The newsletter of the Civic Garden Centre in Metropolitan Toronto November/December, 1996 Volume 23, Number 9
ALSO SERVING MORNING COFFEE, LUNCH AND AFTERNOON TEA
NOVEMBER 7, 8, 9 AND 10, 1996
THURSDAY AND FRIDAY 10:00 A.M. TO 9:00 P.M. SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 10:00 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M. at the CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE
ADMISSION$500
TheCivicGarden! hosemission is to act as a centra aental issues by encouraging i nating and interpreting infor bers of the community.
Located in Ed st in North York, the Centres Trellis ss Ontario. The Civic Gard ns, exhibits and shows. Vol.23 No.9
Hours: Nov./Dec. 1956
Winter(Novembse Soon e eee S )a.m. to4:00 p-m.; weekends a Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m. t
Telephone: Area
Main number: 3¢
Rentals: 397-134¢
Library: 397-134(
Master Gardener. Adaa o - - P
Board of directors:
Chair: Lynne Robbins
Members: Peter Boeckle
Lindsay Dale-Harris
Tohs Deatt
Aol Dunsie
Susan Dyes
Staff members:
Interim executive director: Lynne Robbins
Manager, community and educational programs: Diana von Appen
Course'registrar:' Grant Thompson
Co-o'rdmat(.)r, children s programs: Margot Mather
Hor.tlcultunst:. : Stephen Westcott Gratton :
SusanGibson
Mark Hartley
Assistant horticulturist: ~ Sheila Smith
Librarian: RoslynTheodore
Trellis editor: Iris Hossé Phillips
John Howard Manager, marketing and special events:
Lorraine Johnson
Gwen Kearney
Nancy Laurie
Barbara Mayer
David Money
Maureen Naylor
Liz Primeau
Helen Shaw
RogerSilverthorne
Carolyn Dalgarno
Trellis Shop assistant manager:
Barbara Stevenson
Plant buyer: Ellen Eisenberg
Manager, administration and facility rentals: Betsy Chubb
Maintenance supervisor: Walter Morassutti
Administrative assistant: Shirley Lyons
Volunteer co-ordinator: ~Ada Brzeski
The Centre will close Friday, December 20, 1996, 4:00 p.m. to reopen Thursday, January 2, 1997, 9:00 a.m.
Volume 23, Number 9
Editor: Iris Hossé Phillips
Editorialco-ordinator: Leslie Lynch
Advertisinginformation: (416) 397-1340
Printed by Raised Image, Etobicoke, recycled paper
Trellis is published as a members newsletter by the Civic Garden Centre, 777 Lawrence Avenue East, North York, Ontario M3C 1P2. Telephone: (416) 397-1340.
Manuscripts submitted on a voluntary basis are gratefully received. No remuneration is possible.
Articles, manuscripts and advertising material must be received by the 15th of the month to insure publication six weeks later.
Opinions expressed within Trellis do not necessarily reflect thoseoftheCentre. Submissionsmaybeeditedforstyleand clarity.
All rightsreserved. Reproduction in whole orpartis prohibited without written permission.
ByIris Phillips
A small committee has been formed to reviewTrellis.Theseven-membercommitteeiscomposedofthreemembersfromthe Board of Directors Lorraine Johnson, Nancy Laurie, and Liz Primeau; two staff members Carolyn Dalgarno and Roslyn Theodore; member and editorial coordinatorLeslieLynchand me. Ourtaskis to make recommendations totheboard on the format, design, frequency of publication,advertisingandcontentofTrellis.Your input and suggestions are welcome and should be mailed or faxed to me at the Centre.
In the spring I wrote about a possible namechange forournewsletterandasked for suggestions. I received some recommendationsbutmanymemberswroteand telephoned to say that they liked the currentnameanddidnotthinkanamechange was warranted. They stated that the name Trellis was known and identified with our newsletter and that the name of a garden structurewasnotunfittingforagardening newsletter. Name changes at the best of timesaredifficultandrequire resourcesof time and money to be successful.
The Centre has a new brochure to describe its programs and services and the benefits of membership. Consumers Gas has funded the printingof10,000copies of thebrochure and membership application insert. The Centre appreciates this generous gift. Next time you are at the Centre lookat a copy in the library orat theinformation desk.
Do you have colored photographs of Edwards Gardens in spring or summer? The Trellis Shop is planning to sell note cards with photos of the gardens and the building. Let me know if you have some interesting shots that you would like to share. Trellis, November/December
Tuesday, November 26, 1996
7:30 p.m.
Lise Cormier, director
Fortunatevisitorstothe Montreal Botanical Gardensare privy to 21,000 plant genera, 10 exhibition greenhouses and 30 outdoor gardens. The spectacular collections are further enhanced byaclosecollaboration with the Institutde Recherche en BiologieVégétale atthe Universityof Montreal and by ongoing plant exchanges with botanical gardens and collectors around the world. Lise Cormier will introduce our audience to the beauty of this Canadian treasure.
Forthepast 14years, theEdwardsFoundationhasprovidedfunds for the Edwards Foundation Memorial Lecture in memory of RupertE. Edwards. Thisgiftenablesthe Centre tobringoutstanding Canadian and international speakers without charging a fee. Refreshments will be served. Join us for this specialprogram.
By Wendy Barrett
Speakers:
Doug Campbell, Campberry Farms, Queenston
Topic: Difficultplants made easy including problemsof plantswith specific soil requirements or that are borderline hardy
Anne Marie van Nest, Niagara School of Horticulture
Topic: Adding the unusual and the fun to your garden
Marjorie Mason-Hogue, Mason Hogue Gardens
Topic: Howto growand use annualsand tenderperennials (including some that have recently become available)
This training seminar is open to Civic Garden Centre members and interested members of the public.
Mark your calendar: Sunday, November 24, In the Floral Hall
Admission: $10 per person at the door.
Coffee and muffins will be available from 9:00 a.m. Bring your own lunch and join other gardening enthusiasts for an interesting and popular event.
An opportunity to hear and meet professionals in this important and growing field.
Wednesday, November 27 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Admission: $15 per person or $23 with lunch served
For more information, contact Grant Thompson phone: (416) 397-1410 fax: (416) 397-1354
You 're invited to the volunteer holiday party
Wednesday, December 4
4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Come out and celebrate the season with the other people who have worked on behalf of the Centre this year.
A non-credit, adult education course, co-sponsored by the University of Toronto School ofContinuing Studies and the Civic Garden Centre and heldat the Centre.
This six-session course explores the images and true stories of ancient and modern gardens around the globe. Join seven experts, and the moderatorof this series, Eleanor Irwin, as they present:
* Shaded with Roses: Gardens in Classical Greece
e Corn, from Mayans to Iroquois: A Mysterious Journey
e The Lotus is Purity: Flowers as Symbols in China; and Chinese Gardens, Ancient and Modern
* The Medieval Persian Garden
* Mogul Gardens of Kabul, Lahore and Delhi
* Serenity and Elegance: Japanese Gardens
Wednesdays, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., February 5, 12, 19, 26, March 5, 12
Members ofthe CGC: $170; non-members: $200; seniorcitizens: $140. Tuition is tax deductible.
Toregister: callthe SchoolofContinuing Studies (416) 978-3800. Course number SCS 5670 Sec 01A.
Mistletoe Magic, Toronto s finest craft show, willhave 30% new exhibitors. We try to retainmanyofyourfavoriteexhibitorsbutdeliberatelyplantoputafreshfaceoneach show with new talent.
This year s show will have new items for children, women' s clothing, jewellery, pottery, wood, sculpture, ceramics, Christmas decorations and specialty foods plus manymorecreativeideasforthose hardtoshopfor peopleonyourholidaylist.The exhibitors havebeen chosen on the basis ofquality ofproduct, design, creativity and pricing. Plan to visit the Milne House Garden Club displays for dried flowers, decorations and home baking. Visit the volunteer crafts, which include the intricate workofthepressedflowergroup. Aspecialfeatureofthisyear sshowisa makeand take table by Michaels, the arts and crafts superstore.
We hope memberswill support this showand encouragefriends to attend. There aremanycraftshowsduringtheholidayseasonbutwehopeyouwillstillconsiderthis onethebestandmostfuntoattend. Ourcafewillbeservingmorningcoffee,lunchand afternoon tea.
Please mark Mistletoe Magic on your calendar and plan to attend. Without your supportthisshowwouldnotbeabletomaintainitsexcellentreputationanddegreeof success. Admission is $5. Free parking.
Thursday, November 7 and Friday, November 8 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 9 and Sunday, November 10 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Many volunteers are needed for shifts during Mistletoe Magic, November 7 to 10. Jobsincludefront door ticketsellers, greeters, tearoom helpers, exhibitors aidesand other behind-the-scenes tasks that make this show run smoothly.
Volunteers are also needed on Tuesday, November 5 to set up the show and Wednesday, November6 to move in exhibitors as well as Monday, November 11 to dismantle the show.
The public and the exhibitors both agree that our volunteers make this show differentfromthe manyothercraftshows. Yourpresence isappreciated byso many. Call Carolyn Dalgarno at (416)397-1351. It's not too late there is ajob for you during this show.
November/December 1996
an afternoon with FIORE
Set the scene for your holiday entertaining. Toronto s leaders in floral design will create some of the most striking and imaginative presentations for your interpretation at home.
Thursday, December 5 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
members: $30 non-members: $35 pre-registration required: call (416) 397-1340
1996 Master Gardener graduates honored
Congratulationstothese new MasterGardeners, graduatesof the Centre s training program: Jack Cameron, Mary Fisher, Linda Greven, Irene Grosvenor, Joan Hodges, Anne Kotyk Trellis, November/December 1996
Members day: Thursday, December 5
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Public sale:
Friday, December 6, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8 noon to 4:00 p.m.
No pre-orders required.
Bring your membership card to receive a 10% discount. A fund-raising event for the Civic Garden Centre.
It's not too late to register for the Centre s fall/winter courses for children, families and adults.
Courses starting in November are:
* Breaking into the garden design business
e Christmas Past wreaths
» Art appreciation for gardeners
» Villas and gardens of California
Many courses start in January and February.
Trellis, November/December 1996
This tour is being offered by the Civic Garden Centre and Travel 24. The tour will be accompanied by Bayla Gross, former member of the Centre s board ofdirectors.
Seesomeofthe mostbeautiful privategardens in Englandwith Lt. Colonel RonaldAdams thisspring. Youwill visitprivategardensin Kent, EastKent,TunbridgeWells, EastSussex and Bath and will be entertained as a guest by the owners of some of England s most magnificent homes. The accommodation isfirst class in both hotels and private estates. Therewill betimetovisitwiththeownersofthegardensoverafternoontea, lunchordinner. A day at the Chelsea Flower Show is a fitting climax to this exceptional tour.
Your tour includes:
e Round-trip flight with Air Canada, Toronto to London
e Canadian and British air departure tax
e All accommodation:
6 nights, private hospitality
2 nights, The Spa Hotel Tunbridge Wells
2 nights, Park Lane Hotel, London
Full English breakfast except in London where continental breakfast will be served
All meals (except 2 lunches and 1 dinner in London)
Cocktails and wine at the homes of hostesses
Wine with all meals
Sightseeing and special events including the Chelsea Flower Show
One year's membership to the Royal Horticultural Society
Full item services of experienced tour director
A personal folder (containing illustrated booklets)
All ground transportation, London to London, (except during free time)
Baggage handling (one piece per person)
All taxes and tips.
Cost per person: $4,989.79 (based on a minimum of 16 passengers). Single occupancy supplement: $539. Full comprehensive insurance is mandatory. Insurance price is not included and will vary depending on age.
For more information or a detailed itinerary, please call Carolyn Dalgarno (416) 397-1351 or Travel 24 Inc. (416) 222-2440.
Share your love of gardening and specialized knowledge or skills:
The Centre needs your help with the following activities:
* weekend and special eventevening orholidaystafffortheTrellisShopand library
e committee members to plan and organize such events as the Edwards Lecture series, the Great Canadian Gardening Conference, garden tours forchildren and adults, fund-raising events and free members lectures
o staffto order, price, take stock and display horticultural supplies and small plants in the Trellis Shop
* weekday and weekend co-ordinators for the volunteer program
e computer enthusiasts to train staff and volunteers to use word processing, database, spreadsheet and other programs
* crafts people to join the pressed flower group
* photographers to take pictures of Centre events.
If any of these activities interest you, or you wish to become involved in other ways, please call Ada Brzeski, our volunteer co-ordinator at (416) 397-1347. Ada is a volunteerand not always atthe Centre, so please leave a message and she will return your call. Welcome back, Ada!
Advertise in Trellis!
Trellis classified ads (w are a great way to reach '\ gardeners and a bargain at h,, $1 per word. Deadline for : submissions is the 15th of § the month.
Toronto Chapter 208 presents
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
Members Demonstrations and Exhibition Celebrating our 15th Anniversary
Saturday, November 16, 1996 11:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday, November 17, 1996 11:30 am - 5:00 pm
Demonstrations :
Saturday and Sunday 1:30 & 3:30 pm
Civic Garden Centre, Edwards Gardens
777 Lawrence Avenue East (at Leslie), North York
Admission $7.00
For more information, please call Sharon (416) 920-0775 or Patricia (416) 484-1565
Hand-made wooden Trugs of willow and chestnut from Sussex, England
AGNES STEVENS RN, RMT RegisteredMassageThewapist
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
The Board of directors met during the summer months to plan for the Centre s governance until a new executive director is hired. Members of the Board, led by presidentLynne Robbins, will direct the operations of
the Centre until January 1, 1997.
You can get to know your board members better ... read on!
PETER BOECKLE B.A., LLB. - Peter is certified by the Law Society as a Specialist in Civil Litigation and is a partner of MacMillan, Rooke, Boeckle, Barristers and Solicitors. Heispastpresident ofF.A.LR., an umbrella organization for the Advocates Society. As a volunteer, Peteris currently chair of the Don Mills Foundation, an organization that provides care to seniors in Don Mills.
LINDSAY DALE-HARRIS, B.A., M.Sc.Lindsayis amemberoftheCanadianInstituteofPlanningandadirectorofBousfield, Dale-Harris, Cutler and Smith Inc., a small urban planning firm in the Toronto area. She has been director and president ofthe boardoftheMacaulayChildDevelopment Centre,adirectorandmemberoftheworkshop Ccmmittee of the Urban DevelopmentInstitute and involved asa volunteer in parent organizations.
JOHN DEAN B.A., LLB. - John is senior counsel,ManufacturingandDevelopment at IBM, a member of the Canadian Bar Association,theCountyofYorkLawAssociation, the Law Society of Upper Canada and the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Toronto. He is a director of the Toronto Artillery Foundation and of the Scarborough Masonic Temple Board Corporation.
ANNETTE DUNNE B.Com. - Annette is chiefaccountantat Havergal College where she assumes complete responsibility for financial accounting and reporting functions.
SUSAN DYER - Susan, an avid gardener, is well-read in plant and gardenliterature anda plantcollector. Shehasvolunteered extensivelyattheCivicGardenCentreasa member of the special projects committee andatpresentisco-chairofthecommittee. Her Rosedale garden was on the CGC s Through the Garden Gate tour in 1993.
SUSAN GIBSON R.N. - Susan is a design consultantwithInFull Bloom. Forseveral years shehasbeeninvolved inactivities of theGardenClubofToronto. Asvice-president ofthe Garden Club ofToronto (19961998) she willbe on theboard of the Civic Garden Centre for two years.
MARK HARTLEY B.L.A. - In 1994 Mark formed Mark Hartley Landscape Architects,afirmspecializinginresidentiallandscapearchitecturaldesignandprojectmanagement. Most projects are in southern Ontario but Mark travels regularly to clients in Istanbul, Turkey. He recently won anationalcompetition (withsculptorJohn McEwen) for a memorial to the 50th anniversary ofWorldWar II, entitled VictoryPeace . Mark is a member of the Ontario
AssociationofLandscapeArchitects,ofthe Design Exchange Task Force and of ThroughtheGardenGatecommitteeatthe Centre.
JOHN HOWARD - John is a graduate of the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture. For the past nine years he has been employedbyMetroParksand Property. Asa volunteerJohn hasbeen involved with the parish council of the Church of St. Peter, the Maplehurst Correctional Facility in Milton and the Alumni Association of the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture and the Horticulture Foundation.
LORRAINE JOHNSON B.A. - Lorraine s workexperiencehasencompassedediting, research and writing projects. Her published works include Green Future: How to Makea World ofDifference, (co-authorMark Cullen) 1990; , The Real Dirt: The Complete Guide to Backyard, Balcony and Apartment Composting, 1992 and The Ontario Naturalized Garden: Gardeningwith NativePlants in Ontario, 1995. As a volunteer Lorraine has worked with the Toronto Photographers, GROW T.O., Community Gardeners and the Teresa Group (support for HIV-positive women and children).
GWENKEARNEYR.N.-Gwenworkedin the medical field, but for many years has pursuedvolunteeractivities. Herinterests have included children and gardening. A memberofMilneHouseGardenClubsince 1978, Gwen has been membership chair and in 1995/96 was president of the club. Formanyyearsshehasbeeninvolvedwith MistletoeMagic at the CGC.
NANCY LAURIE - Nancy taught family studies in a secondary school in Ontario. As a member of the Garden Club of Toronto she was chair of the Flower Festival in St. James Cathedral (September, 1996)
andconvenerofthehorticulturalsectionof the 1996 Flower Show. For four years she hasbeenonthecommitteeforThroughthe Garden Gate at the C.G.C. and she chaired the Centre s Great Canadian Gardening Conference in October, 1995.
BARBARAMAYER-Barbarahasworked asaneditor,typographer,productionmanagerandcompilerofliteraryworks. Sheis a volunteer atthe Royal Ontario Museum. At the CGC she has been involved for five yearsasachildren stourguide. Barbarais anavid gardenerand her owngardenwas featured in the Through the Garden Gate.
DAVID MONEY - David is a broker for graphicartsproducts. Heispastpresident of the Ontario Horticultural Society. His involvement in horticulture has included membership on the CNE Horticultural Committee,co-ordinatoroftheWinterGarden Show at the Royal Winter Fair (1991) and co-ordinator of the Todmordon Mills WildflowerPreserveandHeritageGarden. He is an intermediate rose judge, founder of the Leaside and Beaches Garden Clubs andadirectoroftheCanadianGardenand Flower Show.
MAUREENNAYLOR-Maureenhasbeen anelementaryschoolteacherandtourguide in Toronto. As a volunteer she has been involved with the Canadian Cancer Society, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, a directorofMusicScarboroughand amember of the Agincourt Garden Club. An active member of Milne House Garden Club, she was president for two years and chaired the Silver Anniversary Flower Show. ShehasworkedonMistletoeMagic since 1987.
LIZ PRIMEAU - Liz is editor of Canadian Gardening magazine and writes regularly on gardening for the Globe and Mail s de-
Trellis, November/December 1996
sign section. Shehas visited gardens inall parts of Canada and has heard first hand fromcommittedCanadiangardenersabout whatworksanddoesn tworkinourwidely varied climate. Liz is an avid and experienced gardener and has been a featured speaker at gardening conferences, trade shows and garden clubs.
LYNNE ROBBINS B.A., M.S.- Lynne s work experience has included editing and developinganddirectinglibraryprograms. Shehashadexperiencerelatedtoorganizational change, human resources and training management, having obtained certificatesin public administration, human resources development and personnel and industrial relations. She has also studied advance on-line searching at Ryerson. As a volunteer, Lynnehas worked on literacy programs, designed reading programs for seniors and severelydisabled children. At the CGC she has been a receptionist, consultedinthelibraryandengagedinnumerous administrative duties. Lynne was elected presidentofthe Board oftheCGC,
April,1995andhasbeentheinterimexecutive director since July, 1996.
HELEN SHAWB.P.H.E.,B.A., M.Ed.,PhD.Helen sworkexperienceincludesteaching in secondary school, nursery school and theRoyalOntarioMuseum. Asavolunteer at her church she works with homeless personsandischairoftheBoardofFinance and Administration. Helen is involved with advocacy issues involving the environment. She has had board experience with community groups, parent associations and residents associations. At the CGC, she volunteers in the Potting Shed.
- Currently Rogerisareaeastmanager,Toronto,forthe Royal Bank ofCanada. As a volunteer he hasbeeninvolved inactivitiesthatinclude parent committees, community organizations, governor of Trafalgar School and The Royal Canadian Military Institute. Roger is beginning his second three-year term on the board of the Civic Garden Centre.
The Garden Club of Toronto and Landscape Ontario havejoinedforces toproduce Canada Blooms, The Toronto Flower& Garden Show. Canada Blooms will feature sixacres ofspectaculargardens, floralarrangements, horticultural displays, educationalprograms anda markelplace ofgarden-relatedproducts.
Location: The Toronto Congress Centre 650 Dixon Road, Etobicoke
Date: Wednesday, March 5 Sunday, March 9, 1997
Times: Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m.
Thursday Saturday: 10:00 a.m. 9:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m.
Admission: Adults: $8.50 in advance, $9.50 at the door
Seniors: $8.50 Students: $5.00
Children 10 and under: Free
Group Tickets: (10 or more, advance sale only) Adults $8.00
By Stephen Westcott-Gratton, Centre horticulturist
Last night I gave a workshop at the very inspiring Riverdale Community Gardens on medicinal plants (of all things) where one ambitious herbalist enquired which of these herbs has winter interest? 1 was somewhat taken aback, and as I carefully surveyed the scene I eventually sputtered sotto voce, Well, none really...
Upon further reflection, I think I was right. Where, after all, did this notion of winter interest spring from? I suspect that once again we are the victims of British textswhere,forthemost part, winter interest is absolutely achievable. Hastodowiththatbally Gulf Stream, don t you know? Whatithaslittle todowith,however,are the extreme, prolonged freezes that we endure in southern Ontario, coupledwithdesiccatingnorth-westwinds. A plantwould have to be crazy to do anything but hibernate under these adverse conditions.
What | do like about winteris that one can become really conversant with the bones ofone s garden.
What I do like about winter is that one can become really conversant with the bones of one s garden. I love the bare outline of naked branches against a slate grey sky. If they happen to be hung with someredberries,wellandgood thebirds need to eat too. What I would never do is plant something for that attribute alone; visually it still amounts to a big yawn. Anotherthingtobearinmindisthatthisis reallytheonlytimeofyear thatourhouseplants get any affection, so I try to spend some quality time with them.
All that being said, there are a few plants that I amparticularly drawn to, that just happen to lookwonderful during the short, bleak days ofwinter. In fact,[thinkIpreferthem at New Year s more than at summer solistice.
Naturallythisbringsustoconiferswhich frankly look much the same year round. Granted,agoodlayerofsnowlooksterrifically festive, but I wouldn t consider this phenomenon particularly absorbing. Nor do a few reddish-black twigs of dogwood induce me to wax poetic about the subtle season. As Canadians, it behooves us to admire birch bark; that s easy, but there s also increasing pressure that we should admire ornamental grasses which is considerablyharder. MyUniversityofGuelph background tells me that these cereals should have been harvested long before snowfall, so I am left with a rather incongruousvisualthatgoesagainstmyagricultural grain.
ThefirstisHamamelisvirginiana,orcommon witchhazel. Rather unprepossessing during the summer months, this North American native shows its true colors in early autumn when its coarse, glabrous summerfoliageturnsstunningyellow,and fragrant yellow flowers perfume the cool autumnair. Althoughdependentonyearly fluctuations, witchhazel may be in bloom from mid-October through to December, and is truly one ofthe last plants to bloom in our region before things shut down in earnest. I don t own one, but I covet it intensely, and will have to purchase one soon,beforeIdieofenvy. It'sarealluxury tobe cutting floweringboughs in November.
Witchhazel was well known to native North American tribes (especially the
May25 toJune 15, 1997 (21 Days)
Cost:US$ 3,195 from Kunming
Limit:20 participants
Join PeterCunnington, Director ofEngland s Ness Botanic Gardens, on this exclusive trip ofa %lifetime tosee the fabled mountain wildflowers ofYunan.
Gardens ofScotland
Sept7 to Sept20, 1997 (14 Days)
Cost:US$ 2,895 from Glasgow
Limit:20 participants
JoinAllanPaterson, retired Directorofthe Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamiltonandauthor ofseveralgardeningbookson a tourofthe remarkable gardens ofScotland.
Formoreinformationpleasecall: 416-221-3000 toll free 1-800-387-1483
Mohawk)whousedittowashbruisedeyesandtotreat sprains,burns,sorenipplesand skininflammations. It was quickly adopted by migrating settlers and was ¥ listed in the US. Pharmacopoeia from 1862-1916, and theninthe U.S.NationalFormularyfrom1916-1955. Just showshow quicklydrugs go inand out offashion,but interestinglyit s still available in most drug stores. As a complete aside, it reminds me of an old quatrain one of my Devonshire great-aunts taught me as a child:
Thefair maid who, thefirst ofMay, Goes to thefields at breakofday, And washes in dewfrom hazel tree, Will everafter handsome be.
I doubt that this refers to our native genus, but it pleases me to imagine that it does.
The other plant which I think that it may safely be said provides more winter than summer interest is Corylus avellana Contorta, or Harry Lauder s Walkingstick. I remember Sir Harry providing a scratchyrenditionofThere llAlwaysbeanEngland,onan old World War 178 rpm, the content ofwhich is debatablethesedays. Howhemanagedtoallyhimselftothis particular shrub (or tree, in milder climes) is beyond me.
The variety Contorta was discovered as a chance mutation in a hedgerow in Frocester, Gloucestershire, in 1863, and landscape architects have never looked back. This form of European filbert looks like it just stuck its finger in an electrical outlet, and even more distressing than the distorted branch growth is the effect of the equally misshapen leaves. Never mind, thisisundoubtablythestarofyourwintergarden,and visitors will most certainly ask you what you think is wrongwithit. Coulditbefungal? askedonewouldbe admirer recently.
Winter interest? Well, I hope that, as a nation, we're notquite thathard up. Ifyou really want some winter excitement, explore other climates (notably the vastnessofthesouthernhemisphere),plantoimproveyour existingplotnextspring,takecareofthelong-suffering indoor specimens, or go skiing. Incidentally, don t overlookourmarvellousCGClibrary,whichisthebest place Iknowoftoindulgewintervisionsofwhat might be. As faras striving forthe fabled winter interest, all I can say is, I'm not that bored... yet!
Landscape Designers and Contractors
Toronto Gardener s Journal & Source Book 1997. A Chandler & Company handy reference and record book. More useful than anytoolintheshed. Agreatgift. 210pages. InTrellis Shopor$15.95fromBriarHillDesktopPublishing,490 BriarHill Avenue,Toronto M5N 1M7. (416)488-3368.
Barbados garden tour: February 21 to 28/97. Tour A complete highlightsincludeBarbadosFlowerShow,privategar- residential denvisitsand island tour. Optionalsecondweekstay. landscape Portugal and Madeira garden tour: April 10 to 24/97. service A repeat of our very successful tour of last year. Madeira Flower Festival, Quintas, palaces, gardens and 3 winetasting. Leisurely paced, limited to30passengers.
Call Glad Roth, Northstar Travel, 1-800-830-3299 or E(519) 886-9111.
FortheGardenerwhohas everything:Givethegiftof Did you know ...? massage to family, friends, your favorite gardener In May and June, the Children s yourself. The ultimate gift of caring for those aching, guides led 675 children through overworkedgardeningmuscles. Gift certificates,home Edwards Gardens and the ESL visits available. Agnes Stevens, R.N., RM.T. tour gudes led 220 students. (416) 785-3622.
When you re at work on the garden you love, A we have expert staffto help you, and the finest remember Sheridan Nurseries. At Sheridan, 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.
700Evans Avenue 606SouthdownRoad 2827 YongeStreet 100ElmsdaleRoad 4077Hwy. #7 EtobicokeM9C1Al MissisaugaL5]2Y4 TorontoM4N2J4 KitchenerN2E 1H6 Unionville L3R 1L5
Tel: (416) 621-9100 Tel: (905) 822-0251 Tel: (416) 481-6429 Tel: (519) 743-4146 Tel: (905) 477-2253
ByJudyHernandez
Ontario s Carolinian zone
OntheJune 19 Civic GardenCentretourto the Hamilton-Burford area, the question arose: What is the Carolinian Zone? Manypeoplewhohavenotheardthisterm maybemorefamiliarwithitsequivalent the Deciduous Forest Region. In Canada the Carolinian zone is characterized by a uniquecombinationofplants and animals found only in the southernmost part of Ontario. The line marking the northern boundaryrunsfromtheTorontoregionto theGrandBendareaonLakeHuron. Inthe U.S. , this bioregion extends south to the
Wildflowers:
In the Cousens garden, we saw the wood poppy, also called the celandine poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum), with its goldenyellowflowerand deeply-lobedleaves. In 1986,thisperennialwaslistedasextirpated in Ontario. Later, itwas rediscovered near London and is now listed in Ontario s EndangeredSpeciesAct. Itis,however,availableinplantnurseries. Woodpoppyshould notbeconfusedwithcelandine (Chelidonium majus), the common, non-native, invasive wildflower to which it is related.
Also in the Cousens garden, the plant Carolinas, hence called exchorda is thename. Thezone includes a variety of habitats: forest, savannah, prairie, alvar and marsh, and more than 2,000 native species.
Forinformation on Carolinian plants, consult the referenceslisted or other publications on the subject.
tall bellflower (Campanula americana)
wood poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum)
Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica) prickly pear cactus (Opuntia humifusa)
Shrubs:
spicebush (Lindera benzoin) burning bush (Euonymus atropurpureus)
flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) sassafras (Sassafras albidum)
tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipofera) pignut hickory (Carya glabra) black oak (Quercus velutina) red maple (Acer rubrum)
actually Exochorda TheBride ,awhiteflowered plant in the rose family. Therewasalsoperennial red salvia, Salvia plumosa, a grouping of five artemisias consisted ofsilverbrocade, silver king, silver queen, silver moundandValerie Finnis.
Carolinian references (available in the Centre s library):
Growing Carolinian Natives by Frank Kershaw, in Wildflower magazine s spring, 1993, issue, pages 34 to 36.
ConfusionintheCarolinianZone byKenColthurstandGerryWaldron,inWildflower magazine s summer, 1994, issue, pages 28 to 30.
The OntarioNaturalized Garden: The Complete Guide to UsingNative Plantsby Lorraine Johnson, 1995.
Plants ofCarolinian Canada by Larry Lamb and Gail Rhynard, 1994.
Q. What is stratification ofseeds?
A. A seed has an internal control of germination, and stratification is designed to overcome this. To stratify seeds, place them in a moist, well-aerated medium in a containerandkeepthematlowtemperatures,usually1° to 5°C (that is, in the refrigerator, not the freezer), for someweeks. The exacttimesand temperatures varyfor specificseeds. Someevenrequiretwocoolperiods,with a warmer time in between.
Stratify seeds 1T to bT.
Q. MyBostonfernhasgrownextralarge. CanIdivideit?
A. Yes, you can re-pot it. Carefully cut away the outerroots,thenputthenow-smallerplantbackinthe same pot. You can propagate from the outer rhizomes, or from the plantlets that growwhere the tips ofa frond root into the soil. Bostonferncanbepropagatedfrom plantlets at the tips of fronds or runners from the rhizome.
Q. What is the care and culture ofcyclamen?
A. Keep cool; 10 to 15°C (50° to 60°F) is ideal. Keep out of directsunlight,butinabright-lightarea. Keep thecompost moist at all times, but never soaking wet. The tuber is set only half-wayinto the potting medium and must never get wetoritwillrot. Keepwaterofftheleaves,too. Settheplant on a tray of pebbles with water for humidity. Water the cyclamenbysettingthepotina saucerofwaterandremove it after ten minutes before too much water is taken up. Groom the plant, tweaking off dead flower stalks and removing dead leaves. Fertilizeiteverytwo weeks whileit is actively growing.
Thanks to Vivien Jenkinson for illustrations.
Stand cyclamen on pebbles and waterfrom below.
Gardening questions? Call the Master Gardeners Infoline (416) 397-1345 daily, noon to 3:00 p.m.
By Stan Etchells
By Art Drysdale
$19.95
Thisisa softbackrevisionofhis 1975 classic. Thisvolume is for gardeners who don t operate at ground level, but have spaceforcontainers. Pluspointsforsuchgardeningarethat ituses smallmoneyand smalleffortbutall the imagination youwanttoputintoit.Arttellsuswhattoplant,howtoplant and what to put it in for a 12-month year!
By Helen Nash and C. Greg Speichert
$34.95
This hardback book covers water gardening in containers, from small ponds down to containersmeasuredininches. Thebasicsaredemystified. Youareshownhowtochoose containers, pumps, plants fish, even! Pests and water quality maintenance are explored. Learn about plants that you can eat, or which eat things! There are hands-on action pictures to end every chapter, Comes with an index and lots of illustrations.
By Rosemary Verey
$50.95
Rosemary Verey writes classic books from her Gloucester home. More, she teaches design, and so we learn some of the secrets behind some of England s most famous gardens.Oflocalconcern,sheshowshowtocreatevarietyandinterestduringthewinter. This hardback is a great gift that bridges the gap between practical and descriptive gardening books. Full-color photographs throughout.
By Peter Beales
$54
This gorgeous international book features stunning photographs by Vivian Russell, taken in over 30 gardens. BealesisMr. RoseofBritain,whileRussell, aU.S. transplant, is a British Garden Writers Guild Photographic Prize winner. This book shows why, in both cases. Tenofthegardens covered areNorthAmerican. Thisis thatrarecombination abookthatisbeautiful
and practical.
Trellis, November/December
By Anna Leggatt
Toronto winters are too long to have a garden without any interest. Most of us have evergreens which give colors from yellow greens, through the blue greens to bronze winter foliage. Using different heights, forms and textures can make a good winter garden. Broad-leaved evergreens add to the picture, though on our coldestdays,manyofthese leavescurlup. Some groundcovers are evergreen so you can have a winter garden.
All the above have colors in the green range. Deciduoustreesandshrubscanadd color with their bark. The obvious is the paper birch; fine with evergreens, but a little lost in the snow. The river birch has red bark as do some of the cherries. The latterisreallyshiny.Dogwoodsgiveredor yellow twigs, depending on species and many other trees have subtly patterned bark, especially ifyou can get up close.
My favourite small tree is the Amelanchier. It is truly all season: delicate white blossoms in the spring, purple berriesinthesummer,brilliantfall coloranda wonderful grey patterned bark. There is one outside the CGC have you everhad agoodlookatit?Theberriesaregoodtoeat but are also favorites with thebirds. [ usually eat one or two when I go by (Bother, now everyone will try them).
Shadbush, Saskatoon, Juneberry, serviceberry they are all amelanchiers. There are several species and a numberof cultivars.Amelanchierarboreagrowsfrom8 to9minheightandisalargeshrub. Ifonly one stem is allowed to grow, it makes a small tree. A. alnifolia is the Saskatoon serviceberry. It only grows to about 6m. Several cultivars have excellent fruit. A. canadensis is a multistemed shrub. It forms
suckers and looks a different shape. A. laevis is the Allegheny serviceberry.
Amelanchiers are native across North America with one Asian species. As membersoftherosefamily,theymaybesusceptibletosomeofthesamediseasesasothers ofthe family. The most likely is rust. This disease needs another host the red cedar. If there are none close by, rust won t occur. Even if there is one, most amelanchiers remain healthy.
Amelanchiers like alkaline soil and tolerateshade.Ideally,theyshouldbeplanted attheedgeofawoodland,butalsomakean excellent small specimen tree. If you have oneofthebestfruitingvarieties,don tplant it close to a door. If the birds leave some fruitandyoudon teatthem,thefallenfruit willbetreadintothehouseandstain. They can be used in the place ofblueberries.
Watch for them in our ravines in the spring. Feel the bark as you go into the CGC. Better still, fit one into your garden for winter texture and summer food.
(AnnaLeggattis a TorontoMasterGardener,a member of Garden Writers of America and wants to see moreall season gardens.)
By Sharon Koor
Ikebana International is a worldwide organization of enthusiastic volunteers of many different nationalities. This nonprofit cultural organization is open to all persons interested in the art of Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging). Its members are dedicated to the promotion of mutual understandingandfriendshipbetweenJapan and other countries through Ikebana and other related arts ofJapan.
ThankstothetirelesseffortsofBaroness Mildred Rukavina, Toronto Chapter 208 received its charter in 1981. At that time afternoonmeetingswereheldinmembers homes. Now monthly meetings are held on Wednesday evenings at the Civic GardenCentrefromSeptemberuntilMay. New members and visitors are welcome. The Ikenobo, Kakko-ryu, MISHO-ryu, Ohararyu, Saga Goryu and Sogetsu Schools of Ikebana are represented by our membership, which has doubled.
In February, 1982, Winter in Canada, our first planned show at the Centre was
cancelled due to a storm. In November, 1982, we held Friendship through Flowers . Thisyearon November16and 17,we will present our annual flower show, Clearly Ikebana from 11:30 a.m. until 5:00p.m. Wearecelebratingour15thanniversarybyfeaturingmembers demonstrations on both days at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.
The official opening ofClearly Ikebana willbeatnoononSaturday, November 16. At that time, Dorothy Hugg, one of our founding members, will receive the RukavinaAward,whichrecognizesamemberwhobestexemplifiesII'smotto, Friendship through flowers .
When you re a member of the Civic Garden Centre, you get to take advantage of benefits not available to non-members. For example:
e library borrowing privileges
e great adult and children s courses and programs at a reduced rate
e advance notice of courses, programs, events and plant sales
» free admission to our Edwards Foundation lecture series
e volunteer opportunities throughout the Centre
* Trellis newsletter delivered to your door.
None of this is news to members, but do you perhaps take these goodies for granted? Have you ever told another gardener about the reasons that you joined the Centre? They could be looking for a place just like this one!
Boost the Centre it s good for everyone!
By Sheila Smith, assistant horticulturist at the Centre
On a sunny July day, 25 CGC garden enthusiaststouredthespectaculargardensof Casa Loma and Spadina House.
Renovation of the gardens was a joint ventureoftheGardenClub ofToronto,the KiwanisClubofCasaLomaandtheCityof Toronto.
gardens
The front garden:
Bruce Scott, Casa Loma s head gardener, metus outside the castle. We admired the useofannualsamongtherosesandshrubs inthefrontgarden. Anunusualvariegated groundcover, Houtonyia, was used in one of the rose beds.
Many of the annuals were grown from seed by Bruce and his staff. I liked the Nierembergia Mont blanc , a low groundhuggingannualwhichprefersfullsun. On eithersideoftheentranceare30-footJapanese maples, threeonone sideand twoon the other (one was winterkilled despite burlap wrapping).
The south garden:
We followed Bruce through the castle to the upper south-facing terrace. From this vantage point, we saw the secret garden and the five perennial beds. As Bruce led ustothesecretgarden,hereacheddownto deadhead a flower a sign of a true gardener!
As we strolled through the wrought iron pergola covered with climbing rose Kiftsgate , R. Jeanne d Arc , clematis and silver lace vine, it was as if we were enteringaveryspecialroominthehouse. Stone walls frame the room on one side and on the other side were a dawn redwood, a
Katsura tree, a cool blue Rocky Mountain fir and dwarf fragrant viburnums. Inside the secret garden is an English-style gardenwithavarietyofperennials ameditative place.
The perennial beds
The five perennial beds were spectacular withcolor yellow,white,pinkandblue. TheAsiaticlily SterlingStar hadgrownto a fair-sized clump though Bruce had initially plantedonlythreebulbs. Cimicifuga, tallCalamagrostisgrassesandastilbescombined with lilies, hemerocallis, hostas and daisies give the gardens a feeling of softness.
In the perennial beds, Bruce uses drip irrigation to lessen pest and disease damageaswellastoreducethemaintenanceof asprinklersystem. Ifeltasprinkleofwater aswepassedthecomputerizedfountain refreshing on a warm day.
The rhododendron dell:
Entering the rhododendron dell, Bruce pointedoutthesinglerose GoldenWings'. Under the rhodos, cotoneaster and sneezewortcarpeted theground. Astilbes weregrowingthroughtheazaleas. Bruce pointed out epimedium, an ideal groundcoverunderaNorwaymaplewhere little else will grow.
The pond:
Water lilies were floating in the pond, the arrowheadleavesofthearumswerepointing skyward, hardy bamboo stood in the backgroundandtheshowygoldenflowers of ligularias and iris leaves were in the foreground.
As we moved from the meadow planting to the shady wildflower path, we saw oakleaf hydrangea, bottlebrush buckeye, wood poppy, sweet woodruff, cimicifuga, solomonseal,wildginger,maidenhairferns perennials to attract birds and butterflies.
At the top of the wildflower path, the golden rain tree was starting to bloom. Along thelowerwall ofthecastle, a climbinghydrangeareachedupthefullheightof the wall.
The potting shed: Bruce led us into the tunnel where we passed the coal-burning furnace that required 800 tons of coal a year to heat the house inSirHenryPellatt sday. Wehad a steep climb to the Potting Shed. There, wallsarelinedwithhistoricpictures Bruce found while cleaning an attic room. They show the gardens in Sir Henry s time, includingoneofaroadlinedwithrosebushes, leadingtothecastlefromDavenportRoad, an area now shaded by large trees.
Bruce started his seeds in the Potting Shed.Toproducethewidevarietyofannuals for the gardens, Bruce uses Thompson
andMorganseedstoensuresuccessfulgermination,reliabilityandintegrity.Outside, we saw cold frames for hardening-off annuals and perennials. In the frames were mums and ornamental kale for fall planting,extraannualsandperennialsaswellas some small shrubs Bruce started from cuttings. Bruce finds this the most economical way to produce shrubs for the gardens.
After lunch, we met Wendy Woodsworth, senior horticulturist for Spadina House. She provided some historical information about Spadina House and its inhabitants. The garden has existed for more than 160 years, starting with the Baldwin family in 1818 and continued by the Austin family until 1982. The Garden Club of Toronto researched, planned and financed the restoration of the Spadina garden as its Toronto Sesquicentennial project.
Alongtheweststonewalllargeurnsare filled with varieties of annuals used in the time of the Austins. Trees lining the wall allowa view ofthe harbor. The trees have growntallandtheoriginalunder-planting
ofdayliliesandiriseshasevolvedtoshadeloving plants such as hostas and astilbes. Lilacsplanted decadesago along the same path have been carefully pruned for continuing spring blooms.
Wendy pointed out the sprays of powdery pink flowers of old rose Dorothy Perkins along the front of the south terrace. R. Dorothy Perkins is a vigorous climberthatnormallywouldhavecreptup on the terracebut afterbeingmoved twice duringdrain repairwork, itwassurviving verywell. Thisroseisveryhardyandcame throughourcoldwinterthisyearwithlittle winterkill.
James Austin planted the horse chestnuts. Onthe west side ofthe house, beside a horse chestnut and weeping willow, is a Japanese maple (30 to 40 feet) that was planted in 1948. Its leaves sparkled brilliantlywith thesunshiningthroughthem. On the 5.7 acres, majestic white oaks are partoftheoriginalforest. Wenoticedsome anthracnose on the lower leaves of the whiteoaks. Thelargechestnuttree,ararity now, was an addition from the Garden Club.
Along the southern lower ridge are some Carolinian trees: hop tree, Kentucky coffee, tulip tree and sassafras. The protected, sloped area creates a microclimate that allows survival of these Carolinian trees. The Schwedleri maple, a Norway maplevarietydeveloped in the 1930s, was frequently planted on large lots and residential streets. This maple was planted in afewareasoftheSpadinaHousegardento add color and contrast to the landscape.
Wecrossed thelawnto thelargeformal kitchen garden separated into quarters. Wendy pointed out two narrow rectangular beds of perennials that would have been there in the 1880s. These perennial beds were planted to mask the vegetable garden from the south side of the house where the Austins entertained during the summer. The attractive vegetables were
plantedintheforegroundwhilethecoarser looking ones wereplanted to thebackand beyondthecedarhedgewhereraspberries, currants and gooseberries were also planted. Withinthevegetablegarden,companionplantingiscontinuedasinthedays ofJamesAustinwith dillamong the tomatoes, calendula and sunflowers between rows of Swiss chard and lettuce. In the orchard, fruit trees 85 years old are still producingfruit. Whenoldtreesdie,anew treeofthesamevarietyisplanted. Among the apple tree varieties are Gravenstein, reddelicious,McIntoshandredAstrachan.
The gardens around the chauffeur s house have been restored to their original design. Hangingbaskets ofannuals and a clematis decorate the walls ofthe house.
Outside the greenhouse were planters with herbs, annuals and a pot of Zephyranthes. Infullbloom,theZephyranthes were much in advance of my sad-looking bulbs at home. The greenhouse is still in use to start seeds and plants.
In view from the greenhouse, a perforated stone wallisdecorated withboxesof flowersand vines. Itwasbuilttoblockthe view from the main entrance ofthe greenhouse, orchard and chauffeur s quarters. At tea time we headed to an outdoor porchonthesouthsideofthehousewhere tea and petits fours were being served. A fabulous finale!
November 2
¢ Orchid judging centre, 1:00 p.m.
¢ Fusion silent auction, 7:00 p.m.
3
Southern Ontario Orchid Society, meeting, 1:00 p.m.
* Ontario Rock Garden Society, meeting, 1:30 p.m. Speaker: Fred Case. Topic: Trilliums.
7, 8,9, 10
* Mistletoe Magic
11
¢ Southern Ontario Orchid Society, newcomers meeting, 7:30 p.m.
¢ TorontoBonsaiSociety,meeting,7:00p.m.
12
¢ North Toronto Horticultural Society, meeting, 8:00 p.m.
16,17
elkebana International Chapter 208, 15th annualflowershow, 11:30a.m. to5:00p.m.
Demonstrations: 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Admission: $7
17
* York Rose Society, meeting, 2:00 p.m.
e Geranium and Pelargonium Society, meeting, Slide Show by Marjorie MasonHogue.TeaRoom&PlantSale1:00-4:00p.m.
18
* Mycological Society, meeting, 8:00p.m.
19
e Toronto Cactus and Succulent Club, meeting, 7:30 p.m.
24
* Master Gardeners seminar 26
» Edwards Foundation Memorial Lecture
Speaker: Lise Cormier, director, Montreal Botanical Gardens
Topic: The garden of gardens 7:30 p.m. free admission
27
e Horticulture Therapy Symposium, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. December 1
e SouthernOntarioOrchidSociety,meeting, 1:00 p.m.
4
¢ Volunteers holiday party, 4:00 p.m. 5
* A Holiday Affair, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. i
® Orchid judging centre, 1:00 p.m. 8
* Ontario Rock Garden Society, meeting, 1:30 p.m. Speaker: Barrie Porteous. Topic: Alpines of southern Europe 9
e SouthernOntarioOrchidSociety,newcomers meeting, 1:00 p.m.
¢ Toronto Bonsai Society, meeting, 7:00 p-m.
10
e Christmas with Milne House 11
¢ JkebanaInternationalChapter208,meeting, 7:30 p.m. Speaker: Agnes Kossack. Topic: Christmas Spirit of Ikebana, 7:30 p-m. Admission: $5
Painting the Tea Party October 22 to November 2
L. Poscente and H. Cullity November 12 to 25
Tis a Magical Place paintings ofNewfoundland November 26 to December 16
begins Tuesday, December 10 selected