Trellis - V24, No5 - Sep 1997

The newsletter of the Civic Garden Centre in Metropolitan Toronto September/October, 1997 Volume 24, Number 5

The Great Canadian Gardening Conference

4&"~ 4"\%& : ==7 Saturday, October18 and Sunday, October 19, 1997

Civic Garden Centre General Information

TheCivicGardenCentreisavolunteer-based,not-for-profitorganizationwhosemission istoact as a centralresourceforgardening,horticultureand allied environmentalissues 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 GardenCentreis pleased to rent facilities for meetings, receptions, exhibits and shows.

Hours:

Administrative offices: Monday to Friday9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Summer (April 1 to October 31) Library and Trellis Shop: weekdays 9:30 a.m. to5:00 p-m.; weekends and holidays noon to 5:00 p.m.

Winter(November1 toMarch31)- LibraryandTrellisShop:weekdays9:30a.m.to4:00 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

Fax: 397-1354

Trellis Shop: 397-1357

Volunteerprogram: 397-1362

Course registration: 397-1362

Master Gardeners Infoline: 397-1345 (hours: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)

Photography permit for Metro Parks: 392-8188

Board of directors:

Chair: Helen Shaw

Staff members:

Executive director: Dave Nodwell

Members: CharlotteAmbridge Co-ordinator, children sprograms:

Wendy Barrett argot Mather

PeterBoeckle

Horticulturist: StephenWestcott-Gratton

Dugald Cameron : - > ; ;

Lindsay Dale-Harris

John Dean

Assistant horticulturist: ~ Sheila Smith

Librarian: RoslynTheodore

SusanDyer Trellis editor: IrisHosséPhillips

Susan Gibson ; 5 Mark Hartley Manager, marketing and spéaalleve[r;tsl:

John Howard i St e

Carolyn Kearns

Manager, administration and facility rentals: Gwen Kearney Betsy Chubb

Nancy Laurie

Barb_ara Mayer

Manager, Trellis Shop: Jessica Harris

Assistant manager, Trellis Shop:

David Money Silke Gathmann

Liz Primeau : e :

Allan Pat Ryley

Craig Stubbs

Dolce Tatlow

Maintenance supervisor: Walter Morassutti

Administrative assistant: Shirley Lyons

Volunteer co-ordinator: ~ Ada Brzeski

TRELLIS

Volume 24, Number 5

Editor: Iris HosséPhillips

Editorial co-ordinator: LeslieLynch

Proofreader: Mara Arndt

Advertisinginformation: (416) 397-1340

PrintedbyRaised Image,Etobicoke, on recycled paper

Trellis is publishedsix timesayearas amembers newsletter by the Civic Garden Centre, 777 Lawrence Avenue East, North York, Ontario M3C 1P2. Telephone number: (416) 3971340.

Manuscripts submitted on a voluntary basis are gratefully received. No remuneration is possible.

Articles, manuscripts and advertising material must be received by the first of the month to insure publication eight weekslater. Forexample, materialreceived byNovember 1 willbe included in theJanuary/February issue of Trellis.

Opinions expressed within Trellis do not necessarily reflect thoseoftheCentre. Submissionsmaybeeditedforstyleand clarity.

All rightsreserved. Reproductioninwholeorpartisprohibited without written permission.

Editor s note

ByIris Phillips

Walking the family dog Tess around the neighborhood provides me with lots of design ideas for the garden and an introduction to new plants.

LastmonthI wrotethatorangewasnot a color that I had in my garden with the exception ofbutterfly milkweed,Asclepias tuberosa.However, Iamslowlybecominga convert and am now searching out orange flowers in the area.

One flower that I will definitely grow nextyearistheannualMexicansunflower, Tithonia rotundifolia. Itisatallplantforthe back oftheborder and has single orangevermilion flowers with a yellow center. Theshapeoftheflowerissimilartoasingle dahlia and the leaves are grey-green.

A neighbor has been removing more andmorelawnoverthepastfewyearsand has installed island beds and hills of plants. The plants are accented in the elevated areas and provide visual interest to the garden.

InmyreadingI havelearned thatthese hills arecalledmoundbedsandthatthey have become popular with British garden designers. Themoundsarenotraisedbeds astheyhavenoformaledginglikewoodor stoneand they arelowerthanberms. Usually they are about two feet high and four feet wide and the length is determined by the design and size of the garden.

Formanyyearslhavebeenaddingcomposttothebackofmygardensothat have araisedareaofaboutafoot. ShouldIcall it my mini-moundbed ?

TheCentreisa veryactiveplacethisfall. Take time to peruse this issue and attend theeventsthatyouareinterested in. have transferred many events to my Day-timer and it looks as if I will be at the Centre almost weekly. I hopeyou, too, will attend some of our events.

Executive director s report Behind the scenes

By Dave Nodwell

The multitude of programs and services offeredattheCivicGardenCentrecanonly happenwiththeworkandeffortof20fullandpart-timestaff,20boardmembersand over200volunteers; alotofpeoplewhodo great work!

The question becomes: how can we do what we do better and what other things can we do to help fulfill our mandate? To answerthesequestionstheCentrerecently underwentaneffectiveandinspiringplanningsessionfacilitatedbyavolunteerfrom MAS(ManagementAdvisoryService), Fred Simons. Fredbroughthisfacilitationskills and expertise to the CGC as he guided 40 board, staffand volunteer representatives througha series ofworkshops designed to prepare the Centre for the future, determine our vision, look at the obstacles we face and develop an action plan.

Many thanks to Fred Simons for his input and guidance to our organization!

Ourvision

Fred summarized the results ofour vision withtheslogan: TheCivicGardenCentre,the place that knows the business of horticulture andwantseveryone toenjoyitas muchas they do.

And howdowedothis? Thefollowing goals were identified: ¢ organize for effectiveness and results where people enjoy what they are doing ® a centre of interest and information where it is worth being a member

* anattractiveplacethatfostersaspiritof information, sharing and co-operation.

How do we get there?

To achieve this vision, however, entails specificactions. Sevenareasrangingfrom programs, to technology,to finances were

each given their particular vision.

Thenextstepintheprocesswastoidentify what stops us from achieving these particular visions. A morning was spent identifying, clarifyingand prioritizing the obstacles which were presented from the group. Theafternoonwasdevotedtoidentifying nine separate strategic arenas for action; arenas that would remove the obstaclesandhelptheCentreattainitscollectivevision.Finally,thegroupreconveneda week later, formed into action teams and met to discuss strategies and timelines.

Alloftheseteamsarenowhardatwork and we look forward to the progressive changes that will be implemented in the near future! After all, we have an important anniversary coming up next year our 40thbirthday and we will be going into this anniversary better and stronger than ever!

Art in The Link

August 26 to September 8: Ina Gilbert

September 9 to 22:

The Studio Group

September 24 to October 6: Mohsen Derakhshan

October 7 to 20:

Julie Schatz, Sheila Brown, Margit Koritar, Debbie Stevenson

October 21 to November 2: Raymond Davidson

Fall 97 programs for children and families

promise fun, outdoor activity

Beatthose back-to-school blues and enjoyafew more daysofoutdoorfun in one of the hands-on programs for children ages 4 and 5 years and 6 to 8 years, or a Sunday family workshop for children of all ages.

Saturday programs begin September 20.

For a brochure, please call the Civic Garden Centre at (416) 397-1340 or fax: (416) 397-1354.

ANNUAL END OF SEASON SALE AT THE TRELLIS SHOP

UP TO 75% OFF SELECTED HORTICULTURAL PRODUCTS, GIFT ITEMS AND BOOKS

GREAT DEALS ON BRAND-NAME ITEMS INCLUDING: Wilsons, Ross, So-Green, Green Cross and Holland Imports

SALE ITEMS INCLUDE: large garden tools, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers and much more!

WE'RE MAKING WAY FOR OUR NEW FALL AND CHRISTMAS ITEMS

SALE BEGINS SEPTEMBER 10

MEMBERS WILL RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL 10% OFF SALE PRICE SEPTEMBER 10 ONLY

FROM 10:00 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M. WEEKDAYS AND NOON TO 5:00 P.M. WEEKENDS

Volunteer news

By Ada Brzeski, volunteer co-ordinator

Thank you to all the volunteers who worked hard at the plant sales, Through theGardenGate, children sprogramsand garden tours. Without their help, these programs would nevergetoffthe ground. Also, thank you to the regular volunteers whokeeptheCentregoingonaday-to-day basis.

To celebrate our success and to show ourappreciationtothevolunteers,theCentre hosted a barbecue lunch on Tuesday, June 17. About 50 people turned up for a delicious meal, some of which was donated by The Amazing Food Service Inc. and some was baked by volunteers.

Volunteering at the Centre is a great waytogetinvolvedandgettoknowpeople with similar interests. Whether you are a newmemberora longtime member, there are plenty of opportunities to share your knowledge and your skills.

Join our volunteers, learn more about volunteering:

We are holding an orientation for new volunteers on Saturday, October 25, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Join us!

Mums, flowering kales and cabbages

Fall plant sale

Friday, September 12 is members day (10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.)

Saturday and Sunday, September 13 and 14 members and public (10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

choose from a variety of perennials sized for instant show: anemones, sedums, asters and more quality plants ® competitive prices ¢ free convenient parking friendly, knowledgeable, helpful volunteers and Master Gardeners to assist you with your purchases

Members receive 10% off purchases over $10

Questions or inquiries about availability, call Sheila at (416) 397-1356 Interested in volunteering? Call Ada at (416) 397-1362

Join the fall out-of-town tour: Niagara Butterfly Conservatory, Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and Jordan

Wednesday, September 24

This all-inclusive touris presentedby the Special Program Committee. In the past, this committeeorganizedCatch TheGardeningSpirit, VerticalGardening, GardenArtistry and otherexcitingprograms.

The tourincludes transportation byluxurymotorcoach, a delightfullunch, snacksand cold drinks, a visit to the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, a chance to explore the grounds of the Niagara School of Horticulture, and a visit to Jordan, one of Ontario s charming villages.

Buses willbegin loadingat8:30a.m. andleave the Civic Garden Centre at8: 45a.m. sharp, returning at 5:30p.m.

Admission, lunch, snacks and allgratuities are includedin the price.

Members: $67

Non-members: $77

The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, located inNiagara Parks BotanicalGardens, isthefirststoponthistour. Enjoythebutterfliesalong 600feetofpathscontainedwithin the climate-controlled 11,000-square-foot conservatory. Look closely at over 2,000 freeflying butterflies representing over 50 different species and observe their grace and agility. Wear something bright and perhaps they will momentarily light on your shoulder to welcome you to this lush rainforest setting. Weather permitting (no frost before September 24), we will also visit the newly-constructed sub-tropical parterre garden.

The committee contacted Anne Marie Van Nest, former horticulturist at the Centre and nowteacherattheNiagara ParksSchoolofHorticulture. She has suggested thatwe may find the rose garden with its Victorian carpet bedding, the herb garden and the ornamental grasses the most interesting. If her fall teaching schedule allows, she will meet with the group.

Lunch will be at the Queenston Room, Queenston Heights Restaurant with its panoramic view of the area.

Next, we will visit the village of Jordan with its interesting shops. Copper Leaf, a thriving landscape accessory business, offers many unusual perennials for sale and knowledgeable personnel. If fall perennials planting is not for you, visit the Antique Emporiumwhichisfilledwithacollectionofqualityantiquesforsale. SantaFesellsiron sculpture, trellis, arbors and other decorative items for the garden and home.

Food restrictions? We hope to satisfy most needs by providinga buffet lunch.

Registration and cancellation deadline is September 15. No refunds after this date. A registration form is on page 28.

THE EDWARDS LECTURE SERIES

Join usfor these memorable evenings. There is no charge to members ofthe Centre. Guests and the public will be warmly welcomedforan entrancefee of$4.

TheEdwardsLecture Series ismadepossiblebytheEdwards CharitableFoundation. Manyof theprograms offered throughout theyeardealwithgardening,horticultureand theenvironment. However, the Centre isalsoa prime resourceinMetroforcoursesand information relating to the floral arts.

Tuesday, September 23

7:30 p.m.

GREAT DESIGNERS FABULOUS

GARDENS

Speaker: Frank Kershaw

FallprogramingattheCentrewillkickoffwithFrankKershaw sslide-illustratedlecture. The presentation will feature private and public gardens of North America s premier landscape architects and designers including Fletcher Steele, Ellen Biddle Shipman, Warren Manning, Charles Greene, Beatrix Ferrand, Loutrel Biggs and Charles Gillette.

Thefocuswillbe ontheirdesignphilosophy,thechallengestheyfacedovertheyears, andthelegacyofworld-classgardenstheyhavelefttofuturegenerations. Theslideswill cover a broad range of their significant projects and will be of interest to gardeners, horticulturists,landscapearchitectsandanyoneinterested infine gardensand thestory behind their creation.

About the speaker:

Witha Master ofScience degreeinurban and regional planning from the University ofToronto, a diploma in horticulture from the University of Guelph and a certificate in landscape architecture from Ryerson, Frank Kershaw s interest in horticulture and the environment spans more than 25 years. He was a founding member of the Canadian WildflowerSocietyand currentlyservesasoneofitsdirectors. Hehas taughtgardening courses at the Civic Garden Centre and the Royal Botanical Gardens and has lectured extensively throughout North America and other countries. His garden articles have appearedinFamilyCircle, Canadian Gardening, Trellis and Wildflowermagazines. Hewas horticulturalconsultanttotheCanadianGardening/PenguinStudiosgardenbooksGreat Garden Ideas and Natural Gardens.

Frank is the director of planning, research and construction for the Metro Toronto Parks and Culture Department. Earlierthis year, Frank was awarded The Garden Club ofToronto s Award of Honor for outstanding contribution to horticulture.

THE EDWARDS LECTURE SERIES

Tuesday, October 14

7:30 p.m.

DID CLEOPATRA REALLY ARRANGE FLOWERS?

Agentle history offloral design in art

Speaker: Helen Skinner

Helen s superbly illustrated slide lecture will explore the different eras of design. The audiencewill comeaway with a new understanding ofthefundamentals ofdesignand a greater appreciation of current trends in their historical context.

About the speaker:

Helen Skinner is currently the garden editor for Century Home magazine. Her in-depth articles are instructive toboth novice and expertgardener, enjoyable to read and easy to understand. Helenisadesignandhorticulturaljudge,past-presidentofTheGardenClub of Toronto, WAFA (World Association of Flower Arrangers) and Garden Clubs of

Elspeth Bradbury and Judy Maddocks

Thursday, October 23, 7:30 p.m.

The Real Garden Road Trip: A journey across Canada

Elspeth Bradbury, a landscape architect and Master Gardener, lives in BritishColumbia. Herlong-timefriendandformer neighbor JudyMaddocks, a mother and writer, lives in New Brunswick. They have co-authored two books. In TheGardenLetters, ElspethandJudysharedstoriesof their lives and gardens from their homes on the east and west coast. Recently, the two avid gardeners wrote The Real Garden Road Trip.

ElspethandJudystartedtheir tourofCanadawiththegardenatLangara lighthouse on the Queen Charlotte Islands, and concluded with the lighthouse keeper/gardener at Cape Spear, Newfoundland. In between, theymetupwith morethan 60gardenerswhocreatedandmaintainedtheir own gardens. They saw a vegetable garden on a boat, a tropical garden on an island, an arboretum on a balcony, a flower garden in a mine shaft, a garden in a prison, a Chinese garden, a Doukhobor garden, and many others.

After the talk and slides, you are invited to join Elspeth and Judy for a book signing and refreshments. Admission is free.

Swap garden favorites: the first CGC seed exchange

Pleasesendinanyseedthatyouhavecollectedoverthesummer.Makesurethattheseed isclean,dry,andpackagedinapaperenvelope. Iftheseedisverysmall,wrapitina little foilfirst.Writeyournameandtheplant snameontheenvelopeandpleasefillintheform. Send your seeds to:

CGC Seed Exchange, c/o Stephen Westcott-Gratton, Civic Garden Centre, 777 Lawrence Avenue East, North York, Ontario M3C 1P2

Deadline is October 20, 1997

Ifyouhavesomeseedsthatarenotyetripe,pleasesendinyourlist,notingtheotherswill follow as soon as possible.

CGC Seed Exchange Donation Form

Donor Name: Phone number:

PLEASE NOTE

PLANT NAME: use the scientific name ifyou know it. wiLD: checkifthese seedswere collected in thewild; leave plenty to reseed

TYPE: use AN (annual), PE (perennial), BU (bulb), VI (vine), HO (house); for example, Morning Glory AN/VI

HEIGHT: approximate, in centimetres; ifyou only know inches, please note.

DESCRIPTION: any interesting points, leafcolor etc.

All interested gardeners are invited to attend the

Toronto Master Gardeners training seminar

Sunday, October 26 - 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Civic Garden Centre

The Toronto Master Gardeners training seminar is open to Civic Garden Centre members and interested members of the public. The day s line-up: StephenWestcott-Gratton,chiefhorticulturistattheCentre,willexplainhowsoils, fertilizers and composts work, and how to use them to enhance the growth of ornamental plants.

Penny Arthurs, known to many through her garden design practice The Chelsea Gardener,willhelpuscometogripswithhowtoapproachdesignandplantingforthe smallergarden. CopiesofherbookSmall-SpaceGardens,publishedthisspring,willbe on sale during lunch and Pennywillbe available forbook signing.

BruceBostock,ownerofBostockTreeServiceandrecentlyfeaturedinTorontoLife Gardens magazine, will explain pruning and maintaining flowering shrubs and ornamental trees in the urban environment, including avoiding and controlling disease and insect problems.

Admission is$20perpersonatthedoor. Coffeeandmuffinswillbeavailablefrom9:00a.m.; thesessions runfrom 9:30a.m. to3:00p.m. in theFloralHall. Bringyourown lunch andjoin othergardening enthusiastsfor this interestingand popular event.

Join us on Saturday, October 25, 1997

Floral Hall, The Civic Garden Centre, Edwards Gardens

777 Lawrence Avenue East at Leslie Street,

Preview: 6:30 p.m. Silent Auction: 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $12.00

Pre-sale from FUSION up to October 17, 1997.

MISTLETOE MAGIC

November 6,7, 8 and 9

Our search throughout Ontario hasfound many new exhibitors forMistletoeMagic, the Centre s popular craft show.

Visit the exhibitors booths brimming with holiday gift ideas, decorative items and specialty food items. The newestexamples ofOntario s crafts willbefeatured and many favoritecraftspeoplewillreturn.Eventhemostdiscriminatingshopperwillbeabletofind anappropriategiftortheperfectaccenttodecoratethehomefortheholidayseasonahead.

The show hasbeen carefullyjuried to strikea pleasingbalance in all craft categories. Attention has been paid both to price and quality.

Tocompleteyourouting,visitthecafewhichwillbeservingmorningcoffee,lunchand afternoontea. Thecalibreoffoodatthisshowisapleasantchangefromothercraftshows. Proceeds from the show go to support the ongoing work of the Centre.

WehopemembersoftheCentrewillplantoattend, bringfriends,telleveryoneabout the show and perhaps even volunteer for a shift or two. We need yourtotal support for this show. The revenue from this event helps the Centre deliver desirable programing and activities throughout the year.

The show will be open on Thursday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on SaturdayandSundayfrom10:00a.m.to5:00p.m. Admissionis$5andticketsareavailable at the door. The Centre is readily accessible by TTC from the Eglinton subway station. Free parking.

Save this date ...

Mark your

THE EDWARDS FOUNDATION calendar now MEMORIAL LECTURE

Saturday, February 21, Time: Wednesday, November 19, 7:30 p.m. 1998

Place: The Civic Garden Centre (The Floral Hall) 10:00:8,0% 10:2:00 p.M.

Speaker: Lois Hole, author of numerous The Civic Garden Centre best-selling gardening guides, regular com- || presents the second mentator on Canadian Gardening on CBC || annual Horticultural Television, columnist forthe Globe and Mail ||Open House: Get a and founder of Hole s Greenhouses & Gar- ||Jump on Spring. dens in Alberta, a business still owned by the family. An all-day event at the Centre.

Topic: Favorite Trees and Shrubs

The Great Canadian Gardening Conference

presented by The Civic Garden Centre at Edwards Gardens

Saturday and Sunday, October 18 and 19, 1997

Connectedness, from the ground up

The volunteers and staffat theCGC haveput togetheran exciting and eclectic roster of guestspeakers,eachrenownedintheirownfield. And we veaskedthemtohelpanswer aquestionthatperplexesmanythoughtfulgardeners,asthe20thcenturydrawstoaclose:

How do ourgardens connectwith nature, and how do we connectwith nature through ourgardens?

e focus your gardening philosophy

* understand the source of new design trends

* learn how to recreatetheseinyour garden

from the scientists

from the artist

from the designers

from the gardeners

Dr. Alex Shigo

David Bodanis

Freeman Patterson

Topher Delaney

Neil Turnbull

Sara Stein

Bruce Blevins

This unique Canadian gathering of internationally-renowned gardening experts in Toronto is an independent conference run by volunteers for serious amateur gardeners and professionals in the gardening industry.

Please send your registration form in today and support this wonderful learning experience with others who share your gardening passion.

Who is speaking?

Sara Stein, akindredspiritinhands-ongardening,spentyearscreatinganEnglishcottagegardenin her backyard only to tear it apart and rebuild it on the premise of inclusion rather exclusion. Mrs. Steinhasputyearsofthoughtintoconnectingnotonlyhergardenbutof whole urban communities back intobalance with nature.

Bruce Blevins, famousforlushfieldsoforganically-grownfruitsandvegetables,willsharehismethods that insure abundant yearly crops without chemical fertilizers and pesticides. In a chemically-polluted world, growing plants organically in your own backyard is a personal way to clean up a part of the environment.

Dr. Alex Shigo

isTHEauthorityontrees and treecare. Heknowsaboutplantingwhere,when, how,and what. Heknowsaboutpruning. Heknowsaboutsicknessandinjury. Lethimsharewith you his deep concerns around preserving the trees we have now on this earth.

Topher Delaney

will wow you with her avant-garde approach to gardening. Pushing the envelope of location,MsDelaneyistheexpertinroof-topgardendesign. Herlatestdesignexpression deals with the psychologicalhealing aspects ofplants. Hervision: the garden, taken out of the fields to green the tops of our buildings. Her dream: the garden brought to the bedsideofthe sickand dying.

Neil Turnbull, aCanadian designer,iscreatingwonderfulgardensthatconnectbeautifulvisual design aspectswithbiodiversity.LearnhowMr.Turnbullcombinessuccessfuldesignprinciples in large and small, urban and country gardens with a sensitivity to nature.

David Bodanis, botanist, willbring us a new appreciation oflifebeneath the soil. The good, thebad and theugly. Whatdowedototheinhabitantsofthesoilthemomentwesplitaparttheearth with a spade? or scatter a handful of fertilizer? What lives there anyway? How do we protect thebeneficial and discourage the destructive?

Freeman Patterson, brilliant award-winning landscape photographer, will thrill you with his artistry. Mr. Patterson is also a great gardenerand will sharewith us his vision ofgardeningand the natural world, connecting this imagery through the eyes ofthe artist.

To registerfill out the form on page 14 and send itASAP to reserve yourplace in this never-before-never-again Civic Garden Centre event.

The Seventh Great Canadian Gardening Conference Registration Form

We know that you want to attend both days ofthis conference, but for those whojust cannot spend two days with us, we offer the option of selecting one day only.

Are you a member of the Civic Garden Centre? Yesld Nol Members save on all Civic Garden Centre programs including the conference.

MEMBERSHIP NUMBER EXPIRY DATE

Check one:

Both Sat. and Sun. conference days [J $220 for members /$285 for non-members or Saturday only conference [d $125 for members / $160 for non-members

Speakers: Freeman Patterson, David Bodanis, Bruce Blevins, TopherDelaney or Sunday only conference [d $125 for members / $160 fornon-members

Speakers: Alex Shigo, Sara Stein, Neil Turnbull, Roundtable discussion, The Canadian Scene

The price includes lunch and snacks each day and a social hour with the speakers.

NAME HOME TELEPHONE

ADDRESS WORK TELEPHONE FAX

Methodofpayment: [d cheque [d VISA/MasterCard

CARD NUMBER EXPIRY DATE

Mail or fax to:

The Civic Garden Centre, 777 Lawrence Ave E., North York, Ont. M3C 1P2 phone (416) 397-1340 fax (416) 397-1354

Cancellation date: October 10, 1997

Master Workshops Monday,October20

Checkbelow ifyou are interested in receiving information on the following master classes planned for Monday, October20 following the conference: A registration form willbe mailed to you. landscape photography workshop [ thebiodiverse garden design Q vegetable gardening Q gardening with espalier fruit trees [ designing with trees and shrubs Q pond gardens Q

Catalogue parody makes fun reading

ByAnna Leggatt

Ireceivemanymagazines,cataloguesandgeneralgardeningmail.Muchofitjustreceives a quickglanceand ispassed on orrecycled. When Smyth &Hawk'em (AParody)byTom ConnorandJimDowney (HarperCollinsCanadaLtd., May1997. 61 pages) arrived,this parodynearlymetthegreybox! Ithought, Notanotherpretentiouscatalogue whenthe followingcaughtmy eye:

SMELLINGTONS: No one has ever improved upon the classic Smellington gardenboot. Wefind ourselveswearing ourSmellies to ourbroker, ourtailor ... After working with the curator of New York s Metropolitan Museum of Art, we decidedtomimicthecolorschemesoftheLateRenaissance,withalittle60 sPopArt throwninforgoodmeasure. NowyoucanwearSmelliesforliterallyanyoccasion: cocktails, polo, thebeach, the office, the gynecologist s ...

These were illustrated in full color Double Expresso , Imported Spring Water White , BeaujolaisNouveau ,etc.Myfamilywassoonlaughingover RadioControlled IndoorCropDuster , Bio-GraveComposter and TheGuanoWhisk.

Not surprisingly, the authors have written other parodies for example, Is Martha Stuart Living?

ThiswillmakeanexcellentChristmaspresentorhostessgiftforthegardenersofyour acquaintance, but read itbefore you give it away!

New books in the Trellis Shop

These books will be available at the Trellis Shop in September:

Beth Chatto s Garden Notebook, $48.95

Classic Roses, by PeterBeales, $77

Colors ofProvence,by MichaelBicks, $57

The Complete BookofPlant Propagation, byJim Arbury, $41.95

Cuttings From My Garden, by Graham Stuart Thomas, $49

Foryour Garden, Paths and Walkways, General Publishing, $17.95

A PassionforFlowers,byCarolyn Roehn, $65

New Terra-cotta Gardener, by Jim Keeling, $24.95

Bulbs add color, interest to spring garden

By Silke Gathmann, assistant shop managerat the Centre

Whengardenersusethegeneraltermbulbs, they include bulbs, corms, tubers and rhizomes. This versatile plant group flourishes in almost any habitat, provided the soil is well-drained. Once planted, most bulbs maintain themselves for years.

Bulbsaddcolor,structureandfragrance to a garden. They are also an important designelement,particularlyearlyinspring whenmostshrubs,treesandperennialsare dormant.

Classical combinations of yellow and bluelikeTulipa Westpoint under-planted with forget-me-nots, or red and blue like Tulipa'Parade combinedwithmuscari,will makeaneye-catchingdisplay.Ornamental bulbs like allium are ideal for herbaceous or mixed borders. Allium aflatunense Purple Sensation looks stunning combined with silver foliage plants.

Onereasonforthepopularityofbulbsis theiralmost-guaranteedsuccess. However, there are some rules to follow for a longlasting display. Choose the right spot for plantingyourbulbs: themajorityofspring bulbs need sunlight to grow well. If you mustplantina shadyarea,avoidtulips or other sun-loving bulbs. Choose shade-tolerant bulbs like Scilla, Muscari, Galanthus, Anemone blanda, Leucojum, Hyacinthoides, Ornithogalum, or Chionodoxa.

Themostimportantfactoringoodbulb soilisdrainage.Mostbulbswillrotinstagnant conditions. With heavy, sticky clay soil,therearethreewaystoincreasedrainage for bulbs: add sand and organic substancetothesoil; installasubsurfacedraining system; or raise the level ofthebed by surroundingitwithalowwallandfillingit with porous soil.

With sandysoil, drainageisnot a problem. However,makesuretodiginenough

well-rotted compostormanure toprovide avitalandhealthysoil.Despitethefactthat bulbs can grow in almost every soil, they prefer good quality soil!

Organicmaterialcanaltertheacidityof your soil. A pH of 6.5 is appropriate for most bulbs. To find out about soil acidity, bringasampletotheCentre sHorticulture Department, for the soil testing service. Membersgetadiscount!Addinglimeraises the pH; addingsulphurwill lower it. Both products are available at the Trellis Shop.

Usually there are instructions on the packageonhowdeeptoplantbulbs. However, when in doubt, plant the bulb about two to three times the depth of the bulb itself.Therearemanyvariationstothisrule heavy soil requires shallower planting than light soil, but generally it is better to plant too deep, rather than too shallow, especially in cold climates.

Agoodwaytodigtheholesforbulbsis to use a small hand trowel, possibly with measurement marks down the blade to ensureanexactplantingdepth.Bulb-planters are ideal forlarger quantities ofbulbs. Theycomeintwoversions,short and long handled. You pushthem into the ground, remove them with a core of soil, put the bulb into the hole and then cover it with soil. A spade is useful ifyou plan to naturalizebulbs.

After planting, add a thinlayer ofbone meal combined with blood meal, which will provide a slow-acting fertilizer and detersquirrels.Itisagoodideatolabelthe areawhereyouplantedyourbulbs metal markers are cheap, durable, long-lasting and unobtrusive.

For answers to other questions about bulbs, feel freeto dropby orcall our horticultural infoline: (416) 397-1345.

Chandler & Company

Lundst apt' [)(i\ig t [.\ and Contractors

TRELLIS SHOP

Acomplere | ||Come shop with us! residential landscape service

Choose a gift from our eclectic array of garden-related items: 265 .3533 for birthdays, anniversaries, and don t forget Christmas!

A few special items for Christmas include antique oil lamps, wreaths, cards, ornaments and decorative gift items.

Members receive a 10% discount on most purchases.

See you soon.

All proceeds from the Trellis Shop

help support

the Civic Garden Centre.

west : ; .

Gardenconsulting,designandmaintenance. Specializinginperennialbeds, shadegardens and flowering shrubs. Ornamental tree and shrubpruning. Experienced, personalandaffordablecareforyourgarden. CaroleCharsley,

(416) 444-8254.

Books in review

Reviewed byAlma Ireland andJessica Harris

Planting Noah's Garden: Further Adventures In BackyardEcology

By Sara Stein Hardcover, $50

Thisbookis the sequel toNoah s Garden. Thefirsthalf, the further adventures ofa gardener ecologist , is an inspirational narrative of theauthor stravels. Thesecondhalf, howtoplantNoah sgarden , isapracticalmanualpresentingthoroughinstructionsonhowtobring WSS back a self-sustaining ecosystem. Although written in the United States, the author specifies the terms and zoning maps she uses, and provides broadly-applicable vegetationsuggestionsforeachzone.Thisbeautifulbookisanimportantadditiontoanylibrary as it is a substantial text, yet it reads as easily as a novel. (JH) Sara Stein is a speakerat the Seventh Great Canadian Gardening Conference.

GrowingBulbs: The Complete Practical Guide

By Brian Mathew Hardcover, $41.95

Thisfineguidetobulbousplantscoverseveryinterestingaspectof thesepopulargardenbeauties. Welearn thata bulb represents a complete packaged plant just awaiting the right sequence of stimuli . Theprinciplesofbulb-growingaresetforth:buyingand plantingtimes, depthsand distancestoplant,soilsandfertilizers, where to plant, pests and diseases, and propagation. The most valuable chapter, to my mind, is entitled A-Z ofGenera: Outline ofcultivation requirements covering some 100 genera with advice and basic cultural information for each. Thisis a wonderfully detailed book. (AI)

The Bulb Expert

By Dr. D.G. Hessayon Soft-cover, $16.95

Another guide from the popular Expert series, which needs no introduction to serious gardeners, brings us Dr. Hessayon s versionoftheBulbStory.Withbeautifulillustrationsanddescriptions oneachpage,itoffersinstructionsforsiteandsoil,plantdetailsand propagation. Italsoincludeschapterssuggestingyear-rounduseof bulbs (indoorandoutdoor);a problem-preventionsectionandaglossaryofbulb-related terms. Thisisafinebookwithinformationtoeliminatetheguess-workonanybulbname from A to Z. (Al

Allergies to the outdoors?

By Sheila Smith, assistant horticulturist at the Centre

Doyousneezeandwheezeinyourgarden?

Allergiesarisewhenyourimmunesystem overreacts on exposure to an external irritant such as pollen, plants, insect stings, pollution, chemicals or foods.

Allergicrhinitisisatermwhichdescribes the reaction to an external irritant such as pollen. Hayfeveriscausedbycontactwith seasonalgrassorpollensfromtrees,shrubs or weeds. Many people suffer from the symptoms of hayfever sneezing, copiousnasalmucus,sinuscongestion,watery, irritated eyes orasthma-likewheezing.

Hayfeverseasonisspring,summerand fall as trees and shrubs, then grasses and finallyweedsdevelopflowersthatcontain pollen. Pollen,inLatin,meansfineflouror dust. Thepollengrainsdevelopinaplant s stamenswhicharethemalepartsofaflower. The majority of plants depend on some kind ofinsect, bird orbat to pollinate their flowers while a small number rely on the wind.

Althoughpinetrees shedaheavyblanketofyellowpowderovertheirsurroundings, they are not the major cause of hay fever in Canada. Allergies tend to run in human families and allergens tend to run in plant families. The major plants that causehayfeverfallintothreegroups: trees and shrubs, grasses and weeds.

Trees and shrubs

Thefollowingtreesandshrubsarethefirst group to bother hay fever sufferers in the spring: birch, elder, willow, aspen, poplar, walnut, hickory, pecan, beech, oak, mulberry, Osage orange, olive, ash, privet, elm, maple, box-elder, cypress and manyjunipers mainly in the southern USA.

Mosttreesflowerbeforetheleavesopen in early spring and therefore the pollen is

more exposed to wind. The weather will have an effect on when trees will flower and how many flowers will be produced. On most trees and shrubs the buds are formed the previous season and all may not open if we have a cold, wet spring. Birch,willow,walnut,beechandmulberry have catkins which are made up of hundreds of tiny flowers. Elms and maples have flowers that hangin clusters.

Arizonawasoncethoughttobeahaven for hay fever sufferers because of the dry, clean air. Since the population has skyrocketed, housing developments have grown and people have planted olive, privet,whitemulberryandcypressaround theirhomes. Pollencountshaveincreased tenfold in 20 years leaving Arizona with many pollen sufferers.

Grasses

Thegrassesthatarethemajorsourcesof hay fever are:

Orchard grass Redtop

Sweet vernal grass Timothy Johnson grass Bluegrass Bermuda grass

These troublesome grasses are imports fromEurope,AsiaandAfrica. Theythrive in areas where the ground has been disturbed, such as roadsides and vacant lots. Theseasonforgrasshayfeverbeginsinthe spring with the flowering ofsweet vernal grass growing in fields, meadows and roadsides.

Grassesfloweronafairlyregularscheduleandarelessinfluencedbytheweather. The majority of grasses are pollinated by the wind. Grass pollen causes more hay fever than that of trees and bushes. Over 1,200 species of grasses grow in North America. Can we escape?

Orchard grasses can be found in pas-

tures and hayfields while bluegrasses are grownforanimalfoodandinlawns. Redtop grasses such as creeping bent grass and Timothy grass are used in turf and lawns and flower throughout the summer. JohnsongrassandBermudagrassarefound mostly in the southern USA and are in flower most of the year. Johnson grass invadesagriculturalfieldswhileBermuda grass is used as a lawn grass.

Weeds

The weeds causing most allergic reactions are our own natives with ragweed being worst irritant. Ragweeds thrive in neglectedplaceswherethegroundhasbeen disturbed.

Giant ragweed

Common ragweed

Marsh elder Sagebrush

Mugwort Wormwood

Goosefoot family - Russian thistle, summer cypress, wormseed and orach

Amaranth family - pigweed and water

hemp

Giantandcommonragweedarethemost widespread of the 17 different ragweed species. Theyhavea central spikethat has many male flowers hanging down from it and may produce as many as a billion pollengrainsonasingleplant. Mostofthe pollenisreleasedduringthemorninghours of warm, dry days in late summer. Ragweedsopentheirblossomsassummer days become shorter and nights longer. They flower for four to six weeks from aroundmid-Julyuntilmid-tolateSeptember.

Ragweedsbelongtoalargefamilycalled the composite or aster family. The marsh elderispartofthisbigfamilyandisclosely relatedtotheragweed,sharingsomeofthe same allergens.

Another large genus of plants in the composite family iscalled artemisiaand is ratedas#2amongtheweedirritants. They arecommonlyfoundonthedryplainsand deserts ofthe American west. Some ofthe

commonnamesofartemisiaaresagebrush, mugwort and wormwood.

Goldenrodisalsointhecompositefamily and is often blamed in the war against hayfever. However,goldenrodareinsectpollinated plants that shed very little pollen. Chamomile is also in the composite familyandteamadefromchamomileflowers may cause some allergic reactions because theflowers contain pollen.

The goosefoot family includes lamb s quartersandthrivesindrysoilhighinsalts and are mostly found in western North America. The amaranth family includes pigweed and water hemp. English plantain in the plantain family gives off large amounts ofpollen early in the season.

Ways to wage the war against hay fever:

® try to stayaway fromplaceswhere hay fever plants are flowering

* controlpollensources cutgrassshort topreventflowerformation,removewindpollinated weeds, plant spring bulbs and groundcovers in place of grass

* avoid morning activities outdoors during hay fever season sleep in

¢ keep house and car windows closed

® use an air conditioner with filters that remove small particles from the air

* outdoorclothingorlaundryhungoutto dry picks up pollen from the air

¢ wash your hair often to remove pollen

e deferdeadheadinginSeptembertoOctober or give the job to a non-allergy sufferer

* watchtheWeatherNetworkfora daily pollen count during theseason

Remedies

A studyfrom theUCLACenterforHealth Sciences compared the effects from caffeine in coffee to a common asthma medication. Theyfoundcaffeinewidenstheair passages in the lungs allowing asthmatics tobreatheeasieranddeeper. So,ifyoufind anallergyattackcomingon,brewupsome (continuedonpage22)

Plant portrait: Tulipa sylvestris

By Anna Leggatt

Ilovebulbs,particularlythesmallerspring flowering ones that bring a hope of an imminent spring to the garden. We are luckytohaveseveralgoodsuppliersinthe Toronto area. I dive into the catalogues as soonas theyarrive,lookingformoreofthe favorites, replacements for those that are shortlivedandforexciting new listings.

Oneofmyfavoritesisthespeciestulip, Tulipa sylvestris. These are mid-season, growing to about 45cm high. The flowers are golden yellow, slightly nodding. They open sideways so you see a bright yellow six-pointed star, which can be from 6 to 12cmacross,dependingonthesubspecies. Subsp. sylvestrisisthelarger, withagreenishtingetotheoutsideofthepetals.Subsp. australis has a reddish tinge. The former is found in Italy, Sicily and Sardinia, while the latter grows in most of Southern Europe, through to north Iran and North Africa.

Plant in a well-drained area that has some protection. It is listed as hardy to Zone 5, but I have lost it several times. Whenhappy,itwillnaturalize. Itisimportanttothinkaboutplacingthebulbsas the

Allergies (continued from page21) coffee. Ithasbeensuggestedthatreducing your intake of mucus-forming foods such asdairyproducts,eggs, sugar,whiteflour, fattyfoods and alcohol can help to control allergy attacks.

A herbal remedy for hay fever from Herbal RemediesforHome Use is as follows: Make an infusion with elderflower (Sambucusnigra)andtaketwoorthreecups aday. Takeforafewmonthsbeforeaswell as during the hay fever season. Forhayfever,experimentwithessential oils. Putone drop eachofchamomile and lemon essential oils onto a tissue and in-

flowers turn to the brightest light. You want to see their faces, not their backs! Tulipasylvestrisislistedinatleastoneof ourlocal mail ordercatalogues and sometimesseedisavailablefromsocieties. Look for a few seedsin the CGC seed exchange.

Other exciting bulbs offered this year includeLeucojumvernum,thespringsnowflake, like a robust snowdrop, some wonderfulalliumsandfritillaries,Irishistrioides Katherine Hodgkin , Iris reticulata Natasha and the double bloodroot, Sanguinaria canadensis Multiplex .

The Ontario Rock Garden Society will be hosting a study weekend at the end of January, 1998, in Toronto. The subject will be Ontario Underground, all aboutbulbs.

The Trellis Shop has bulbs for sale.

Reference: Phillips, Roger & Rix, Martyn, The Random House Book of Bulbs: Random House, New York, 1981, 1989.

(AnnaLeggattis aTorontoMasterGardener,a member of Garden Writers ofAmerica and a mad rockgardener.)

hale. Massage the neck, chest and back witha solutionofchamomile (two drops), geranium(onedrop)andlemon(onedrop) essentialoilsinateaspoonofvegetableoil.

Allergiesmaybuildup overaperiodof time. Seek professional advice ifyou find your allergy symptoms arebuilding up.

References:

Plants that make you Sniffle and Sneeze, by Carol Lerner ©1993 Rodale sIllustratedEncyclopediaofHerbs,by C. Kowalchik and W. Hylton ©1987 The Fragrant Pharmacy, by Valerie Ann Worwood, ©1992

Questions and answers with the Master Gardeners

Q. WhenshouldIbringmyBostonfern %1;!, -&"125508, v W 7F AN infor thefall? LG <88

A. Theminimumtemperaturefora 7 _;!;.',%f-'/'--r" Ei:': Boston fern is 50°F (10°C). S0 sA '/1'"" BringBostonferninbefore R o A . :,;F.w,' N the temperature drops ?é"" 4 below10°C.

Q. Thereareladybugscrawlingallover thefrontofmyhouse why?

A. These beneficial insects are being attracted to your house either by host plants orby food sources.

Host plants include alfalfa, angelica, coffeeberry, evergreen euonymus, goldenrod, Mexican tea, morning glory, oleander, yarrow and ragweed. Ladybugs will devour Food sourcesareaphids,mealybugs, scaleinsectsand mites. insect pests. To keep ladybugs there must be a good food supply for them otherwise they will migrate to better food sources.

Q. How do I prepare hyacinth bulbs to have them flowering at Christmas?

A. You can buy prepared bulbs or regular bulbs The prepared bulbs are readyfor forcing and willtake six weeks at a temperature of50°F (10°C). The regularbulbs willtakeeight to tenweeks. Usebulbfibreinthepot,dampenitthoroughly but do not have it too wet. Plant the bulbs with the tips just visible. Keepinthedarkandkeepcooluntiltheshootsappear, then move into bright light and a warmer temperature. The bulb jar as illustrated is another technique.

Planthyacinth bulbsby theend of October for Christmas bloom.

Thanks to Vivien Jenkinsonfor illustrations.

Gardening questions? Call the Master Gardeners Infoline (416) 397-1345 daily, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Toil in the soil: dirt s secret life

By Stephen Westcott-Gratton, horticulturalist at the Centre

Thank goodness that some creatures are prepared to do it, or the world would be a verydifferentplaceindeed! Theoftenmaligned and misunderstood action of these micro-beasties has a measurable effect on whatweeat,andonhowwelivegenerally; inparticularitalsoaffectshowourgardens grow, and what plants will thrive or languish in them.

All healthy soils may be seemingly inert,butin factcontaina mass oflive organisms animals (including worms and insects), plants and their roots, plus algae, fungi(moldsandrusts),protozoaandslime molds, as well as bacteria and actinomycetes. While some of these seem to have little effect on the soil one way or another, othersareabsolutelyessential for maintaining healthy plant growth, while sustaininga fertile soil profile. Still others are responsible for causing horrendous damage to crops by diminishing yields or by spreading disease and infection. Fortunatelyforus,beneficialorganisms usuallyhavetheupperhand,andkeepthe detrimental ones in check. Some bacteria convert toxic carbon monoxide to useable carbon dioxide, while others fix inert atmosphericnitrogeninthesoilsothatplants are able to utilize it. Even the oft-vilified algae contribute to soil fertility by adding organic matter.

Soil microbes are one of the major decomposers ofresistantorganic residues, called humus. Humus is a veryimportant component of healthy soil, and for every twosoilteststhatcome to theCGC, atleast one is usually deficient in organic matter and its residual humus. This is of special concern in our area where most soils containhigh concentrationsofclay, whichrequire a great deal of organic matter to reduce compaction and allow air and water

to penetrate down to plant root zones. Although these microorganisms are small, the soil is absolutely teeming with them. Theremaybebillionsinonegramof soil,andtheliveweightinahighlyproductive soil maybe as much as 20 metric tons per hectare.

Critters we can see

Large burrowing animals such as gophers,woodchucks,rabbits,miceandeven chipmunkschangethesoilprofilethrough aeration,andmayevenimproveitsfertility (from their droppings), but since they eat and destroyvegetation theyaren tconsidered beneficials. Nonetheless I have extendedanindefinitepropertyleasetosome veryrespectablechipmunksinmygarden, perhapsto makeupforwhatIdid tosome ofPeter Rabbit s progeny a few years ago. Don t ask.

Earthworms are also important soil organismswithaworldwidedistributionthat totals about 7,000 identified species scientists suspect that there are at least as many again thatremainunidentified. The only negative thing that can be said about wormsisthattheyarecapableofspreading plant diseases. On the upside, however, theyeatonlydeadorganicmatter(withthe exception of resinous conifer needles) unlikedestructivecutworms,wireworms(larvae, actually) and maggots who feed on livevegetation. Theingested organic matter is excreted as fine granular aggregates whichprovideabundantandreadilyavailable plant nutrients.

In an interesting experiment to revive dead soil, liveearthworms wereadded to oneplot,deadearthworms(toequalizethe added soil fertility from decayed worm bodies) to a second plot. Six months later the live earthworms had increased avail-

able nutrients in their plot by 19% potassium (the least dramatic increase) to 165% phosphorus (the most dramatic increase). Impressive results to say the least!

To keep the earthworms that you already have happy, make sure your soil is moist, with plenty of palatable organic matter, at a pH of between 5.0 and 8.3. Worms dislike soil that is regularly cultivatedordisturbed, they renotcrazyabout sand (too big and sharp to swallow), salt isn t to their taste, nor are heavy chemical insecticides. Benice; indulgeyourworms.

Other soil inhabitants that are readily (and all too often) seen in gardens are the gastropods (meaning belly-footed ), that is, slugs and snails. It's true that they feed on decaying vegetation, helping to breakdownandrecycleit,buttheyalso have an unfortunate propensity for fresh produce. Inbadlyinfested areas, countsas highas243,000slugsperhectarehavebeen reported, with a live weight of 450 kilograms per hectare. Eeeks!

Fungi are fun (usually)

Fungi are organisms that do not have the ability to use the sun for energy; they live on dead or living plant or animal tissue,andcompriseapeculiargroupofyeasts, mold, mildews, smuts, rusts, and mushrooms. Theyarea criticalcomponentofthe soil mixture, hastening nutrient recycling. Fungiarevigorousdecomposersoforganic matter, attacking woodymaterials even in quiteacidicsituations(uncommonformost living organisms).

Although relatively few soil fungi are predatory, those that are have a huge impact. Theycausesmutsandrustsongrains and turfgrass, most ofthe wilts, and powderyanddownymildews,aswellasbeing responsible for leaf spots, cankers, scabs,

and certain root rots. Even fungi whose prime purpose is to decompose organic matter(beneficially) mayhaveadarkside. A decomposing fungi called Aspergillus flavuscausesamoldongrainwhichinturn produces a toxin known as Aflatoxin B1, themostpotentlivercarcinogen knownto mankind.

Ourpal Mike O'Risey:

Mycorrhizae literally means fungusroot, anddescribesthebeneficialrelationshipbetweenfungiand plantroots. Many fungiformasheatharoundtheroot,giving it a hairy, cottony appearance. The plant rootsexudeusefulsubstancestothefungi, x % andthefungihelp 4 :1.'/ to transmit water -l andnutrients(especially phosphates, zinc,copper,andmolybdenum)totheplant roots.

Many of the crops that we depend on dailybenefitdirectlyfrommycorrhizalassociations, including corn, wheat, barley, most vegetables and fruit crops, onions, citrus, grapevines, coffee, tea and cocoa. Micorrhizae also reduce drought stress, protect roots from plant pathogens, and buffer them against adverse temperatures andpHlevels. Herethen,isaMikewelike.

There s more where that came from:

Bacteriaareuni-celledmicroorganisms, whose numbers in the soil profile usually exceedallothermicroorganisms,although fungi may sometimes exceed bacteria in weight. One gram (1/5 teaspoon) of soil cancontain100millionbacterialcells,plus 1 millionactinomycetes(producersofover 500 antibiotics, including streptomycin), plusover16feetoffungalmycelia (threadlike fungal growth structures). If the old maxim about eating a peck of dirt is true, then there s clearlyno suchthing as a true vegetarian after all, there s grit in that

there spinach salad!

Thebestkindofsoilbacteriatomyway ofthinking are those types which are classified as autotrophic, (meaning self-nutritive ). Thesebacteria manufacture their food by the synthesis of inorganic materials, inmuchthe samewayplants dowhen they photosynthesize. Specific groups of autotrophic bacteria can oxidize ammonium, nitrites, sulphides, sulphur, hydrogengas,andcarbonmonoxide. Theoxidation transforms mineral forms, which are typically less useful to plants, toavailable, useful forms (nitrates, sulphates, carbon dioxide). Toxic forms of carbon and manganesearealso eliminated throughoxidation.

Several groups of autotrophic bacteria caneitheroxidizeorreducecarbonmonoxide to carbon dioxide or methane. These bacteriaareliterallylife-giving. Theworld s population adds hundreds of millions of tons of carbon monoxide (CO) into the atmosphere every year. With no conversion to carbon dioxide (CO2) or methane (CHg), the atmosphere would become lethaltoanimallifewithinafewyears. Carbonmonoxidereducingandoxidizingbacteria arepresentinmostsoils,butarecompletelyabsentwherethey remostneeded, under paved surfaces in congested cities, lendingcredance tothe establishmentand maintenance of greenbelts to enhance the environment in urban centres.

Encouraging benficial microorganisms

Fortuitously,mostconditionswhichare favorableforgoodplantgrowthalsofavor the proliferation ofbeneficialmicroorganisms. To encourage a healthy balance of microorganisms,buyseed (especiallyvegetables) that have been inoculated with beneficial fungi, or inoculate the soil directly with Rhizobia (the fungi for mycorrhizae). AlthoughsomeRhizobiacan surviveupto10yearswithoutahostplant, the process is simple and inexpensive; it s

not worth taking the risk that the microbe maynotbepresent. Remember,thesefungi benefitalmosteveryplantyou'veeverconsideredgrowing! pHlevelsshouldbeabove 6.0(easyinToronto),butdon tgotoocrazy with lime at the cottage. Maintain as high an organic matter level as is practical, includinghumus. Feedthosecritters! Avoid stress conditions such as drought, waterlogging, and excess fertilization.

Inordertoenjoy SplendorintheGrass, theremustbesome ToilintheSoil. Fortunately,youprobablyhavetrillionsofanonymous,unsungandunseenaidersandabettors,onlytoowillingtolendanappendage. Pleaseensurethattheyreceivethecourtesy that is their due.

Fall courses offer variety

By Ada Brzeski, course co-ordinator

There are 30 courses in the fall calendar. Here are a few highlights:

* Herbs are increasingly popular these days. Learn how to use some of these wonderful plants by making a herbal wreath, preserving them in vinegar or oil, or using them to heal wounds and other ailments.

* Make a unique flower pot that combinesafast andeasydecoupagetechnique with some painting and colorblending.

¢ Flowersarealwaysagreatwaytoadorn food. Learn to make flowers from icing thatlookliketheywere picked fresh from the garden, and are edible too.

e If your landscape photos sometimes turnoutdisappointing,afewtipsandtechniquescouldhelpyoucreatebetterresults.

RegistrationstartsMonday,September8.

A short garden checklist

September/October tasks

By Margaret Bennet-Alder

In September:

photograph gardens for records take pelargonium (zonal geranium) cuttings from old large plants replace straggly annuals with asters and chrysanthemums renovate lawn with seed or sod bring houseplants indoors before the heat is turned on fertilize peonies with bone meal takestemtipcuttingsofimpatiensand pot up in a peaty soil mix

plant narcissus, lilies and small early spring-bloomingbulbsinenrichedsoil

In October:

[ new peonies can still be planted

[ plant shallot bulbs, garlic cloves and bulbs, allium, hyacinths and tulips

[ cutoffstems ofpeoniesabout5cm (2") from the ground. To prevent disease do not compost.

(' mulch soilwith shredded leavesup to afootormore. Coverleaveswithathin layerofhorticulturalsandtokeepthem from blowing away.

Help wanted: volunteers for Mistletoe Magic

Volunteers are needed for Mistletoe Magic (November 6 to 9). you can help out on any of these days, please call Ada at (416) 397-1362. We needticketsellers, exhibitor hosts, cafe attendants, cashiers and more ...

Time to think about next Trellis

Deadline for the NovemberDecember issue of Trellis is September 1.

Discoverthe ExcitingNew Store & Eoveryone's Talking About!

Margaret Bennet-Alder is a member of the CentreandauthorofTheGardener sJournal and Source Book, updatedand revisedannually. The 1998 version will be available at the Trellis Shop.

1065 Davis Dr., Newmarket L3Y 2R9

BooksforGardenersAmateur,ProfessionalorArmchair

3,000+ titles Cards & Stationery Bu_, ES & Newsletter 2 International NewgalePlaza 3 magazine selection n.w.corner Davis&Leslie Good Coffee! Davis Dr. (Hwy 9) I \ Q (well, notbad) 3 w . g NEWMARKET E (905) 830-9693 s

Registration form:

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

[d Out-of-town garden tour

September 24, 1997

Members $67

NAME PHONE

ADDRESS CITY

CGC MEMBERSHIP NUMBER

Non-members $77

POSTALCODE

TOTAL AMOUNT CHEQUE ENCLOSED (PAYABLE TO THE CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE) D

Visa D MASTERCARD D

CARD NUMBER EXPIRY DATE SIGNATURE

For the love of gardens.

When you re at work on the garden you love, remember Sheridan Nurseries. At Sheridan, A we have expert staffto help you, and the finest v selection of nursery stock in Canada, including L over 750 types of plants and trees grown on ' 5 our own farms. And all ofour nursery stock ' f . 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 SHER]DAN gardens, at Sheridan Nurseries. NURSERIES ETOBICOKE ~ MISSISSAUGA TORONTO

700EvansAvenue 606SouthdownRoad 2827 YongeStreet 100ElmsdaleRoad 4077Hwy. #7 EtobicokeM9C1A1 ~ MissisaugaL5]2Y4 TorontoM4N2J4 KitchenerN2E 1H6 ~ UnionvilleI3R 115 Tel: (416) 621-9100 Tel: (905) 822-0251 Tel: (416) 481-6429 Tel: (519) 743-4146 Tel: (905) 477-2253 GARDENS BYSHERIDAN:Metropolitan Toronto, Markbam, Mississauga and Oakville Tel: (905) 822-7575

September/October

Coming

e September 6

* Orchid judging centre, 1:00 p.m. Z

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

* SouthernOntarioOrchidSociety,meeting, 1:00 p.m. 8

* Registration for fall courses begins

¢ Toronto Bonsai Society, meeting, 7:00 p.m. 9

¢ North Toronto Horticultural Society, meeting, 8:00 p.m.

10

® Jkebana International Chapter #208, meeting, 7:30 p.m. 12

¢ CivicGardenCentreautumnplantsale, members day, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 13-14

¢ CivicGardenCentreautumnplantsale, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 14

* Ontario Rock Garden Society, plant sale,12:30p.m.,meeting,1:30p.m. Speaker: Sheila Paulson. Topic: A Calgary garden 16

e Toronto Cactus and Succulent Club, meeting, 7:30 p.m. 20

* Meettheauthor: ElizabethArmstrong, A Bonsai Story: The life ofa Japanese white pine, 2:00 to 4: 00 p.m. 22

* Mycological Society, Fungi Fair, noon to 9:00 p.m.

* SouthernOntarioOrchidSociety,newcomers meeting, 7:30 p.m. 23

¢ Edwards lecture, speaker: Kershaw, 7:30 p.m. Frank

27

¢ Canadian Wildflower Society 28

¢ Toronto African Violet Society, craft and bake sale, 1:00p.m.

* Rhododendron Society, meeting, 2:00 p-m.

October

4

® Orchid judging centre, 1:00 p.m. 4-5

¢ Toronto Bonsai Society, show 8

¢ Ikebana International Chapter #208, meeting, 7:30 p.m.

13

e Toronto Bonsai Society, meeting, 7:30 p-m.

14

e Edwards lecture with Helen Skinner, 7:30 p.m.

¢ North Toronto Horticultural Society, meeting, 8:00 p.m.

18-19

* The Great Canadian Gardening conference

20

* MycologicalSociety,meeting,7:45p.m. 21

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

23

® Meet the Authors: Elspeth Bradbury andJudyMaddocks, TheReal Garden Road Trip Ajourneyacross Canada,freeadmission

25

¢ Volunteerorientation,2:00to4:00p.m. 26

* York RoseSociety, meeting, 1:30 p.m.

Speaker: PatriciaCook. Topic: Rosehighlightsof1997.Paneldiscussiononmethods ofwinter protection.

THE BULBS ARE IN!

Bulbs are available at the Trellis Shop starting Saturday, September 6

We have over 100 varieties oftulips, hyacinths, narcissus and specialty bulbs

Pick up a complete list ofbulbs atthe Trellis Shop or call (416) 397-1357 to have it mailedtoyou.

Some available bulbs:

* Tulip, Darwin hybrid: Jewel of spring; yellow; outstanding soft yellow with a narrow red edge; 24" (60 cm)

» Species tulips: Tulipa bakeri (saxatilis); lilac; clusters of scented star-shaped flowers in mid-season. Pink petals with a yellow/white edge; 6" (15 cm)

* Narcissus: Salome; pink; a salmon pink trumpet edge yellow with an ivory white perianth; award winner; 16-18" (40-50 cm)

e Fritillaria: Fritillaria michailovskyi; purple; small bells of maroon purple flowers with a deep yellow band; 5"-8" (12.5-20 cm)

Special:

RED, WHITE and YELLOW TULIPS

Red Riding Hood, White Dream, and Golden Apeldoorn 25 CENTS EACH wHILESUPPLIESLAST

Ifyou are interested in pre-orders for next year (spring and fall bulbs), please leave your name on the sign-up sheet available at the Trellis Shop.

Start planning your spring garden now!

Weekday hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Weekend hours: noon - 5:00 p.m.

O EALL ~ COURSES 1997

~Registration Information ~

Procedure:

» The start date for registration for Fall 1997 courses is Monday September 8, 1997. All courses have a registration deadline, after which no more registrations will be accepted, so register early for best selection.

» You may register by phone at 416-397-1340 or you may mail the completed registration form to The Civic Garden Centre: Course Registrations, 777 Lawrence Ave. East, North York, Ontario, M3C 1P2. Fees may be paid by Visa, Mastercard, cheque or cash. Course fees include GST. Registrations are taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. There will be a waiting list for those who wish to enroll in courses which have been filled.

Cancellation, Notification and Refunds:

» No confirmation of registration will be sent out, so please make note of the courses for which you have registered.

- Courses may be cancelled one week prior to their start date, due to lack of enrollment. In this case, students will receive a full refund.

+ Students who must drop out of a course once it has begun, for whatever reason, will be charged a $25.00 administrative fee against their tuition refund, but only until the second class. There will be no refunds given after the third class. There will be no refunds for students who have attended a full course.

~ The Civic Garden Centre ~

« The Civic Garden Centre, founded in 1963, is a volunteer based, not-forprofit organization whose mission 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 at Edwards Gardens, the Civic Garden Centre offers many programs, including year-round activities for families and children. Our horticulture library has over 8,000 books and other publications. Horticultural Information Services offer free gardening information year round and the Trellis Shop has many gifts, books and gardening supplies for sale.

GARDENING ~

Basic Indoor Gardening BIGO1

Instructor: Fred Prescod

Indoor plants have many uses in the home; from decoration to air purification. This course will teachyouthefundamentalsofplant careand maintenance. Leam howto supplementthenatural light in yourhome byjudicious placementof plants and the use ofsupplemental lighting to help extend thegrowing season indoors. Findouthow to identify common plant pestsanddiseases and treat them using natural remedies ratherthan chemical pesticides.

Day: Mondays Time: 7:00-9:30pm

Dates: Sep 22,29,0ct6

Registration Fee Memb: § 50.

Registration Deadline: ~ Sep15

Landscape Desigh for the Homeowner

Instructor: Judith Wright

Non Memb: $ 65.

LDGO02

Forserious garden planners, this landscapedesign course is specificallyoriented towards the urban, small garden owner(lessthan 4,000 sq. ft.). Yourwill leam techniquesofdesign, developing aplan, drawing a base design (including location of plant, recreational and decorative sites), colour texture anddimension. Students mustdo some basichomework. Bring pencils, eraserand scale rulerifpossible. Other materials included in course fee.

Day: Tuesdays Time: 7:00-9:30pm

Dates: Sep 23,30, Oct 7,14,21,28

Registration Fee Memb: $ 105.

Registration Deadline: Sep16

Non Memb: $ 120.

Gardening with Ornamental Grasses GOGO03

Instructor: FrankKershaw

Fall is the season to identify and leam aboutomamental grasses and grass-like plants. As they cast theiramberglowoverthe garden and sway in thewind, they provide instant interestto the fall gandgg. Eeam aboutthe manyvarietiesavailable, howtousethem in garden design, and howto care for them.

Day: Wednesday Time: 7:00-9:30pm

Dates: Sep24

Registration Fee Memb: $ 23.

Registration Deadline: Sep17

Non Memb: $§ 28.

Botany for Gardeners BGGO04

Instructor: Anna Leggatt

How_doesyourgarden grow? Find out in this basicoverview ofbotan¥ forgardeners, focusingj on whatmakes plantsdo whattheydo in the garden and howourcare helps them along. You'll gaina betterappreciation ofplants and yourgarden.

Day: Wednesdays Time: 7:00-9:30pm

Dates: Oct 18

Registration Fee Memb: $ 40.

Registration Deadline: = Sep24

Non Memb: $§ %0.

GARDENING ~

Fall Gardening Bonanza 1: Propagation FPGO5

Instructor: Marion Jarvie

An integral partin the preparation ofnextyear'sgarden, propagation is somethinganybody can leam, although some gardening experience is helpful. Itis invaluable knowledgeforanyserious gardener notto mention the unlimited financialand personal satisfaction gained. You will be shoy?lenthen%rag ca! techniques of multiplying bulbs, perennials and yourfavourite shrubs, trees, conifers, and vines.

Day: Wednesday Time: 7:00-9:30pm

Dates: Oct 15

Registration Fee Memb: $ 23. ($65. for 1,2,3)

Registration Deadline: Oct8

Non Memb: $ 28.

Fall Gardening Bonanza 2: Rejuvenation FRGO06

Instructor: Marion Jarvie

Justwhen you think thateverything is on thewane in the garden, you'll be pleasantly surprisedat whatyou can doto rejuvenate yourgarden and help itcomealive the following Spring. A lotof herbaceous perennials, shrubsandtrees can beplanted in thefall. Rejuvenate yourgarden by planting, pruning and mulching. These topics andmany more , such aswhatto dowith vines and other climbers forthewinter, will be covered.

Day: Mondays Time: 7:00-9:30pm

Dates: October20, 27

Registration Fee Memb: $ 40. ($65. for 1,2,3)

Registration Deadline: Oct13

Non Memb: $ %0.

Evergreens for your Landscape ELGO7

Instructor: Jim Lounsbery

Evergreensare notjustlarge, uprightand green. They come in all colours, shapes and sizes, and form thebones ofanygarden. Leam aboutthe many differenttypes ofevergreens thatare now available for use in the landscape. Topics coveredwill includedwarfand unusual conifers aswell as planting, pruning and fertilizing.

Day: Tuesday Time: 7:00-9:30pm

Dates: Oct28

Registration Fee Memb: $ 23.

Registration Deadline: Oct21

Big, Bold, Beautiful Plants

Instructor: Frank Kershaw

Non Memb: $ 28.

BBGO0S8

Many home gardeners are intimidated by large foliage plants. This is unfortunateas these plants have a real presenceand can impart many positive attributes to large and small gardens. Leam which ones are bestsuited for various habitats, how to use them in eye-popping designs, aswell as theircultural requirements and care.

Day: Wednesday Time: 7:00-9:30pm

Dates: Oct29

Registration Fee Memb: $§ 23.

Registration Deadline: = Oct22

Non Memb: $§ 28.

GARDENING ~

Fall Gardening Bonanza 3: Colour FCGO09

Instructor: Marion Jarvie

Doesyourgarden startfading laterin theyear? Beyondastersandsedums, therearea multitude oflate blooming perennials, shrubs andeven annuals thatwill keep the gardenablazethroughoutthe fall and into the firstfrost. Leam aboutthese late blooming plants, how to use them in thegarden design and howto care forthem.

Day: Thursday Time: 7:00-9:30pm

Dates: Oct 30

Registration Fee Memb: $ 23. ($65. for 1,2,3)

Registration Deadline: Oct23

Propagation of Indoor Plants

Instructor: Fred Prescod

Non Memb: $§ 28.

PIG10

Leam about the fascinating reproductive method ofplants through this hands on workshop. Experimentwith cunmg ayering and division. You will be giiven several plants to workon and then take homewith you materials included in course fee (plants, containers and potting medium). Bring with you a sharp knife.

Day: Monday Time: 7:00-9:30pm

Dates: Nov 17

Registration Fee Memb: $ 30.

Registration Deadline: ~ Nov 10

BIRDING ~

Non Memb: $ 35.

The Second Marsh Birdwatching Fieldtrip SMB11

Instructor: Michael Biro

A birding expedition to the Second Marsh in Oshawa, guided by this professionalwildlife biologist. The focuswill beon rare & unusual birdswhich can be seen in aprotectedmarsh area.-Thosewho have some basic knowledge can testitwith the expert. Wear suitable all-weatherwalking gear, come rain or shine. Meet in theGeneral Motors parking lot at the entranceof the Second Marsh. Call course coordinator for directions.

Day: Sunday Time: 8:30am-11:30

Dates: Oct 5

RegistrationFeeMemb:$ 20.

Registration Deadline: Sep23

Non Memb: $§ 23.

BOTANICAL ART AND CRAFTS ~

Acrylics & Oils: Beginner & Continuing AOB12

Instructor: JamesSpencer

A step-by-step acrylic and oil painting course in which you will leam through lecture, demonstration, individual attention and critique, about buying and using materials, drawing, colour mixing and composition. Theworks ofotherartists will be shown & discussed. This course is suitable for beginners as wellas thosewith some experience. Bring any materialsyou already have, pencil and paper. Material listwill be provided at firstclass (Materials approx. $80.)

Day: Fridays Time: 1:00-4:00pm

Dates: Sep 19, 26, Oct3,10,24,31,Nov 14,21

Registration Fee Memb: $§ 130.

Registration Deadline: Sep12

Non Memb: $ 150.

Introductory Watercolour IWB13

Instructor: Ita Pechenick

Leam the basics ofwatercolourtechnique in a friendly relaxed atmosphere. This course will cover materials, colourtheory and composition. Through demonstrations, practice and individual assistance, you willdevelop the skills ofwashes, wetand dry papertechniques, negative painting, glazing, and experimentingwith lightand shadowas well as colourand composition. Bring water colour paper, pencil, andany brushes andwatercolour paints you have. A materials listwill be provided at the firstclass.

Day: Mondays

Dates: Sep 22,29,0ct 6,20,27, Nov 10 17, 24

Registration Fee Memb: $§ 130.

Registration Deadline: Sep15

Time: 1:00-4:00pm

Non Memb: $ 150.

Drawing for Those Who Can't DRB14

Instructor: JamesSpencer

Forthose who have nottoucheda pencil orcrayon sincegrade school, this coursewill take the fear outofexpressing yourselfon paper. Exploration oflightand shade, contourand perspective will increase your perception of form, space, lineand tone. You will beworking mostlywith pencil, conteand charcoal, but thosewhowish can experimentwith othermedia such as ink and pastel. Bring any drawingmaterial you have (pencils, conte or charcoal). Material fee (approx. $10.) will be payable to the instructoratfirstclass.

Day: Tuesdays Time: 1:00-4:00pm

Dates: Sep 283, 30, Oct7,14,21,28, Nov 11,18

Registration Fee Memb: $ 130. Non Memb: $§ 150.

Registration Deadline: Sep 16

Garden Obelisk GOB15

Instructor: Don Cochrane Anne Roberts

The tradition of using tv;'ggy rustic furnitureand garden omamentscame from Chinawhere it began centuries ago. The tradition continues at Feir Mill Enterprises, where Anne Roberts and Don Cochrane create unique screens, arbours and fumiture outofwillow. Leam the artofworking with willow by creating your own garden obelisk. All materials are included in course fee but bring a pairof secateurs, workglovesand lunch.

Day: Wednesday Time: 9:30am - 4:30pm

Dates: Sep24

Registration Fee Memb: $ 90. Non Memb: $ 105.

Registration Deadline: Sep17

BOTANICAL ART AND CRAFTS ~

Live Herbal Wreaths LHB16

Instructor: Shelagh O'Neill

Learntoadaptsimpletechniques using thisancientdesign form. Createalive herbal wreath using chicken wire, mossand peatandfillwith yourfavourite herbs. The same technique can be usedto create ivy orsucculentwreaths. Atthe endofthecourse youwill have awreath to take home and goy. Bring wirecuttersand herb orivycuttings ofyourchoice. Material fee included in course

Day: Tuesday Time: 1:00-4:00pm

Dates: = Sep30

Registration Fee Memb: $ 30.

Registration Deadline: Sep23

Non Memb: $§ 35.

Artful Decoupage Pots ADB17

Instructor: MarieTorres

Spend a relaxing day atan artist's studio, creating adecorative clay pot. Unlike traditional decoupagewhere many imagesare painstakingly cutand assembled, Marie hasdevelopeda simplifiedtechniqueoombininq mages raiming and colourblendi . The resultisa colourful and X 10"colou | useful work ofart. Bring an 8 r printofyour choice. Allother materials are provided, including a light lunch. Course is atthe artist's studio at 253 Niagara(Queen and Bathurst).

Day: Wednesday Time: 11:00-5:00pm

Dates: Oct 1

Registration Fee Memb: $ 100.

Registration Deadline: Sep24

Non Memb: $ 115.

Keeping a Gardening Journal GJB18

Instructor: Sonia Day

Most gardeners like the idea of keeping adiarg. Butwhatto record? How to organize your scribblings so they'll be useful in future years? Garden writerSonia Dayoffers practical tips, plus .;r:dentertaining glimpse atthejournalsof some greatgardeners, pastand present. Bring a notebook pen.

Day: Wednesday Time: 1.00-3:30pm

Dates: Oct1

Registration Fee Memb: $ 23.

Registration Deadline: Sep25

Non Memb: $§ 28.

Basketry for the Garden BGB19

Instructor: Maureen Robbins

Leamthe different basketrytechniques andthe application of these techniques to theendless supply of natural materials provided by nature rightoutside ourdoors. A gathering basketforflowers or vegetables, aflowerpotcontainerorhanging basketora plaited pouch forbulbs ordried herbs are someof the baskets thatwill be completed in this class. Leam howto harvestand prepare natural materials. Previousexperienceisanassetbutnotessential asyouwillworkatyourown pace. Bring a plasticbucket, spray bottle, 2 doz. clothepins, strong scissorsorgarden snips, awl, pencil, tape measureand towel to each class. Material fee (approx $10. perclass)will be payable to instructor.

Day: Thursdays

Dates: Oct2,9,16,23,30

Registration Fee Memb: $ 75.

Registration Deadline: Sep25

Time: 9:30am - 12:00

Non Memb: $§ 0.

BOTANICAL ART AND CRAFTS ~

Paper Making PMB20

Instructor: Ruth Booth

Leam to create yourownattractiveand unusual paperswith materials and equipmentfrom around yourhome. Through demonstrations and expenmentation youwill learn aboutequigment, pulp sources, colour,sizing, texture and layering. Experimentwith using common plant fibersand pressed flowers in making paper. You will go homewith several sheets of your own paperaswell as ideasforcreating moreat home. Bring astiff board (12" X 14"), to carry paper home, items for embedding (pressedflowers, coloured paper, thread), an apron andboots to keep you dry, and lunch. Material fee included in course fee.

Day: Thursday

Dates: Oct9

Registration Fee Memb: $ 54.

Registration Deadline: Oct2

Time: 9:30-4:00pm

Non Memb: $ 69.

A Walk in the Wild: Photography Workshop PWB21

Instructor: Rob Stimpson

Spendthe day in Edwards Gardens and surrounding parks leamingcreative techniques thatwill enhanceyourphono hs ofAutumn scenery. In a brieflecture, you will be shown sometechnical as well as visual skills thatwill improve your picture taking. You will then spend several hours outdoorswith individual assistance from the instructor learning composition andexposure techniques. Bring a 35mm camera with TTC metering, a roll of slide film (24 Exp, 100 I1SO), lunch, (optional : tripod andflash). The instructorwill developyourfilm and bring it to the critique session on Friday Oct 10 (10:00-12:00pm). Friday Oct 10will also be the rain day if needed.

Day: Fridays Time: 10:00 -3:00pm

Dates: Oct 3 (10:00 - 3:00pm), 10 (10:00 - 12:00)

Registration Fee Memb: $ 50.

Registration Deadline: ~ Sep26

Non Memb: $ 65.

Love of Lavender LLB22

Instructor: Linda Lee Purvis

Enjoy a fragrantevening offlower arranging using spikes of blue lavender. Firstyou will assemble a vertical cylinderoflavender stems in a wonderful rusticclay pot, finished with a wispof raffia. The second piecewill use these flowers in afree standing uprightsheafwith a spiralling twist, and tiedwith a satin ribbon. Both unique projects areeasy to display and a joy to make. Please bring with you a small knife and scissors. Material fee ($33.) included in course fee.

Day: Tuesday Time: 7:00-9:30pm

Dates: Oct7

Registration Fee Memb: $§ 55. Non Memb: $ 70.

Registration Deadline: Sep30

Flowers in Icing FIB23

Instructor: Ayoma Fonseka

Learn to decorate yourcakes with awonderful bouquetof roses, orchids, lilies and other flowers that lookas iftheywere picked fresh from the garden. Thisunique technique is basedona gum paste icing thatis hand moldedandcoloured tocreate realisticlooking flowers. Yourfinished wo becomes an edible keepsake. Material fee ($40.) is included in the course fee (paste, colouring, flowercutters, mat, rolling pin, veiner, ball tool ).

Day: Tuesdays Time: 1:00-4:00pm

Dates: Oct7,14, 21,28

Registration Fee Memb: § 120. Non Memb: $ 150.

Registration Deadline: Sep26

BOTANICAL ART AND CRAFTS ~

Flower Arranging for the Home FAB24

Instructor: Ella Irving

Creating even the simplestfloral anangememarmuiresan understanding ofthe elements and principles ofdesign. Through demonstration actnoe youwill leam as youcreate table centrepieces, smaller informal designsand even hostess gifts. Learn aboutcolourharmonies that will bestsuityourhomedecor. Thiscourseissuitableforbeginnersandadvanced studentsalike. Bring acontainerofyourchoiceandappropriate plantmatenal (5-36" branches, 5-7flowerblooms ofvaried maturity, few leaves). Other materials needed (available in the_Trellis Shop) are : pinholder, stickum, clippers, oasis, notebook.

Day: Wednesdays Time: 9:30am-12:00pm

Dates: Oct8, 15,22, 29

Registration Fee Memb: $ 70.

Registration Deadline: Oct1

Non Memb: $ 85.

Floral Designs for the Home FDB25

Instructor: Shirley Binns

Through instructionand practice, you will leam/ reviewthe basicelementsandprinciples of design andcreatearrangements usinget:focontainers, designs incorporatli.:? flowers, fruitand/or vegetables, andan all foliage design. Bring 5-7fresh flowersand leaves, 2-4 interesting shaped branches, sharp pruners, pinholder or oasis, two similar containers of your choice, and a box (to transport arangement home). Some materials (pinholders andoasis) will be available forpurchaseatthe firstclass (approx. $30).

Day: Thursdays Time: 7:00- 9:30pm

Dates: Oct9,16,23,30

Registration Fee Memb: $ 70.

Registration Deadline: Oct2

Non Memb: $ 85.

Herbal Medicine in a Nutshell HMB26

Instructor: Roger Lewis

The public's growing interest in alternative medicines has caused even the mainstream medical profession to take notice. Noteveryoneagreeswith these lessconventional treatment methods, but itis alwayswise to keep abreastofdevelopments. This seminarwill lookat plants as they are used in: western herbal medicine, herbal medicines of China and Native herbal medicines. Precautions and safety factors in using these medicineswill also bediscussed.

Day: Thursday Time: 7:00-9:30pm

Dates: Oct9

Registration FeeMemb: $§ 23. Non Memb: $ 28.

Registration Deadline: Oct2

Gifts of Herbal Delight HDB27

Instructor: Pat Crocker

Thisworkshopwill introduceyou togifts you can makefrom yourherb garden's harvest. Pat Crockerwill showyou how to dry and preserve herbs for use in oilsand vinegars, pot %grri, simple ointmentsand cosmeticcreams. Takeaway samplesoffivedifferent products, recipe bookletand :%ts ofide;s; Material fee included in course fee. Please bring 2empty, clean wine bottles with ids orcorks.

Day: Thursday Time: 1:00-4:00pm

Dates: Oct 16

Registration Fee Memb: $§ 30. Non Memb: $ 40.

Registration Deadline: Oct9

BOTANICAL ART AND CRAFTS ~

Aromatherapy AWB28

Instructor: Liz Kirk

Man has used the scentofflowers forcenturiesto soothe the mind, and spirit. The artof aromatherapy has been revitalized in the pastfewyearswith many products available on the market today. Learnwhatessential oils are and how they are used to alleviate stress andotherailments, how to blend them and use them in yourhome.

Day: Wednesday Time: 7:00-9:30pm

Dates: Oct22

Registration Fee Memb: $ 23.

Registration Deadline: Oct15

Non Memb: $ 28.

Nature Inspired Interiors NIB29

Instructor: Martha Johnson

The trend to makenatural elements partofour interiordecoris hot. Gatherthe harvestofnature and makea numberof designerprojects thatare inspired from theoutdoors. Overthe nextfour weeks, you will make a flower petal lampshade, woodsy frames, holiday garlands, fabulous finials, gold and silverforeverlasting fruit, and a touch ofchicken wire (spheres and urns). Your home will be ready forthe holidays. Bring needlenose pliers. Material fee included in course fee.

Day: Thursdays Time: 1:00-4:00pm

Dates: Oct 23,30, Nov 13,20

Registration Fee Memb: $§ 95.

Registration Deadline: Oct 16

Non Memb: $ 110.

Dried Flower Landscape Arrangement DFB30

Instructor: Linda Lee Purvis

This very unique styleofarranging flowers is inspired by nature. A collection of natural flowers and herbs are placed primarily in vertical clusters, with staggered heights, varied textures, and a complete palette ofcolours grouped in creative pockets. Mosses, cones, pebbles, and other non-floral items complete the landscape, held captive in a rustic pine blocfor table display. Materials fee ($65) is included in course fee.

Day: Wednesday Time: 1:00-4:00pm

Dates: Nov 12

Registration Fee Memb: $ 0.

Registration Deadline: Nov5

Non Memb: $ 105.

FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ~

Nature's Shapes, Patterns & Puzzles

For4 & 5 Year-Olds. Discovertheamazing variety offamiliarshapes and pattems found in plants, flowersandothernatural forms. Learn how thecomplexguzzle known as an ecosystemworks. Children will explore the natural spaces surrounding the Civic Garden Centre aswell as theirown *indoorenvironments" to understand their place in an interdepentworld.

Day: Saturdays Time: 10:00- 11:30am

Dates: Sep 20, 27Oct4,18,28

Registration Fee Memb: $§ 55.

Non Memb: $ 0.

Wacky Webs, Wild Goose Tracks & Winter Gardens

For 6 to 8Year-Olds. Fly through the fall in yourvery own pairof Canadagoosewings, planta wintergarden andweave aweb foran autumn egg-laying spider. Children will go on seed hunting andsketching expeditions as theyexplore the areasaround the Centreand makesomecozy, cattail-stuffed slippers forcoldwinter momings.

Day: Saturdays Time: 10:00-11:30am

Dates: Sep20, 27Oct4,18,28

Registration Fee Memb: $ 55.

*Create a Scarecrow

Non Memb: $ 0.

Family program forchildren 4 years and olderwith an adult. Makea life size scarecrow to keep away those unwanted visitors to yourgarden.

Day: Sunday Time: 1:00-3:00pm

Dates: Sep28

Registration Fee Memb: $ 20.

*Marvellous Masks

Non Memb: $§ 25.

Family program forchildren 5 years and olderwith an adult. Create a3-D papermask inspired by the amazing miniature worldof insects and yourown imagination!

Day: Sunday Time: 1:00-3:00pm

Dates: Oct27

Registration Fee Memb: $§ 0.

*The Great CGC Scavenger Hunt

Non Memb: $§ 25.

Family program forchildren 4 years andolderwith an adult. Join our urban naturalistin a pre-winterscavenger huntthrough the wilds of Edwards Gardens and Wilket Creek.

Day: Sunday Time: 1:00-3:00pm

Dates: Nov9

Registration FeeMemb: $ 20.

*Holiday Folk Art Figures

Non Memb: $§ 25.

Family program forchildren 5 yearsand olderwith an adult. Makeajolly snowman orflying angel softsculpture in thefolkartfradition, using natural andfound materials.

Day: Sunday Time: 1:00-3:00pm

Dates: Nov30

Registration FeeMemb: $§ 20.

Non Memb: $ 25.

* The fee is for oneadult and one child. Additional participants pleaseadd $10. each

The Great Canadian Gardening Conference

Saturday and Sunday, October 18 and 19, 1997

"Connectedness, from the ground up"

The volunteers and staffat the CGC have put together an exciting and eclectic roster ofguest speakers, each renowned in their own field. And we've asked them to help answer a question that perplexes many thoughtful gardeners, as the 20th century draws to aclose:

"How do our gardens connect with nature, and how do we connect with nature through our gardens?"

focus your gardening philosophy ¥ understand the source ofnew design trends * learn how to recreate these in yourgarden

Saturday October 18:

Freeman Patterson

Sunday October 19:

Dr. Alex Shigo

DavidBodanis Sara Stein

Bruce Blevins Neil Turnbull

TopherDelaney Roundtable Discussion

Both Saturday and Sunday :

$220. for members/ $285 for non members

One day only :

$125. for members / $160. for non members

Call the Civic Garden Centre at 416-397-1340 to register

The Civic Garden Centre Instructors ~

Shirley Binns studied flowerarranging atthe Civic Garden Centre, and in Japan, and has been arranging flowers and gardening for over 10 years. She isan accredited RoseJudge and a Decorative Judge. Shirley has competed in world flowershows one in Paris France, and hadan arrangement published in the Canadian Flower Arranger. She is a memberof Milne House Garden Club, the lkenobo IkebanaSociety and various other horticulture societies.

Micheal Birowildlife biologist, high school biology and French teacher, co-authorofAtlas ofthe Breeding Birds ofOntario, (1987), has spent 17years studying the nesting behaviour ofthe Wood Duckand banding thousands offorestbirds. He had been speaking for 15 years to groups, both small & large, on related subjects.

Ruth Booth is a freelance lettering artist and paper-maker. From her studio in her Mississauga home, she creates herhand made paperwhich is soldatthe Japanese Paper Placeaswell as shops and shows in theToronto area. She has been neachamlgapermakin and calligraphy forthe Peel Board of Education, Neilson Park Creative Centre e CalligraphicArts Guild ofToronto.

Don Cochraneand Anne Roberts have become celebrated atgarden showsfor their gazebos, Eergolas, arbours and chairs fashioned from willow. They started their business "Feir Mill nterprises about 7years agowhen they movedtoa60acre property near Peterborough. Anne ge;]sgllggzthe pieces and Don makes them. They now giveworkshops across North Americaand in

PatCrocker graduated in Home Economics andAdministration, taught many years in Metro high schools. A successful marketing and public relations consultant, she now owns Riversong Herbals & Naturals, a herbal communications company through which she writes for newspapers and magazines, lectures and hosts herbwalks and workshops. She has recently launched her first cookbook, Recipes from Riversong, Using Herbs in Lean Green Cooking. She is currently on the Board of Director forthe Ontario Herbalists' Association.

Sonia Day has more than 20 years experience in joumalism and corporate communications. Her %ardening articles have appeared in Canadian Gardening, Fine Gardening, The Toronto Star, and the lobe and Mail. She is particularly interested in garden humour. Soniajoined the Civic Garden Centre's MasterGardenergroup in 1992. She is also an accomplishedwatercolour painter.

Ayoma Fonseka started cake decorating as a hobby when making herdaughter's birthdaycake. From there, shewent intoa parttime business and in 1996, left herjob at Bell Canada to pursue cake decorating full ime. Ayoma 's creations have appeared in many magazines (Good Life, Wedding Bells, Demitrios, CanadaSelect Homes) and she has recently appeared on Breakfast TV, Town and Country, The Discovery Channel and CFTO.. She teaches cake decorating at Lewis Craft and privately aswell.

Ella Irving has hadthirty years ofentering competitions, studying foraccreditation, judging and teaching flower dessi%n, in North America, Japan and the U.K. In addition to hercontinuous work in many other styles, she has been a full professorin Ikebana floral artsince 1988.

Marion Jarvie after 11 years as a nursery horticulturist, started herown landscapeconsultancy 10 years ago. She has been teaching in the field for many years at George Brown College & the Civic Garden Centre as well as lecturing throughout North America. Marion travels extensively to discoverand gathernew and relevant plant information to add to heralready vast repertoire. She has been Program Chairman of theOntario Rock Garden Society for9 years.

Martha Johnson isa visual artistwho has been working in Toronto forover 15 years. Her background includes theatrical design for such well knowcompanies as Desrosiers Dance Theatre, Canadian Stage Company and Necessary Angel. Forthe past several years, Martha has been designing garden and home furnishings for Holt Renfrew , Horticultural Design, and Black-Eyed Susan's. She can be seen on City TV's City Line Home Day, Homestylewith Anne Kennedy and Craftscapes with Sue Warden.

Frank Kershaw has been Directorof Planning, Research and Construction Division, for Dept. of Parks and Property Metro Toronto, forover20 years. Graduated MSc in Urban & Regional Planning, Diplomain Horticulture, and Certificate in Landscape Architecture, he is a recognized leader in natural landscapes in North America, writes for numerous publications and lectures on related subjects.

The Civic Garden Centre Instructors ~

LizKirkworked in educational publishing as a Photo Editorand Copyright Manager for 15 years before redirecting herenerg l into acareerwhich combined her love forgardeningand her interest in aholisticapproach togood health andwellness. She graduated from theWestWind Schoolof Aromatherapy and is currently practising atthe Centennial College Wellness Centre, as well as from her own home. Liz is a memberof theOntario HerbalistsAssociation and the Canadian Federation ofAromatherapists.

Anna Leggattis a Nature Interpreterat the Kortright Centre for Conservation. A formerteacher, she is currently very active in numerous horticultural groups; Chair of the Ontario Rock Garden Society, a Directorof the North American Rock Garden Society and a memberofthe Garden Writers ofAmerica. A MasterGardenerand a regularcontributor to Trellis and other publications, Annaalso lectures to local horticultural groups.

Roger Lewis, Chartered Herbalist, graduated from Dominion Herbal College in British Columbia, has been in practice forover 10 years and currently works at Thuna Herbals. Established in 1888, it is Canada's oldest herb shop. Rogerlectures regularly to groups such as medical students and Aids patients. He has ée;g)eared on TVand radio shows, giving advice on herbal remedies, and has written over40 published articles on the subject.

Jim Lounsbery has been involved in the horticulture business for many years as supervisor of E ark lands at the Royal Botanical Gardens, managerof horticulture studies at Mohawk College in lamilton and ownerof Vineland Nurserieswhich specialises in dwarf and unusual plants.

Shelagh O'Neill has given demonstrations at several venues and has herown business"Designs by Shelagh®, providing custom floral arrangements. Shelagh is an accredited Design Judge and is currently enrolled in the Horticultural School atthe Royal Botanical Garden. She is Past Presidentof the Herb Group at Milne House Garden Club and is an active memberof the North Toronto Horticultural Society.

Ita Pechenickhas hadover20years ofexperience in design andfine arts. She isa graduate of Humber Collegewith diplomas in Fumiture Design and Interior Design and has studied Horticulture and Landscape Design. Her paintings reflect her love offlowers and gardening. Along with other artists, she owns and operates The Group ofTen Artists Gallery atQueen's Quay Terminal. Ita is currently the presidentof the Toronto WatercolourSociety. She teaches fine arts and watercolourto both adults and children.

Fred Prescod, B.Sc. (Agr.), is a horticultural educatorwith over 20 years experience at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton. He directedthe development of RBG's Plantscape - a collection of tropical plants including orchids. Hewas the founding organizer for the annual Canadian Interior Landscape Conference and established related training courses forthe interiorlandscape industry. Fred has been teaching horticultural programs throughoutOntario for many years and now operates his own consultancy business.

Linda Lee Purvis is a floral designer, teacherand artistwhose company "Magnolia's" has provided dried flowers, herbs, supplies, instruction and custom service for over 12 years. Linda Lee teaches numerous courses, including a Retail Florist Program in Toronto and specialty workshops at her floral studio in Zephyr. She has done magazine and television work and has been commissioned for corporate and private works throughoutOntario.

Maureen Robbins trained atthe Haliburton School, Cedar Ridge Arts Centre, Basketry Network, Marilyn Gannon, and Basketry Focus Harbourfront. She teaches basketry techniques at herprivate studio, community colleges, service and related associations. Maureen has exhibited in juried shows and maintains heraffiliation with The Basketry Network.

James "Sandy" Spencer attendedAcadia University and thengraduatedAOCA,from whence he was senton scholarship to study in Europe. His Wolfville Nova Scotia roots, are apparent in the detail and lightreflected in his work. Several large paintingsare in the National Gallery permanent collection and many others in majorgalleries, corporations and publications across Canada. Sandy has taught for 28 years atsuch institutions as the BanffSchool and the University ofToronto.

Rob Stimpson is an award winning professional photograher and experienced outdoors person. Rob has travelledextensively throughoutCanada s natural anduntamedareas, documenting the flauraand faunaofeach region. He hasworked as a guide and nature interpreterforthe Halton Conservation Authority. He currently creates multimedia presentations for corporations and private indivi;lduals. His photographs have been published in Wildflower Magazine and various nature journals.

The Civic Garden Centre Instructors ~

MarieTorres, AO.CA,, O.1.D.W., has hadan eclecticand varied careerwhich has gone from designing andproducing wearable art, tocreating herown line ofdecoupaged glantersand fumiture. She has exhibited her products in many shopsand various home and garden shows. Marie has worked with giftconsultants in creating exclusivegifts forOttawaandtheCanadian Govemment. She has astudio in Torontowhere sheworks and teachesdecoupage.

Judith Wright professionally qualifiedas a landscape architect in England, graduating in 1983 from Leeds Polytechnic, School of Architectureand Landscapeand has sincequalifiedas a landscape architectin Ontario. With over 12 yearsexperience, Judith has planned and implemented avariety of projects including environmental, urban, leisure, institutional as well as residential designs. Judith has developed varying philosophical approaches to her landscape design from hertravels abroad andworkexperience.

Join us for

Edwards Foundation Lectures

Tuesday September 23, 7:30 PM Frank Kershaw Great Designers - Fabulous Gardens

Tuesday October 14, 7:30 PM Helen Skinner TBA

Wednesday November 19, 7:30 PM Lois Hole Trees and Shrubs

Free to members/ $4. for non members no registration required

~ Membership Advantages ~

Join The Civic Garden Centre and learn more about gardening and horticulture, Canada's favourite passion. Some of the many services we offer are:

Borrowing privileges from one of Canada's finest horticultural libraries

Year-round Master Gardener Information Line

Trellis newsletter, to keepyou informed

Edwards Lecture Series

Gardening courses, and workshops for adults and children

The Trellis Shop: garden supplies, plants, gifts and books

Seasonal plant sales

« volunteer activities

*Memberdiscounts apply on many ofthese services.

777 Lawrence Avenue East, North York, Ont. M3C 1P2

Phone: (416) 397-1340, Fax: (416)397-1354 Fall Courses