TRELLIS
The newsletter of the Civic Garden Centre in Metropolitan Toronto July/August, 1996 Volume 23, Number 7
Civic Garden Centre
General
Information
TheCivicGardenCentreisavolunteer-based,not-for-profitorganizationwhosemission istoactasa centralresource forgardening, horticultureand 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 throughout Metropolitan Toronto and across Ontario. The Civic Garden Centre is pleased to rent facilities for meetings, receptions, exhibits and shows.
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 of directors:
Chair: Lynne Robbins
Members: Peter Boeckle
Lindsay Dale-Harris
Staffmembers:
Executive director: Bonnie Hillman
Manager, community and educational programs: Diana von Appen
Course registrar:
John Dean - g
At T e
Grant Thompson
Co-ordinator, volunteers anq membe.rsh'lp:
Mark Hartley . . , Linda Heimlich
Joi Howard
LorraineJohnson
Gwen Kearney
Nancy Laurie
Barbara Mayer
Mary Mingie
David Money
Maureen Naylor
Anthea O'Reagan
Helenshaw
RogerSilverthorne
Co-ordinator, children s programs: Margot Mather
Horticulturist: StephenWestcott-Gratton
Assistanthorticulturist: ~ SheilaSmith
Librarian: RoslynTheodore
Trellis editor: Iris Hossé Phillips
Manager, marketing and special events:
Carolyn Dalgarno
Trellis Shop manager: Joel Lavine
Trellis Shop assistant manager:
Barbara Stevenson
Plant buyer: Ellen Eisenberg
Manager, administration and facility rentals: : : Betsy Chubb
Robin Wilson
Maintenance supervisor: Walter Morassutti
Administrative assistant: Shirley Lyons
Newsummer garden tours
Summer workshop
A visittothe gardens ofCasa Loma
A rosebyanyothername...
2 Questions and answers
Back cover
Comingevents
In the lobby
Check out the Thanks for the Balconies Wall of Fame on display in the Centre s main lobby throughout July and August. The display features all the North York balcony gardeners who have been awardedCertificatesofRecognition for their efforts.
TRELLIS
Volume 23, Number 7
Editor: Iris Hossé Phillips
Editorial co-ordinator: Leslie Lynch
Advertisinginformation: (416) 397-1340
Printedby Raised Image, Etobicoke, on recycled paper
Trellis ispublished tentimesayearas 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 ofTrellis.
Opinions expressed within Trellis do not necessarily reflect those oftheCentre. Submissionsmaybeedited forstyleand clarity.
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole orpartisprohibited without written permission.
Editor s note
ByIris Phillips
Goodnews!Ihavetwolargebloomsonmy climbinghydrangea (Hydrangea petiolaris). ForthepastfouryearsIhavebemoanedthe lackofbloomsonmyplant.Thevinelooked healthy but did not provide the prolific white blooms that the gardening books promised.AtfirstIthoughtthattheexperts hadliedwhentheyrecommendedtheplant forthenorthwallanddescribeditasshadetolerant. (Mysurveyoftheneighborhood revealed thatthe hydrangeas withblooms had lots of sun and were planted on the west or east side of the house.) Next I decidedtohavetheCentreanalyzethesoil in the bed around the vine. The soil test revealedthatthesoilwaslackingingarden sulphur. I followed the instructions and am very pleased that I now have two blooms. I am glad I was patient.
Theworkandenergyofvolunteerscontinuestoastoundme.TheCentrehasmore than 300 active volunteers. I thought of them when I read about the St. Mary s Cement Rock Garden at the University of Western Ontario where I did my graduate work. Thegardenprojectis organized and maintained by the FON, Friends of the Garden, a group of volunteers from the student body, the faculty, the staff, the alumni and members of the community. Theymaintainthegarden,andplantaround the geologicalspecimens. Thegardenwas first established as an outdoor teaching laboratory and that is still the primary function. Thisyearthe FONestablished a bursary of $1,000 for an undergraduate student in the fields of zoology, plant sciences, earth sciences or environmental sciences. Where would we be without our loyal and talented volunteers?
Cover photo courtesy of Internationaal Bloembollem Centrum,Holland.
New summer garden tours |
1) The gardens of Casa Loma and Spadina House
Take a private tour of the beautiful and horticulturally significant sites, led by head gardener Bruce Scott of Casa Loma and senior horticulturist Wendy Woodworth of Spadina House. Their unique perspectives allow for a different kind of tour peppered with anecdotes and details ofthe plantings, propagation and maintenance. Atthe end of the day, relax in the lovely East Sun Room of Spadina House for tea and cake.
Date: Sunday, July 21
Time: departure: 9:30, tour: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: members $32, non-members, $35
The bus leaves from the parking lot of the Civic Garden Centre. Bring along a lunch or take advantage of the cafeteria in Casa Loma. The tour will take place rain or shine. Cost includes return bus ride and refreshments.
Registration is limited so book early! Call (416)397-1340.
2) On the waterfront garden tour
Asplendid waytospend asummerday! Diane Boswill beyourguide. An avid and skilled gardener, Diane works as a visual arts consultant, photographer and educator. As a special arts advisorto Harbourfront Centre, Diane has mounted manyexhibitions dealing withartists inthegarden, landscapearchitectureand design. Herworkhas beenfeatured at many galleries including the Art Gallery of Hamilton and the Linda Genereux Gallery in Toronto.
This tourwill begin with the eight artists gardens at Harbourfront Centre, followed by a visit to the new Sculpture and Garden Park at 1 York Street. After lunch, participants will catch a ferry to Ward s Island where they will view five private front gardens of island homes. This tour will be especially tempting to the hidden artist in you!
Bring along a lunch or take advantage of the many restaurants at Queen s Quay.
Date: Saturday, July 28 JF Sunday, July 29
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Cost: members $25, non-members, $27
Harbourfront is easily accessible by TTC. Parking is also available nearby. Registration for this tour is limited so book early! To register, call (416) 397-1340.
3) Tour Marion Jarvie s garden
Marion Jarvie, well knowntotheCivicGarden Centre asawonderful instructor, guide and plantswoman, will be your host in her lovely garden in Thornhill. Walk about, have some lemonade, ask Marion your questions. Written highlights of the garden will be available onsite. Call for directions: (416) 397-1340. Cost: $8.50 (at the gate).
Visit private English gardens and the Chelsea Flower Show, spring, 1997
The Civic Garden Centre is offering a tour to English spring gardens and the Chelsea Flower Show in May, 1997, with guide Lt. Colonel Ronald Adam, chief executive of English Home and Country Tours.
For details, call Carolyn Dalgarno at (416) 397-1351.
Summer workshop: The
art and craft of garden photography with Laurel Goodings
Saturday, July 20
1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Members $40, non-members $45
This workshop will explore the emotional and intuitive abstract elements of garden photography as well as the more concrete design principles including composition, perspective, point of view and frame of reference.
Thisworkshop is notaboutspecifictechnical procedures (however, sometechnical elements will be discussed). This workshop is forthose who are inspired to capture the magic in their garden.
Participants are asked to bring a camera (with indoor/outdoor film), tripod (if you can) and three photos: one you took that you are happy with, one that you are not so happy with and one that someone else took that you wish you had.
Everyone iswelcomeeven iftheycan notbringtheabove materialsand equipment. To register, call (416) 397-1340.
THE ARTISTS CIRCLE
An Exhibition of Recent Watercolours
SEPT. 3 to 30
OPENING THURS. SEPT. 5 6:30 - 9:00 pm
Refreshments
LINK GALLERY, EDWARDS GARDENS
GALLERY HOURS: Mon-Fri: 9 am - 5 pm Sat & Sun: 12 - 5 pm
Vivian Berard, Dorothy and Ralph Blefgen, Marianne Crone, Janet Dent, Linda Hobson, Bonnie Keberer, Jackie Lanthier, Corinne McConnell, Norah Nevison, Christl Niemuller, Joyce Sanders and Gwen Sheppard.
Avisitto CasaLomagardens
By Diana von Appen
It had been threatening to rain all day, but Stephen Westcott-Gratton and I hoped that it would stave off long enough for us to have our tour of Casa Loma s gardens.
Bruce Scott, the castle s knowledgeable and affable headgardener,barelyacknowledgedtheCastle sgrand interior as we made our way to the outside. As we emerged onto the terrace, we forgot all about the rain andsawthatthegardensofCasa Lomawereblooming.
The tragic Sir Henry Mill Pellattwould be proud to seehowhisgardenshavebeenrestored.Fromthelyrical iron trellis entrance, to the naturalized pond and lower woodland, the gardens are beautiful and intriguing. Bruce enjoys experimenting with new plantings and will happily launch into details of his efforts in the renovated potting shed one ofthe castle s original outbuildings.
Whileriflingthrougholdphotographsoneday,Bruce discovered pictures of the master s propagating and transplanting room. With the help of the photos, he restored the forgotten bricked-in space to its original purpose.
Light from new windows now illuminates old photosonthewalls. AsIgazedatonepictureoftheall-male gardening corps bent over workbenches in their sober vestsandties, Ithoughtoftheyoungwomanwehadjust passed outside, skillfully manoeuvering a tractor betweenflowerbeds. Brucereliesonthehardworkof half a dozenstaff,butlikegardenerseverywhere,hewishes he could spend more time mucking about outside.
Bruce Scott s intense dedication has paid off. The gardensinearlyMaysportfloweringvibernumhedges, trilliumsandwoodpoppies,marshmarigolds,anastonishingclimbinghydrangeaandbysummerwill feature hundredsmoresplendidannualsandperennials. Since the castle s great mass provides its own microclimate, there aresurprises everywhere.
Aswereached theparkinglot,thecoldrainbeganin earnest. But, for a short while, we were warmed by a magical space. We look forward to returning again.
The Centre invites you to visit these gardens as part of a summer tour. Seepage 2for details.
Wildflower mdGarden Tours
Gardens ofVancouver
June 17 to 21, 1996,
C$785, fromVancouver Leader: BarbaraWilkins
Wildflowers ofthe Rockies
July7 to 20, 1996
US$1595, from Denver Leader: Marion Jarvie
Gardens ofScotland
September6 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 ATURE =
ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE!
Open Fri., Sat., Sun. & Mon. from 11 till 5. The finest selection of garden ornaments!
1094 DERRY ROAD WEST 4 km W. ofGuelph Line (905) 336-1398
DERRY ROAD ENDS AT PICKLETREE FARM
Next Trellis Deadline: July 15
Submissions welcome
Chandler & Company
Landscape Designers and Contractors A complete residential landscape service
The Canadian Plant Sourcebook
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 4 for the professional horticulturalist. Available Spring,199.
To order, send cheque for $18 (P&P included; tax exempt):
The Canadian Plant Sourcebook 93 Fentiman Avenue Ottawa, ON K1S 0T7
Tel. (613) 730-0755
Fax (613) 730-2095
CLASSIFIED
Arcadiandaylilies: Award-winningcultivars forOntariogardens.Containergrown,mature divisions,gardenvisitorswelcomebyappointment. (416) 657-1444. (]
Need help with yourgarden? Caring, knowledgeable assistance available. Consulting, maintenance,perennials. Environmentallyresponsible. Booking now forJuly, August, autumn. Marion Thompson, Hand-in-Glove Garden Services, (905) 294-8266.
Pine Rldge SPECIALISTS i
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 Brock Road, North Pickering (1 mile North of401) 683-5952
A rose by any other name would smell as sweet
By Stephen Westcott-Gratton, Centre horticulturist
Well, methinks that may have been true in Shakespeare sday,butalas,nolonger. The transformation that the rose has undergone in the last hundred years is unsurpassedbyanyotherornamentalresidingin our gardens.
I remember as a youngster hearing a BBCradioprogramwheretheguestswere asked tochoosetheeightrecordsthatthey wouldtakewiththemiftheywerestranded on a desert island. At this time ofthe year, and with the wisdom that age (with luck) hasaccorded, Iwouldnowbemoretempted to take eight roses with me instead. I'd certainlyneverhavetoworryaboutscurvy with such an abundant source of heps at hand! Bytheway,hepreferstothe fruit of wild or species roses, while hip normally indicates the fruit of a cultivar.
Roses have existed for about 30 million years, and have been objects of horticultural fascination since thebeginning ofrecordedhistory. Theyarerepresentedinthe earliest forms of art and pictorial decoration, (as farback as theMinoans) and have alsofeaturedprominentlyinliteratureand medicine. One eminent psychologist recently suggested that this admiration of roses is due to the contradiction between thebeautyoftheflowerandthedangerand pain of the thorn. Sounds like psychobabbletome I taketheearthierviewthat people loveroses fortheir color, form, versatilityand scent. It'sbeenovertwothousand years since the poetess Sappho referred to roses as queen of the flowers. With this in mind I'll now present a brief rundown ontheeightbushesI'llbetaking to the island with me.
I should make it clear at the outset that there won t be any hybrid tea roses in my
luggage. While I have nothing against them, I feel that they are ubiquitous, and also not necessarily the best ambassadors oftheRosefamily. Theyrepresentasomewhatweakbranchonthefamilytree,rather akin to hillbilly cousins suffering the effectsofinbreeding. In order to survive they rely heavily on medications to rid them of disease and vermin, and must take special mineralsandvitamins to keep body and bloom together. They don t really sound robust enough for my island existence.
Ontheotherhand,manyrosesthathave come down to us through the ages don t requireanyofthesespecializedandpotentially toxic ministrations. They have been blooming quite contentedly for hundreds (and in some cases, thousands) of years, and are proven survivors. They also have manyvariedandexquisiteforms,farmore interesting than the moderns to my eye, and best of all they have a strong rose fragrance, which hasbeen virtuallywiped out in recent introductions. Generally speaking,theyaremuchlargerplantsthan modernroses, usuallyreaching5feethigh and as wide at maturity. They make a stunning informal hedge or barrier where spacepermits. Likemostothermembersof their clan, the more sun they get, the happier they are.
The outstanding eight: Leda (Painted Damask). Hybrids of Rosa damascenawerewellknowntotheRomans,
and are among the most ancient roses still in cultivation. Had it not been grown in European monasteries during the Middle Ages(foritsmedicinalproperties)itwould havediedoutlongago. Inadditiontolater being used extensively in heraldry and on coatsofarms,thefamousrosesofYorkand Lancaster were Damasks, which as a subgroup comprise many different types. Generallyspeaking,Damaskshavedowny greyfoliage,ratherpricklywood,andflowers that areborne in large bunches.
Leda originated in England, and was introduced commercially about 1827. It hasdistinctivedarkpubescentfoliage. The buds look bruised and battered, showing the colour of the petals long before they open. Ball-shapedflowersaremilkywhite suffused with blush, the extremities of the outerpetals develop a crimson hue, hence itspopularname. Thereisalsoapinkform which was more widely accepted in Europe. Primarilysummerflowering,itproduces a few late flowers.
Old Pink Moss (Rosa centifolia Muscosa ). This rose is a sport of the Centifolia or Provence roses and has been in cultivation since about 1700. The term moss refers to the sepals which cover and protect the bud s petals beforeopening; inthisrosetheyappearto havemossgrowingonthem. Whatisreally happeningisthattheglandularprojections whichcovertheflowerstalkandsepalsare enlarged. The moss is sticky and fragrant to the touch adding greatly to the overall scent, as well as adding considerable visual interest. There have been several attempts over the years to further hybridize this rose, but some plants are simplybest left in their original state. This is one of them.
The foliage is mid-green, providing the perfect foil for the clear pink, exquisitely fragrantblooms.
Stanwell Perpetual (Parentage uncertain). It is thought that Stanwell Perpetual is a chance cross betweenR.pimpinellifolia(orWildBurnetrose) and one of the Gallicas, probably an AutumnDamask. Forthisreasonitisusually grouped withthe Burnets. Graham Stuart Thomas calls it a most treasured possession andImustconcur. Asthename implies, itflowersperpetuallywithhighly fragrant small blush pink blooms. The grey foliage is ferny in appearance, and quiteuniqueamongroses. AchanceseedlingfoundinagardeninStanwell,Middlesex, itwasfirstputonthemarketbyLeeof Hammersmithin1838. Themaindisplayis in midsummer, but it is never without blooms. Favoured by MissJekyll.
Rosa rugosa ' Rubra
TheJapanese or Rugosa roses suffer from badpresssimplybecausetheymakeexcellent rootstocks for more tender and less vigorous cultivars, and also because they don t make good cut flowers, thereby losing a great deal ofground at rose shows.
First introduced to Europe from Japan in 1796 as a novelty by Lee of Hammersmith, it didn t prove very popular, perhaps due to the short duration of each floweranditsexcessiveprickliness.Judged by today s standards, however, we find a rosewithfewfaults: itisverycoldandsalt tolerant,ithasagoodbushyform,fabulous clovefragrance,andvirtuallynodiseaseor pest problems. It flowers all season long, andthesinglecarmineformsareasbeautiful as any other group, and also produce vibrant red heps that look like bunches of cherrytomatoes. WhileIpreferthespecies Rugosas, there are also several good hybrids, the best of which were introduced before 1914.
Coupe d 'Hébé (Bourbon type). The Bourbon roses (Rosa
borboniana) represent some of the first hybridizing efforts between the Old Roses and the Old Blush China rose (not winter hardy) introduced in the last years of the 18thcentury. FromtheOldRosestheBourbons have inherited their colouring and scent, and from the China Roses their smoother leaves and habit ofrepeat flowering.
This raceofroses took their name from the Ile de Bourbon (later named Ile de Réunion) intheIndianOcean,wherefarmers edged their fields with Damask and China roses which resulted in this natural hybrid. They arrived as seedsinFrancein 1817whenworkstartedinearnest to cross plants and create new varieties. Bourbon roses flower throughout the summer and areplantsofconsiderablecharm. Thebest bloomswillbeproducedonvigorousshoots whichgrowafterthefirstflushoffloweris finished.
Introduced by Laffay ofFrance in 1840, Couped "Hébé producessoftgreenleaves withclustersoffragrantpinkflowerswhose color doesn t fade. Unlike most Bourbons, it flowers in midsummer only.
Reine Victoria
Another Bourbon, this rose was raised in FrancebySchwartz,andintroducedin1872. Often sold as La Reine Victoria, the La shouldneverbeincludedinthename. The flowers, borne from June to October are very full and rounded, retaining a pronouncedcupshapetothelast. Eachpetalis like a thin shell of intense rose-madder where the sun hits it, but far paler at the base. A unique period piece. Mme Pierre Oger is a lighter-colored sport which has achievedgreaterpopularity. LikeallBourbons it is taller and more vigorous than either of its parents; shapelier than the Chinas, and more recurrent than the
For the love of gardens.
When you're at work on the garden you love, remember Sheridan Nurseries. At Sheridan, we have expert staffto help you, and the finest selection of nursery stock in Canada, including over 750 types of plants and trees grown on our own farms. And all ofour nursery stock is guaranteed for two full years! Need any advice to help make your garden even lovelier? Gardens By Sheridan landscape designers offer everything from peerless consultation and planning to complete construction and maintenance services. All for the love of gardens, at Sheridan Nurseries.
SHERIDAN NURSERIES
Damasks.
Graham Thomas (David Austin s English Roses) [ Charles Austin x Floribunda Iceberg seedling]. We now come to the newest of the Old. David Austin has maintained a singular vision over the last 40 years about what rosesshouldlooklike,andhowtheyshould behave andperform. Whilehis detractors certainly exist, his success may be measured by the world-wide embrace that his progeny have received. Austin s ultimate goalhasbeentoproducehealthybushesof gracefulhabitbearingflowersreminiscent of the 19th century, full of petals and fragranceinakaleidoscopeofsofttintswhich appearfromJune to October.
Much ofthe criticism that Austin roses have been subjected to may be due to the fact that essentially, they are shrub roses. Evaluationcannoteffectivelyoccurwithin a short time frame it takes at least five yearstomakeasoundassessmentonarose cultivar of this type. The UK s Royal National Rose Societies Committee for New SeedlingsatBoneHilldismissed Graham Thomas as too lanky after a three year trial period. The fact that it has been a resounding success throughout the rosegrowing world since its introduction in 1983 must surely speak for itself.
Normally, I recommend that roses be planted dormantandbarerootin November scientificstudiesaboundsupporting this position. However, Austin Roses are usually container grown, and I have had amazingsuccessinstallingtheminthehorrible heat and humidity of mid-August whentheyareonsaleatmostnurseriesfor half price, sans guarantee. And did I mentionthattheyallcontainthatpreciousOld Rose fragrance, and by and large are very disease resistant?
Getting Back to Graham Thomas, let us firstadmit thatbreeding a good yellow roseisademandofthehighestorder. This
rose,however, sportsa richdeepyellow the only other cultivar which approaches itsluxurianttintinthebudis LadyHillingdon, a tea rose from 1910. Itisa vigorous rose which branches freely and repeats consistently throughout the season. Marvellous Old Rose form and fragrance somewhat prone to blackspot during especially humid summers, although I've only sprayed my fiveyear-old twice.
Othello ( LilianAustin x TheSquire ) Austinhimselfdescribes thisrose as unusual, ... which some mightfind a little coarsefor their tastes, but it deserves to be appreciatedfor its unique character. The predominant color of the largeheavyblooms is dusky crimson with overtones of cerise and mauve, coupled with a powerful Old Rose fragrance. The rough (rugosa) dark green foliage is complemented by numerous sharp (and very irritating) thorns. Wear thick gloves and you llbecome life-long buddies.
Ifyou needbasic informationaboutthe cultural requirements for successful rose growing, consult the extensive material available in the CGC Library, buy one of the excellent references in theTrellis Shop, calltheMasterGardenerHotline (416-3971345),orcallme (397-1355). Rosesdeserve a place in every garden after 30 million years, they ve earned it!
Oh, no man knows Through what wild centuries Roves back the rose.
Walter de la Mare
Sussex Trug Raskets B
Hand-made wooden Trugs of willow and chestnut from Sussex, England
The making of the common English garden basket is a traditional craft which has been established for over 200 years. Ask about our one egg basket.
Available in 19 sizes for decoration and use in the fields and garden. Retail prices start from $34. Write, phone or fax for free catalogue and price list.
Kentish Man 66 Peach Willoway, Willowdale, Ontario M2J 2B6 Phone (416) 499-4725 Fax (416) 502-1265 Retail and wholesale
Tell a friend about member benefits
Members of the Civic Garden Centre have Architectural Garden Elements ¢ library borrowing privileges
e adult and children s courses at a reduced rate Arbors / Trellis Period Fences/Gates e advance notice of courses, programs, events and Fountains /Waterfalls
e free admission to our Edwards Foundation lectures
/ Swings plant sales
* volunteer opportunities
o Trellis newsletter.
StClairAveWestofBathurst (416)658-8168 Call (416) 397-1340.
Questions and answers with the Master Gardeners
Q. Iwant togrowfairly large trees in pots on thepatio. How should Ido this?
A. Make sure that the pot is large: minimum 20 inches across. Ensure good drainage at the bottom. Put coarse material to a depth of two inches. Use a good potting medium,astheplantswillbeinitforsomeyearsandyou won t be able to renew it. Be sure to avoid drying out; duringhotwindyweatheryoumayneedtowatertwicea day. Arrange to insulate the pot in winter to prevent it freezing solid, using 4-inch thick insulation foam, and A container-grown tree must protecttheplantsfromwind. GlobespruceandCaragana have a large pot, good are suitable plants. drainage and rich soil mix.
Q. Ihaveaneastern redbud (Cercis) tree. Theleaves rollupbutIcannotseeanyinsectsanditdoesn tseem to have signs ofdisease.
A. This leaf-rolling is typical of redbuds growing in a southern exposure, as a response to the intense midday sun. It is a means of conserving water forthe plant.
Q. Mytomatoplantsarenext tofoxgloves.Iknowthefoxglovesare poisonous; is it safe to eat the tomatoes?
A. Yes, the tomatoes are quite safe. The digitalis poison is in the tissue and juices ofthe foxgloves. Itwill notbe picked up by the tomatoes.
Foxgloves will not spread their toxins to nearby plants.
Thanks to Vivien Jenkinsonfor illustrations.
Gardening questions? Call the Master Gardeners Hotline (416) 397-1345 daily, noon to 3:00 p.m.
Redbud leaves roll up in response to drought.
Bulk Ennombre third troisiéme class classe
BUICK PRESENTS:
Coming events at the Centre
July August 6 3
* Orchid judging centre, 1:00 p.m. * Orchid judging centre, 1:00 p.m. 9 12-16
e Kidsummer at the Centre e The New Green Thumb Camp 15-19 19-23
e The New Green Thumb Camp
e The New Green Thumb Camp 22-26 17
¢ The New Green Thumb Camp ¢ Canadian Iris Society, auction 29
* Balcony garden awards
ART IN THE LINK
June 11 toduly 7 Jacky Hedman
August 6 to September 3 ~ Pamela Bennett Adams
July free lecture August free lecture
Sunday July 14
Sunday, August 11
1:00 to 2:00 p.m. 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Studio 4 Studio 4
Mary Perimutter, Master Anna Leggatt, Master Gardener, will speak on Gardener,will speak on Gardening Organically Simplified. Lawn-less Front Lawns