TRELLIS
Saturday June 15 and Sunday June 16 Noon to 4 p.m. Admission $17.00 Complimentary Shuttle Bus Service between gardens
Civic Garden Centre General Information
TheCivicGardenCentreisavolunteer-based,not-for-profitorganizationwhosemission is to act as a central resource forgardening, horticulture and allied environmental issues by encouraging interest; promoting involvement; and gathering, disseminating and interpreting information in order to enhance the quality of life for members of the community.
Located in Edwards Gardens, at Leslie Street and Lawrence Avenue East in North York, the Centre serves members throughoutMetropolitanToronto and across Ontario. The Civic Garden Centre is pleased to rent facilities 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
Library: 397-1340
Trellis Shop: 397-1357
Courseinformation: 397-1340
Fax: 397-1354
Gardening hotline: 397-1345 (hours: noon to 3:00 p.m.)
Board ofdirectors:
Chair: Lynne Robbins
Lindsay Dale-Harris
Staffmembers:
Executive director: Bonnie Hillman
Manager, community and educational programs: Diana von Appen
Co-ordinator, volunteer and membership: Members: Peter Boeckle
John Dean Linda Heimlich
Annette Dunne
MarkHartley
Co-ordinator, children s programs: Margot Mather
Horticulturists: StephenWestcott-Gratton
John Howard Sheila Smith
Lorraine Johnson
Gwen Kearney
Librarian: Roslyn Theodore
Trellis editor: Iris Hossé Phillips
Nancy Laurie Manager, marketing and special events:
Barbara Mayer Carolyn Dalgarno
Mary Mingie
David Money
Miamesi Nayios
Trell?s Shop i Joel Lavine
Trellis Shop assistant manager:
Barbara'l Stevenson
: Plant buyer: Ellen Eisenberg
hen . Saa Manager, administration and facility rentals: &ET, ¥
Helen Shaw Betsy Chubb
Roger Silverthorne
Robin Wilson
Maintenance supervisor: Walter Morassutti
Administrative assistant: Shirley Lyons
2 An Edwards Lecutrewith
DavidCrombie
Volunteeropportunities
Rooftop gardenworkshop
Botanicalillustationinwatercolor Through theGardenGate
Summerout-of-town garden tours
TRELLIS
Volume 23, Number 5
Editor: IrisHosséPhillips
Editorialco-ordinator: LeslieLynch
Adpvertisinginformation: (416) 397-1340
Printed by Raised Image, Etobicoke, on recycled paper
Trellis ispublished ten timesayearas amembers 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 weekslater. Forexample,materialreceivedbyMay15willbe included in theJuly/August issue of Trellis.
Opinions expressed within Trellis do not necessarily reflect those oftheCentre. Submissionsmaybeedited forstyleand clarity.
Allrights reserved. Reproduction in whole orpartis prohibited without written permission.
Editor s note
By Iris Phillips
Two months ago, we learned from Anna Leggatt that Penstemon Husker Red was declared the perennial of the year. I have recently received notification from the American National Garden Bureau that 1996 is the year of the radish . (Who has enjoyed reading The Diary of a Thinking Radish by Nobel Prize winner Sir Peter Medwar?)
When my children were young I grew the radish Cherry Belle because it was tastyandmaturedinjustoverthreeweeks. This year, I am growing the white oriental radish thathas a long carrot-like root. This varietyisexcellentrawandanumberofmy cookbooksstatethatitisalsodeliciousina stir-fry or steamed. I'll report on this after the harvest.
I am very fond of hedges. Lately on walksthroughmyarea withmydog,Tess, I am amazed at the number of wooden fences that are invading the neighbourhood. Living hedges seem to be out of fashionjust at the time when we are being educated about creating an ecologically sound environment in our garden space. Hedges are perfect screens and provide privacy from the public space. They are alsoashelterforbirdsandwildlifeandcan provide food during the seasons.
Tapestry hedges provide interest to the garden. This year I am adding two varieties: Saskatoonberry, Amelanchier alniforia and nannyberry, Viburnum lentano. My search for Shepherdia canadensis, buffaloberry, continues.
Through the Garden Gate tour price increased
TheCentre had hopedtoholdthisyear s tourprice atthe previous$15 level; however, as advertised in this Trellis, the cost has been raised to $17. Trellis,
AN EDWARDS LECTURE
Wednesday, May 29
7:30 p.m.
Speaker:
David Crombie
Topic:
The Waterfront Regeneration Trust
DavidCrombieisnostrangertoTorontoaudiences. Heservedasmayorfrom 1972 to 1978, and later, as the Conservative member for Rosedale riding, he held numerous portfolios in Ottawa. In 1988, he was appointed commissioner of the RoyalCommissionontheFutureoftheTorontoWaterfront, followedin 1992,with an appointment as chair of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust Agency.
In its final report, the Royal Commission on the Future of the Waterfront established the nine principles that guide waterfront regeneration to this day: clean, green, accessible, connected, open, useable, diverse, affordable and attractive.
The Commission left another legacy that of co-operation. Along the north shore ofLakeOntario from HamiltontoTrenton,people havebanded together to achieve unparalleled success in creating the new 325 km. Waterfront Trail. Join us this evening to learn what has been accomplished and what is yet to come.
The Edwards Foundation Garden Evenings are funded by the Edwards Charitable Foundation. There is no admission chargefor members ofthe Centre; non-member, $4. Trellis, May 1996
Volunteer opportunities at the Centre
By Linda Heimlich, co-ordinator, volunteer and membership
Occasional positions:
Programs and education
e event hospitality committee
Plant sales
* May 9 to 12, Herb Sale set-up, cashiers and sales assistants
e May 15 to 19, Annuals Sale set-up, cashiers and sales assistants
Through the Garden Gate
e June 15 and 16, bus hosts/hostesses
e June 15 and 16, refreshment table
e June 15 and 16, three volunteers to position signage on participating gardens
Membership
e May to September, membership sales on site
e quarterly, membership renewal campaigners
Seasonal positions:
Plant sales
e now through September, The Potting Shed (plant sales station) knowledgeable sales people and cashiers
Regular positions:
Trellis Shop
e weekend volunteers, cashiers and sales assistants
» weekday volunteers, cashiers and sales assistants
e retail book returns clerk
e horticultural supplies reorder and restock
Weekends:
Canyou contribute one weekend shiftpermonth? TheCGC needsyourhelp,especially on weekends.
Call (416) 397-1347 if you are interested in our volunteer opportunities.
New course offered:
Rooftop garden workshop theory and how-to
Rooftops are a city s greatest untapped resource acres and acres of empty space just waiting to be used! Imaginedriving along anindustrial strip and viewinga sea ofgreen instead of the sea oftar, asphalt and gravel that now exists. Imagine looking out ofyour downtownofficewindowandseeinga meadowofindigenouswildflowersinsteadofair handling units and roofvents. Imagine growing vegetables on top ofyour garage the one that takes up most of your back yard!
Ifthese images are intriguing, then the Civic Garden Centre has a workshop for you!
The workshop will outline a how-to approach to roofgardening. The first evening will introduce the concept and possibilities of green roofs, including the environmental and social benefits, and the next three evenings will explore the similarities and differences among green roofs, roof gardens and terrace/balcony gardens, including discussions on materials, plants, growing medium and construction. A small-scale hands-on installation for the Civic Garden Centre will finish the workshop.
The instructor is Monica Kuhn, a Toronto architect who specializes in small-scale residential projects, permaculture design and rooftop gardens. Monica is a founding member of the Rooftop Gardens Resource Group and a frequent lecturer on the subject of urban greening and sustainable design.
Wednesday, May 8, 15, 22, 29, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Cost: members, $65; non-members $75
To register, call (416) 397-1340.
BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATION IN WATERCOLOR FOR
ADVANCED PAINTERS
with Pamela Stagg
Saturday to Wednesday
July 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration fee:
$180, members; $200, non-members
PamelaStagg isaCanadian botanical artist who has achieved international recognition. She holds the prestigious Royal Horticultural SocietyGold Medal forherpaintingofan iris.
An enthusiastic teacher, Pamela enjoys developing the talents of all herstudents. Aformerstudent now exhibits internationally.
This is an intensive workshop in the techniques of painting highly detailed, realisticbotanicalsubjects. Demonstrations and exercises will be combined with painting practice, individual instruction and feedback. Advanced watercolor painting skills are required. Experience in botanical painting, while welcome, is not required. A materials list will be mailed to registrants prior to the course start date. Please being a lunch to each session.
Training program in interior plantscaping
Niagara College
A weekend study program leading to a certificate in Interior Plantscaping. Classes take place at Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington. Forinformation, contact Office ofThe Registrar, Continuing Education, Niagara College, P.O. Box 1005, Woodlawn Road, Welland Ontario L3B 5S2.
Business Opportunity
The inventor of a patented clay wick used to maintain an ideal moisture level in soil is looking for an investor/ business partner.
Ron Caisley 15 Hubbard Blvd. #24 Toronto, Ontario M4E 1A2 (416) 698-8362
Chandler & Company
Landscape Designers and Contractors A complete residential landscape service
During May:
Come to the Centre s spring salesforinteresting, unusual and reliable plant material for your garden. e sale of perennials to May 4 e sale of annuals, May 15 to 20
Proceeds help fund the community programs
Perennials [over 1000 varieties], Roses [over 4500in stock], Annuals [connoisseur varieties], Bog (Water) Plants, Ornamental Grasses
Horticultural Seminars, Saturdays at 10 am. March - April BrockRoad, North Pickering (1 mile North of401) 683-5952
T ur@ug u the Garden Gale
A tour of19 ofToronto s bestprivategardens
Dates: Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16
Time: Noon to 4:00 p.m.
Nearest subway stop: York Mills Shuttle bus service will run from the south exit of the station.
Admission: $17
The gardens of Riverview Drive, Teddington Park and Mason Boulevard
This year, Through The Garden Gate takes in a small segment of North Toronto. Riverview Drive and Teddington Park are close to each other; three gardens have been chosen on Doncliffe and Forest Glen, immediatelynorth ofTeddington Park. The route is clear and easy to follow, walking, cycling or on the shuttle bus.
The tour:
Thereissomethingforeveryone: froma small secretgarden featuringperennials, specimen shrubs, trees and a spectacular vista overlooking the treetops to a 13-acre property with wildflowers, fountains, fruit trees and perennials.
Somegardensweredesignedbylandscapearchitectswhileothersaredevelopedand gardened bytheir owners. Several ofthe gardens are only a fewyears old while others, in keeping with the area, are mature. A walk along any of these streets is a special treat and an experience. Experience the feeling of country as well as the sophistication of the city all within a few blocks.
How the tour works:
Whenyoupurchaseaticketforthetour, amapispartofthatticket. Youcanstartthe touratanypointanddothetouratyourownpace. TheCGCwillarrangetohaveaMaster Gardenerineverygardentoansweryourquestionsandhelpidentifyplantmaterial. The gardens havebeen chosenforthetourbecauseofparticularelements ofdesign, interesting plant material orfor the creativeorunusualtreatmentofthepropertyas a whole. A complimentaryshuttlebus service will runfromthesouth exitoftheYorkMillssubway and service both areas of the tour.
To purchase tickets:
Ordertickets bycalling(416)397-1340orbyreturningtheorderformonpage9.VISA andMasterCardareaccepted. Foranadditional$1 servicecharge,yourticketscanbesent out to you if your order is placed early.
The touroccurs rain orshine. Ticketsare not interchangeableand thereareno refunds. Proceeds helpfund the community programs ofthe CGC.
Summer out-of town garden tours
Don t delay! Sign up now.
Individual gardens are described in the April issue of Trellis.
Tour # 1
BRANTFORD, HAMILTONAND ANCASTER
Wednesday, June 19
Cancellation date: June 12
Highlights:
Members $67 Non-members $77
a prize-winning garden reflecting the influence of the owners travels to India and the Orient a sunken garden and water garden in the armory the 1995 Garden of the Year selected by Canadian Gardening a rural garden on top of the escarpment overlooking Hamilton a large Ancaster garden with a waterfall and aviary with tropical finches
Lunch provided at the Ancaster Inn.
Tour # 2
OSHAWA AND BOWMANVILLE
Wednesday, July 10
Cancellation date: July 3
Highlights:
Members $67 Non-members $77
» a garden with over 1,000 different plants and 200 species of roses
* a secluded oriental garden on a small corner lot in the heart of Oshawa
» aformer gravel pit near Bowmanville that has been transformed into an English country garden
* a whimsical cottage garden with folk art figures and birdhouses, a herb garden, water garden and a cool garden shaded by mature trees.
Lunch at the Parkwood Garden Teahouse.
Registration form
To register, mail or fax (416) 397-1354 this form to the Centre. To register by phone, call (416) 397-1340.
J Monica Kuhn: Rooftop garden workshop
May 8, 15, 22 and 29
Through the Garden Gate
[ Saturday, June 15 $17
(J Sunday,June 16 $17
Member $65 Non-member $75
Number of tickets
Number oftickets
[ Please mail my tickets ($1 charge per order)
Great private gardens tours
(1 Tour #1
June 19 Members $67 Non-members $77
Brantford, Hamilton and Ancaster
[ Tour#2
July 10 Members $67__ Non-members $77 Oshawa and Bowmanville
(J Pamela Stagg: Botanical illustration in watercolor
July 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17
NAME PHONE
ADDRESS LTy
CGC MEMBERSHIP NUMBER
Member $180 Non-member $200
POSTAL CODE
TOTAL AMOUNT CHEQUE ENCLOSED (PAYABLE TO THE CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE) D Visa D MasTERCARD CARD
Spring programs honor the earth
By Diana von Appen, manager, community and educational programs
Well,we'rereceivingthosehighly-coloredflyersfromthenurseriesagain,soitmustbeMay! Flower Quiz - can you match But as you plunge your hands into the newly thecommonnamestotheLatin? warmed planet,thinkabouthowyoucantake (answers on page 11) bettercareofit. Thismonth,theCGCwillgive you all the hints you need: adult courses | 1. Dicentra a. columbine include backyard composting and organic gardening. TheEdwardsFoundationevening featuresDavidCrombie( tinyperfectmayor | 3. Aquilegia c. bleeding heart ofyore)speakingabouttheWaterfrontRegeneration Trust, of which he is chair.
Monica Kuhn returns after her lecture on | 5. Centaurea e. beebalm rooftop gardening to teach a course. Participants will get the opportunity to construct miniatureroofgardensatopbirdhouses. That | 7. Heuchera g. foxglove the environmental benefits of these gardens are rich and varied will be obvious in the resulting educational exhibit for the Centre. 9. Monarda i. coralbells We arefortunate tobe able to contribute to Earth s bounty; let s do so with the reverence she deserves.
SERY SALES\ LTD.
2. Echinacea b. wormwood
4. Aconitum d. globe thistle
6. Artemisia f. monkshood
8. Echinops h. coneflower
10. Digitalis j- bachelor s button
CRAFTS & NUR
RE- OPENS FRIDAYMay 3
Free gift to every purchaser opening weekend
CLASSIFIED
GardenWorksbyDeborah.Perennialspecialist, consultant,designer,teacher. Everythingtomake your garden work...a pleasure and treasure! For qualified, personal and affordable care, contact Deborah Riley, (416) 929-3294. L]
GalapagosIslands,November3-15.AlsoMachu PicchuandMacawLick. Birdwatchingandbotany tours to Iceland, Greece, Belize, coastal Georgia. NEwIN199! For Newsletter, call George Bryant at Natural OUR History Tours, 1-800-371-7779 or (416) 223-6922.
CHELsEACorNER! [ L :
Wanted to buy: British Gardens Illustrated, G i g, "-'\f back issues. Judith Wolfe, R.R. # 2, Madoc, OnEnjoy the experience! Y tario KOK 2KO0. (613) 473-5643.
Open every Fri., P ° Sat., Sun. & Mon.
Answers to Latin quiz (frompage10)
Thefinestselection ofold and newgarden accentsfrom Canada, 1. 30 615 Europe and U.S.A. 2§ sy 1094 Derry Road West.4 Kms W.of Guelph Line. Ly o 905-336-1398 : 39 9 e
Tell a friend about the benefits of membership
Whenyou'rea memberoftheCivicGardenCentre,yougettotakeadvantageofbenefits not available to non-members. For example: library borrowing privileges great adult and children s courses and programs at a reduced rate advance notice of courses, programs, events and plant sales free admission to our Edwards Foundation lecture series volunteer opportunities throughout the Centre Trellis newsletter delivered to your door. None ofthis is news to members, but do you perhaps take these goodies for granted. Haveyouevertoldanothergardeneraboutthereasonsthatyoujoined theCentre? They could be looking for a place just like this one! Boost the Centre it s good for everyone!
Questions and answers with the Master Gardeners
Q. [Thavesomebarespotson mylawn.HowdoIre-seed these?
A. The day before seeding, water the area thoroughly. Remove all dead grass by raking and scratch up theearth. Sprinkle peat moss lightly on the surface. Use first-grade grass seed, sprinkle it uȤ /v on the patch, cover with a board and tread down. Makesurethattheseed ispressed firmlyincontact with the soil. Remove the board and put a little more peat moss on. Water gently with a watering canor sprinkler,being carefulnot to wash thepeat away. Keep thearea moistcontinuouslyfortwoto threeweeks. Theseedshouldgerminateinsevento ten days. When established, water once a week.
Tread the seed firmly into the earth when re-seeding bare patches.
Q. Idon't like using chemicals. What organic care can I usefor fruit trees?
A. Use dormant oil in early spring before bud break. Use strips of corrugated cardboard, 2 to 6 inches wide, wrapped around the trunk, about two inches above ground level. Set the corrugated side against the trunk and seal with masking tape. Moths willlay their eggs inthis. Check frequentlyand destroy the eggs. Cut pieces ofyellow plastic (such as from a detergent bottle, No-name variety). Put one piece in each of several plastic sandwich bags. Cover the outside ofthebags with Tanglefoot and hang them on the branches. This will trap insectssuch as ants and prevent them from setting up
Use stickytraps and lures for organic control offruit 00 o, aphid farms in the tree. You can buy traps with lures for apple maggot and hang them in the tree.
Q. My soil is pH8.5. How can Iamend it? PH scale
A. Use iron sulphate at a rate of seven to nine pounds (3 to4kg) per 100 square feet. 56 6045 70 7;" 8.'= 8 -5 Donotusealuminiumsulphateasitcanbe Acid Alkaline toxic to plants.
Much of Ontario has alkaline soil. Rhododendrons and blueberries need acid oil. Thanks to Vivien Jenkinsonfor illustrations.
Gardening questions? Call the Master Gardeners Hotline (416) 397-1345 daily, noon to 3:00 p.m.
Books in review
Reviewed by Alma Ireland
READER S DIGEST, THE COMPLETE CONTAINER GARDEN,
By David Joyce. $39.95
' Inthisone,beautifully-illustrated, book can be found all the suggestions you will need | to practice an increasingly| populargardeningstylewith . success. The500ormorefull. colorphotographsaddtothe . informative text. Included | are sections describing i planting designs, container ~ choices(standardandunusual),andplantsuggestions frombulbstoflowers,andsmalltreestotopiaries. The author alsoinstructs on pest control, propagationand artistic mixing of plants.
Thefinallargesectionisa directorygroupingflowers, foliage, herbs, vegetablesand fruit,berry-producing plants and grasses; all by color and complete description. Listed alphabetically by botanical name (common names are included in each entry), more than a thousand are described.
LOIS HOLE'S PERENNIAL FAVORITES.
By Lois Hole withJill Fallis. $19.95
Lois Hole, award-winning Canadian gardening expert and greenhouse operator, has written a very enjoyable book combining common sense and practical wisdom. She shares tips on the care of 100 of her favorite perennials, illustrated with " more than 430 colorphotographs. She revealsherexperienceandloveofplants while describing choice, colors, and height, blooming periods, light, water and nutrient needs, how and when to plant, and solutions to common problems. Thevalueofthisbookisillustratedbythehighrecommendations of garden writers and TV garden show hosts.
Wildflower mdGarden Tours
Gardens ofVancouver
June 17 to 21, 1996,
C$785, fromVancouver Leader: Barbara Wilkins
Wildflowers ofthe Rockies
July 7 to 20, 1996
US$1595, from Denver Leader: Marion Jarvie
Gardens ofScotland
September 6 to 20, 1997
C$3995, from Glasgow Leader: Allen Paterson
Wildflowers ofChina
May25 to June 18, 1997
C$4995, from Kunming Leader: PeterCunnington
Formoreinformationpleasecall: 416-221 3000 toll free 1-800 -387 1483 WORLDWIDE QUESTINTERNATIONAL 36
Canada M2N 2G9
Plant of the month: Anagallis monellii: Skylover
By Anna Leggatt
As a child I always looked out for scarlet pimpernelsinthecorn(wheat)fieldsasthe grainwasripening. Theyweresmall,straggly plants with tiny, slightly washed out, scarlet flowers with pointed petals. They looked like small red stars spangling the ground. They seemed to grow in dryish places,moreorlessawayfromotherplants. Theywereinnowayspectacularandwould not be considered for the garden.
HolidayinginFrance,Ifoundasimilar plant with bright, darkish blue flowers. The leaves seemed greener and the length of the bare stem was less, but it was still straggly. I felt it had possibilities for the garden. Checking my book, I discovered that the plant belonged to the primrose family,andwasanannual. ItwasAnagallis arvensis and the blue was the subspecies foemina, which is rare in Britain.
... theywere easily 2 cm across and a clear, vivid blue!
Last year, I was delighted to find a garden-worthypimpernel. Glossy, elliptical leaves, about 2.5cm long, were in pairs along trailing stems. Their slightly glossy green color set off the familiar flowers of my childhood, but they were easily 2cm across and a clear, vivid blue! I immediatelyboughtsomeandputtheminabedin full sun where the soil was not rich and well drained. I had blue flowers till frost. Plants that went into the garden near the endofMaygrewreallywell,butthosethat were planted a month later were disappoining. When I cleared the bed in the fall, I found that the root growth was poor in those that were planted later. I
thinkthe plants need coolerconditions for a good start.
Youcanuse Skylover inhangingbaskets. Takeitinsideinwinterandgrowiton thewindowsillbutmakesureyouhavenot brought any small creatures in, too. You can take cuttings to increase your stock. I am hoping that it has self-seeded and the plants willbe liketheirparents,butwe will see!
Look for Skylover in nurseries that haveunusualperennialsandchecktheCivic GardenCentreannualssale. Otherstolook forarethespecies(Anagallismonellii)which is blue with a red centre and the variety Sunrise which is red.
(Anna Leggatt is a Toronto Master Gardener and a mad rockgardener.)
ew urser
Qua'i r}_/, service, and vaviety for all your gardening needs
1387 Bayview /McRae annuals, perennials, owevihg shrubs, roses C\V\C, everg reens.
ggecial Services
Landscape design & consulfing, de|iver¥
8 am-8pm, 7 days a weelk For move info, please call 483-6098
THE TRELLIS SHoP
AMETALWORK BY CLARE SCOTT-TAGGART
f
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Our shop carries a large selection of N J j Rusty Girl garden sculptures, created < A by ClareScott-Taggart.
wal]
}rellis 82'hx 30U 5"curve
V4" creel rod verticals with Soll'd. ¢teel +ips and o Sealed rust+ £inish. Th,s Frellis has plenty of cross-members +o asSist
Your olimb[nj roseS, a Sub+le curve 4o add dc P'H'\ and stability and a charm all its own to delight in ovr snasy Canadian Winters.
jarden stakes \l( '?F\
3( ", 4 8 ' wnl 72"}
4" steel rod with Solid Steel ips sealed rvst+ Ffinish.
Give Your mosSt willow\! Lil q litHe Support or just use as an in \'rfjuinj element in Your Summer o Wintep 3ar d0n. |
Sweet pea cage 55055k aGld :
Wire work with sealed rust 1cl'nl:Sh. Fitds ina large planter for deck. or patio 34f'demr17, or just pop it in thegarden. Perfect for Sweet peas, clematis, passion Vine or nagstortivms.
Jasmine caqe 33"hx 5'%'d
Fits in a b" pot for houseplanfs. r famin wild herbs or [v{nj direction o Ljour Unrulj ivy-
Visit The Trellis Shop when searching for beautiful and unique wedding gifts. Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: noon to 5:00 p.m.
A small listing to tempt you to visit...
For full sun-partial shade: l I I E
CAMPANULA POSCHARSKYANA (Serbian bellflower) p O ' I lN( ;
This old-fashioned cottagegardenplantisagem.Itisavigorous creeper and very compact, perfect for clambering amongst Oriental poppies, then g l- ' E conveniently filling in when they disappear after blooming. Pale blue, starry flowers bloomon12 (30cm)stemsfromMaytoJuly. Itisagreatgroundcoverandalsoexcellentin containers.
THALICTRUM ROCHEBURNIANUM
LAVENDER MIST (meadow rue)
Columnsofdelicateblue-greenleavesprovide an elegant background in the sunny or partially shady border. From midsummer well into autumn, airy sprays of tiny, lavender-pink,yellow-stamenedflowersbloomon purple stems, high above the foliage. This is an unusually beautiful, seldom-seen plant.
For full sun:
PHYSOSTEGIA VIRGINIANA VARIEGATA (obedient plant) sl
Its mauve-pink flowers in late summer to early fall are an added _ Obonusofferedbythisexcellentmid-borderplant.Itsrealgreatnessisits grey-greenandwhitefoliage,whichprovidesanunusualandwelcome contrastinthesunnyperennialgarden. (Itisalsodelightfulinarrangements of cut flowers.)
SCABIOSA
COLUMBARIA BUTTERFLY BLUE' (pincushion flower)
Somewhatshorterand more double thantheold-fashioned Scabiosa, Butterfly blue provides abundant flowers, great for cutting, on tidy clumps from May to October. Who could ask for anything more for the front of a sunny border?
VERONICA
X 'GOODNESS GROWS' (speedwell)
Thisrecentcultivarhasitall! Itproducesspikeafterspikeofbeautiful,deepbluepurpleflowersoveranextraordinarilylongperiod fromJuneoftenintoSeptember. It is tolerant of our sub-zero winters as well as our frequent summer droughts, and it s a great cut flower.
For partial shade:
GENTIANA ANDREWSII (bottle gentian) @ From late summer into fall, clusters of bright royal blue flowers are produced on top ofleafygreenstems. The flowers are showy,yetunusual intheirintriguingrefusaltoopen,maintainingtheappearanceofbundlesofminiature balloons.
LOBELIA CARDINALIS
(cardinal flower)
This is our native Lobelia or cardinal flower. In the past, gardeners have tried to grow it, only to find that it doesn t survive over winter. The one we are offering is a proven winner. Blooming majestically from July through September, its clear red flowersenhancevirtuallyanycolourcomposition,anditstallspiringhabitisunusual and welcome in the shady garden.
For shade:
LAMIUM MACULATUM PINK PEWTER
(dead nettle)
Lamiums are excellent, vigorous groundcovers, particularly in dry shade, an environment that canbechallenging. Pink Pewter has glistening silverand green leavesand shell-pinknon-stop flowers. This isone of the great ones for brightening a shady corner.
TIARELLA WHERRYI
(foamflower)
Thischarmingwoodland speciesoffershandsomeevergreen foliage, topped with delicate spikes of creamy white, fragrant flowers in May and June. In a moist, shady spot, it enthusiastically (but not invasively) spreads, creating a lovely groundcover. ThePotting Shed is locatedoutsidetheauditoriumat
Garden Club hangover
By Stephen Westcott-Gratton, Civic Garden Centre horticulturist
Ever had one? Yes? Well so have I. It was thethird day ofthe Garden Club ofToronto s annual spring show. Perhaps IhadbeensniffingtheAnthuriumandreanum a wee bit too enthusiastically, but there I was, trance-like, with a politically-correct re-cyclable plastic basket hooked forbodingly on my arm.
Apolar-pullsteeredmefirsttoward the summer bulbs, swerving by the herb collection and ending up back at the bulbs. I did, infact,takehome severalnewherbs: a lovely little Thymus vulgaris Argenteus, lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) which is already expressing a desire to leave this valeoftears,andamint-rosegeranium. It's a good thing the latter has attractive variegated leaves since the supposedly mint-
TheCanadian PlantSourcebook
1996/97 Edition
Theindispensableguide tofindinghardyplantsin (anada is back fora third edition. Perfect for both the keen amateur gardener seeking new plants, or for the professional horticulturalist. Available Spring, 1996.
To order, send cheque for $18 (P&P included; tax exempt):
The Canadian Plant Sourcebook 93 Fentiman Avenue
Ottawa, ON K1S 0T7
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rose fragrance is more reminiscent of catbox than anything else.
Well,backto thebulbs: incidentally we should be calling them geophytes rather thanbulbs,corms, rhizomes,and tubers. It simplifies things for the uninitiated, and refers collectively to herbaceous perennials with fleshy underground structures, whose primary function is to store food and water.
... we should be calling them geophytes rather than bulbs, corms, rhizomes, and tubers.
Food andwaterisat theveryleast what is mandatory for the intoxicated shopper next morning. Waking to several rows of neatly stacked geophytes (alphabetically arranged, noless) canbeanalarmingsight in the cold light of day. Never mind tell yourselfyou'llneverdo itagain, and begin sterilizing your pots. It s far more palatable than a prairie oyster, and you can alwaysblameitonhavinghadtoendurean unusuallyhighdensityofbeautifulblooms per square foot fordays and days, as I did.
In the end, however, I waspleased with my purchases, and am trying several new species that I haven't cultivated before.
First up is Acidanthera bicolor, which I havebeen meaning togetmyhandson for ages. I love any flower that is black, or which contains black. In reality though, most acidantheras produce a chocolate brown or a plum purpleblotch at thebase of the white petals. Botanically speaking, there isn t any such thing as acidanthera, although it continues tobe sold as such. It is now classified as Gladiolus callianthus. Known also as Abyssinian sword lily, it is Trellis, May 1996
native to the wet mountain grasslands of Ethiopia, Somalia, and Malawi. In its native habitat it grows as high as 2m, but cultivatedvarietiesusuallyonlyreachabout 40cm. It gives offa lovely sweet fragrance in the evening, with which it is trying to seducelong-tongued hawkmoths aphenomenonIwouldbehappytoforego. Since thesegeophytesliketobekeptquitemoist, I may plant them in a largecontainer, with othermoisture-lovingplants. Theyrequire full sun, and are hardy only to zone 7, so should be lifted and over-wintered in the same way that other gladioli are.
... geophytes like to be kept quite moist, I may plant them in a large container, with other moisture-loving plants.
AnotherplantthatI waspleased tofind within such easy grasp is Ismene Festalis, commonly referred to as Peruvian daffodil. Once again, Ismene is a word still used in catalogues, but nowhere else. It has, in fact, had several monikers over the years, (a result of taxonomic priority that is, what was published first), but now seems to be resting contentedly as Hymenocallis narcissiflora. 1 suspect that what is sold as Festalis is actually a cross between H. narcissiflora and H. longipetala, and is of somewhat shorter statureat45cm. Native to the Peruvian and Bolivian Andes, the gorgeous white flowers (excellent for cutting), are fragrant at dawn and dusk, once again using scent as an insect lure. These geophytesneedplentyofwarmthandsunlight in order to do well, and my newbest friend, Judy Glattstein, recommends that
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the large bulbs be planted with their neck only just below the soil surface for best results. Hardy to zone 8, they should be treated the same way that amaryllis are to achieve blooms the following year.
What induced me to purchase a packageofHomeria Mixed, Ishallneverknow. IamscepticalastowhetherHomeriaiseven a real name. Perhaps they were named afterHomerSimpson theycertainlyhave cartoon-quality flowers simple five-petalled blooms, reminding me of the kind that used to appear on Flower Power posters in the sixties splashed with truly hideous shades of orange and sulphur. They will be potted up in due course, and quickly ushered to an out-of-the-way corner of the garden. I believe the compost area could do witha little colour... If they do well, I shall report back that they re weedy; if not, I'll be even more unflattering. Count on it.
One book remarks thatHomeria should be grown likeIxia. This is an illuminating remark, since I read it over and over in manysourcesformanyofthelesserknown tender geophytes. These include Babiana, Sparaxis, and Tritonia, all of which are apparently loosely related to Ixia, although no oneseems prepared to commit topaper exactlywhatitisthatformstheboundaries of their relationships. Suffice to say that IxiaisamemberoftheIrisfamily,hardyto zone 7. Ixia viridiflora (which is the most commonly sold member of the species) carries an ominous warning in most texts, which caution that it is difficult to grow, and requires extremely well drained soil. Standing 15cm tall, it sounds like a good candidate for the rock garden, but will need to be over-wintered indoors.
Allthingsbeingequal,I'vedecidedthat there are worse places to lose your head thanintheTrellisShopattheGardenClub of Toronto show in springtime.
Native Wildflowers
Trees % Shrubs
over100 species!Sat. May 11, 1996 10 am.-2 p.m.
Markham Civic Centre 101 Town CentreBlvd. (Warden Ave. &Highway#7)
Forinformation, phone (416)261-6272
New staff member joins the Centre
Sheila Smith has joined the Civic Garden Centre as horticulturist. She will work at the Centre on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. She has worked in the hort field for manyyearsandiscompletingherdiploma in horticulture from the University of Guelph. aafh OntarioRockGardenSociety 5 Sunday,May26. 12:30-1:45pm
SpringPlantSale
Everyonewelcometocomeandbuy direct fromthe growers, choiceplants fromcampanulastosaxifragesandperennialborderplants. CivicGarden Centre, Floral Hall.
Date Due Coming events.
1-4
¢ Perennial sale continues annuals 4
® Orchid judging centre, 1 e, course 5
* SouthernOntarioOrchid and ing, 1:30 p.m. 6
* Mainly white for cool cc lent Club, 7
* Ornamental grasses for appeal, course 8 urse
e Jkebana International, ! meeting, 7:30 p.m. and
* Rooftop gardening, cou m. 11
e Southern Ontario Orchi wer show, show, noon to 6:00 p.m. 12
e Southern Ontario Orch lety, show, show, 9:00 a.m. to5:00 p.m. sroartinc. Cat. No. 23 233 Printed in US.A 13 SRRS o s T e Qe hoviety, meeR
¢ Toronto Bonsai Society, meeting, 7:00 ing,andplantsale,1:30p.m. Speaker: Nina p.m. Lambert. Topic: Theideaistokillthem: as e Backyard composting, course slowly as possible 14 27
* North Toronto Horticultural Society, ¢ Drawing in the great outdoors, course meeting, 8:00p.m. Speaker: Marian Jarvie. 29 Plant sale.
e Groundcovers for sun and shade, course
e An Edwards Lecture Speaker: David Crombie
Topic: The Waterfront Regeneration Trust
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Art in The Link
The Studio Group Elaine Gitalis May 14to27 May28 toJune 10
Post
Postage
Bulk Ennombre third troisiéme class classe
S 12139
TOMMY THOMPSON MEMORIAL WALK
A tourandpicnic in memory ofMetro s firstparks commissioner Tommy Thompson
Saturday, June 29 11:00 to 3:00 p.m. Edwards Gardens
Led by Frank Kershaw, Metro Parks and Culture
The walk begins in the lobbyofthe Civic Garden Centre where Frank Kershaw will discuss Tommy Thompson s vision on public parks in MetroToronto. Participantswill explorethe gardensandWilketCreek pathways, including Tommy Thompson s favorite haunts. A wrap-up picnic will be hosted by Civic Garden Centre staff and volunteers.
All are welcome. For information, contact the Civic Garden Centre at (416) 397-1340.
Presented by Metropolitan Toronto s Department of Parks and Culture and the Civic Garden Centre.