plants Plus August17 []

Awesome Adventures Tour (9:30 a.m. to 2 :00 p.m.) July 13[JorAugust16 []

NAME OF PARENT

ADDRESS

TELEPHONE (DAY)

CHILD S NAME BIRTHDATE

CHILD'S NAME BIRTHDATE

CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE MEMBERSHIP NUMBER EXPIRY DATE

l:' Enclosed is my cheque, payable to the Civic Garden Centre. Please charge my D MasterCard or I:] VISA

CARD NUMBER

SIGNATURE EXPIRY DATE

Cedar Knoll Tree Care Inc.

Fully Insured Tree Arborist for Professional Tree Care and Removal

Management and Consultation ofProperties

Pruning and Shaping ofTrees, Shrubs and Hedges

Cabling and Bracing ¢ Removals e Fertilizing

Lightning Protection

Member ofInternational Society ofArboriculture

John R. Vernon (905) 637-5534

NATURAL INSECT

C-0:N:-T:R-0-L

RR. #2, STEVENSVILLEONTARIO,CANADA

LOS 1S0 (905)382-2904 (905)382-4418 FAX

% Beneficial Insects & Nematodes

% Traps & Lures

%Organic Fertilizers& KelpProducts

% Organic Mushroom Treatment

Purple Martin, Bat Houses etc.

% Books (Insect, Bird, Garden)

FREE CATALOGUE

VINELAND NURSERIES

4540 Martin Road (905) 562-4836

Dwarf Evergreens

Heathers Japanese Maples

Rhododendrons

For catalogue please send $1.50 to:

P.O. BOX 98, VINELAND STATION, ONT., LOR 2EO

Soil analysis service offered

The Civic Garden Centre s soil analysis service can measure acidity(pH)andconductivity(salt) levels of your soil.

Fee: $6 for members; nonmembers $8. Mailing of results: $1 extra for postage and handling.

How to take a soil sample: Take a sample before watering and fertilizing. Remove any existing mulch. Dig a hole 15 cm deep in the garden or5to 10 cm deep inthe lawn. Collectthesoil fromthesideofthe hole nearthe bottom and place it in a clean container. Repeat three to five times in different locations and mixthe samplestogether. Bring aboutonecupofsoil tothe Trellis Shop at the Civic Garden Centre. Your results will be ready within a week. a i

May 9 to 24 Arabesque Racha Khoja

May 25 to June 6 Raymond Davidson

Plant of the month: Helleborus niger or Christmas rose

By Anna Leggatt

As a child in England, we always had a bunchofChristmasroses orHelleborusniger in the house for Christmas day. We covered theplantwithstraw,enclosed itinan open box and covered it with glass so a sudden frost would not damage its petals.

When I started gardening here in Canada, I tried to duplicate many of my childhoodfavourites. Ieventuallyfounda hellebore, but it showed no inclination to brave a Toronto winter and flowered in late April and early May. I decided the climate was wrong and forgot about the winterblooming.

Christmasrosesarenotrosesatall;they weremembersofthebuttercupfamily,but recentlytheyweregiventheirownfamily, theHelleboraceae,togetherwithcolumbines, delphiniumsandmarshmarigolds. Thisis because all these flowers have pods that split along one side to release the seeds, unlike thebuttercup group which has single-seeded fruits which do not split.

The plants are more or less evergreen, 30 cm high, with dark bluish-green leathery leaves which have a dull shine. These are deeply divided to form up to nine lance-shaped leaflets radiating out like fat fingers from a hand (palmately divided). There are dull teeth near the tip of each leaflet. These leaves make a good ground coverformuchoftheyear,but theflowers are why the plant is so loved. They form bowls, about 8 cm across, of an almost alabaster white, shading to green at the base of the petals, with many golden stamens in the centre. The flowers are long lasting and the petals remain as the seeds develop. They may turn pinkish as they fadeandendalime-greencolour. Theyare goodcutflowersand canbedried whenin seed.

Christmas roses are native from south

Germany through to Italy and the former Yugoslavia. They grow in open woods in limesoil,sowillbehappiestinpartialshade inourgardens. GrowatpH7to8,inawelldrained soil that also contains plenty of organic material. They generally resent disturbance, so don t expect flowers for a year and don t divide them.

Four years ago, I found three beautiful stems of Helleborus niger in a local flower show in October! The owner gave me a piece the plant did not mind being divided.Theformoftheleavesisverysimilar totheApril-floweringplant perhapsthe leaves area little darker and thinner. The growth differs in that the centre dies out andtheplantformsaringafterafewyears. The roots (rhizomes) can be easily separated into new plants. The original plant gets covered by a plastic tent at first frost and finishes blooming by the end of November. The petals become a lovely pink after flowering.

Thisyear,Icutseveralstemsandwehad some inside for Christmas day. Temperatures of -20°F with no snow cover after Christmas turned the remaining flowers brown, but there were still some fat buds, nestled down among the leaves, waiting for spring. In mid-March, theyare still underthesnow.Unfortunately,wehavenever had seeds.

I tried to trace the plant s history it came fromVancouveratleast 15yearsago. Thedescriptioninonebookmademethink it was Helleborus niger Primavera .

LookoutforChristmas roses at the perennial plant sale at the Civic Garden Centre, at society sales and nurseries.

Anna Leggatt is a Toronto Master Gardener andeditoroftheJournaloftheOntario Rock Garden Society.

Perennials for the next Ice Age

By Anne Marie Van Nest, Civic Garden Centre horticulturist

Perennials tough enough to survive last winter s deep freeze? Yes, many popular perennialsareveryhardyandattractivefor the garden. Although we may not have anotherwinterlikethelastonefor70years, hardinessisafactortoconsiderwhenplanting or redesigning a perennial border.

Hardiness zones

Hardiness zones are used in many perennial books and should only be a guidelineforplanthardiness. Theyarebased on a region s average annual minimum temperatures or by the overwintering of certain indicator plants. Thenewly-revised USDA hardiness map uses the former, the Canadian hardiness map uses the latter. These maps are guidelines because many factors suchassitelocation,plantmaturity, degree oftemperature fluctuation and the timing of these fluctuations affect plant hardiness.

Select smartly

Thefirststeptoincreasewintersurvival rates is to select hardy perennial plants. A list of Canadian hardiness zone 3 (and lower) perennialsfollows. Also,theability ofaplanttolivethroughthewinterisoften related to the kind and timing of winter weathermore thantheplant sbuilt-inhardiness factor.

Deterrents to survival

Seriousdeterrentstowintersurvivalare early severe temperature fluctuations and alternating freezing and thawing during January and February. Winter survival is potentiallylowforplantsgrowinginheavy soils as theyare often subjected to heaving from alternate freezing and thawing, and theirentirerootsystemsmaybeforcedout of the soil.

To increase survival rates, encourage a heavy snow cover over plants to insulate the soil and keep it frozen longer. Use evergreen boughs to collect snow during thewinter. Furtherinsulationiscreatedby using dry leaves or straw applied after the ground has frozen. To collect and hold snow, some gardeners leave plant stems intactand prunetheminthespring. Planting hedges willhelp collect snow and protect plants on the downwind side.

Inearlyspring,themeltingofsnowmay beanotherpotentialproblemifitmeltsand sits for any length of time or freezes in the garden. The ice and standing water is hazardoustodelicateperennialsandcould causeplantcrownstorot. Gooddrainageis crucial for many perennials to survive the winter. In established beds, add drainage tiles; in new beds, modify the existing soil.

Inplants,degreesofcoldtolerancevary duringthewinterinrelationtotheambient temperatures. Perennials that are fully acclimed can withstand much colder temperaturesthanplantsthatarenothardened off. Any unseasonably warm weather followed by rapid cold temperature drops could cause damage. If not fatal, it could causeseverestressontheplantand lead to pestordiseaseproblemslaterintheseason. Awarmfall,winterorearlyspringweather can undo any previous acclimation and leave plants less hardy.

Factors affecting hardiness

Otherfactorsthat affectplanthardiness are:

e altitude (the higher, the colder)

* density of buildings (temperatures are warmer in urban areas)

® location of nearby trees (evergreens moderate to the south)

¢ temperaturefluctuations(rapidchanges

may damage)

e lack of rainfall in the fall (stress plants)

¢ soil type (dense soils could heave)

* exposure (north facing is exposed to cold winds)

* bottom of hills (cold winds funnel downslope)

* shade (soil stays frozen longer)

* proximity to large bodies of water (are warmer and have more snow cover)

e mulch (in most caases, the more the better)

e late season fertilization (produces soft growth) and

* susceptibility to drying winds.

The winter of 1993-1994 saw night-time temperatures drop two hardiness zones below normal. With temperatures near25°C last winter and wind chills hitting40°C, it was a winter we won t soon forget.

Many hardy perennials will be available at the Centre's Perennial Sale until May 4th.

Share your abundant perennials

Whenyourlovingly-tended perennialgarden rewards your effort with plenty of growth,here sanopportunitytoshareyour prolificperennialswithfellowmembersof the Civic Garden Centre.

Any day from May 1 to May 17, the plantsalecommitteewillacceptyourextra perennialsonthelibrarypatio. Ifpossible, please label each one with the plant name and flower colour. Horticulture services department volunteers will put the plants intopots(ifneeded)andcareforthemuntil the plant sale on May 18.

Your donated perennials help us to to raise funds and to offer members a wonderful chance to find treasures not readily available through commercial nurseries, manyofthem fromsomeofToronto spremier gardens.

Call the Centre s horticulture department at (416) 397-1355 if you have any questions.

For the love ofgardens.

When you're at work on the garden you love, remember Sheridan Nurseries. At Sheridan, we have expertstaffto 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 maintenandée services. All for the love ofgardens, at Sheridan Nurseries.

A selection of winter hardy perennials

Botanical name

AAchillea (most species)

Aconitum (most species)

Actaea (most species)

Ajuga (most species)

Alcea rosea

Alchemilla mollis

Anchusa azurea

Anthemis tinctoria

Aquilegia (many species)

Armeria maritima

Asarum canadense

BBaptisia (many species)

Bergenia cordifolila

Boltonia asteroides

Brunnera macrophylla

LCaltha palustris, C. glomerata, C. latifolia,

Common name

yarrow monkshood

baneberry

bugleweed

hollyhock

lady s mantle

Italian bugloss

gold Marguerite

columbine

sea pink, thrift

wild ginger

false indigo heartleaf bergenia

boltonia

Siberian bugloss

marsh marigold

C. persicifolia, C. punctata

Centaurea (many species)

Cerastium (many species)

Chelone (many species)

Cimicifuga (many species)

Clematis (many species)

Convallaria majalis

Coreopsis verticillata

DDicentra (many species) E

Echinacea purpurea

Echinops (many species)

Eupatorium purpureum E

Filipendula (many species)

Gaillardia (many species)

Galium odoratum

cornflower

snow-in-summer turtlehead bugbane

lily-of-the-valley thread leaf coreopsis

bleeding heart

coneflower globe thistle

Joe-Pye-weed meadowsweet

blanketflower sweet woodruff

Gypsophila (many species) baby s breath

Comments

drought resistant dangerously poisonous

woodland native groundcover treat as a biennial good cut or dried well-drained soil

alkaline dry soil hybrids not as hardy native of Iceland native foliage plant

likes acidic soil bronze winter colour tall, easy to grow fertile, moist soil

native bog plant fertile soil

no winter wet feet well-drained soil moist soil well-drained soil hybrids not as hardy invasive drought resistant well-drained, fertile soil

low maintenance plant easy to grow best for natural garden wet, boggy soil

well-drained soil

fragrant, acidic soil great cut flower

Botanical name

HHelenium autumnale

Helleborus (many species)

Hemerocallis (many species)

Hesperis matronalis

Heuchera (many species) x Heucherella, x Tiarella

Hosta (many species)

IIris (many species)

LLamiastrum and lamium

Liatris (many species)

Lobelia cardinalis

NNepeta (many species)

TPaeonia (many species)

Papaver nudicaule, P. orientale

Phlox paniculata, P. stolonifera

Physostegia virginiana

Polemonium (many species)

Pulmonaria (many species)

Rudbeckia (many species) S

Saponaria (many species)

Symphytum (many species)

rocket

lily

Thermopsis (many species)

Tiarella (many species)

Veronica (many species)

hardiness zones are based on the Canadian Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Join Canadian . Ml[ f j{OHSengdmCUb Garden Writer g;z& JIM ST. MARIE S fora

qfHowerS ow : ,% Down Memory Lane

Wed e 15 Thurs.June 16 T June 17 (INCLUDING F131) z308pm. 108pm. 10-gpm. BY UPTOWN TRAVEL

ngaldm Centre

Join our spectacular 4 week circle tour of scenic New Zealand including 3 days in Fiji.

Visit 18 private, 8 public and 3 botanic gardens plus 4 varied nurseries and a day at the World Rose Show in Christchurch. Included are 5 free days and a wide variety dm 55'00 of cultural sites and events plus a guided tour of Fiji's ; largest orchid collection, founded by Raymond Burr.

or call: 1-800-667-0803 ONT. REG. #2557469

Questions and answers with the Master Gardeners

Q. Mylilacbush is not blooming. Itis eightyearsold,andhas been in this A, siteforfouryears. It bloomed well atfirst, but notfor the past two years.

A. Careful pruning after flowering is important, as the next-year 25\ L 5 buds are formed and it is easy to chop them offby mistake. Be very ' careful when taking off the dead flowers to leave these buds intact.w ¥ EATAN ¢ o Lilacs do best in full sun and on alkaline or neutral soil. Do not use " L any fertilizer exceptbonemeal or superphosphate. Sometimes roots '* | T under a lawn pick up too much nitrogen from the lawn fetrtilizer, which produces leavesbutnobloom. Thin outbranches at thebase. Lilac in a lawn may Lilacs can be root-pruned by digging a trench all round at the runto leaf, not dripline. Mix the soil with superphosphate at a rate ofhalfa pound flower, due to lawn to eachthreefeetoftrench, and putitback. Ifyou haveacid soil (not ~ fertilizer commoninOntario),add limestone. Somelilacsarealternatebloomers, with more flower one year, then less the next.

W) B T

Q. [have a globe pine how do Ikeep it compact?

Prune a pine by cutting the candles in late spring.

A. The new growth at this time looks like, and is called, candles. Prune this by cutting half away. Do this in late May each year and you won t need to do any other pruning.

Q. Can tuberous begonias be pinched back? Mine havegrown too leggy.

A. Yes, but they may be slow to regenerate growth. Try staking thew, ipstead. Cut back a leggy Begonia

Thanks to Vivien Jenkinsonfor illustrations.

The return of the BioBugs

The Centre is again selling beneficial insects. From Safer s Ltd., BioBugs are good bugs that attack specific plant insect pests. They are selected to maintain the balance of nature by reducing problem insects to a point where they do not harm valuable plants. When the bad bugs are eliminated, the remaining beneficial insects go to other gardens for food or die off.

BioBugs will reduce pesticide use in the garden or green house. Some BioBugs are predatorsthatseekoutand destroytheirnatural enemy, others are parasites that lay their eggs inside the developing eggs of the pest.

The BioBugs are: (price includes G.S.T. and shipping)

* Gall midges: forcontrolling aphids in greenhouses, solariums and gardens; 140 cocoons, $18.35.

» Encarsia formosa, a parasitic wasp that feeds entirely on whiteflies; one kit contains 420 pupae, $22.95.

» Australian lady beetles control mealybugs on houseplants and in the greenhouse; twenty-five adults: $18.35.

» Spider mite predators (Phytoseiulus persimilis) each devour six adult or 20 young mites per day; units of 140: $18.35.

* Ladybugsorladybeetleseat aphidsandothersoft-bodied insects inthe homegarden. Available in unitsof 1, 500adults for $18.35.

* Green lacewings are nicknamed aphid lion because of their voracious appetite for soft-bodied food. Applyat 10eggs perplant. About 1,000eggs are $22.95.

* Trichogramma, a parasitic wasp of moths. About 5,000 eggs, $18.35.

If you are interested in purchasing BioBugs, send the order | form and payment to the Centre's Hort Department. Safer's Ltd. will ship your beneficial insect to your home by first class mail. BioBugs are guaranteed to arrive alive in good condition.

For more information on using beneficial insects, see the BioBugs display at the Centre or call the Horticulture Services Department at (416) 397-1355. Order form on next page.

BioBugs order form

SendorfaxtheorderformtotheCentre.IfyouareusingVISAorMasterCardcall397-1355, Fax 397-1354. All prices include G.S.T. and shipping.

Please check:

£ ) Gall midges

[ Encarsia formosa

[ Australian lady beetles

Ay Spider mite predators

[ Ladybugs

[] Green lacewings

[] Trichogramma

$18.35

$22.95

$18.35

$22.95

$18.35

NAME PHONE (DAY)

ADDRESS CITY POSTAL CODE

C.G.C. MEMBERSHIP NUMBER

TOTAL AMOUNT CHEQUE ENCLOSED

VISA MASTERCARD EXPIRY DATE

PAYABLE TO CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE

CARD NUMBER EXPIRY DATE

SIGNATURE

In thelibrary

By Pamela MacKenzie, Civic Garden Centre librarian

The following books on flower arranging andflowercraftsarerecentadditionstothe library:

e Turner, Kenneth. The floral decorator. London, Weidenfeld and Nicolson, 1993.

e Pritchard,Tom andJarecki, Billy. Trade secrets: finding and arranging flowers naturally. New York, Clarkson Potter, 1994.

e Vagg,Daphne. NAFAScompletestep-bystepflowerarrangingcourse. London,Ebury press, 1993.

e Hill, Fionna. Country-style flowers.

Willoughby, NSW, Weldon publishing, 1992.

e Inufer, Geraldine Adamchi. Tussiemussies: the Victorian art ofexpressingyourself in the language offlowers. New York, Workman publishing, 1993.

e Lersch, Gregor. Wellsprings of my floristry. Giinzburg, Donau-Verlag, 1993. (Text in German, English and Japanese.)

¢ Bott, Paul. A roomful offlowers. New York, Harry N. Abrams, 1992.

¢ Moore, Terence. The captured harvest: creatingexquisite objectsfrom nature. North Pomfret, VT, Trafalgar Square pub., 1993.

Looking For A Good Thyme?

or Parsley, Sage or Rosemary?

Indulge your culinary fantasies with your favourite selection of herb plants from WoobHILL GARDEN CENTRE

You may also gratify your wishes for a traditional English Border with our selection of perennial plants or pick up a few annuals to add that final colourful accent to your garden

FREE THYME

Upon presentation of this coupon and a purchase of $20 or more receive one free 4" pot of Thyme in the variety of your choice from WoODHILL GARDEN CENTRE

Not validwith any other discount, coupon or offer Valid May 1 to May 31, 1994

Spring cleanup, garden projects, pruning, planting or book now for garden maintenance. Willalsocleanwindowsbothinside and out. Reasonable rates. References provided. Call Stephen (416) 362-7434. (]

Merlin s Hollow: English flower garden, off Centre Street in Aurora, open: Saturday, May 14

Saturday, July 2

Sunday, July 10 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Freeentrance,rareseedsandplantsforsale from the garden.

Information: (905) 727-8979.

Designingyourgarden? Let me help you with small improvements or major redesigning. Special expertise with bulbs and antique roses. Estimates. References. Isabelle Robinson, (416) 487-7233.

ity

Teachers, parents, grandparents:

adventure abounds

TheC.G.C.tourguidesleadhikesinEdward Gardens and Wilket Creek Park for children s groups from the beginning of May until themiddle ofOctober. Theseoutings offer great opportunities for learning, exploration and fun.

If you know of a school class, Brownie pack, daycare centre, or other youthgroup which might be interested in this adventure, have them call Helen, (416) 397-1355 for further information.

Lastyear, morethan 1,800 children took part in this program.

VOLUNTEER CORNER

Carolyn Dalgarno, Marilyn King and Anthea O Regan, volunteer department

The Centre s Herb sale willbe held this yearon May 13. We need volunteers for set-up on May 12 as well as for the sale on May 13, May 14 and May 15. Volunteers are desperately needed for the Civic Garden Centre s Sale of annualplants. Ittakesabout100volunteerseachworkingafour-hourshifttostaff this sale. Ifyou have any time available fromMay 16 through May 25, please call us at 397-1351. It is particularly difficult to fill the evening and week-end shifts.

DAYS/TIMES:

May 16 and 17

May 18

May 19 and 20

May 21 and 22

May 23 - 25

Annuals arrive at 9:30 a.m. ; need volunteers to help unload and display

Members pre-order pickup. Volunteers needed for regu lar shifts between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Public Sale. Volunteers needed for regular shifts between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Sale will continue between noon and 5:00 p.m. on these days

Public sale continues 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

JOB DESCRIPTIONS:

Cashier

Cashier helper

Plant sales

Plant carryout

Plant care

Members pick up

Plant sale setup

Master Gardeners

A knowledgeofcash registerprocedures and theability to handle cash in busy times.

AllVISA,MasterCardand chequetransactionswillbepassed to the cashier s helper afterbeing rung into the cash register.

The important task of selling. Helping people locate the plantsthey wantquickly. Communicationskillsarehelpful.

It s our service that makes the difference! Assist people to their cars with their purchases. Carts are available.

Volunteers are often moved to this position from other tasks. Involves watering and often filling tables and moving plants.

Orderformsareplacedinalphabeticalorderandhandedto members when they arrive.

A time for physical activity. Often dirty but always fun!

Welike to have someoneoneveryshiftwhoisknowledgeable and able to advise. The members and the public have come to rely on this important service.

A guide to the Centre s plant sales, 1994

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 transporting your purchases to your car!

Mark these dates on your calendar.

Sale of perennial plants

Members day: Friday, April 29, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Public sale: Saturday and Sunday, April 30 and May 1, noon to 5:00 p.m.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, May 2, 3 and 4, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Bring your membership card to receive your 10% discount.

Hanging basket sale

Wednesday, May 4, noon to 5:00 p.m.

Bring your membership card to receive your 10% discount.

Thyme for herbs

Members day: Friday, May 13, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday, May 14 and 15, noon to 5:00 p.m. Bring your membership card to receive your 10% discount.

Sale of annual plants

Members order pick-up, Wednesday, May 18, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Place your order by May 2 to receive your 10% discount on this day.

Public days:

Thursday, May 19, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Friday, May 20, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 21, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 22, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Monday, May 23, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Encourage your friends and neighbours to shop for exceptional plants at competitive prices at our sales.

Coming events at the Centre

May 1-4

¢ C.G.Csaleofperennialplants,10:00a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

e QOriental art master class, course #4111-2

e Sogetsu: intermediate course, #4131

* Hardy perennial geraniums: the latest, course # 4146

¢ Men s Garden Club, meeting, 8:00 p.m. 4

¢ C.G.C. hanging basket sale, noon to 5:00 p.m.

¢ SouthernOntarioOrchidSociety,show, noon to 6:00 p.m.

e SouthernOntarioOrchidSociety,show, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 9

e Southern Ontario Orchid Society Newcomers meeting, 7:30 p.m.

e North Toronto Horticultural Society, meeting and plant sale, 8:00 p.m. Speaker: Mary Mordy; topic: Poisonous plants

e Xeriscaping,notzeroscaping,course#4154 11

e Jkebana International Chapter #208, meeting, 7:30 p.m.

e Innovativeplantings: trellisandgarden structures, course # 4120-3 12

e Great gardens ofthe Pacific Northwest, course # 4169-1 13

e C.G.C.saleofherbs,10.00a.m. to5:00p.m.

¢ Tkenobo Ikebana: Japanese flower arranging, course # 4115 14

e C.G.C. sale of herbs, noon to 5:00 p.m.

¢ Canadian Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society, sale, 10:00a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 15

¢ York Rose Society, meeting, 2:00 p.m.

e Ontario Rock Garden Society, meeting, 1:30p.m. Speaker: HarryJans;topic: Cream of European alpines.

e C.G.C. sale of herbs, noon to 5:00 p.m. 16

e (Clematisforeveryseason, course#4120-4 17

e Toronto Cactus and Succulent Club, meeting, 7: 30 p.m.

e Perennials: the latest and greatest, course #4146

e C.G.C. sale of annual plants, members day, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

e Rhododendrons, azaleas and companion plants, course # 4159

e Pressed flowers, course # 4107 19

e Winning ways with flowers, course # 4114-2

e Great gardens of the Eastern seaboard, course # 4169-2 19 -20

e C.G.C. sale of annual plants, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

21-22

¢ C.G.C. sale of annual plants, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

¢ TorontoAfricanVioletSociety,show,noon 23

¢ C.G.C. sale of annual plants, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

e 1001 great garden ideas, course # 4135

e Metropolitan Toronto Regional Parks master plan, open houseand meeting, 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. Public welcome. 25

Intermediate/advanced flower arranging, course # 4114-3

e AnEdwardsFoundationgardenevening with Marjorie Harris, 7:30 p.m.

e Prairie and meadow gardens, course # 4113

e Canadian Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society, meeting, 7:00 p.m.

28-29

¢ Rhododendron Society, show, noon to 5:00 p.m.

Bulk Ennombre third troisiéme class classe

S 12139 TORONTO

May we invite you to join us?

TheCivic GardenCentre 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 and clinics

¢ flower shows

® lectures

¢ The Trellis Shop (garden supplies, plants, gifts and books)

* Trellis newsletter garden tours horticultural library soil testing service gardening hotline Master Gardeners' activities plant sales fund-raising activities

Member discounts apply on many of these activities.

Volunteers:

ThetalentsandenthusiasmofCivicGardenCentrevolunteerspermitofferingavarietyofprograms and special events. Ifyou are able to offer time on a regular or as-needed basis, please contact our volunteerco-ordinator.Volunteerjobsincludetourguides,shopsales,libraryassistants,secretarial, reception,horticulturalassistant,committee memberoravolunteerposition tailored to 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

New member el Please print:

Renewing member []

Single membership ~ $30

Family membership ~ $40

Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms

Gift membership L] e

Donation, tax deductible -

Total Apt.

Method of payment

[ Cheque (payable to the Civic City Garden Centre)

[JvisA []MasterCard

Card number

Expiry date

Postal gadle

Telephone (home)

Signature (business)