The newsletter of the Civic Garden Centre in Metropolitan Toronto June, 1996 Volume 23, Number 6
Camp
The /Ve/w Green Thumb Camp is a hands-on, environmental and garden-related program for children ages 3 to 11 years, offered during week-long morning sessions in July and August. Classes will integrate both science and the arts through a variety of activities, exploration and self-discovery within the indoor and outdoor environments of the Civic Garden Centre in Edwards Gardens.
Details on page 22. Call 397-1340 for a brochure.
Civic Garden Centre General Information
TheCivicGardenCentreisavolunteer-based,not-for-profitorganizationwhosemission is to act as a central resource for gardening, 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 acrossOntario. The Civic Garden Centre is pleased to rent facilities for meetings, receptions, exhibits and shows.
Hours:
Summer(April1toOctober31):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.
Gardening hotline: 397-1345 (hours: noon to 3:00 p.m.)
Board of directors:
Chair: Lynne Robbins
Staff members:
Executive director: Bonnie Hillman
Members: PeterBoeckle Manager, community and educational programs:
Lindsay Dale-Harris . Diana von Appen
John Dean
AR T
Course registrar: Grant Thompson
Co-ordinator, volunteers and membership:
Mark Hartley : : : Linda Heimlich
S T
LorraineJohnson
Gwen Kearney
NancyLaurie
Co-ordinator, children s programs: Margot Mather
Horticulturist: Stephen Westcott-Gratton
Assistant horticulturist: ~ Sheila Smith
Librarian: RoslynTheodore
Trellis editor: IrisHosséPhillips
Barbara Mayer Manager, marketing and special events:
Mary Mingie
David Money
Maureen Naylor
Anthea O'Reagan
Eloter Shaw
Carolyn Dalgarno
Trellis Shop manager: Joel Lavine
Trellis Shop assistant manager:
Barbara Stevenson
Plant buyer: = : Ellen Eisenberg
Roger Silverthorne Manager, administration and facility rentals: B Betsy Chubb
s D
Maintenance supervisor: Walter Morassutti
Administrative assistant: Shirley Lyons
TRELLIS
Volume 23, Number 6
Editor: Iris Hossé Phillips
Editorial co-ordinator: Leslie Lynch
Advertising information: (416) 397-1340
Printedby Raised Image, Etobicoke,on recycled paper
Trellis ispublished tentimesa yearas 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,materialreceivedbyAugust15will be included in the October issue of Trellis.
Opinions expressed within Trellis do not necessarily reflect thoseoftheCentre. Submissions maybe edited forstyle and clarity.
Allrightsreserved. Reproduction in wholeor partisprohibited without written permission.
Editor s note
ByIris Phillips
In the April issue of Trellis, I described my search for a variety of gooseberry that is tasty, hasfewthorns,andisnotsusceptible topowderymildew.Onereadersuggested thevariety Pixwell , aptly namedbecause ithasfewthorns,andwrotethatherbushes produce a generous supply of fruit that is sweet and succulent. A few days later , I received a note from another reader who recommended Welcome and stated that the widely available Pixwell should be avoided.Herbushproducedmediocrefruit and is now on the compost heap. I guess thisconfirmsthenotionthattherearemany variables in producing healthy and productiveplants:location,soil,drainage,sun, weather and good stock.
In choosing my annual plants this year (yes,Iinterplantmyperennialswithannuals), I consulted the list of annuals prepared by the Chicago Botanic Garden. Their test garden evaluated 55 annuals andselected 14as outstanding forhealth, disease resistance and consistent bloom. Fromthelist,I selectedNicotianasylvestris, Verbena hybrida, and Dianthus chinensis IdealViolet'.AlthoughSalviacoccinea Lady in Red only made it on the good list, I have the perfect spot for it in my garden.
I found many of these annuals at the Centre s sale of annuals held this May. I willreportbackinthefallandletyouknow iftheplantsliveduptotheirbilling. Ifthey don t, I will have my soil tested at the Centre.
Happy gardening.
Art in The Link
May 28 to June 10
Elaine Gitalis
June 11 to 24
Jacky Hedman
Civic Garden Centre Annual report to members, 1995
Chairman s report
1995wasayearoftransition. Wesaid afondgood-byetomanyvolunteersandstaffwho servedtheCivicGardenCentreduringthepastdecadeandweextendedawarmwelcome toBonnieHillman,ournewexecutive director; Diana vonAppen, manager,community and educational programs; Linda Heimlich, volunteer and membership co-ordinator; Margot Mather, children s programs co-ordinator; Stephen Westcott-Gratton, horticulturist; Roslyn Theodore, librarian; Joel Lavine, Trellis Shop manager; Ellen Eisenberg, plant buyer; and Patricia Carter, bookkeeper.
Although some of the faces have changed, we still remain a organization whose strength lies in the commitment and dedication of our members, volunteers, staff and board. A group of people whose passion for gardening and horticulture brings them togethertoexchangeideas,toenlighten,toinspirenewinterestinothers,andtojustshare the joy ofbeing gardeners.
Programs and services offered in 1995
Thisdedicationandcommitmentwasevidentintheprogramsandservicesofferedby theCentrein1995. MarjorieHarrisplannedandhostedourEdwardsFoundationGarden Evenings, funded so generouslyby the Edwards Charitable Foundation, and delighted uswithspeakersMichaelRuntz,MarionJarvie,FrankKershaw,PeterThoday,andMarco Polo Stufano.
PeterThoday was my particular favorite. I was fascinated bythe wealth ofhistorical detail he shared on the Victorian walled garden and amused by his many anecdotes of gardening life, particularly, his comments on a delightful picture of one estate s staff. Pointingoutthetwowomenintheforeground,hehastentoinformus,thatlestweassume a great liberality on this estate, the women were only allowed toweed. And, ofcourse, that did not include the weeding of the gardens, but only of the paths.
Marjorie also organized the successful workshop, May inJanuary, with Patrick Lima and Daniel Hinckley.
TheSpecialProgramCommittee,co-chairedbySusanDyerandPercyWebb,arranged the sold out, Vertical Elements in the Garden with Steve Longworth, Majorie Mason Hogue and Marion Jarvie.
GardeningexpertswereinspiredbytheMasterClasses,plannedbyLouiseKappuson The World ofClematis and Creating New Garden Features.
Civic Garden Centre
Annual report to members, 1995
Our adult and children s tours guides, numbering over40 activemembers, provided programs to individuals and groups wishing a guided tour of Edwards Gardens. An English as a Second Language program was implemented this year and extended our outreach to the many visitors to the park whose native tongue is not English. A special thankyoutovolunteersforcreatinganewsignintheparkinglotandtoNancyYarwood, forewomanofEdwardsGardensforexpeditingtheinstallation. Thesignstimulatedgreat interest in the tours.
Our city garden tour, Through the Garden Gate: Shades of the Humber, chaired by Carolyn DeVries and a large committee ofvolunteers, including the special expertise of theTorontoMasterGardenersineachgarden,attractedrecord attendance. Asdid Bayla Gross summergetawaytourstoWalkerton,Chestow,Durham, theHockleyValleyand King and to Milton, Guelph and Campbellville.
TheMarchBreakand summerchildren sprogramsagainprovedpopular. AsBonnie chatted with mothers bringing their children to Kidsummer, many commented that the CivicGardenCentre schildren sprogramwasthehighlightoftheKidsummeractivities.
Free summer lectures on Composting, Perennials for Shade and Flower Arranging were developed by Ada Brzeski to attract newusers to theCentre and to draw attention to our course offerings. Despite record high temperatures, the studio was full for the Sunday afternoon lecture on Perennials.
Thehighlightof1995wastheSixthGreatCanadianGardeningConference Gardening Naturally: art and craft of the natural garden. Nancy Laurie and her committee worked for two years planning this event which draws participants, both amateurs and professionals,fromacrossNorthAmerica and speakersfromaroundtheworld. Participant comments say it all. From a seasoned gardener : The ideas were provocative, the slides spectacular, the presentations entertaining and lively, packed full ofinformation. I applaud the focus on environmentally sound practices. And from a beginner: The conference met my expectations more than I ever thought possible. I am a beginner in heaven.
The Trellis newsletter continues to inform members and keep them up-to-date on Centre activities; the library to provide the latest books and periodicals and up-to-date information; our courses to entertain and instruct on topics as varied as birding, flower arranging, botanical painting, crafts and, of course, all aspects of gardening; the Trellis Shop to tempt us with garden gifts and books and horticultural supplies; and the plant sales to provide us with top quality plants.
Volunteers keep us going
Three hundred and fifty-two volunteers gave generously of their time and talents to make this wealth of services possible. This is National Volunteer Week. The staff and board oftheCivicGardenCentrejoininextendinga sincere thankyou toourvolunteers who allow us to providevisitors and members with thehighcaliberofservice theynow enjoy. Thank you to all. Trellis,
Civic Garden Centre
Annual report to members, 1995
Mission statement defined
But much ofthe work of 1995 was notvisible to members. Theboard, Bonnie and her staff were engaged in planning and developing strategies to meet the challenges of the future.
The Board approved a new mission statement: The Civic Garden Centre is a volunteerbased, not-for profit organization whose mission is to act as a central resource for gardening, horticultureandalliedenvironmentalissuesbyencouraginginterest;promotinginvolvement;and qathering, disseminating and interpreting information in order to enhance the quality oflifefor members ofthe community.
The missionstatementis onlythefirststepindefiningthevisionfortheCivic Garden Centre. Gardening is the most popular leisure activity of North Americans. The proliferation of gardening centers offering plants, courses and free information on gardening, the introductionofnewCanadiangardeningmagazines, and thepopularity ofgardenshowsonradioandTVtestifytothisphenomena. Inafieldnowcrowdedwith participants, what will distinguish the Civic Garden Centre? How can we compete effectivelytocapturetheshrinkingconsumerdollarinordertocontinuetoprovidehigh caliber, relevant programs to our members and potential members?
Community outreach
Our first challenge is community outreach. The Civic Garden Centre serves only a smallpercentageofMetropolitanToronto. Ourcityhasadiversemulti-lingualandethnic population. Many of these communities have a strong tradition of gardening, but few frequent the Centre. A significant portion of our city population has neither extensive leisure time nor the financial resources to attend our existing programs. We must also attract young people. To meet these needs, staff are planning a variety of free and inexpensiveprograms;areschedulingprogramsintheevenings,onweekendsandinthe summer; are planning to bring programs to community centres, libraries, schools and other agencies; are developing ways to provide information in some of the major languages spoken in the city; and are seeking innovative methods to promote the Civic Garden Centre.
Staff have designed a number of programs to reach new audiences, including: VegetableGardeningintheCity, a programdesigned forcitygardenerswithspecialsite challenges, like small lots orbalconies, which will bring experts from the Civic Garden Centretocommunitycentresintheinnercity;tohelpgardenerswhohavefewresources; andschoolprogramstobringinnercitychildrentotheCentreandtofollowupwithvisits to the schools, lending our expertise and assisting with small horticultural projects.
ManykeengardenersvisitEdwardsGardensanddonotrealizewhattheCivicGarden Centre has to offer. Inordertoattractthesevisitorsintothe Centre, staffareworkingon ways to make the outside entrance area more inviting and to make the lobby an informationcentrewhichwillspurinterestintheCentre sactivitiesandinviteparticipation. Lobby demonstrations simple howto sessions on plantcare or pruning, video presentations,horticulturalfactsheets,andcomprehensivecommunitygardeningcalendars are all being planned.
Civic Garden Centre
Annual report to members, 1995
Our
name and logo
There hasbeenmuchdiscussion aboutwhetherthename ofthe Civic Garden Centre shouldbechangedinordertoreflectmoreclearlyourmission. Previousattemptstoreach a consensus on a name changewerenot successful. Theboard felt thatit was important to keep ourname, there is so much history here,but that it was necessary to make some additions to our logo in order to make clear our purpose to the general public. We are pleasedtosharewithyoutonightthenewlogofortheCivicGardenCentre. Thisnewlogo emphases our mission by adding the phrase The Garden Information Centre and including in the leaf, an i, the international symbol for information. We believe that this new design will aid in our community outreach efforts.
The
information advantage
Oursecond challenge is information. Daily, wearebombarded withthe advantages ofjoining theInternetand surfing theweb, reminded thatwearein the informationage. As a researcher and information specialist, I know how overwhelming the volume of information available can be and the difficulty of navigating the labyrinth of complex information sources. We are drowning in facts,butwe are starved forinformation. The successfulbusinessesandorganizationsofthefuturewillnotbethosethathavethemost information, but those that can gather up-to-date, relevant information and manipulate and interpret it so that it meets the specific needs of each individual.
TheCivicGardenCentreisinauniquepositiontobecomeaninformationbrokerinthis newinformationage. Wearethecentralresourceforhorticulturalinformationinthecity, wehaveanexcellentlibraryandwehavethehorticulturalexpertisetodevelopinformation resources. Databases that answer the most common gardening questions, speaker files,communitygardeningcalendars,plantsourcefiles,comprehensivelistsofhorticulturalagencies, clubs, schools and resources are allpossible. Once the data is entered into the computer, you can combine and manipulate the information in ways that are impossiblewithprintmedia. Insecondsthecomputercantellyouwhatplantswillgrow best in specified soil and light conditions, when the next flower show will be held in MetropolitanToronto, orwhereyou cantake courses on rose propagation. Thestaffare presently preparing specifications for computer automation which will allow us to assume this role.
Community involvement
Ourthirdchallengeiscommunityinvolvement. OurLettersPatentremindusthatour mandateincludes toachievecommunityimprovementandbeautification, topromote investigationofandresearchinthetherapeuticvalueofgardening, and topromoteand encourage community-wide projects of conservation and beautification. The Civic GardenCentrerecentlyhostedtheCommunityGardeningConference,MicheleLandsberg spoketousofFindingSolaceintheGarden,theCancerSocietyco-operatedinproviding a display on plants that clean the air, and David Crombie will speak in May on Preservation oftheWaterfront. Bonnie andherstaffwillcontinueto work with community leaders to extend our services to the elderly and infirm and the physically and
Civic Garden Centre
Annual report to members, 1995
mentally challenged, and to assure that we play our part in community projects of beautification, conservation and preservation.
Financial health
Finally, the challenge of fiscal responsibility. Unlike many not-for-profit organizations, the Civic Garden Center has a strong financialbase. Wedo not depend on one or two sources for our revenue, but are fortunate to fund our services by a broad range of methods theMetropolitanTorontobuildingleaseandgrant,ourprogramsandcourses, rentalofourfacilities,foundationandcorporategrants,membershipfeesand donations, successful fund-raising like Mistletoe Magic and our Trellis Shop. But we can not be complacent.
Given the deep cuts in government funding, it is unlikely that we can expect as favorable a lease agreement, as we begin negotiations with Metropolitan Toronto this year. As families struggle in this harsh economic climate, they have less disposable income for memberships and courses. We must develop creative solutions to fund our outreachprograms activitieswhichwewillofferfreeorinexpensively andtofundour automation project. Bonnie has developed 25 presentations to foundations to fund new programs. Sheisactively lookingforcorporate sponsorship. Butin addition to seeking monetarysupport,weareconcentratingondevelopingrelationshipswherewecanshare andexchangeourexpertiseandourresourcestoprovideadditionalserviceswithoutcost.
TheCivicGardenCentrehasalonghistoryofsuccessfulpartnerships. Becauseofthe vision and dedication of the women of the Garden Club of Toronto, the Civic Garden Centre was founded and the extension to the original building made possible. The GardenClubofTorontocontinuestoworkinactivepartnershipwiththeCentreinfundraising for the teaching garden, which willbe in operation in Edwards Gardens in 1997. The MilneHouse GardenClub, theHorticulturalSocietieswhichmeetattheCentre, and the Master Gardener program all add immeasurably to the horticultural services of the Centre. But we must expand these partnerships if we are to achieve our objectives.
ThroughoutthepastyearBonniehasbeenmeetingwitha widevarietyofcommunity groups to explore opportunities to combine our resources and extend our services.
I am proud tobepartofthenew team attheCivicGardenCentre and I am confident that we will meet the challenges of the future, enriching individual lives and our communities by sharing the joy ofgardening.
This report was delivered by chair Lynne Robbins at theannualgeneral meeting ofthe Civic Garden Centre, April, 1996.
Civic Garden Centre
Annual report to members, 1995
Donors
The Civic Garden Centre acknowledges the support of the following donors:
In memory of Marilyn Noell: Helen Craig, Olive Knuble, Lois Michaels
In memory of Audrey Fisher: Clare Fisher
In memory of Mary Fisher: Phyllis Holmes
In memory of Robert Kadoguchi: Mrs. S. Kadoguchi
Gift of property: Tony Blue, Susan Blue
Donations to support Through the Garden Gate: George Weston Ltd., Trimark Investment, Royal LePage, Loblaws Supermarkets Ltd., White Rose Nurseries, Mathews
Ingham & Lake Inc.
General sponsorship: Royal Bank of Canada.
Members wishing to examine the auditedfinancial report may see a copy at the Administrative Offices during the Centre s office hours.
AN EDWARDS LECTURE
Monday, June 17
7:30 p.m.
Speaker: Dr. Alfred Evans
Topic: The woodland garden
To be a successful woodland gardener, you need to understand the structure of the forest, from the tallest canopy trees to ferns, wildflowers and carpet ofleaves on the forest floor. In his slide-illustrated lecture, Dr. Evans will look at many aspects of the woodland garden and show us a large selection of stunning woodland plants that we can grow in the cool shade of a woodland garden.
Dr. Evans is retired from the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh. He has lectured to numerous horticultural societies in Britain, the U.S. and Canada. He has appeared on many BBC-TV programs, led plant exploration tours, advised and contributed to setting up the Oxen Pond Botanic Garden in Newfoundland. Hehas writtena handbookon thePeat Garden and abook on ThePeat Garden and its Plants. He is a contributor to many horticultural magazines.
The Edwards Lectures are funded by the Edwards Charitable Foundation. There is no admission chargefor members ofthe Centre; non-members, $4.
Creating your own naturalized backyard
A workshop with Garth Armour
Sunday, June 30
10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
$30 members $35 non-members
No matter how large or small your lot, you can help to preserve and enhance wildlife habitatsthrough the properselection and location ofcertain plant materials. These plants can look great, offer long-term savings and give you the satisfaction of knowing that your garden is benefitting the ecology of your neighbourhood. The workshop wil cover: . benefits of naturalization
o basic design
. selection of plants and
. maintenance techniques.
Examples ofsuccessful gardenswil be looked atand printed materials will be available to get you started in your own backyard. Please bring a lunch.
Garth Armour, B.L.A., worksfor Metro Parks and Culture specializing in naturalization projects. Mr. Armour also volunteers his time to work with public groups to create naturalized spaces in the urban landscape.
To register, call (416) 397-1340.
The(anadian PlantSourcebook
1996/97 Edition
The indispensable guide to finding hardy plants in (anada is back for a third edition. Perfect for both the keen amateur gardener seeking new plants, or for the professional horticulturalist. Available Spring,19g6.
To order, send cheque for $18 (P&P included; tax exempt):
The Canadian Plant Sourcebook
93 Fentiman Avenue
Ottawa, ON K18 0T7
Tel. (613) 730-0755
Fax (613) 730-2095
ew Nurser
Quality, service, and variety for all your gardening needs
Tour world-famous Butchart Gardens Van Dusen and UBC Botanical Gardens also Nitobe Memorial, Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese, plus 4 other public and 6 private gardens and 3 Nurseries.
Meet CBC-TV show host David Tarrant our guide at UBC gardens. Free day in Vancouver. Optional Alaskan Cruise available. For Details Write to:
UPTOWN TRAVEL, Department TR 104 King Street South, Waterloo, ON N2J 1P5 or call: 1-800-667-0803
ONT. REG. #2557469
4th Annual Festival of Flowers
Celebrating the History of Richmond Hill and "200 Years Yonge"!
Floral Displays
By the residents of Old Richmond Hill
Garden and Studio Tour Sat. June 22 - Tickets $8.00 ~ 10:00am-4:00pm @
Organized by The Society for the Community of Old Richmond Hill (SCORH).
The Civic Garden Centre is saying -
T hanks for the Ealconies!
Are you a balcony gardener? Do you know one?
The Civic Garden Centre is recognizing the work ofNorth York balcony gardeners at The Garden Information Centre in Edwards Gardens!
From flowers to fruits and vegetables, from pots to windowboxes to plantersWe're honouring them all on our Balcony Gardener's Wall of Fame.
We'll send all nominees an award certificate and post all nominations on the Wall ofFame at Edwards Gardens duringJuly and August, 1996.
Just fill out the form below and mail it to us - along with a photo, drawing or plan and a brief description (200 words or less) of what you think makes this particular balcony garden special.
Drop by the Civic Garden Centre to see your garden nominee, have a look at what others have done, pick up some new new ideas - maybe make some new gardening friends!
Daytime phone number ofnominator (ifdifferent from nominee):
Mail to: Thanks for the Balconies!, Civic Garden Centre, 777 Lawrence Avenue East, North York, M3C 1P2
Entries will be accepted mntil Friday, June 28, 1776
Favorite summer perennials
By Ellen Eisenberg, Centre plant buyer
It is June and our gardens are beautiful. Springsprang,finally,andthegrandprocessionbegan.
The bulbs that we tucked in in past autumnscameupandpresentedtheirgenerous beauty: the little ones crocus,Muscari (grapehyacinth),iris(reticulata,danfordii)and all the other minor bulbs and the big narcissus,hyacinth,tulip,giantfritillary,and more.
Simultaneously,theherbaceousperennials emerged from the ground and began their sequence of bloom Myosotis (forgetme-not), Dicentra (bleeding-heart), Primula, and all the charming woodland plants Polygonatum (Solomon s seal), Pulmonaria (lungwort),Epimedium,Tiarella(foamflower) and so on.
And stilltheparadecontinues.
Inafewdays,ourgardenswillbeattheir peak , thatall-toobriefperiod when color explodes as the great show-offs do their thing...Papaverorientalis(Orientalpoppy),Iris germanicaandsibirica (beardedandSiberian iris),Aquilegia (columbine),and roses.
Whata time!Whatgardenerdoesn twish thatthe moment would lastforever?! But thistooshallpass,and,ifitdidn t,itprobably wouldn tthrillus asitdoes, anyway.
So comes the challenge
And so, just around the corner is the perennialchallenge(pardonthepun)ofmany anavidgardener.Howtoextendtheseason ofbeautyinthegarden?Or,inmyparticular case, how to make the garden look pretty enough to eliminate my annual, late-June wishthatIcould paveeveryhorizontalsurface?
Theperiodfrommid-Juneuntil closing isachallenge. Forme,itisparticularlydifficult as I am not fond ofthe Compositae family the daisy-type flowers that are gener-
allyassociatedwithsummerandfallandare, in fact, many gardeners late-season workhorses: Echinacea (coneflower), Rudbeckia (gloriosa daisy, black-eyed Susan), Chrysanthemum (shasta daisy, gardenmum).
The look that I strive to perpetuate is a fresh, cool, spring-like one. Over the years, I have sought out perennials whose flowers satisfythatcriterionandhavebeendelighted withmy finds .
InowcountonChelone(turtlehead),with its tall spikes of rose-pink or white flowers from August to October; Kirengeshoma (yellow waxbells), with its pendulous, creamyyellow bells; Lobelia cardinalis and syphilitica (cardinalflowerandgiantbluelobelia);along with my beloved Thalictrum (meadow-rue); someofthemanyHostacultivars(lancifoliais agreatoneforitshundredsofslenderspires ofdeep lilacbloomsinAugust and September); floribunda roses (particularly The Fairy , which blooms non-stop until frost, and more) togivecolourtothesummerand fall garden. I also do grow and admittedly enjoy some compositae: shasta daisy and Rudbeckiafulgida Goldsturm (gloriosadaisy) are someofmyfavorites,bothinthegarden and forcutting.
Foliage counts for much
But, as my knowledge and experience have matured, so, too, has my taste. [ have a new,lovingregardandappreciationforfoliage in all its versatility. There are myriad herbaceousperennialswithbeautifulfoliage. Some generouslymaketwocontributionsto thegarden showyflowersandlovelyleaves.
Grownstrictlyfortheirstrikingfoliage: Alchemilla mollis (lady s mantle): Sun, shade, wetgroundordry,itlendsasoftbeautyto any location. Both the velvety, scalloped leavesandthespraysofchartreuse-yellow flowersinJuneandJulygo wellwitheve-
rythinginthegardenandinavase.Afterit hasfinishedblooming,Icliptheplantback almost to the ground and give it a good soakingwithanall-purposefertilizer,and the clump quickly springsbackup, fresh and rejuvenated.
Baptisiaaustralis (falseindigo):Thisisoneof my favourite herbaceous perennials. Its intense blue flowers in June are magnificent, the dark seed-pods that follow and remain on the plant are good for drying, anditsdarkblue-greenleavesarewonderfulin flowerarrangements.
Flowers have been relegated to the categoryof insignificant , whilefoliagehas been concentrated on. Each year brings newcultivars. Thisyear,amongtheintroductions are Cappuccino , whose leaves are coffee-coloured; and Plum Puddin , said to have leaves that are a true plum-
purple. I will add them to my existing collectionwhichincludes ChocolateRuffles (enormous,chocolate-brown,heavily ruffledleaves), PewterVeil (large, silverpewter leaves with darker veins), Ruby Veil (huge,metallicruby-violetleaveswith silver-grey veins), and Stormy Seas (undulating leaves appliqued silver, lavender,pewter,andcharcoal-grey).Allofthese newheucherasarehighlyadaptivetosun or shade and moist or dry soil. I love the waytheylookunderplantedwithLamium or with Lysimachia nummularia Aurea (golden creepingJenny).
Iris sibirica (Siberian iris): Who doesn t love theflowersinJune inthegardenandfor cutting? The grassy leaves look fresh and verdant all season, and are a great foil for perennials ofrounded clumping habit.
Ruta graveolens (rue): Traditionally used in the herb garden, in the sunny perennial gardenitsbeautiful,frilly,blue-greenleaves providea soft, lovely enhancementto ad-
For the love of gardens.
When you're at work on the garden you love, remember Sheridan Nurseries. At Sheridan, 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 of our 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 maintenance services. All for the love of gardens, at Sheridan Nurseries.
jacent roses, Alchemilla mollis, and many otherplants. Itstiny,yellowflowers seem to me to be out of place atop this elegant plant Ipinchthemoff,although,ifleftto bloom, theydo seed themselves and produce always-desirable offspring to place elsewhereinthegardenandtosharewith friends.
Lamium maculatum: Thedelicacyofthis species variegatedleavesbeliesitsworkhorselike performance. As a groundcover, it is vigorous, yet tidy. Among the cultivars, I am particularly fond of White Nancy , whoseleavesarealmostcompletelysilver andwhosewhiteflowersappearmainlyin spring,and sporadicallythrough latefall; and PinkPewter ,aneweronewithgreenedged,metallicsilverleavesandclearpink, almostconstantflowers.Thereisaplacein everygardenforLamium.
Volunteer update
Ligularia dentata Desdemona : For sheer drama, this plant is invaluable. Thehuge clumpofenormousleaves,withtheirdeep mahogany-redstemsandundersidesand shiny,darkgreenuppersurfacesarebeautiful. The flowers tall clusters of coarse, orange daisies in mid-summer seem incongruous with the leaves, but, for its foliage alone, I would never be without this plant.
Sedum x Vera Jameson and x Mohrchen (stonecrops): Ihaveanewappreciationfor foliagecoloursotherthangreen.Thesetwo recent cultivars have burgundy leaves, whichprovidegreatcontrasttomanyother plants.
Year after year, we gardeners continue our quest for perfection. Although none amonguswilleverachieveagardenthatwe thinkisevenclosetoperfect,withexperience and knowledge, our ability to improve our effortsincreases. Thinkaboutfoliageforenhancingand complementing the plantsyou alreadygrow,andforitsownbeauty. Introduce new plants that bloom between late June and closing . You'll be pleased with theresults.
By Linda Heimlich, co-ordinator, volunteers and membership
Since my appointment in January, I have been pleased to meet many of the CGC s volunteers. Your thoughts and comments about your volunteer experiences help make the program more successful.
The volunteer volunteerco-ordinators andIareinterestedintrackingyourvolunteerhours. Weaskallvolunteerstosignin fortheir shift in thebinder entitled Volunteer Sign-In Book at the reception desk. There are different sections in the binder. Pleaseuseiteachtimeyoucomeinforyour shift, whether for a regular shift or for a special event like a plant sale or Mistletoe
Magic. Your efforts will be recognized at the annual volunteer recognition party. Newvolunteeropportunitiesarealways cropping up. Listings appear regularly in Trellis. Now, volunteer opportunities will also be posted on the Volunteer Bulletin Board, located half-way down the ramp. Sign-up sheets for special events will be kept at the reception desk and position guides for all regular positions are availableatthereceptiondeskandinthelibrary. Your questions and comments are alwayswelcome. Pleasefeelfreetocallmeor visit me after your shift.
Books in review
The Collector's Garden: Designing with extraordinary Plants.
By Ken Druse. $55.
Reviewed by Alma
Ireland
AuthorandphotographerKenDruseisthe acknowledged founder of the natural gardening movement and has written awardwinning books.
In this book, he changes directions and we meet 28 passionate collectors of new plants. He divides these plant lovers into four categories hunters, missionaries, specialists and aesthetes. All these wonderfulpeopleshared withhimtheirdifferent styles and common passions.
Drusehasagaincoupledhisexpertisein the history ofcollecting, searching for outof-the ordinary plants and maintaining property with care, with more than 400 of his award-winning photographs.
This beautiful book will appeal to gardeners who,like Druse, nevermeta plant hedidn tlike andwillinspirecollectorsto continue in this new gardening trend.
Stonyground, The Making of a Canadian Garden.
By Douglas Chambers, published by KnopfCanada, 1996. $32. Illustrated in color and black and white.
Reviewed byHeatherMacKinnon
Atruegarden isneverapartfrom itslandscape. It arises from it like Eve from Adam s rib; it makes love to the fields in the language of botany. What I am doing in the gardens of Stonygroundspeaksbacktothelandscapewhat Ihave learnedfrom it.
Douglas
Chambers
A highlight of the Centre s garden tours lastsummerwasthevisittoDouglasChambers gardenatWalkerton,Ontario. Chambers is a professor of English at Trinity College, University ofToronto. The book, Stony-ground,TheMakingofaCanadian Garden, is anaccount oftheongoing developmentofhisfarmintoalandmarkofbeauty, style and function.
Chambers, proud of his agricultural roots,conceivedtheideaofcreatingaferme ornée,aneighteenth-centuryconceitwhere a rural retreat combines a gentleman s estate within a working farm, and which is ornamented withcolumns, sculptures, ruins and grottoes based on classical allusions to Virgil and the Georgics and to Roman gods of husbandry. The eighteenth-century English poet Southcote s garden is the best known example. Stonyground, begun in 1985, is a rustic take-offontheidea. Thegarden is laid out ina formalmanner,buttheornamentation is oflocal and personal allusions.
With the above quotation taken from the introduction of his book, Douglas Chamberssetsouthisphilosophytowards
hisgardenanditsplacewithinthefarmhe inheritedfromhisfamily;anditsland near Walkerton on the rich farmland south of Lake Huron. In a note to me last spring, Chambersdescribedhisfermeornéeas consistingofaseriesofformalgardensaround a 120-year old farm house and of walks containingflowers,inscriptionsandmonuments, that go around and through his working arable farm . He insists that his garden is not distinguished for its flowers. By that, he means only that he is not a collector of rare plants. Nevertheless, the gardenfrontingthegreatbarndominating hisfarmscertainlyagardenofdistinction.
A barn is the sanctuary of a farm, both storehouseandshelterandatStonyground itisthehubthatanchorsthedifferentareas ofthe garden and the axis of theallées (or walks) around the fields.
In creating this garden (accomplished withgratefully-receivedhelpfromacousin withearth-movingequipment),Chambers has drawn on the skills and ingenuity of local craftsmen to convert ordinary found objectsintoiconsofgreatstyleandwit. For wit is one ofthe underlying themesofthis garden and the joke is often inscribed in Latin. But, while some of the landmarks are certainly in jokes which have to be explained to visitors, they nevertheless standsuccessfullyontheirownmerit. Several of the monuments are memorials to friendswhocontributedideastotheoriginal concept; ideas that he has carried out from friend to friend, through metaphor, to fields.
To return to the point he makes in his introduction that a true garden is never apart from its landscape, Chambers insures that at Stonyground every aspect and every installation in some way leads back to the country, to its customs and its roots. Heworriesthaturbanpurchasersof rural property never really look at rural areas and begs us to recognize that the agriculturalcycleisbeautifuland invigor-
ating . Firmlyrooted onhis ancestralOntario farm, Chambers has used a classical concepttocreateagardenthatisuniquein Canada,perhapsanywhere,andinwriting about it, he has produced a book that is certainly unique in garden literature.
The book is an erudite and thoughtful account of how the garden grew, of triumphsandsetbacks,andofgreathopesfor the future. In the academic way, he both despairs of us (the public) and tries to elevate us. Stonyground, The Making of a Canadian Garden islikeagloriouscoursein horticulture and literature. Chambers enthusiasmshines oneverypage,asdoeshis love for his friends, his farm and the Walkerton community.
I loved this book and I am happily amazedthatitisCanadian,withonlyanod overtheshouldertoanothertimeandplace.
Stonyground will be open to the public on Sunday, June 30. Call (416) 469-5211 for tickets.
The Kids Canadian Plant Book. By Pamela Hickman, illustrated by Heather Collins. $14.95.
Reviewed byAlma Ireland
The Kids Can Press publishes a series of books for ages 7 to 11, grades 2 to 5. The author from Nova Scotia and the illustrator fromTorontohavecombinedtheirtalentsto attractkidsfromthecityorthecountryside.
Thisparticularbookcoversinformation and hands-on activities to help children learnaboutCanadian plants and gardens. The chapters outlinebasic gardening facts and the illustrations are clear, informative and colorful.
Lists of representative flowers of the provincesandterritioriesandsectionscovering Canada s endangered plants add to the educational value of this book.
Other books in the Kids Canadian Nature series include Bug, Bird and Tree.
Am I blue? An incompleteguidefrom A to C
By Stephen Westcott-Gratton, Civic Garden Centre horticulturist
The question that this old tune poses may be interpreted several ways, but horticulturallyspeaking, Ithinkit'sashame that more flowering plants aren t.
Have you ever noticed for instance that we are bereft of blue flowering trees in Toronto? Whatwouldyousaytoamassive horse-chestnutingloriousshadesofcobalt, or an ultramarine crabapple? No, perhaps not. Yetwhilewemaynotbeexactlyspoiled forchoice,fortunatelytherearemanyplants that are perfectly prepared to indulge our whims.
Ontheotherhand,onegenusthatsteadfastly refuses to co-operate with me is Agapanthus. 1bought the plants about five years ago, and every spring they send up strong strap-shaped leaves which flourish throughout the summer, but which fail to produce the blue umbrels I crave. I keep them pot-bound, and feed them with a nitrogen-free formula (0-15-14), but so far nothing.
Thisisthelastsummerforthesepassiveaggressive chlorophyll sinks: ifthey don t dosomethingbluethisyear, they llexperience the full force of our Canadian winter on a compost heap. While I appear to be talkingtough,Ihaveinfactpurchasednew roots, just to make sure that I didn t get inferior stock the first time. Incidentally, the common name of Lily-of-the-Nile is onlyhalfright theyarepartofthevastlily family (Amaryllidaceae, to be exact), but are native to South Africa, not to Cleopatra s sunny shores.
Movingfrom fussytenderperennialsto dependable hardy annuals, we encounter one of my all-time favourite standbys: Boragoofficinalis. Contrarytopopularopinion, borage did not spring to life simply to
grace tankards of claret cup. It has a long historyofmedicinaluse, althoughin large quantities it has recently been linked to cancer(andwhathasn t?). Theyoungleaves andstarryblueflowershaveafaintcucumber flavor; I especially like to add them to summer salads along with those of Viola tricolor. Indaysgonebyboragewasknown as the herb of gladness, although this may be due more to the effect of its reliability and profusion in the garden than in the gullet.
Imadeonesowingofborageseedsabout seven years ago, and since that time it has happilyself-sownthroughouttheborders. Althoughit sneverinvasive,Iusuallyend up pulling about half of it out, and then leave the rest for me and the bees because webothloveit, albeitfordifferentreasons. Other worthy members of the borage familyincludetheAnchusas. Rangingfrom diminutive annuals (A. Blue Angel ) suitable for containers or rockeries, to tall perennials,(A.azuria" LoddenRoyalist )better suited to large spaces at the back of the border, theyalldelivera spectacularrhapsody inblue. By the way, when shopping for Lodden Royalist don t be put off by the fact that many nurseries erroneously
Architectural Garden Elements
label it as London Royalist ; an error that has indignant residents of the quaintNorfolk town hopping mad!
A word ofwarning while we re talking seeds: ifyoufindyourselfsowingacultivar labelled Mixed Colours which ostensibly includes blue, be prepared to get every colour under the sun except blue. I have found this inverse ratio of infinity : zero holds true almost every time. For several years in a row I've sown perennial lupins, and while they ve been a success, they certainly haven t been blue.
Awareofmytrackrecordinthisregard, I am endeavouring to steel myself to the inevitable with this year s crop ofbiennial Canterbury Bells (Campanula medium). If I do manage to get some blooms of the requisite hue, world-wide congratulatory cables will be in order.
I am especially fond of a plant with an interesting provenance, and Canterbury Bells definitely qualify. Chaucer asserts that spring was the time of year when a goodpilgrim sthoughtsturnedtowardthe shrine of St. Thomas a Becket at Canterbury theholyblissfulMartyrfortoseek. He conjures up the Knight, the Pardoner, theMilleretal,ridingsouth-east,anddoubtless accompanied by the customary jingling bells that the pilgrim s horses wore ontheirharnesses. Manyauthoritiesagree that it was from these bells that the blue flowers, which grew so plentifullyen route through the Kentish woods, were named.
An even more antiquated explanation claimsthattheflowerswerecalledCanterbury Bells long before the pilgrimages to Becket s tomb began. They seem to have been connected with St. Augustine, although no one knows why. Augustine began his conversion ofthe English in 597, andwaseventuallygrantedtheSeeofCanterburyasArchbishopofthe English. PresumablytheflowerswereplentifulinKent in his day too, and perhaps like me, he
simply admired them.
However,byChaucer stimeAugustine waschieflyrememberedforhavingcursed the people of Rochester (located midway along the route from London to Canterbury) for throwing fish heads at him. He swore that henceforth all children born in Rochester would have tails, and for centuries it was fervently believed that all its citizens were so endowed.
Whatever your tastes this summer, it s alwayswisetodevotea fewpatchesofthe garden to your favourite shade of lapis lazuli for those moments when you ask yourself: Am1 .... 2"
CERTIFICATES Enjoy the Experience! Open Fri., Sat., Sun & Mon. 11 -5
Thefinest selection of garden ornaments anywhere! 1094 Derry Road W. 905-336-1398
Plant of the month:
Capsicum annum longum group: Long Red Cayenne pepper
ByAnna Leggatt
I find the small, hot peppers easy to grow. You do not need many plants unless you are a Mexican food freak. Most are ornamental and canbe tucked into a corner of the vegetable bed, placed so the fruits can add a bright red color to the late summer flowerbedorgrownasanaccentinapoton the patio.
Thecapsicumsbelongtothepotatofamily. They are mostly tropical, much branched, shrubby perennials. Here, we have to grow them as annuals, though the ornamental Christmas Pepper can sometimes be kept on for a second season. Like mostofthefamily,theyarenativetotropical America.
All sweet and hot peppers are closely related; most have been developed from the same wild species. The cayenne is the oneIgrowthemost. Ialsolikethejalapefio pepper. They are both plenty hot enough; many hotter varieties are available but I findIcanjustaddmoreif Iwantextraheat. I use cayenne mainly for Indian curries, while jalapefios are great in a fresh fruit salsa or any Mexican food. Six plants give me plenty to use, freeze and dry. The cayenneturnscolorearlyand isanassetinthe ornamental garden. The jalapefio goes a green-black.
This year, look for small plants in garden centres thatcarry unusual vegetables. Check out youroriental corner stores. It is surprising what you may find!
Nextyear,startyourseedsinlateMarch. Grow the seeds in plastic cell-packs. Use promix or some other sterile soilless potting soil. Put the plant cell-pack in a clear plasticbagontopofthefridgesotheseeds get bottom heat. After they germinate, re-
move the bag and grow them on under lights. Do not let them become root bound transplant into bigger pots. TowardstheendofMay,takethepotsoutside toashadylocation.Letthemgetusedtothe lightandgraduallybringthemintothefull sun. Plants can get sunburned! If the temperature falls below 17°C, bring them inside.
It is really important not to transplant into the soil before the ground warms up. Waittilltowardstheendofthefirstweekin June. Soil temperatures should be about 15°C. The plant should have a good root system, not pot bound and should continue growing without a check. If it gets a shock, it may start to flower and form pepperswhilestillverysmall. Coldmakes the blossoms drop and you end up with a large green plant. I find ordinary garden soil enriched with some compost is fine. I havenothadanypestordiseaseproblems.
The above applies to sweet peppers as well as the small hot ones. However, the latterwillgrowinmoresandysoilandwill tolerate less water. Do not let them wilt, though.
Hotter peppers include Ring of Fire which is thinner than the typical cayenne, Large Red Cherry Hot (round), Early Scotch Bonnet and Habafiero . When usingthem,beverycarefulofthejuice. Wear gloves. I was cutting up some Hungarian wax one year and rubbed my cheek. Several hours later, my motherkissed meand screamed!
(AnnaLeggattis aTorontoMasterGardener,a member of Garden Writers ofAmerica and a mad rockgardener.)
Listings available in Centre s garden services directory
Many people call the Civic Garden Centre to askfor namesoflandscapers, designersand architects. To meetthis demand, the Centre is launching a garden servicesdirectory, which willfeatureservicecategories such as landscape contractors, garden designers, landscape architects, garden consultants and more.
The directorywill be made available free through the Centre and its usual distribution channels.
If you would like to be listed in the directory, please call Diana von Appen at (416) 397-1362.
CLASSIFIED
BotanyandBirdingTours. GrandMananIsland,July 12-18, $950. Muskoka Lodge, August 23-29, $700. Pelee Island, October 16-19, $400. Galapagos Islands, November3-15,$4,400. CallGeorgeBryantatNatural History Tours, (416) 223-6922 or 1-800-371-7779 for details. L]
Needhelpwithyourgarden? Caring,knowledgeable assistanceavailable. Consulting,maintenance,perennials, environmentally responsible. Booking now for July and August. MarionThompson, Hand-in-Glove Garden Services, (905) 294-8266.
Arcadian daylilies: Award-winning cultivars for Ontario gardens. Container grown, mature divisions, bloom ready. (416) 657-1444.
SPECIALISTS in:
Perennials [over 1000 varieties], Roses [over 4500 in 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
Wildtlower mdGarden Tours
Gardens ofVancouver
June 17 to 21, 1996, C$785, fromVancouver Leader: BarbaraWilkins
Q. I have a large clump of hosta and another of bleeding heart (Dicentraspectabilis). Iwanttodivideandtransplantthese. When should this be done?
A. Bleeding heart is coming to the end of its flowering season now and the plant is building up for next year s flowers. Its leaves will die down in a couple of months and /4the location of , you can divide and transplant it in early September. Make ...,g heart ifyou plan sureyouknowwhereitis,foritdisapearscompletelybyfall. . 110 it in the fall. Theseed podsaredroppingnow,andyoucouldusetheseto start new plants. The hostas can be divided in spring or in early fall.
Q. Can Icontrol slugs organically?
A. Try trapping them. Take a small container, put in 1 tablespoon of molasses and 2 tablespoonsofyeast. Thenhalffillitwithwater, andadd ateaspoonofoiltofloatontop. Thisisafatalattractionforslugs. Remembertocleanitoutandrefillittwoorthreetimes a week. You may find a racoon has cleaned it foryou and itis no longer a trap. You can alsohuntslugswithaflashlightatnight. Pickthemupanddropintosoapywater,orput a pinch of salt on them.
, Sink a plastic container with molasses and yeast : solution, so that the rim is level with the ground. o g ®
Q. Is there an organic controlfor black spot on roses?
A. Tryabakingsodaspray. Use1 ouncetoonegallonwater (30gto4.5litres)andaddafewdropsofliquidsoap. Becareful toremovealltheaffectedleaves andneverlet themlieon the ground beneath the roses. When watering roses, do not wet the foliage; direct the waterto the root area.
Black spot on roses can be controlled with baking soda.
Thanks to Vivien Jenkinsonfor illustrations.
Sign up below forJune and July tours and workshops
See the May issue of Trellis for details on Through the Garden Gate and Tours of private gardens.
Registration form
To register, mail or fax (416 397-1354) this form to the Centre. To register by phone, call (416) 397-1340.
Through the Garden Gate
[ Saturday, June 15 $17
(J Sunday, June 16 $17
Number of tickets
Number of tickets
[ Please mail my tickets ($1 charge per order)
Great private gardens tours
d Tour#1 June 19 Members $67
Brantford, Hamilton and Ancaster Non-members $77
3 Tour#2 July 10 Members $67 Oshawa and Bowmanville Non-members $77
(J Workshop with Garth Armour
June 30
Members $30 Non-members $35
NAME PHONE
ADDRESS CITY
CGC MEMBERSHIP NUMBER
POSTAL CODE
The /VW{/ GreenThumb Camp
Call397-1340forabrochure and applicationform.
TheNewGreenThumbCampisahands-on,environmentalandgarden-relatedprogramfor childrenages3to11years,offeringweekly,morningsessions during JulyandAugust.Classes willintegrateboth science and the arts through a variety ofactivities, exploration and selfdiscoverywithintheindoorand outdoorenvironments oftheCivicGardenCentre, located in Edwards Gardens in theheart oftheDonRiverValleyParks system.
What'shappeningattheNew GreenThumb Camp?
In past years the Civic Garden Centre has offered a wide variety of quality programs for children,mostlyintheformofone-dayorhalf-dayprograms. Buildinguponthesuccessof theseprogramsandthegrowinginterestingardeningandtheenvironment,thissummerwe are offering more extensive, programming to further encourage and stimulate children s naturalinterestinthenaturalworld.
In addition to the developmentally appropriate activities designed for each age group, therewillbe some special actiivitiesinwhich every GreenThumbCamperwillparticipate during his/her week at camp! These include a weekly visit to our Camp Swap Shop and observingand helpingtomaintaina smallgardenplotwithinEdwardsGardens.
Programs:
3 and4year-olds July22-26orAugust 19-23
Thistwo-hourperdayprogramisdesignedtointroducetheveryyoungchildtothenatural world through hands-on activities, stories and songs. Some ofthe topics the children will exploreincludehowourbodiesaresimilartoanddifferentfrom treesand otherplants, the importanceofwatertous and otherlivingthings
5and 6year-olds July 15-19orJuly22-26orAugust 12-16orAugust 19-23
Aschildrengrowtheirawarenessoftheirplacewithintheirenvironmentgrowsalso. Inthis three-hour per day program children will learn about the major factors (in addition to themselves) that affect the world we live in. They will explore the world ofcolor, weather, recyclingand more! Someactivitiesincludedyeingwithnaturalmaterials,exploringsand, clayand soil, creating a flowergardenandsimilar.
7 and 8year-olds
Program1 July 15-19 orJuly22-26orAugust 12-16 orAugust 19-23
In this program children will gain an understanding of the deeply rooted connections betweenpeopleandnatureandhowwehaveintegratedthe natural world intoourdailylives. Throughplant-based mythsand legends, childrenwilllearnhow peoplehaveused plants from the past to the present. Childrenwill create and plant their own miniature vegetable gardens,makehandmadepaperfromnaturalfibres, naturaldyesfrom familiarplants and more. Throughout theweek, participants willkeep a dailysketchbookas they explore the surroundiongparkandwoodlands.
Program2 July 15-19orJuly22-26orAugust 12-16orAugust 19-23
Participants in this program will explore the surrounding environment to discover the behavioursofthelocalanimalinhabitants. Instudyingthe habits ofindigenousbirdsand butterflieschildrenwilldeveloptheirobservationandrecordingskills. Throughco-operative games, stories and thematic projects, children will be encouraged to explore a variety of environmentaltopics. Someoftheprojectswillincludecreatingascarecroworothergarden sculptureandbirdfeeder.
9
to 11year-olds
Program1 July 15-19 orJuly22-26
Becomeawoodlanddetective. Usingmagnifiersandtrowelsparticipantswillinvestigateand identifyshortandlong-termbirdandinsectvisitorstolocaltrees. Createabutterfly,vegetable and runningshoegardentolearnthedosand don tsoftransplanting,wateringand proper plant care. Finally, explorethe surroundingwildlandsusing compasses, Polaroid cameras andjournalstomapoutanddiscoversomeofthesecretsknowntotheearlyinhabitants,both nativeandEuropean.
9to 11 year-olds
Program2 August 12-16orAugust 19-23
Participantsinthisprogramwillintegratethescienceofcarnivorousplants,indigenousflora and fauna, garden landscaping and more with art techniques such as weaving and watercolorresisttomakewonderful three-dimensionalcreations. Someoftheprojectswillinclude making large, woven sculptures using branches interlaced with objects found from the garden,creatinga larger-than lifebirdand its nestand designing and plantinga miniature gardenas a prototype fora future workinggardenattheCentre.
Wondering how to make your garden a truly great space throughout thegrowingseason? Findoutatthis free lecture with horticulturist and garden designer Judith Adam.
Tie TRELLIS SHoP
SUMMER CLEARANCE SALE!
Members day: Thursday,June6
20% offall shop merchandise
Greatbargains on thingsyou neednow!
Hours: Mondayto Friday: 9:30 a.m. to5:00p.m.
Saturdayand Sunday: noonto5:00 p.m.
Coming events at the Centre
June
1
e Toronto Bonsai Society, show, noon to 6:00p.m.
¢ Orchid judging centre, 1:00 p.m. 2
¢ TorontoBonsaiSociety,show,10:00a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
e Toronto Cactus and Succulent Club, show, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 4
¢ Men s GardenClub, meeting, 8:00p.m.
8
¢ (Canadian IrisSociety, show, 1:00p.m. 9
e SouthernOntarioOrchid Society,meeting, 1:30 p.m.
10
e Toronto Bonsai Society, meeting, 7:00 p-m.
11
e North Toronto Horticultural Society,
meeting, 8:00 p.m. Speaker: Ces Lamrock. Topic: Roses.
16
* OntarioRockGardenSociety,meeting, 1:30 p.m. Speaker: Dr. AlfEvans. Topic: The rockand screegarden. 17
* Mycological society,meeting, 7:00 p.m. e AnEdwards Lecture, 7:30 p.m. Speaker: Dr. Alfred Evans. Topic: Thewoodland garden. 18
e Toronto Cactus and Succulent Club, meeting, 7:30 p.m.
23
*YorkRose and GardenSociety, summer roseshow, 1:00 to4:30p.m.
A tourandpicnic in memory ofMetro s firstparks commissioner * Tommy Thompson
Saturday, June 29 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Edwards Gardens
| Led by Frank Kershaw, Metro Parks and Culture
The walkbegins in the lobbyofthe Civic Garden Centrewhere Frank Kershaw will discuss Tommy Thompson s vision on public parks in MetroToronto. ParticipantswillexplorethegardensandWilketCreek pathways, including Tommy Thompson s favorite haunts. A wrap-up picnic will be hosted by Civic Garden Centre staff and volunteers.
Free. Bring a picnic and blanket!
All are welcome. For information,contact the Civic Garden Centre at (416) 397-1340.
Presentedby Metropolitan Toronto s DepartmentofParks and - Culture and the Civic Garden Centre.
