Trellis

The newsletter of the Civic Garden Centre in Metropolitan Toronto April, 1996 Volume 23, Number 4

Toronto s Unique Resourcefor Rare, Unusualand Essential Perennials sized forinstant show

The Civic GardenCentre s

POTTING SHED

Opens onFriday,April26

For the pick ofthecrop beamong the first to selectfromourSpring Collection. Bring yourbooks, yourquestions, your friends. Expert adviceis yours for theasking. And ifwedon t already stockyour heart s desire we will sourceit foryou.

Do noT REMOVE FROM

C.G.C. member

WeekdayHours: 9:00a.m. -5:00 p.m. discount 10% Thursdays: 9:00 a.m. -8:00p.m. Weekends: 9:00 a.m. - noon

Civic Garder Contra General In

TheCivicGardenCe )semission istoactasa central r tal issues by encouraging int ating and interpreting inform rs of the community.

Located in Edw« in North York, the Centre ser s Ontario. The Civic Garden Trellis s, exhibits and shows. Please «

Hours:

Summer(April1to( noon to 5:00 p.m. V weekends and holic

Telephone: Area c

Main number: 397Rentals: 397-1349

Library: 397-1340

Gardening hotline:

Board of directors:

Chair: Lynne Robbins

Members: Peter Boeckle

Lindsay Dale-Harris

John Dean

Annette Dunne

Mark Hartley

John Howard

Lorraine Johnson

Gwen Kearney

Nancy Laurie

Barbara Mayer

Mary Mingie

David Money

Maureen Naylor

Anthea O'Reagan

Helen Shaw

Roger Silverthorne

Robin Wilson

1holidays 4:00 p.m.;

Staii embers:

Executive director: Manager, community and educational programs: Bonnie Hillman

Diana von Appen

Co-ordinator, volunteer and membership:

Linda Heimlich

Co-ordinator, children s programs: Margot Mather

Horticulturist: Stephen Westcott-Gratton

Librarian: Roslyn Theodore

Trellis editor: Iris Hossé Phillips

Manager, marketing and special events: Carolyn Dalgarno

Trellis Shop manager: Joel Lavine

Trellis Shop assistant manager: Barbara Stevenson

Plant buyer: Ellen Eisenberg

Manager, administration and facility rentals: Betsy Chubb

Maintenance supervisor: Walter Morassutti

Administrative assistant: Shirley Lyons

TRELLIS

Volume 23, Number 4

Editor: Iris HosséPhillips

Editorial co-ordinator: Leslie Lynch

Advertising information: (416) 397-1340

Printed by Raised Image, Etobicoke, on recycled paper

Trellis ispublished ten timesa yearasamembers newsletter by the Civic Garden Centre, 777 Lawrence Avenue East, North York, Ontario M3C 1P2. Telephone: (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 May 15 will be included in theJuly/August issue of Trellis.

Opinions expressed within Trellis do not necessarily reflect thoseoftheCentre. Submissionsmaybeedited forstyleand clarity.

Editor s note

By Iris Phillips

LastweekIwasatadinnerwithgardening friends and our conversation turned to childhood memories of sweet-smelling flowers, freshly picked fruit, and crunchy new vegetables. I recalled that I loved golden ripe gooseberriesand thedelicious dessert gooseberry fool .

In fact, last summer I wanted to make that dessert for my children but could not find a source of fresh gooseberries. My neighbour found some at a farmer s market but they were expensive and too tart. Therefore, this spring I am planting two bushes for the family.

Two books that were very helpful in decidinglocation, careandselection ofvariety are the Harrowsmith Gardener s Guide Berries edited by Jennifer Bennett and Success with SoftFruit editedbyLesley Young. I was intrigued to learn that currants and gooseberries have a reputation for hosting white pine blister rust. The disease is fatal to Scotch pine, white pine, and other five-needle pines. Perhaps this factor has made these shrubs unpopular with the home gardeners. Canada has no lawsforbiddingtheplantingofRibes;however, someAmericanstateshave rules that prohibit planting the currant and gooseberry shrubs near white pines.

The good news from recent research confirms that blister rust is spread by the nativegooseberry,thewildcurrantandthe European black currant and not the cultivatedvarieties. |nowwillnotworryabout my neighbour s Scotch pines.

I still have not decided on the variety I am going to plant. The usual trade-offs in selection are present: outstanding flavor but long thorns; fewer and shorter thorns but not great flavor. I am leaning towards Welcome and would like to hear from members about their favorite variety.

THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE

Tuesday, April 23, 7:30 p.m.

Speaker: Lorraine Johnson, author and gardening activist

Topic: Gardening and Community

TheannualmeetingoftheCivicGardenCentrewillbeheld at7:30p.m.,Tuesday, April23. Afterthebusinessportionofthemeeting,LorraineJohnsonwillpresent a slide-illustrated talk which will celebrate the garden s potential for creating healthy communities.

Gardeningisoftenthoughtofasasolitarypursuit a connectionbetweenthe individual,soilandplants. Thistalkwillexplorethelargercontextofthegarden: the ways that our gardens fit into the community landscape and what our gardens say about us and our ideas about community.

From the dominant North American aesthetic of lawn (as the most common landscape form) to alternative expression such as community food gardens and naturalizedpaths,thegardenswecreatehaveaprofoundimpactonthecollective space of our shared community.

Lorraine Johnson is author of The Ontario Naturalized Garden: The Complete Guideto UsingNativePlants, TheRealDirt: TheCompleteGuide toBackyard,Balcony and Apartment Composting which she co-authored with Mark Cullen and Green Future: How to Make a World of Difference. She has written extensively for gardening publications, was host for Harrowsmith Country Life on the Discovery Channel and among her numerous volunteer positions is a member of the Board of Directors for the Civic Garden Centre.

There is no chargefor this lecture.

Spotlight on volunteers

By Linda Heimlich, membership and volunteer co-ordinator

New volunteer opportunities are sprouting at the C.G.C. Areyou looking foruniquevolunteeropportunitiesattheCivicGardenCentre? There s somethingforeveryone. Formoreinformationaboutthefollowingpositions,pleasegive me a call at (416) 397-1347.

. HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE to provide hospitality during C.G.C. events including monthly Edwards Foundation garden evenings and special programs.

. PROGRAM REGISTRARS to take registration for programs and courses at the C.GE

J EVENTPHOTOGRAPHERS tophotographeventsforpromotionsandarchives.

. PROGRAMSVOLUNTEERCO-ORDINATOR torecruitandco-ordinateskilled and enthusiastic volunteers for positions in the programs area.

J PLANTLOVERS,HELPERSANDSALESCASHIERS toensuresmoothrunning of our plant sales and seasonal nursery.

. MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL CAMPAIGN CALLERS to encourage renewal of lapsed memberships.

. CHILDREN SPROGRAMCO-ORDINATIONASSISTANT to greetand direct parents and children when they arrive for programs.

. TRELLIS SHOPWEEKENDVOLUNTEERS to greet and assist customers, assist cashier, and maintain displays.

L LIBRARY TERRACE GARDENERS to prepare and maintain an attractive and educational display of plant material in the library s terraced courtyard.

o HORTICULTURAL RESEARCHER to assist with research for special events, courses, plant sales and lobby displays.

. EXHIBITVOLUNTEERS tostaffC.G.C. exhibitsonsiteandoff. Topromotethe Centre s programs and services, and provide horticultural information to the public.

. MARKETING ASSISTANT to collect, track and mount newspaper and magazine clippings of references to the Centre, and document TV and radio time.

Promoting membership has its rewards

Do you know someone who would like to join the Centre? The moment couldn t be better to talk to them about membership!

Until June 30, members who sell five or more new C.G.C. memberships will receive a $25 Trellis Shop gift certificate as a special thank you. All participants will receive their gift certificates early in July.

Everyone benefits: the new member you ve introduced to the gardening information available at the Centre; you, when you choose your gift from the Trellis Shop; and the Centre where programs are supported through membership fees.

The fine print: When you sell a membership, write your name and membership number on the bottom of the membership application form, or have the new member mention your name if purchasing by telephone.

The (anadian Plant Sourcebook

1996/97 Edition

Theindispensableguidetofindinghardyplantsin (anadaisbackfor a third edition. Perfectforboth thekeenamateurgardenerseekingnewplants,or 4 fortheprofessionalhorticulturalist. Available Spring, 199b.

To order, send cheque for $18 (P&P included; tax exempt):

The Canadian Plant Sourcebook 93 Fentiman Avenue

Ottawa, ON K1S 0T7

Tel. (613) 730-0755

Fax (613) 730-2095

Stonyground Institute for Garden and Landscape Studies

Three One-Day Workshops: Summer 1996

1. June 23

Wild and tame: Native Plants in Gardens: LorraineJohnson (author of The Ontario Naturalized Garden)

2. July 7

The Genius ofthe Place: Respecting the Topography. Douglas Chambers (author of The Planters ofthe English Landscape Garden; Stonyground: TheMaking of a Canadian Garden)

3.July 21

Historic Elements in Gardens: Restoration and Preservation: Mark Laird (author of The Formal Garden)

($125.00per workshop; $350.00for all three)

For further information call (416) 978-4129 or write to Stonyground Institute, P.O. BOX 943, Walkerton, Ontario NOG 2V9 Trellis, April 1996

Books in review

Reviewed by Susan Perenack

THE 400 BEST GARDEN PLANTS.

By Elvin McDonald. $56

This noted American writer/designer concentrates on easy-to-thrive, minimum care varieties. The cream of the crop includes trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and bulbs. Each listing has a large color photo, thorough description, maintenance instructions and best uses. A good guide on avoiding costly and timeconsuming mistakes.

THE LATTICE GARDENER.

By William C. Mulligan. $49.95

Usingbothapracticalandscholarly L/ »-k "" <o approach, the author reveals the ? A magicand endlessversatilityofthis i medium. Fromclassicalgazebosand arbors in world famous gardens to & clever concealmentoftool sheds and trompe l'oeils for new perspectives, ~ Mr. Milligan unfolds the possibilities ¥ of this ancient structure. He also includes detailed plans for five projects. And by the way, the picket fence originated in China.

MAKING TWIG FURNITURE AND HOUSEHOLD ITEMS.

By Abby Ruoff. $24.95

The fun begins with finding and gathering materials and ends with the satisfactionofcompletingausefulitem for the home. Clear, easy-to-follow directions for simple things like picture frames and garden trellis to the more ambitious loveseat and folding screen ensure success. Includes over 40 pieces. The foolproof instructions and practical projects make this book a winner.

Wildflower mdGarden Tours

Gardens ofVancouver

June 17 to 21, 1996, C$785, fromVancouver Leader: Barbara Wilkins

Wildflowers ofthe Rockies

July7 to 20, 1996

US$1595, from Denver Leader; MarionJarvie

Gardens ofScotland

September 6 to 20, 1997

C$3995, from Glasgow Leader: Allen Paterson

Wildflowers ofChina

May 25 to June 18, 1997

C$4995, from Kunming Leader: PeterCunnington

Formoreinformationpleasecall: 416-221 3000 toll free 1-800 -387 1483 <

Special events highlight spring at the Centre

By Stephen Westcott-Gratton, Civic Garden Centre horticulturist

1996 is already shaping up to be a great year at the Civic Garden Centre. Several specialeventshavebeenorganizedthrough the Department of Horticulture.

Pest Diagnostic Clinic

Beginning in June there will be a onedayPestDiagnosticClinic. MarilynDykstra who runs the Pest Clinic at the University ofGuelphwilldeliverashortlectureabout what we should be keeping an eye out for this season. She will be joined by Mark Sabourin, staffplant pathologist and entomologist at U. of G., to have a look at samples of bugs and slime, which we are encouraging our members to bring in on the great day. It almost amounts to an incentive to start the season offbadly!

Free Summer

Lectures

We will also be continuing the series of free summer lectures. Judith Adam will kick off in June with a lecture focusing on achieving successivebloom in the garden. She will be followed in July by Mary Perlmutter who will speak on her particular area of expertise: organic gardening. Anna Leggatt will wrap up the series in August when she describes how to transform a conventional front yard into a gorgeous garden. We are indeed fortunate to have such an august panel, all three of whom are consummate speakers, Centre members, and Master Gardeners to boot.

Expanded Soil-testing Service

Anotherexcitingdevelopmentfor'96is ourexpanded soil-testing service. InadditiontotestingforpHandsaltlevels,wewill now include analysis for the three major nutrients associated with healthy plant growth: nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Test results will also include recommendations foramendingnutrient levels where necessary.

And more ...

The C.G.C. tour guides have had their first meetings of the season, and will be holding a series of four training/refresher sessions inApril. They are all impatient to get out into the park, and new traineeguides are always given a warm welcome. The Department ofHorticulturewill be hiringa part-timehorticulturistduringthe busy summer season to help spread the workload,and toensurethatthereissomeone on duty seven days a week. This personshouldbeinplacebythetimeyouread this.

Spring isalwaysabusy time oftheyear with an ever-increasing number offlower, garden,and tradeshows,allofwhichserve to make us more eager than ever to get out into our own green patches and start the spring cleanup.

in.

Areyouaplantjunkie?

By Oksana Chmelyk

If you're not sure, keep reading and find out if I am describing you, too! I am. I know it now and I am not ashamed. It's a healthy addiction, but beware. It takes over your mind and your soul.

In your dreams, you ll work and sweat, redesigning garden beds. You'll wake up andbetired,butyouwon tstophere. You'll get dressed and go out, stand there and stare. Is that plant happy over there? Its leaves are droopy, its stems are weak, it probablywon tevenbloom thisyear. You better move it, and so you do. It will do better over here. You keep on going from bed to bed, a little weeding here,deadheadingthere. Thedaywillend, but way too soon. You will not finish,but youcannotsee. You'vestrainedyoureyes anditistimetogoin. Youwash,eatandgo to bed, but you will not sleep oh no! you will not! Your mind is still racing with ideas of all sorts. Of plans for tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow.

And you ll work hard and sweat and wakeupalltired andguesswhat? you 'll do it again.

Oksana Chmelyk,a CivicGarden Centremember, runs Loon Designs in Uxbridge.

Cruel April? Not atthe Civic Garden Centre!

By Diana von Appen, manager, community and educational programs

April is the cruellest month except at the Civic Garden Centre. This month brings programsmeanttostemthetideofdespair that washes over us when we think that spring will never arrive.

Some exciting examples include Sonia Day sworkshoponWritingforGardening Magazines a weekend course which will appeal to your creative spirit. Orperhaps you need an immediate contact with plants,inwhichcase,GrowingBonsaiTrees is anexcellentoutlet. If thinking globally, actinglocally is yourmantra, come out to the Edwards Foundation garden evening onApril23 whenLorraineJohnsonwillbe speakingaboutthegardeninthecontextof community.

Don' t let the April blahs get you down come and feel the warm breezes at the Centre.

Traditional & ContemporaryBasketry

Sunday April 28 11-5

Civic Garden Centre

Special Exhibit Minia-chairs

Refreshments/Free admission

The Basketry Network

Rosa rugosa notes arrive in mail

Infollow-uptocommentsaboutRosarugosa in the February Trellis, Anne Graber ofthe Canadian Rose Society library, provides some further ideas.

While Blanc Double de Coubert is an excellentvariety,shealsosuggestslooking at the Canadian Explorer roses, such as Henry Hudson orJens Munk.

And, for reference, she suggests the Pickering Nurseries catalogue as a good source of information.

Questions and answers with the Master Gardeners

Q. I had powdery mildew affecting my lilacs last year. Can I prevent this?

A. Spray with lime sulphur in mid-April to control overwinterspores. Themildewoftenstartsinmidsummerwith heavy overnight dews. To prevent re-emergence at this time, use lime sulphur or a systemic fungicide such as Benomyl. Controlmeasuresshouldbeappliedbeforesymptoms occur, otherwise control is difficult.

Lilacs are often susceptible to powdery mildew.

Q. Ihavea rooftopgarden. What plants will withstand wind, heat andfull sun?

A. Try ornamental grasses such as Briza maxima (quaking grass), Lagurus ovatus (bunny tail), Helictotrichonsempervirens(blueoatgrass) orHordeum jubatum (squirrel tail). Vines could be Dutchman' s pipe (Aristolochia), rose or trumpet vine (Campsis). Herbs would include rosemary, oregano and marjoram. For annuals, try Transvaal daisy (Gerbera jamesonii), zinnia and marigolds (Tagetes). Sedums, sempervivum and cacti should do well.

Ornamental grasses do well in a rooftop garden.

Q. Can I plant Alberta dwarfspruces in an open, south facing locaton in Markham?

A. It'snotideal, as these attractive small evergreens willwinter-burnbadlyinexposedconditions,unless theyareburlap-wrappedeveryyear. Youcouldvisit a nursery and see other dwarf evergreens that are more tolerant ofexposure. Mugho pines or junipers would be more successful.

Dwarf Alberta spruce does best in a sheltered position.

Thanks to Vivien Jenkinsonfor illustrations.

Gardening questions? Call the Master Gardeners Hotline (416) 397-1345 daily, noon to 3:00 p.m.

From the library

By Roslyn Theodore, Civic Garden Centre librarian HERB SALE

Periodicals now circulate

Backissuesofperiodicals in the libraryare nowpart ofthe circulating collection. Starting May 9

Six journals may be borrowed at a time with a limit of two issues per journal title. In the IObby Thelendingperiod isthesameasforbooks (threeweeks) and a fineof15¢ peritemper day will be imposed forjournals overdue. - <

If you would like to borrow an issue,

= pleasespeakwith thelibrarystaffmember i on reference/circulation duty for assist-

ance. The current year of journals will cuIinary herbs continue not to circulate.

Please be very careful with these journals: they are not as sturdy as books!

Forthelove of éardens.

When you're at work on the garden you love, remember Sheridan Nurseries. At Sheridan, A we have expert staff to help you, and the finest selection of nursery stock in Canada, including over 750 types of plants 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 landscapedesigners offer everything from peerless consultation and planning to complete construction and mainte r)'lance sgervices. All for the love of SHER]DAN gardens, at Sheridan Nurseries.

ETOBICOKE MISSISSAUGA TORONTO KITCHENER

UNIONVILLE

700Evans Avenue 606SouthdownRoad ~ 2827 YongeStreet 100ElmsdaleRoad 4077Hwy. #7

EtobicokeM9C1Al MissisaugaL5]2Y4 TorontoM4N2J4 KitchenerN2E 1H6 Unionville L3R 115

Tel: (416) 621-9100 Tel: (905) 822-0251 Tel: (416) 481-6429 Tel: (519) 743-4146 Tel: (905) 477-2253 GARDENSBYSHERIDAN:Metropolitan Toronto, Markham, Mississauga andOakville Tel: (905) 822-7575 e e -

Sale of perennial plants

Featuring:

e over 40 species and cultivars of Clematis

» exciting and unusual perennials

e ornamental grasses and ferns

e the famous Blooms of Bressingham

Shop early; many exotic perennials are in limited supply. This year's sale will have the best selection ever from even more new sources. All plants subject to grower availability.

The finest quality perennials are only $2.59 for a 9 cm pot. More mature plants are in larger pots and are available at a higher price. Members receive 10% off all plants purchased any dayduring this sale with their C.G.C. membership card.

There's a perennial for any site

Semi-shade perennials

Ajuga (Bugleweed)

Andromeda (Bog Rosemary)

Astilbe (False Spirea)

Aubrieta (False Rock Cress)

Bergenia (Rockfoil)

Brunnera (Siberian Bugloss)

Calceolaria (Pocket Book Plant)

Digitalis (Foxglove)

Dicentra (Bleeding Heart)

Draba

Echinops (Globe Thistle)

Filipendula (Meadowsweet)

Gentiana (Gentian)

Heuchera (Coralbells)

Hibiscus (Mallow)

Lamium

Linum (Flax)

Lobelia

Lupinus (Lupine)

Lychnis

Lysimachia (Loosestrife)

Monarda (Bergamot)

Myosotis (Forget-meNot)

Papaver (Poppy)

Phlox

Platycodon (Balloon Flower)

Polemonium (Jacob s Ladder)

Primula

Saxifraga (Saxifrage)

Thalictrum (Meadow Rue)

Tiarella (Foamflower)

Shadetolerant

Athyrium (Lady Fern)

Dryopteris (Shield Fern)

Hosta (Plantain Lily)

Lamiastrum (False Lamium)

Matteuccia (Ostrich Fern)

Polystichum (Sword Fern)

P

When?

Members day: Friday, April26 10:00 a.m. to 7:00p.m.

Public sale days: Saturdayand Sunday, April27and 28 9:00 a.m. to5:00p.m.

Trellis, April 1996

Sun-loving perennials

Fragaria (Strawberry)

Achillea (Yarrow)

Aconitum (Monkshood)

Ajuga (Bugleweed)

Alcea (Hollyhock)

Alchemilla (Lady s Mantle)

Anaphalis (Pearly Everlasting)

Anemone

Antennaria (Cat's Paw)

Anthemis (Marguerite)

Aquilegia (Columbine)

Arabis (Rock Cress/Wall Cress)

Arctostaphylos (Bearberry)

Arenaria (Sandwort)

Armeria (Thrift/Sea Pink)

Artemisia (Wormwood)

Aruncus (Goatsbeard)

Asclepias (Butterfly Flower)

Aster

Aurinia (Basket of Gold Alyssum)

Baptisia (Wild Indigo)

Bergenia (Rockfoil)

Campanula (Bellflower)

Catananche (Cupid s Dart)

Centaurea (Mountain Bluet/ Cornflower)

Centranthus (Red Valerian)

Cerastium (Snow-in-Summer)

Ceratostigma (Plumbago/Blue Leadwort)

Chelone (Turtlehead)

Chrysanthemum

Cimicifuga (Bugbane)

Cirsium

Coreopsis (Tickseed)

Delphinium

Dianthus

Dictamnus (Gas Plant)

Digitalis (Foxglove)

Doronicum (Leopard s Bane)

Draba

Echinacea (Purple Coneflower)

Echinops (Globe Thistle)

Erigeron (Fleabane)

Eriophyllum

Erodium (Storksbill)

Eryngium (Sea Holly)

Euphorbia (Spurge)

Filipendula (Meadowsweet)

Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)

Galium (Sweet Woodruff)

Genista (Broom)

Geranium (Crane s Bill)

Gypsophila (Baby s Breath)

Helianthemum (Sun Rose)

Heliopsis (False Sunflower)

Hemerocallis (Daylily)

Hesperis (Sweet Rocket)

Heuchera (Coralbells)

Hibiscus (Rose Mallow)

Houttuynia (Chameleon Plant)

Iberis (Candytuft)

Inula

Iris

Kniphofia (Torch Lily/Red Hot Poker)

Liatris (Blazing Star/ Gayfeather)

Ligularia

Limonium (Sea Lavender/ Statice)

Lysimachia (Loosestrife)

Macleaya (Plume Poppy)

Monarda (Bergamot/BeeBalm)

Nepeta (Catmint)

Oenothera (Evening

Primrose/Sundrop)

Papaver (Poppy)

Penstemon (Beardtongue)

Phlox

Physostegia (Obedient Plant) i | -3

Platycodon (Balloon Flower)

Polemonium (Jacob s Ladder)

Potentilla (Cinquefoil)

Pulmonaria (Lungwort)

Pyrethrum (Painted Daisy)

Rodgersia

Rudbeckia (Coneflower/ Gloriosa Daisy)

Salvia (Sage)

Saponaria (Soapwort)

Scabiosa (Pincushion Flower)

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sempervivum (Hens and Chickens)

Sidalcea (Prairie Mallow)

Stachys (Lamb s Ear)

Stokesia (Stoke's Aster)

Thalictrum (Meadow Rue)

Trollius (Globeflower)

Verbascum (Mullein)

Veronica (Speedwell)

All plants subject to grower availability.

Ornamental grasses

Alopecurus (Meadow Foxtail)

Arrhenatherum (Bulbous Qat Grass)

Carex (Sedge)

Festuca (Fescue)

Imperata (Japanese Blood Grass)

Phalaris (Ribbon Grass)

Spring Programs 1996

fousfailduen

at the Civic Garden Centre

Want to beat the winter blues?

Welcome the coming of Spring with our new Children and Family Programs at the Civic Garden Centre located in beautiful Edwards Gardens. The Centre offers children ages 4 to 13 years and their families an opportunity to explore a variety of interesting topics through hands-on activities including painting, sculpture, stories, experiments and more, in one of the six-week Saturday classes or one-day weekend workshops.

Family WOT (ShOpS

The following workshops are designed to provide children and parents/caregivers

Saturday, June 15

Walk on the Wild Side!

1:00 to 2:30 p.m. . the opportunity to discover, play and create together. Explore the CHVITONS of the Civic Garden CCHFIC The workshop fees are per family. under the guidance of a knowledgeable naturalist. A family may include up to two adults and three Participants will learn about the history of the Don children. River Valley ofwhich Edwards Gardens makes up a small part. Learn about the flora and fauna, past and present, of the Don River Valley. Dress comfortably for walking and weather. For children 5 years and older and adults ofall ages. members $10 non-members $12.

Cdll (416) 397-1340

Saturday, April 6 for a registration form.

Let s Eggs-periment!

1:00 to 3:00 p.m. T

Using dyes from natural sources, participants will experiment to create a spectrum ofcolourful eggs. . . Learn also how eggs help our gardens as they break Reglstration down into compost and begin seedlings for a summer Check to make sure your registration show ofcolour using eggshells and egg containers as form is complete! We cannot process incomE mters. For children 7 years and older and adults of plete registrations.

o Registrationmaybedonebyfax, mail, members $16 non-members $18. telephone or in personand programfees paid by cheque, cash, Visa or Mastercard. As registraSunday, May 12 tion is on a first-come, rst ser\éed basifimailed regis: a trations will be processed according to date received.

Fig?:lznfo(; Ealnbow glease malée cheques payable to tl';e (f(wzfc (garden : $ ¥Ry entre and note course name on back of cheque. Fees Create a colourful collage ofannuals to brighten will befullyrefunded ifclass iscancelleddusfzo insufyour yard or balcony. A wonderful gift for Mom or a ficientenrollment. Refunds will be made in case of friend (or treat yourself!) to a delightful assortment cancellation up to one weekbefore the class starts, ofannuals which will fluorish throughout the sum- subject to a 15% administrative charge. Written or mer. Bring a clay pot (35 cm in diameter) or win- tefleph{)ne cfon rmatlor]}W }Ibgmgd?within 10ldays dowbox for planting. All other materials will be pro- 23156;69?«[1034% ?& 3;; ; ;546 ee vided. For children ages 5 years and older - o and adults ofall ages. members $18 non-members $20.

Six-week Saturday Programs

April 13 to May 25 (no class May 18)

Discovering our Roots

10:00 to 11:30 a.m.

In this class children will gain an understanding of the deeply rooted connections between people and nature. Using all oftheir senses children will experience the impact that plants have upon our daily lives. Activities will include planting seeds, making pot pourri from herbs and spices, identifying a tree through touch, making music with plants and much more!

members $72 non-members $78

April 13 to May 25 (no class May 18)

A Garden Smorgasbord of Creative Arts

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Explore the weird and wonderful world ofcarnivorous plants and depict them larger than life using specialty painting techniques such as trompe d oeil, marbling and stencilling. Learn about the root systems, foliage and head parts ofplants and interchange them through mix n match flipbooks. Explore the worlds ofweaver ants and create a magical woven bush using natural objects such as wool, feathers, twigs, etc.

members $90 non-members $98

April 13 to May 25 (no class May 18)

Imaginary Gardens, Ideal Worlds

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Where would you most want to live ifyou could create your ideal environment? Whether it be a garden, strange planet or elsewhere, participants will have the opportunity to develop several different environments of their own design using a variety ofmedia including clay, paint, natural and hi-tech found materials.

members $90 non-members $98 s on an individual basis)

April 13

Creating Colours from Nature

1:30 to 4:00 p.m.

Make a selection ofnatural dyes using materials such as onion skins, walnuts, and blueberries. Experiment with these colours using fibres such as cotton, wool, silk and paper to test for colour strength and fastness. Time permitting, participants will use their dyed materials to create a magical wind sock. members $20 non-members $22

April 20

Get Growing!

1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Spring has arrived and gardens will soon be ready for planting. Choose from a variety of seeds and small plants to begin an indoor miniature greenhouse. Learn when young plants may be safely planted in the ground and how to tend to them throughout the growing season.

members $16 non-members $18

April 27

Herbs, Spices

& Other Things Nice!

1:00 to 3:30 p.m.

Herbal folklore has been a part ofmany cultures for hundreds ofyears. Learn how some common and unusual herbs have been used throughout history and into the present and take home a potted sample to plant in the garden or keep on the windowsill. Using a variety ofherbs participants will create a culinary treat to delight the senses!

members $14 non-members $16

May 4

More Than Meets the Eye: The Inside Story of Plants

1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Discover what lies hidden within the trunk of a tree or a familiar fruit or vegetable. After dissecting their specimen , participants will make sketches of their observations and use a technique ofoverlaying acetate sheets to depict the inner layers of their own particular plant. members $14 non-members $16

May 11

Gardening For Wildlife

1:00 to 3:30 p.m.

Have you ever noticed the same birds returning to your yard day after day? Do you wonder why?

Participants in this workshop will learn what plants attract birds, butterflies and other flying fauna and plant a miniature garden to entice these small inhabitants to their yard or balcony. (Bring along a clay pot approx. 35cm in diameter. Other materials will be provided.)

members $18 non-members $20

May 25 (Rain date June 1)

Cattails, Water-striders and Tadpoles

1:00 to 3:30 p.m.

Explore the pond and river ecosystems that surround the Civic Garden Centre. Participants will search for and collect samples of indigenous flora and fauna and also make some tests ofsoil and water to gain insight into the health ofour local environment. Come prepared to wade into the river, i.e. rainboots and warm socks. Participants may bring nets to collect insects.

members $18 non-members $20

Plant of the year: Penstemon digitalis: Husker Red

By Anna Leggatt

Plant of the Year is a label that seems veryconfusing.Ourneighbourstothesouth go in for advertising hype, but how can therebesomany?Well,differentorganizations choose a plant or plants that are particularly good. These may be All America Award winners, National Garden Bureau selections, new plants introduced by nurseries or, as in this case, one chosen by the Perennial Plant Association.

Penstemons,orpents,astheyareaffectionatelycalled,arealargegroupofplants onlyfoundinNorthAmerica. Theybelong to the snapdragon family (my favourite) andmoreorlessaretheequivalentofEuropean foxgloves.

The common name is beard-tongue. The flower shape is rather like that of a foxglove that started to turn into a snapdragon and suddenlyrealized that it must stay open for small bees to get in to pollinate. Penstemons range from tiny plants, forming mats high in the Rockies, to two metre highbeauties lining the road sidein theplains. Youmayfindafieldofskyblue, beautifulclumpsofpinkflowersorpatches of firecracker red. Locally, we can find the hairybeard-tonguegrowinginsunny,fairly dry places where the rain quickly drains.

Penstemon digitalis is found in thewild in fields and open woods from South Dakota toMaineand upintoCanada. Itis not very noticeable, unless in a mass. It has spikes of airy clusters of white flowers.

Husker Red was selected and introduced in 1983 by Dr. Dale Lindgren at the University of Nebraska. It is an especially useful garden perennial as this form has good,bronze-redfoliage.Thebudsarepinkish opening to white. At approximately 75cm, it is eye catching when in flower in

JulyandAugust,andstunningatanytime. I have had several plants over the last few years. It seems happy in an ordinary, butwelldrained perennialbed. Itprefersa slightly acid soil plenty ofcompost will

beenough toprovide this,unlessyoursoil isveryalkaline. Itdoesnotlikewinterwet. Minedied when they stood in a puddle of melting snow. You canuseitatthebackof the border or as a specimen plant. : I am wondering about re-creating my redandorangebed. Iwanttotrytheleaves to add colour and the white flowers to mute some of the screaming scarlets! Husker Red can be used as a cut flower. MyplantscamefromseedIgrew.Don't do this! Buy the plant. Seedlings vary in sizeandinthecolourintensityoftheleaves. Somemayevenbegreen. Whenyourplant is established, you can take cuttings from thenewgrowthbeforeflowering. Another way is to divide your plant in the early spring before growth starts. Deadhead to keep the plant robust. (Remember, only a few seeds will be as good as the parent.)

Lookfor HuskerRed attheCivicGardenCentre and your local nursery.

Trellis, April 1996

(Anna Leggatt isa TorontoMasterGardener,a member of the American Penstemon Society and a mad rockgardener.)

A new nursery offering:

Quality, Service and Information for the gardener g3 will be having is GRAND OPENING!!!!

Saturday April 1396 1387 Bayview (atthecornerofMcRae Street)

Bayview Gardenssupplies onlyqualityannuals. perenmnials,flowering :I m«b:. roses andevergreens. Qualifiedannualandperennial experts will be on handforallyourgardeninginformation needs

Tryourstate oftheartcomputerized Plant andGardenEncyclopedia Information atits best!!

Special Services also offered perennial consuliant, landscaping services. delivery locally. conage country

and hangiag

Special

for Easter will be on sale

8am - 8 pm, 7 days a week

Please call: 483-6098 for moreinformation

GARDEN CENTRE) olctures sculptures tigurative Shateact

CLASSIFIED

buds (plants and bulbs). Special gardens make magicbecome real. We hopeto help bring you that stuff of dreams. Unusual and beautiful perennials and hardy bulbs (includingover20typesoflilies!) Opening again April 15, at 21 Vaughan Road (Bathurst and Vaughan) from10 a.m. to dark. (416) 658-5029. http:// web.idirect.com:80/~bulbs/index.html

DINING WITH HERBS. Recipes tested and compiled by members of the Herb Society ofAmerica, southernOntarioUnit. On sale inTrellis Shop. $18.

Do you need someone to care for your garden while you are away this summer? For help with planting, maintenance and watering, call Sonja Leigh at (416) 4212447. "

Merlin s Hollow garden openings, 1996. Located offCentreStreet inAurora. Entry free. Saturday, May 11: spring bulbs and earlyperennials;Saturday,June8:fragrant garden, thyme lawn, old-fashioned roses; Saturday,July 6 and Sunday,July 14: perennial borders and water garden. Plants and seeds sold on open days only.

LoonDesignsSpring1996cataloguemight bejust the thing to fulfill those PlantJunkies or New Plant Lovers dreams. For a catalogue, send $3 (tax included), redeemablewithfirstorder,to: LoonDesigns,R. R. # 1, Uxbridge, Ontario L9P 1R1. Phone/ fax: (905) 852-5455.

Correction: Weekend staff photos in March issue of Trellis incorrectly identified Allison Hiscock as Allison Hicks.

@ GREAT PRIVATE GARDEN TOURS @'

Enjoy splendid gardens on the Centre s summer get-away garden tours conducted by Bayla Gross, who has taken our members on many wonderful excursions in the past few years. Working with Bayla is Patricia Singer, author of the forthcoming book, The Good Garden Guide.

ThetourswillleavebyairconditionedmotorcoachesfromtheCivicGardenCentreat8:45 a.m. sharp and will return by 6 p.m. Tours include transportation, lunch and refreshments en route.

Other gardens will be added time permitting.

$67 - members

$77 - non-members

" TOUR #1 - Brantford, Hamilton and Ancaster -Wednesday, June 19,1996

Although wehave visited Hamilton area gardens on a past tour, newgardens have surfaced which are definitely a must see .

Reverie, the garden of Gary and Joan Burns

This prize winning garden unfolds at a leisurelypace revealing influences which reflect theBurns travels inIndia and theOrient. Abuddha sitsinabed ofsempervivumunder a pruned lilac and an arched bridge crosses a dry stream to an elegant lily pond and waterfall.

Robin s Rest, the garden of Margaret and John Cousens

Pyramid oaks define the entrance to this award winning country garden which consists ofa series ofsmallerthemed gardenrooms, surroundedbyforest. A flightofsteps leads to a terrace where lavendar spills over drystone walls filled with pink lilies and mauve phlox. This garden won first prize in Canadian Gardening s 1995 Garden of the Year contest.

Armoury Hall Gardens ,the garden of Marguerite Larmand

Built in 1906, the Armoury was a military structure for cavalry training which has now been transformed into studios, a gallery and living space. Interesting ground covers create carpets for a variety of shade plants and the owner s sculptures which appear throughout the garden. Strong plantings of foliage mix with delicate flowers. A stone walkway is softly edged with Baby s Breath amd Cosmos. The dainty red flowers of DutchessofAlbaClematis spread acrossthedrivewaytoaborderofornamentalgrasses and bamboo. A sunken garden and water features add further interest.

The Cliff, the garden of Anne and Edward Hobson

The 1860 stone house and garden, situated at the top of the escarpment, evoke an era of croquet and tea on the lawn. The approach via a long winding lane suggests a rural setting, leavingonequiteunprepared forthespectacularviewoverthecityofHamilton. The 95 foot long perennial border provides a vision of summer opulence. There is a collection of 150 old shrub roses from around the world.

Trellis, April 1996

Slade s Garden, the garden of Ron and Joan Slade

InthislargeAncastergarden a curving lawnleads past flowerbeds filled withdelphiniums, spikes of golden lysimachia and lilies. A fishpond beneath a waterfall nestles into a lush cedar hedge. An aviary full of tropical finches is reached by a flagstone path.

Lunch will be at the quaint Ancaster Mill. A glass-walled dining room in a woodland setting overlooks a picturesque waterfall, a mill stream, and the intact 1792 grist mill.

TOUR #2 - Oshawa and BowmanvilleWednesday, July 10

Marvin s Garden, the garden of Marvin Belfour

Thisshow-stoppinggardenreflectsitsowner spassionforplants atleast1000different plants! Over 200 species of rose provide a spectacular array. A borrowed view of the Thornton woods extends the garden beyond the fence line. From a public walkway passersby enjoy the vista of curved borders and island beds filled with irises, daylilies, peonies, malva, campanulas, delphiniums and poppies.

Our lovegarden, the garden of David and Lenore Derham

In theveryheartofOshawa,theownershavesuccessfullycreatedatranquilandsecluded orientalgardenonasmallcornerlot. Thespaceiscleverlydividedbydifferentlevelsand beautiful screens and arbours. A gazebo doubles as a potting shed. Pathways lead through lushgreenareasenhancedbyJapaneseornamentsand a miniaturebridgeleads to a dry river bed winding between sculpted topiaries, shrubs and small trees.

Sharbriar, the garden of Sharon and Brian Edey

AformergravelpitnearBowmanvillehasbeenmagicallytransformedintoanexhuberant Englishcountrygarden. Spillingoverthewalkwayleadingtothisprettyblueand white heritage style house are lush plantings of spirea goldflame, columbine, straw flowers, peonies, daisies and delphiniums. This garden appears in David Tarrants Canadian Gardens and was featured in the Feb./Mar. 1995 issue of Canadian Gardening

The garden of Phyllis Stewart

Step through a cedar pergola into this whimsical garden. Throughout the garden, birdhousesinvitewingedtenantsandfolkartfiguresfascinatetheviewer. Fromtheherb garden,aclematiscoveredarbourleadstoawatergardenandthentoacoolroomshaded by mature trees. Sheltered from the street, thebeds ofthis delightful cottage garden are a riot of colour.

Lunch - will be at the Parkwood Garden Teahouse, nestled within the exquisite formal gardens of the Parkwoood Estate. The Teahouse overlooks a 225 foot long ornamental pool with formal gardens. Throughout the twelve acres ofbreathtaking grounds, statuary, complements beautiful vistas of mature trees in a landscape planned by Dunnington - Grubb.

Please register early as these tours sell out quickly

Registration form:

To register: mail or fax (416 397-1354) this form to the Centre. To register by phone, call (416) 397-1340.

Great private garden tours

D Tour # 1 June 19

D Tour#1 July10

Members $67 Non-members $77

NUMBER OF MEMBERS NUMBER OF NON-MEMBERS

Members $67 Non-members $77 JL

NUMBER OF MEMBERS NUMBER OF NON-MEMBERS

NAME PHONE

ADDRESS

MEMBERSHIP NUMBER

Coming events at the Centre

April

® Orchid judging centre, 1:00 p.m.

* Let'seggs-periment!,familyworkshop, 1:00 p.m.

* SouthernOntarioOrchidSociety,meeting, 1:30 p.m.

e Toronto Bonsai Society, meeting, 7:00 p-m.

* North Toronto Horticultural Society, meeting, 8:00 p.m. Speaker: Larry Sherk, chief horticulturist, Sheridan Nurseries. Topic: Shade gardening.

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

* Toronto Bruce Trail Club, meeting

¢ C.G.C.Saturdayprograms, 10:00 a.m.: Discovering our roots

A gardensmorgasbord ofcreativearts

Imaginary gardens, ideal worlds

. Creatingcoloursfromnature,1:30p.m.

13-14

e Toronto Gesneriad Show, noon to 5:00 p.m.

* Ontario Rock Garden Society, meeting,1:30p.m. Speaker: Dr.NickolasNickou. Topic: Available but unused

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

e Canadian Wildflower Society, sale, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

* Society of Ontario Nutgrowers, auction, 1:00 p.m.

¢ C.G.C. Saturday program, Get growing!, 1:00 p.m.

* Geranium and Pelargonium Society, meeting, 2:00 p.m.

* York Rose Society, meeting, 2:00 p.m. Speaker: Gloria Lauris Ekoly. Topic: Exhibiting roses in a show.

¢ Rhododendron Society, sale, 6:00 p.m. 23

¢ C(Civic Garden Centre, annual general meeting, 7:30 p.m. Speaker: Lorraine Johnson

¢ (CanadianChrysanthemumandDahlia Society, meeting, 7:00 p.m.

26 to May 4

¢ C.G.C. sale of perennial plants

e C.G.C. Saturday program: Herbs, spices and other things nice!, 1:00 p.m.

¢ Candian Rose Society, sale, noon to 4:00 p.m.

e Basketry Network, sale.

Membership Renewals

The changesannouncedto membership renewal in the March issueof Trelliswill not proceed. Memberships will be renewed throughout the year; for example, if your membership is due on October 1, 1996 you

MycologicalSociety,meeting,7:00p.m. will receive your renewal then.

THROUGH THE GARDEN GATE

A tour of private gardens

Saturday, June 15 and Sunday June 16 noon to 4:00 p.m.

This year featuring the gardens of Riverview Drive, Teddington Park and Mason Boulevard. Details in May issue of Trellis.

Admission: $15 (an additional $1 if you would like your tickets mailed to you)

Tickets will be available at the Civic Garden Centre, after April 30.