The Newsletter of The Civic Garden Centre in Toronto January/February, 1999 Volume 26, Number 1
Edwards Lecture Series
S { Surreal Sculpture Garden v N «3.& Lecture and Photography Exhibit é Wednesday, January 20, 7:30 p.m.
Photo by: Marilyn Westlake
The Civic Garden Centre at Edwards Gardens
The Civic Garden Centre, founded in 1958, is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit 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 andinterpretinginformationinorderto enhance the quality oflife for members ofthe community.
Located at Edwards Gardens, The Civic Garden Centre offers many programs and services, including year-round activities for families and children. Ourpremierhorticultural library has over 8,000 books, 70 periodicals, and a large collection ofclippings, pamphlets, nursery and seed catalogues, as well as a great selection of children s gardening books. Horticultural Information Services offers free gardening information year-round, and the Trellis Shop has many unique gifts, books and gardening supplies for sale. The Teaching Garden has been created as a working garden to foster interest and educate people in the love and values ofgardening and the natural world. As a community service, Art in the Link offers galleryspaceto localArtists. Aswell,theCGC offers a wide variety ofbanquet halls, meeting rooms and show space, in a magnificent combination of stone and glass with access to one ofToronto s favourite garden spots, perfect for making every kind offunction or special occasion memorable. The Civic Garden Centre has something for everyone!
HOURS OF OPERATION
Administrative Offices:
Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
CGC Library and Trellis Shop: April 1* to October 31*
Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.
November 1* to March 31%
Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
DIRECTORY
Main Number: Fax: Email: (416) 397-1340 (416) 397-1354 cgel@idirect.com
Course Registration:
CGC Library: (416) 397-1362 (416) 397-1343
Horticultural Services: (416) 397-1358
Horticulturists: (416) 397-1355
Master Gardener s Free Info Line: (416) 397-1345
Monday to Friday 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Rentals: (416) 397-1349
Trellis Shop: (416) 397-1357
Volunteer Coordinator: (416) 397-4145
Photography Permit, Toronto Parks and Recreation Division: (416) 392-8188
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Dr. Helen Shaw
Members:
Charlotte Ambridge Carolyn Kearns
Il1ze Andzans Tracey C.H. Lawko
Timothy P.D. Bates
Dugald Cameron
Judi Conacher
Lindsay Dale-Harris
Susan Dyer
Judy Floyd
Janet Greyson
Mark Hartley
Sonia Leslie
John Maclntyre
Kenneth D. Maiden
Barbara Mayer
David Money
Grace Patterson
Liz Primeau
Sue Stevenson
STAFF MEMBERS
Manager, Community Services: Virginia Jones
Manager, Horticultural Services: Silke Gathmann
Accounting: Joe Sabatino
Administration: Shirley Lyons
Course Coordinator: Rosetta Leung
Horticulturist, Teaching Garden: Linda Greven
Horticulturist: Sheila Smith
Librarian: Mara Arndt
Maintenance Supervisor: Walter Morassutti
Rental Agent: John Nijmeh
Trellis Editor: Iris Phillips
Volunteer Coordinator: Dolce Tatlow
Volunteers: Over 350 volunteers
TRELLIS
Editor: Iris Hossé Phillips
Editorial coordinator: Leslie Lynch
Proofreader: Mara Arndt
Advertising information: (416) 397-1340
Printed by Harmony Printing, on recycled paper
Trellis is published six times a year as a members newsletter by The Civic Garden Centre, in Edwards Gardens, 777 Lawrence Avenue East, North York, Ontario M3C 1P2. Telephone number: (416) 397-1340.
Manuscripts submitted on a voluntary basis are gratefully received. No remuneration is possible.
Articles, manuscripts and advertising material must be received by the first of the month to insure publication eight weeks later. For example, material received by March 1 will be included in the May/June issue of Trellis.
Opinions expressed within Trellis do not necessarily reflect those of the Centre. Submissions may be edited for style and clarity.
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without written permission.
By Iris Phillips
I enjoy looking through gardening magazines and industry publications to find out about the trends in garden design, plants and colour. Vines appearto be the hot item in gardening for 1999. Many members will recall my struggles over the past years with my climbing hydrangea, H. anomalapetiolaris , and its refusal to bloom. Remember my delight when it had five large white blooms? I certainly enjoyed the encouragement of members and advice to be patient and the invitations to view their hydrangea vines. What a generous lot gardeners are!
I am certainly glad that I now have a mature vine on the north wall ofmy house. There is evidence of the environmental benefits of having vines grow up walls ofbuildings. German architect Rudolf Doernach covers his buildings in vines and is a champion of green architecture . Vines insulate the building in winter and keep the building cool in summer. Energy reduction can be as much as 30%. Not bad for something that is aesthetically pleasing, produces oxygen, and provides a nesting place for birds.
Barbara Penny passed away in her home in November. She was a CGC volunteer and helped to apply the mailing labels for Trellis. She willbe missed byher friends at the Centre.
After ten years as editor of Trellis I have decided to pursue other editorial interests. Leslie Lynch and I have enjoyed our tenure and will keep in touch with the many gardening friends we have made at the Centre. Happy gardening!
THE DECORATING TEAM
The CGC s decorating team under the leadership ofJoy Reddy and Joan Cummings transformed the Centre into a music garden at the 40th anniversary celebration. Thank you all!
Thedecoratingteamneedsmorevolunteers. Ifthis is your interest, call Joy Reddy at 416444-3737.
Notes from the Board
By Dr. Helen Shaw, president, Civic Garden Centre Board
We are proud to celebrate our 40th year as an organization that encourages involvement in horticulture, gardening and allied environmental issues. The involvement and support ofour members have contributed significantly to the success ofthe Civic Garden Centre.
Two new Board committees have been formed. One is the Future Planning Committee. It looks at ways to encourage new groups and individuals to take advantage of the programs offered atthe Centre andthinks creatively about the expectations and needs ofinterested groups. We are impressed how relevant the 1963 mandate is to 1999. We plan to continue
A CANADA(BLOOMS
THE TORONTO FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW NEEDS VOLUNTEERS
Canada Blooms was a great success lastyear because ofthe dedication and hard work of 700 volunteers. This year the show will be bigger and better and we need even more volunteers.
Come and join us for the day ... work a little, play a little and experience A Gardener's Getaway.
Please call: (416) 447-8655 or (800) 730-1020.
to work within this original frame ofreference. The other is the Fundraising Committee. A fund raising package has been prepared and we are about to approach corporations, foundations and individuals in the hope ofobtaining funding for programs and events at the CGC. One of our immediate needs is to update the technological equipment which includes both computer hardware and software. The horticultural library is another area that needs consistent updating. Your suggestions for possible resources would be most appreciated.
The Teaching Garden programs have been successful and are almost fully booked for 1999. We could not survive without our dedicated volunteers. Thank you for your involvement in all aspects oflife at the CGC.
In November, 1997, Ron Dubyk came to the Centre as acting executive director, seconded to us by Metro Parks and Culture Department (now Toronto Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department). His leadership skills and management experience have guided us through a difficult time. Now Ron is leaving. He has chosen to take a voluntary exit package from the city. Ron s family lives in Picton and I know he is looking forward to spending more time with them. We wish him well but will miss him immensely.
Thank you, Ron, from all ofus at the Centre. We have appreciated the opportunity to get to know you and to share in your enthusiasm for horticulture. Moreover, we have benefited from your caring, understanding, empathetic and unflappable style ofmanagement. We are also saying goodbye to John Howard who has been Metro Parks representative on our Board for over eight years. John is leaving the city andwewill miss his sage counsel. John was instrumental in 1997 in working out our ten-year management agreement with the city. Bywords for the 90s are restructuring , creativity , flexibility and bottom line . I askyouto add patience and understanding . We will keep you informed. We count on your continued support.
Look what s coming up at Spadina Historic House Museum for 1999/
OUR GROWING HERITAGE
Third Annual Sunday afternoon series of gardening workshops at Spadina January 31 to February 28 1999 1:00 to 3:30 p.m.
285 Spadina Road (paid parking next door at Casa Loma)
e topics of interest to novice and experienced gardeners, whether you garden in pots or plots, an apartment balcony or an expansive yard. e discussions and demonstrations led bysome of the region s most respected horticulturists
A Thousand and One Great Garden Ideas with Frank Kershaw, horticulturist, environmentalist, writer.
Xeriscaping The Garden ofthe Future with Marjorie MasonHogue, instructor and owner of Mason-Hogue Nurseries.
ILAIWTEVGYRPE Troughs and Containers: Gardening in Small Spaces with Marion Jarvie, instructor and Ontario Rock Garden Society member.
IZLMTEIWB'HE [ow-maintenance Gardening Techniques or Gardening for Busy People, Bruce Scott, Head Gardener, Casa Loma.
XL NIEIWB'I Ground Covers or How to have a beautiful yard without using a lawn mower, with Geoffrey Vernon, Heritage Gardener, Heritage Toronto.
Pre-registration with payment required Information: (416) 392-6910
Discount for Civic Garden Centre members - pay only $12 per session, includes refreshments.
Julia Moir Messervy signing copies of The Magic Land: Designing Your Own Enchanted Garden at the Edwards Foundation Lecture and 40th Anniversary celebration.
It don t mean a thing;, Ifit ain t got Swing!
Come on now put on your Basie Boots and dance with me. Whether it s a Jive or Shag to the Cherry Poppin Daddies who knows, Just remember Old swing, New swing
any SWINE goes!
Friday, February 5, 1999 7:30 pm
To order your tickets
By phone (416) 397-1340 Name METHOD OF PAYMENT
Byfax (416) 397-1354 Al [J cheque Or mail to: o 3 VISA 777 Lawrence Ave. E. - g (1 Mastercard
North York, M3C 1P2 Postal Code # : Phone: day 3 . oftickets @ $75% .SE _ Expiry __ of tickets @ $50** g *Adults **Under 30 s Total A tax receipt will be issued ching Garden
SPEAKER: MARILYN WESTLAKE, PHOTOGRAPHER
DATE: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 7:30 P.M.
ToriC: EDWARD JAMES S SURREAL SCULPTURE GARDEN
Marilyn Westlake will take you on a walk through the fantasy garden ofsurrealist English artist Edward James. Her slides and photographs portray the haunting beauty ofhis mysterious concrete constructions which were almost forgotten in the Mexicanjungle near Xilita. Learn about this magical place oforchids and butterflies and the circumstance that lead to his creation which took twenty years to build and cost five million dollars.
Marilyn Westlake is a respected Toronto-born photographer. She has a Bachelor ofFine Arts degree and has been in the commercial field for twelve years.
After the lecture, view Marilyn s powerful black and white photographs that she took at the site. In addition, Andre Laredo will exhibit his photograph-ofthe orchid and photos ofthe Teaching Garden. Andre is owner and master printer ofD-Max Ltd., a black and white archival printing facility and photo gallery in Toronto. A percentage ofthe proceeds ofthe photographs sold during this show will be donated towards the Teaching Garden in Edwards Gardens.
SPEAKER: MARK HARTLEY, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
DATE: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 7:30 P.M.
TorPiC:
THE
GARDEN
DESIGN PROCESS: FROM PROSAIC TO POETIC
Mark Hartley will show you how an ordinary grassed yard can be transformed into an urban oasis. He will illustrate his talk with before and after slides. Follow the design process from first view and meeting with the client, to the illustration of ideas with sketches and plans, to the final stage ofconstruction and planting.
Mark Hartley is the principal of Mark Hartley Landscape Architects and the recipient of many awards. His most recent award is from the the Jackman Foundation shared with John McEwen for the Victory Peace Memorial in Coronation Park. Mark has more than twenty years experience and has designed outstanding gardens in Toronto, Manhattan and Turkey.
Lecture isfreefor members; 34. at the doorfor non-members. FREEparking and refreshments.
SPEAKER: DAvip TOMLINSON
DATE: SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 1999
Tmve: 1:00p.m - 2:30 p.M.
Toric: LANDSCAPES FOR WILDLIFE
MEeMBERS: $15
NoN-MEMBERS: $20
David will illustrate the importance ofmanmade landscapes to wildlife and discuss how to create urban wildlife sanctuaries. He will explain how the gardener can attract birds, butterflies and other creatures through the selection ofplants and certain maintenance techniques.
This comprehensive talk will include instructions on the design and location ofnest boxes, bat boxes and other structures in the garden. The construction ofwater features will also be included.
David is a landscape architect and consummate plantsman with more than 1,500 different plants at Merlin s Hollow, his three-quarter acre English flower garden.
Free Parking.
Refreshments will be served.
Call (416) 397-1340for details and registration.
CiTtYy GARDENING: PLANS AND PLANTS FOR 1999
A ONE-DAY COURSE WITH THREE TOPICS
SunpAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1999, 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
MEMBERS:$30 NoN-MEMBERS: $35
SPEAKERS:
JUDITH ADAM: SPRING TONIC: A REFRESHER TALK FOR HANDS-ON GARDENERS
ROXANNE HILL-SAINSBURY: THE Fir GARDENER WORKSHOP
LARRY DAVIDSON: PERENNIALS: NEW INTRODUCTIONS AND UNDERUSED SpECIES FOR THE CiTY CARDEN
Horticulturist, landscape designer, and author Judith Adam will help you establish your garden s priorities and consider changes to make your garden the best ever.
Roxanne Hill Sainsbury, a certified fitness instructor and coordinator ofthe fitness program at the Toronto Lawn Tennis Club and former Master Gardener, will help you prepare physically for gardening and show safe gardening techniques.
Larry Davidson is owner of Lost Horizons, a perennial nursery which specializes in rare plants. He will discuss new perennials and underused species which are suitable for the city garden.
FREE Parking. Refreshments will be served. Call (416) 397-1340for details and registration.
CGC Presents Art in'the Link
Nov. 23 Dec. 7, 1998
Cosmo LoPatriello and Mickey Katz
Dec. 8, 98- Jan. 18, 1999 Kathy Poitras and Raymond Chow
Jan. 20 - Feb. 9,1999
Celia Godkin s Flora & Fauna III , featuring botanical drawings, paintings and original illustrations from award-winning children s books. Opening Wednesday, January 20, 1999, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Jan. 22 - Feb. 1, 1999
Feb. 10-Mar. 1, 1999
Eriko Fakhraei, Japanese artist showing watercolours and prints (Upper Link).
Ita Pechenick In the Light
Mar. 2 -17, 1999 Deborah Marrison Botanical Watercolours with Barbara Bronen.
Mar. 18 28, 1999 Amirsolaimani
Mar. 29 Apr. 19, 1999 James A. Lewis
April 22 May 12
May 13 - 27, 1999
Lilli Kirsh Fiesta ofPaintings in acrylic & mixed media; Opening Thursday, April 22, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Emily Luks, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
24. Cleome sp. white, AN, 1.5m, spider flower DOLB, GARN, JENK
25. Coreopsis yell, PER, 40, maroon centre GARN
26. Crocosmia sp. red, PER, 1m DOLB
27. Datura white, AN, 50 - spreads 100cm GARN
28. Dianthus barbatus _PER, 30-45, Sweet William FLEM
29. Dianthus barbatus red, AN, Sweet William ROGE
30. Dianthus pink, PER DOLB Show Enchantment
31. Dianthus sp. pink, PER, blue foliage DOLB
32. Diascia pink, AN, 30, GARN
33. Digitalis grandiflora yell, PER, 80, self-seeds DOLB
34. Digitalis lutea yell, PER, 60, GARN
35. Digitalis thapsi pink/purp, PER, 120, perennial foxglove LEGG
36. Echinacea purpurea pink, PER, Im, purple coneflower DOLB
37. Echinacea purpurea pink, PER, 90, purple coneflower GARN Magnus
38. Echinacea purpurea whit, PER, 80, white coneflower DOLB
39. Echinops sp. blue, PER, globe thistle LEGG, ROGE
40. Erinus alpinus PER 1S DOLB
41. Felicia bergeriana blue, AN, 22 GARN
42. Fibigia clypeata PER, 40, grey leaves, seed heads good DOLB like lunaria
43. Hesperis matronalis whit, PER, 90, sweet rocket DOLB
44. Hosta sieboldii PER, blue leaves, slug proof DOLB
45. Impatiens pink, red, purp, AN, 30-40, sow early (Feb) JENK
46. Inula acaulis yell, PER. 5, large flowers on low leaves DOLB
47. Inula ensifolia yell, PER, 40 DOLB
48. Ipomopsis rubra red, BI, 1.5m, dramatic spikes, ferny foliage DOLB
49. Lathyrus tuberosus pink, VI, spring DOLB
50. Lavatera thuringiaca pink, AN, Im+, GARN
51. Lavatera white, AN, 60 GARN
52. Liatris spicata Alba white, PER, 75, GARN
53. Ligularia Desdemona gold, PER, 120 GARN
54. Hemerocallis Stella d Oro yell, daylily ROGE
55. Lobelia siphilitica blue, PER, 1m, damp, heavy soil, late summer DOLB, JENK
56. Lobelia siphilitica white, PER, 60 GARN
57. Lupinus blue, PER, 70 GARN
58. Lunaria annua purp, BI, 80-100, silver dollar, honesty ANON, JENK, ROGE
59. Lunaria annua white, BI, 80-100, leaves variegated 2nd yr LEGG Alba variegata
60. Lupinus sp. blue, PER, 60 DOLB
61. Lychnis chalcedonica salm, PER, 1m, good plant DOLB
62. Lychnis chalcedonica red, PER, 90-120 FLEM
63. Lychnis coronaria mag, PER, 90, grey leaves DOLB
64. Lychnis flos-jovis pink, PER, 40, early GARN
65. Lychnis yunnanensis purp, PER, 75, green leaves, spring flowering DOLB
66. Malva moschata purp/pink, PER, 70 DOLB
67. Malva sylvestris ANON
68. Malva sp. pink, PER, mallow ROGE
69. Mirabilis jalapa violet, AN, 60+ LEUN
70. Nicotiana Nicky white, AN, 22 GARN
71. Nicotiana red AN, 1m, tall DOLB
72. Nicotiana white AN, 50, scented JENK
73. Papaver orientale peach, PE, 75+, v. delicate sheer peach col FLEM
74. Papaver somniferum black, AN, 50, almost black GARN Black Peony
75. Papaver sp. lav, AN, poppy ROGE
76. Papaver sp. pink, AN, poppy ROGE
77. Penstemon hirsutus viol, PER, 45 DOLB
78. Polemonium caeruleum blue, PER, 35 JENK
79. Polemonium yell, PER, 60, good leaves, dainty flowers DOLB pauciflorum
80. Rudbeckia fulgida yell, PER, 1m DOLB Goldsturm
81. Rudbeckia fulgida yell, PER, Black-eyed Susan ROGE
82. Rudbeckia sp. oran & red, PER ROGE
83. Ruta graveolens yell, PER, 20, blue leaves, rue, aromatic DOLB
84. Salvia glutinosa yell, PER, 1m GARN
85. Saxifraga sp. PER, 10, encrusted DOLB
86. Sedum kamtschaticum yell, PER, 30-60, blooms mid summer, DOLB v. ellacombianum useful plant
87. Silene virginica red, PER, 40 DOLB
88. Tagetes yell, AN, 30, marigold GARN
89. Tanacetum coccineum pink, PER, Pyrethrum ROGE
90. Thermopsis villosa yell, PER, 90 DOLB
91. Tithonia sp. oran, AN, 1.5m, Mexican sunflower DOLB
92. Veronica white, PER, 45, stands up well GARN Noah Williams
93. Zinnia red and yell, AN, large ROGE
Apply now - DEADLINE IS JANUARY 15, 1999
Order form:
DEADLINE: January 15, 1999
Please decide which seeds you want to order. You have up to 15 choices. Write the NUMBERS clearly in the box below, going across the page in ascending order. Fill in the rest ofthe form and send it, with $4.00, and an envelope, approx. 4.5 x 8.5 and a 90¢ stamp (ifyou want your seeds mailed) to:
Horticulture Department, attn: CGC Seed Exchange, The Civic Garden Centre, 777 Lawrence Avenue East, North York, Ontario, M3C 1P2. For questions, phone (416) 397-1355.
Don t send cash. Cheques should be made payable to The Civic Garden Centre (seed exchange).
Keep your master list. Your seed packets will be labelled with numbers only. Orders will be filled during the third week ofJanuary in the order they were received. Donors get first pick. Some seeds are in short supply so do not expect to get everything you order.
Your name:
Address:
Telephone:
Fax or e-mail: Membership #
D I am a donor
D Please mail seeds
D I enclosed a stamped addressed envelope
[ 1winl pickup seeds at the CGC
D I enclose an addressed envelope for pick-up
[ 1enclose a $4.00 handling fee
D I would like to help package seeds
For information on starting your seeds,you can consult the references in the CGC library, the Trellis Shop or take the Seed Starting Workshop see the Winter Course outline included as part of this issue.
Plant portrait: Adiantum pedatum northern maidenhair fern
By Anna Leggatt
Maidenhair ferns are among the easier ferns for our woodland gardens. As they grow wild around Toronto, we don t have to baby them!
Our typical maidenhair ferns form slowly increasing clumps. Dark, wiry leafstalks grow to about 40cm. These fork and the two branches curve almost horizontally. Each has three to five finger-like divisions. Each finger has 15 pairs of fragile appearing, light green pairs of segments. The plant gives a different texture and colour green in the garden
There is a dwarf form, which may be var. aleuticum, or may be found as 4. aleuticum. It is usually only about 25cm high. The fronds overlap more so the plant looks denser. Anotherdwarfmaidenhairisthevariety Imbricatum, which is denser still. My favourite is the red coloured form, 4. p. Japonicum . This is outstanding in the spring when the young fronds (leaves) are a pinkish rusty red. I have a sheet metal cat which is placed among the plants in various borders. In the spring it really looks terrific withthe ferns. The colours match beautifully!
Like many ferns, maidenhairs need a moist rich soil in light shade. They will grow in much drier conditions. However, they will not clump up well. They are hardy from zone 2 to 8. Grow them with our native woodlanders such as trillium and bloodroot, or with hostas and astilbe.
You can divide the clumps in the early spring by cutting with a knife or spade. Plant at, orjustunderthe surface don tburythem! Another way to grow ferns is to start with spores. These are like brown dust produced by sori under the incurled edges of the fronds. Place a frond on a sheet of waxed paper and cover with another sheet. Sterilize a pot and damp Promix (use boiling water or the microwave), cool and then sprinkle the spores on the surface. Seal in a plastic bag. Place under florescent lightsandwait. Youwill firstsee a small
green plant looking like a piece ofskin. Do not worry, this is the prothallium young ferns will grow from this.
Winter is an excellent time to start ferns. If you belong to a fern society, you can purchase spores. The new Canadian Fern Society may not yet have an exchange, but the American Societies do. Humber Nurseries is a terrific local source.
Anna Leggatt is a Toronto Master Gardener, a member ofthe Garden Writers Association of America and a mad rockgardener.
VOLUNTEER COORDINATORS
The Civic Garden Centre is looking for two or three people to share the responsibility for volunteer services. Interested candidates should contact Dolce Tatlow at (416) 397-4145.
"Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association represents the leading garden - . centres in Ontario. As one ofthe select garden centres which has achieved "ApprovedMember"status, we assure customers receive a high level of service, a good range ofqualityplants and associatedproducts, together with professional advice and information."
ntario G, © (¢) ro/e/)
Commodity
Merlin s Hollow 1999 Gardening Seminars
Saturday, January 23, 10 - 4 pm.
Champagne Tastes on a Beer Income
How to create a well designed, well stocked garden with limited financial resources. Itmay sound impossible but it can be achieved with planning and patience.
Creating Atmosphere in the Garden
An examination oflarge and small gardens which have achieved this elusive goal and created a sense ofplace, and how this can be created in your garden.
Saturday, Feb. 20, 10 - 4 pm.
Fitting a Gallon into a Pint Pot
Plants for small spaces - a selection ofcommon and unusual trees, shrubs and perennial plants for both sunny and shady locations. How these can be packed into a small garden to create variety and year round interest by making the best possible use oflimited space.
So you Want to Grow Showy Lady Slipper Orchids and other Rare and Unusual Plants? Many desirable and unusual plants require very precise growing conditions which cannot be achieved by planting them in ordinary soil in a flower border. How can these conditions be created using simple construction techniques and gardening skills?
Saturday March 27, 10 - 4 pm.
Minimum Effort for Maximum Return
So you have planted your garden, now how do you maintain it in the most economic and trouble free way?A practical guide to gardening operations and trouble free maintenance techniques.
Gardens and Nature Reserves ofGreat Britain
Visit some ofthe great gardens ofBritain and several ofthe Royal Society for the Protection ofBirds nature reserves, including a 5 km. by 1 km. wide ofGrade 1 agricultural land, which is being retumned to it s original fen conditions to provide habitat for breeding rare wetland birds.
Location:
Hilary House, Yonge Street, Aurora. Lunch not included, but several cafes in walking distance.
Cost
$40 per day seminar or $100 for 3 days, GST included.
For further information call (905) 727 8979
Fall festival a mixed blessing
By Frances MacDonald, library volunteer
Around the last week in September, when the oak tree is crimson against an indigo sky, our garden becomesthe stage foranunusualplaywhichtakes place each year. For more than 18 summers, we have been invaded by hundreds ofbirds, migrating to parts unknown. They stop on their way to feaston ourneighbour s choke-cherrytree. These birds, mostly juncos, arrive just as the fruit has become luscious and red, almost as though a messagehadbeensentout tothem. Inever-increasing numbers they come, until the air is rent with the noise and confusion ofa gigantic orchestrawhich lasts during the daylight hours from one to two weeks.
My neighour and I watch each year with great misgivings for the first arrivals, as henceforth, no washing can be hung out or blankets aired. Gardenfurnituremustbecoveredorplacedintheshed, for the fruit stains everything and is impossible to remove.
As the days go by, the red berries start to ferment in the warm fall sunshine and the birds become slightly inebriated. We have watched them trying to land on the fence post andjust missing the target by inches, or swaying tipsily from side to side on the clothesline.
Funny indeed, but what had started out as a gay and friendly gathering has now turned into a wild orgy and the birds have become victims of their own greed. Unfortunately, without balance these slate-colouredbirdshave flownintothewalls of houses in the area and mistaken windows for open spaces. We find the remains oftheir small broken bodies lying in the fallen leaves when the party is over.
Lastweekwe were gladto see them depart. If thetreewas on myproperty, I wouldbe more than temptedtohavethisdestructiveattractionremoved. Or would I? Is this maybe nature s way ofmaintaining a balance? Not all the juncos are so unlucky, for suddenly the trees are stripped of the fruit and one day the clamourhas ceased. We are reminded by the utter silence that our little feathered friends have departed. We know without a doubt that they will return next year.
| The Civic Garden Centre at Edwards Gardens
Presents a two-day
HORTICULTURAL THERAPY TRAINING COURSE
wiITH NANCY-LEE CoLiBABA, D.H.T.
Saturday & Sunday, March 13-14, 1999 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cost Members $90 Non-members $110 (Includes handouts and activity supplies)
The use ofplants andplant-related activities improve the quality oflife ofall. Nancy-Lee Colibaba is a Horticultural Technician who has been involved in Horticultural Therapy at the Royal Botanical Gardensfor 17years, and during the last three has developed her own business, Growing Connections. 7o meet the demandfor Horticultural Therapy information and effective implements, she has developed this two-day course, which willprovide an understanding ofHorticultural Therapy and effective implementation ofhorticulturalprograms.
Forfurther information, call the CGC' s Horticultural Office at 416-397-1355.
REGISTRATION
NAME:
ADDRESS:
FORM (deadline: Friday, March 15/99)
Are youa CGC member: O Yes O No Card # If you are not a member and wish to join, add yearly membership fee: Q Family\Dual $40 Q Single $30 TOTAL ENCLOSED PAYNMENT DETAILS O Visa QO MasterCard O Cheque (payable to The Civic Garden Centre) Card # Expiry date Signature
Please mail or fax completed registration form, along with payment to: The Civic Garden Centre at Edwards Gardens 777 Lawrence Ave. E., North York, ON M3C 1P2 Attn: Horticultural Office
WINTER COURSES 1999
Registration Information
Procedure:
The start date for registration for Winter 1999 courses is Monday, January 4, 1999. All courses have a registration deadline, afterwhich no more registrations will be accepted. Register early for best selection. Full payment must accompany each registration. You may registerby phone at (416) 397-1340 or fax to (416) 3971354, accompanied by payment by cheque, Visa or MasterCard. You may also register in person, or by mailing a cerripleted registration form, together with payment, to The Civic Garden Centre: Course Registration Office, 777 Lawrence Avenue East, North York, Ontario M3C 1P2. Fees can also be paid, in person, by cash. NSF cheques are subject to a $20.00 surcharge.
Registrations are on a first-come, firstserved basis. There will be a waiting listforthosewhowish to enroll in courses that have been filled.
Cancellation, Notification and Refunds:
No confirmation of registration will be sent out. Please make note of the courses forwhich you have registered. Courses may be cancelled one week prior to the start date due to lack of enroliment, in which case course fees will be refunded in full. Registrants will be notified by phone between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Please supply phone numbers where you can be reached directly or by recorded message. Course fees are not transferable between students or courses.
No Refunds will be given for registration cancellations after the registration deadline.
Membership Advantages
Join The Civic Garden Centre and learn more about gardening and horticulture, Canada s favourite pastime. Members cultivate theirgardening knowledge through a wide variety of services and programs offered by the CGC.
Exclusive borrowing privilegesfrom one of Canada s finest horticultural libraries;
Discounts and advance notice of events;
Trellis, the CGC s newsletter; Edwards Lecture Series and Helen Flegg Memorial Lecture; Gardening and horticultural courses and workshops for adults, children and families;
Horticultural services and year-round Master Gardeners Free Info Line; The Teaching Garden in Edwards Gardens;
TheTrellis Shop, specializing in gardening and horticultural books, supplies and unique gifts; Specialized garden tours, CGC plant sales, volunteer opportunities, and much more!
Your membership helps support community projects in Toronto. Call (416) 397-1340 to join the CGC.
The Civic Garden Centre at Edwards Gardens is a fully wheelchair accessible facility.
CGC
The Garden Information Centre at Edwards Gardens
Winter 1999 Gardening Courses
EvergreensforYourLandscape
EVGO01
Instructor: Jim Lounsbery
Evergreens provide interest and function year-round. Explore evergreens of all colours, shapes and sizes. Learn how to successfully incorporate these plants into your garden landscape. Topics include conifer selection, proper planting techniques, pruning needs and methods, and information on fertilizing evergreens.
Monday, January 18, 1999
7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Fee: Members: $16 / Non-Members: $21
Registration Deadline: January 11, 1999
Rhododendrons, Azaleas andCompanionPlants ruao2
Instructor: Jim Lounsbery
These plants have become increasingly popularwith homeowners overthe pastfew years. Rhododendrons and azaleas do need some special attention. Discover the secrets for success. You will learn all about plantselectionforyourlocation, soil requirements and preparation, plus the basics of plant care and maintenance. Course consists of examples, discussion (lots of questions please) and slides.
Monday, January 25, 1999
7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Fee: Members: $16 / Non-Members: $21
Registration Deadline: January 18, 1999
PlantscapingYourGarden
PLS03
Instructor: Marion Jarvie
Get readyforthe gardening season bytaking a critical look at your garden and plan forsuccess. Organizeyourgarden into various planting zones, depending on light, drainage, etc. Learn what to plant in these various areas for maximum effect in terms
of colour, shape and texture. By the end of the course you will be ready to visit your favourite nurseries with a shopping list in hand.
Tuesdays 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Jan. 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23, March 2, 1999
Course Duration: 6 weeks
Fee: Members: $85 /Non-Members: $90
Registration Deadline: January 19, 1999
Garden Basics I, IT and II1
Instructor: Anna Leggatt
Learn practical tips on how to create and successfully maintain a healthy, attractive garden. This course is offered in three parts. Take all three in the series, or select certain topics to address problem areas.
Part |, Il or lll:
Fee:Members: $30 / Non-Members: $35
Any 2 parts: $55 / $60
All 3 parts: $85/ $90
Garden Basics 1 GBA04
Part one ofthe series covers the basic elements for healthy plant growth. Garden terms will be explained, essential tools discussed and the different plant material and where to find them will be covered. Learn about different types of soil and get advice on soil preparation for better results. The importance of light and drainage will also be discussed.
Mondays 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
February 1 and 8, 1999
Course Duration: 2 weeks
Registration Deadline: January 25, 1999
(Course duration isfor one day/evening unless otherwise indicated.)
Watch for the Spring / Summer 1999 Course Brochure available in the next issue of Trellis, the newsletter of The Civic Garden Centre.
Winter 1999 Gardening Courses
Garden Basics 11
GBBO05
Part Il is an introduction to garden design and plant selection. Starting with site appraisal to determine functional areas, planting sites and dominant features, you will learn to use trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals strategically.
Mondays 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
February 22 and March 1, 1999
Course Duration: 2 weeks
Registration Deadline: February 15, 1999
Garden Basics 111 GBC06
This final course in the series explores how to keep your garden healthy and flourishing. Composting, fertilizing, muiching, pruning, weeding and watering will be explained. Lawn maintenance will be covered, aswell as methods of increasing your plants cheaply.
Mondays 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
March 8 and 15, 1999
Course Duration: 2 weeks
Registration Deadline: March 1, 1999
Seed-StartingWorkshop
SWP07
Instructor: Anna Leggatt
Get a jump on spring with this hands-on workshop offering tips and techniques for successful seed-starting indoors. Discoverthe bountiful variety ofannuals, perennials, vegetables and herbs available from seed. Learn about choosing your seeds, seed-starting supplies, the secrets of germination, seedling care, hardening-off and transplanting. Be prepared to get your hands dirty, then take home a few pots for starting in your own garden. Materials included in course fee.
Wednesday, February 10, 1999
7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Fee: Members: $21 / Non-Members: $26
Registration Deadline: February 3, 1999
DesigningwithPerennials
DWPO08
Instructor: Marion Jarvie
Perennials add colour and texture to any garden. Bestofall, they keep growing back year after year. The focus is on how to make advantageous use of perennials. Learn to design with perennials, combining colour and form to create a beautiful garden from early spring to late fall.
Thursday, February 11, 1999
7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Fee: Members: $16 / Non-Members: $21
Registration Deadline: February 4, 1999
GroundcoversforSunandShade
GDC09
Instructor: Frank Kershaw
A comprehensive look at a wide variety of groundcovers for sun, shade and various soil types. These journeymen of the garden provide invaluable design and maintenance functions that no gardener should be without. Frank will highlight hundreds of species and cultivars that gardeners will find of immediate benefit.
Tuesday, February 23, 1999
7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Fee: Members: $16 / Non-Members: $21
Registration Deadline: February 16, 1999
PlantingforWildlife PFW10
Instructor: Anna Leggatt Invite and enjoy the beauty of wildlife up close in yourown garden. Explore the magicofa butterfly s metamorphosis,the unique habits of the hummingbird, and the music of toads and frogs. Learn which plants, trees and shrubs attract, feed and shelter different species. Then design a garden home forwildlife. You will also receive practical advice on how to keep your visitors (Course duration isfor one day/evening unless otherwise indicated.)
Winter 1999 Gardening Courses
from the wild happy and your garden manageable.
Thursday, February 25, 1999
7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Fee: Members: $16 / Non-Members: $21
Registration Deadline: February 18, 1999
100 Must-Have Garden Plants
MHP11
Instructor: FrankKershaw
Gardeners are always on the look out for dependable plants with great garden presence. Join Frank Kershaw as he shares his love ofhorticulture and top one hundred must-have trees, shrubs, vines and perennials. These plants serve multiple design functions and pay dividends in terms of long-term maintenance.
Tuesday, March 2, 1999
7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Fee: Members: $16 / Non-Members: $21
Registration Deadline: February 23, 1999
In and Out ofthe Pond I and 11
Instructor: Anna Leggatt
Ponds, bogs, streams and waterfalls can find a place even in the smallest garden. Learn how to appropriately choose a water feature that complements your garden design. This is a two-part course, with your choice of taking one or both parts.
Partlorll:
Fee: Members: $16 / Non-Members: $21 Both parts: $30 / $35
In and Out ofthe Pond I ppa12
Learn about siting your pond, bog, stream or waterfall. Discover various styles, different products and construction/installation techniques.
Wednesday, March 3, 1999
7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Registration Deadline: February 24, 1999
In andOutofthePondII ppB13
Explore a variety of aquatic plants and animals to complete the scene. Learn how to maintain your water garden.
Wednesday, March 10, 1999
7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Registration Deadline: March 3, 1999
DesigningforPrivacywithPlants
PWP14
Instructor: Marion Jarvie Plants can serveas living walls and screens in the garden. Explore the world ofclimbing plants, from clematis and climbing roses to vines. Introduce climbers to your property as an inexpensive alternative to fences, to hide an unsightly garage wall or to add interestand heighttoyourplantscape. Course will coverlandscape design in additiontothe growth habits and requirements ofclematis, climbing roses and selected vines.
Thursday, March 25, 1999
7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Fee: Members: $16 / Non-Members: $21
Registration Deadline: March 18, 1999
NaturalisticGardening
NLGI15
Instructor: Frank Kershaw This topic is a must for anyone interested in the more informal look using grasses, perennials, native and non-native trees and shrubs. Frank will share his more than 25 years of experience using such plants in a widevarietyofsettings. Talkwill coverplant selection, maintenance requirements and design application.
Tuesday, March 16, 1999
7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Fee: Members: $16 / Non-Members: $21
Registration Deadline: March 9, 1999
(Course duration isfor one day/evening unless otherwise indicated.)
Winter 1999 Nature Walks
Winter Bird andPlantHike
intheRougeValley WHK16
Instructors: Rob andLaurie Stimpson
Refresh your spirit with a winter hike in the Rouge River Valley, close to Sheppard Avenue East and Highway #2, Scarborough. Map to be handed out at The Civic Garden Centre on day of hike. Meet at the CGC s Main Entrance at 11:30 a.m. to carpool. Then join your guides, Rob and Laurie, for a 3-hour hike in the Valley. Discoverwhat's alive in winter. Learn to identify birds by listening for their different calls. Name the
conifers that stand tall in the snow. Locate the berries, nuts and cones which winter wildlife depend on. You will gain invaluable insight into our natural world and learn why it is essential to our well-being. Dress for the weather. Please note, hike is in the Rouge River Valley not Edwards Gardens.
Saturday, February 20, 1999 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Fee: Members: $16 / Non-Members: $21
Spouses add $10
Registration Deadline: February 12, 1999
Winter 1999 Botanical Arts & Crafts Courses
Watercolour Painting:
BeginnerandContinuing
Instructor: Ita Pechenick
Discoverthe versatility ofwatercolour painting from basics to more advanced techniques. This course will cover materials, colour theory and composition. Through demonstration, practice and individual assistance, you will develop a range of skills using washes, wet and dry paper techniques, negative painting, glazing and experimenting with light and shadow. Bring watercolour paper, pencil and any brushes and watercolour paints you have. A materials list will be provided at the first class. This course is offered both in the afternoon and evening. Please specify your choice of time when registering.
Watercolour Painting (Afternoons)
WCA17
Mondays, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Jan. 18, 25, Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, Mar. 1, 8, 1999
Course Duration:: 8 weeks
Fee: Members: $130 / Non-Members: $150
Registration Deadline: January 11, 1999
Watercolour Painting (Evenings)
WCBI18
Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Jan. 27, Feb. 3,10, 17, 24, Mar. 3,10, 17, 1999
Course Duration: 8 weeks
Fee: Members: $130/ Non-Members: $150
Registration Deadline: January 20, 1999
Paintingwith Oils:
Beginner and Intermediate
OLP19
Instructor: Shahla Andrews
A step-by-step oil painting course in which youwill learnthrough lecture, demonstration, individual attention, practise and critique, about drawing, mixing colours and composition. Studentswill be encouragedtodevelop their individual style as they paint still lifes, landscapes and portraits. This course is suitableforbeginnersaswell asthosewith some experience. Bring paper, pencil and any brushes and oil paints you have. A materials list will be provided at the first class.
Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Jan. 28, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4, 1999
Course Duration: 6 weeks
Members: $95 Non-Members: $115
Registration Deadline: January 21, 1999
Winter 1999 Botanical Arts & Crafts Courses
WinterscapePhotography Workshop
PHT20
Instructor: Rob Stimpson
Learn to use your camera in cold weather. This one-day workshop will help you compose the perfect shot to capture the beauty of the winter landscape. Using examples of his own work, Rob Stimpson, a professional nature photographer, will illustrate and discuss composition, colour, texture, lighting, film choice and more. Then head outdoors for a photo hike in Edwards Gardens. All levels of expertise welcome. Bring your photographic equipmentand dress for the weather.
Saturday, January 30, 1999
12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Fee: Members: $16 / Non-Members: $21
Registration Deadline: January 22, 1999
FloralDesignswith
DecorativeWood
DDW21
Instructor: Shirley Binns
Here is your opportunity to use and show off all those interesting shaped pieces of decorativewood you have collected. Learn how to incorporate these treasures in floral designs. Bring to class pencil and notebook, 3 - 5 interesting branches or stems, 5 - 9 fresh flowers, 3 - 5 fresh leaves, a container for the design, oasis or pin holder, waterproof oasis tape, floral tape, floral wire, wire cutter, needle nose pliers, sharp pruners, and a box with newspapers to transport your design.
Thursday, February 4, 1999
7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Members: $16 Non-Members: $21
Registration Deadline: January 28, 1999
Ikenobo Ikebana: Japanese FlowerArranging 11B22
Instructor: Shizuko Kadoguchi
The lkenobo School of lkebana (Japanese flower arranging) has been practised for over 500years. ltisa highlytraditionalform reflecting appreciation of nature and art, as well as incorporating a modern outlook. This course gives a sound introduction to beginners while continuingtodeveloptheskillsofexperienced students. Bring one shallowand onetall Japanese-type container, pin holder, clippers (available at the CGC's Trellis Shop), pencil, notebook and lunch. Additional cost of plant materialforeach participant(approximately$6 per class) will be collected by the Instructor.
Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
March 3,17, 24 and April 7, 1999
Course Duration: 4 weeks
Fee: Members: $110 / Non-Members: $130
Registration Deadline: February 24, 1999
Floral Topiary Tree FTY23
Instructor: Shirley Binns
A floral tree makes an attractive table or window decoration that is both easy to make and long lasting. Bringtoclasspenciland notebook, clayflowerpotorotherdecorative pot(5inches maximum), a plastic bag or small plastic potto use as a liner for quick-drying cement (to be provided by Instructor), straight/interestingly shaped branch(es)forkedontheend, dryfoam sphere(s) no largerthan 4 inches in diameter, selection of dried/silk flowers, seed pods, etc., dry moss, ribbon(s), glue gun with glue sticks, floral tape, floral wire, chicken wire with one- inch holes, pruning shears,wirecutter, needle nose pliers, scissors, plastic bag to work on, and a box with newspapers to transport yourdesign.
Thursday, March 4, 1999
7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Fee: Members: $21 / Non-Members: $26
Registration Deadline: February 25, 1999
WillowTwigTableWorkshop
WTG24
Instructor: Barbara Guy Long Willowwattle weaving has many useful applications in the garden oron your balcony. Come and have some fun making that twig table you always wanted to have, or make one for a gift. Bring your loppers, clippers, rasp, hammer, gloves and lunch. Material fee ($40.00) is included in the course fee. (Maximum registration is 10 people).
Tuesday, March 16, 1999
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Fee: Members: $85 / Non-Members: $100
Registration Deadline: March 9, 1999
FloralDesignswithBaskets
FBS25
Instructor: Shirley Binns. Create a beautiful floral design with a basket for Easter or anytime. Bring to class pencil and notebook, basket(s)with orwithout a handle, a plastic bag, lineror container that fits inside the basket, oasis or pin holder, waterproofoasis tape, chicken wire with 1 inch holes, floral wire, floral tape, 3-5 interestingly shaped branches, 7-15+ flowers, leaves and greenery, pruners, wire cutters, needle nose pliers, and a box with newspapers to transport your design.
Tuesday, March 30, 1999
7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Fee: Members: $16 / Non-Members: $21
Registration Deadline: March 23, 1999
. The Civic Garden Centre s Instructors
Shahla Andrews has had over 15 years ofexperience in fine arts drawing and painting. She is a graduate ofthe Ontario College of Art, having also studied at Central Technical Art School. She teaches both adults and children the techniques of oil painting, watercolour and mono print. Shahla swork reflects her love of nature, and she enjoys challenging herself by exploring a variety of subjects and experimenting with vivid colours. She has exhibited several shows, including in the Link Gallery at The Civic Garden Centre. Recently, Shahla has been involved with painting commission pieces.
Shirley Binns has been an instructor at The Civic Garden Centre since 1994. She studied Ikenobo lkebana in Japan and flowerarranging atthe CGC, and is an accredited rose judge as well as a decorative judge. Shirley has competed in world flower shows - including one in Paris, France, and has had an arrangement published in the Canadian Flower Arranger. She is a member of Milne House Garden Club, the Ikenobo Ikebana Society and various other horticultural societies.
Barbara Guy Long is a willow wattle artist whose cedar and willow structures can be seen in gardens throughout Ontario. Her work has appeared in Gardening Life Magazine and on Sue Warden s TV show Craftscapes , and has won the Signe Eaton Award at the Royal Winter Fair in 1996. She has travelled to England and Italy to study different techniques and applications for willow.
Marion Jarvie, after 12 years as a nursery horticulturist, started her own landscape consultancy over ten years ago. She has been teaching in the field for many years at George Brown College and The Civic Garden Centre, as well as lecturing throughout North America. Marion travels extensively to discover and gather new and relevant plant information to add to her already vast repertoire. She has been Program Chairman of the Ontario Rock Garden Society for 13 years.
The Civic Garden Centre s Instructors
Shizuko Kadoguchi has the highest qualifications in Ikenobo in North America. In addition, she has the honourable distinction of being awarded the name Hosui - sweet essence - by Headmaster Senei lkenobo. She has been learning Ikebana for over 60 years and teaching for 34 years in Canada, the United States, Jamaica and Japan, assisting Senei lkenobo and demonstrating for the Consul General of Japan.
Frank Kershaw is Director of Policy and Development for the City of Toronto s Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department, and has been with Metro Toronto for over 20 years. He graduated with B.A. (Hons.) and M.Sc. in Urban and Regional Planning, received a Diploma in Horticulture, and a Certificate in Landscape Architecture. Frank Kershaw is a recognized leader in natural landscapes in North America, writes for numerous publications and lectures on related subjects.
Anna Leggatt
is a Nature Interpreter at the Kortright Centre for Conservation. A former teacher, she has a Diploma in Horticulture and is currently very active in numerous horticultural groups: past Chair of the Ontario Rock Garden Society, a member of the Garden Writers Association of America and a Master Gardener. Anna is a regular contributor to Trellis, the Newsletter of The Civic Garden Centre, and other publications, as well as lecturing to local horticultural groups.
Jim Lounsbery has been involved in the horticulture business for many years as Supervisor of Park Lands at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Manager of Horticulture Studies at Mohawk College in Hamilton, and owner of Vineland Nurseries, which specializes in dwarf and unusual plants.
Ita Pechenick
has had over 20 years of experience in design and fine arts. She is a graduate of Humber College with diplomas in Furniture 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 of Ten Artists Gallery at Queen s Quay Terminal. Ita is the former President of the Toronto Watercolour Society. She teaches fine arts and watercolour to both adults and children.
Rob and Laurie Stimpson are the owners ofWindsong Adventures, a four season adventure company focusing on reconnecting with nature. Both are experts in backcountry travel and have an extensive knowledge base of Canada s flora and fauna. They have been keynote speakers at Whole Life Expo (November 1998), Canoe Expo and the Halton Region Conservation Authority. Laurie is an outdoor educator and naturalist. Rob is an award winning professional nature photographer and outdoor guide who has travelled throughout Canada. His photographs have been published in corporate collections, books, magazines, cards and calendars.
The Civic Garden Centre 4 at Edwards Gardens y 777 Lawrence Avenue East, North York, Ontario M3C 1P2
Tel: (416) 397-1340
Fax: (416) 397-1354 o E 5
Email: cgc1@idirect.com Ape & £
The Civic Garden Centre at Edwards Gardens
777 Lawrence Avenue East, North York, Ontario M3C 1P2
Tel: (416) 397-1340 Fax: (416) 397-1354
Email: cgc1@idirect.com Winter 1999 Course Registration Form NAME
ADDRESS CITY
TELEPHONE NO. (9 AM-5PM,)
Are you a CGC member? QOyes U no Member Card #
Yearly Membership Fee:
If not a member and you wish to join, add 0$30 (single) or Q$40 (family)
(courses + membership) payable by Cheque, Credit Card or Cash (in person) O Visa O MaserCard 0 Cheque QO Cash Card No.
Expiry date
Signature
Course fees include GST. Courses may be cancelled due to inadequate registration. Registrants will be notified Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Please supply phone numbers where you can be reached directly or by recorded message.
CLASSIFIED ADS
Botanical Gardens and Wildlife of South Africa, August 21 to September 6, 1999. Timed for the peak blooming dates of the wild flowers ofNamaqualand and the Fynbos of South Africa, this tour will appeal to wildflower and gardening enthusiasts alike. The tour also includes time in the Kruger National Park. Also Tour Namibia in November, 1999, (dates not finalized). Both escorted by a member ofthe Civic Garden Centre and Garden Club ofToronto. Call Susanne McClelland(416) 447-4486 or (416) 978-6031.
E-mail: smcclell@alchemy.chem.utoronto.ca
No parking fee
Wildflower and birdwatching tours, Point Pelee, Algonquin Park, Great Smokies, Vancouver Island, Turkey. For free newsletter call George Bryant at Natural History Tours, 416-223-6922 or 1-800-371-7779.
Chelsea Flower Show, Kew, Wisley, 15 top private and public gardens and two large nurseries on England and Wales Gardener s Tour, May 12 - 27, 1999, with Jim and Lorraine St.
Marie. Call Discover Travel, Waterloo, Ontario (800) 540-2892. E-mail: trips@discover travel.on.ca or visit www.discovertravel.on.ca
City of Toronto Council has approved our request that Edwards Gardens be excluded from the list of park areas slated for paid parking.
TFor the love of garden=s
When you're at work on the garden you love, remember Sheridan Nurseries. At Sheridan, we have expert staff to help you and the finest selection of nursery stock in Canada, including over 750 types of plants and trees grown on our own farms. And all of our nursery stock is guaranteed for two full years!
Need any advice to help make your garden lovelier? Gardens by Sheridan landscape designers offer everything from peerless consultation and planning to complete construction and maintenance services - All for the love of gardens, at Sheridan Nurseries.
ETOBICOKE
700 Evans Ave.
MISSISSAUGA
606 Southdown Rd. Etobicoke MOC 1Al Mississauga L5] 2Y4 tel: 416-621-9100 tel: 905-822-0251
TORONTO
2827 Yonge Str. Toronto M4N 2J4 tel: 416-481-6429
B
KITCHENER
100 Elmsdale Rd. Kitchener N2H 1H6 tel: 519-743-4146
UNIONVILLE
4077 Hwy. # 7 Unionville L3R 1L5 tel: 905-477-2253
GARDENSBYSHERIDAN: Metropolitan Toronto, Markham, Mississauga andOakville Tel: 905-822-7575
Q. My Ficus benjamina is dying on one side. What can be done?
A. Lay the plant flat on the damaged side and ease it out of the pot. Inspectthe roots; they maybe dying out on one side. If there is any root rot, prune away the damaged root. If there are insects, wash away as much soil as possible. Use an insecticidal spray, repot in fresh soil and add an insecticidal soil drench. Check the location oftheplant. Is there too muchheat onthe damaged area? Are there changes in the light levels? Is there any draft on the damaged side?
Ficus benjamiha die-back may be due to root damage
Q. What would be a good ground coverfor a large sunny slope along a 200-foot long driveway?
Eucalyptus is a
A. Perennifil crown vetch could be seeded (cheaper Fhan graceful tree plants) in the area. Th}S plant is often usgd along highwith peeling ways. It1s anaggressive growerfmd survives veryWell bark, but needs D in any soil. It is slow to greenup in spring, but the pinkZone'2-10 lilac flowers give good colour. Vine-typg honeysuckles could be used, or, if evergreen colour is important, spreading junipers.
Q. Can you tell me about the history ofeucalyptus leaves?
A. This is one ofthe tallest known trees. The aromatic oils in the leaves are used for respiratory ailments. The tree was discovered in Australia by an Englishman, William Dampier. Locally, Australians break off pieces of the tree and suck out the water to quench thirst. It was planted in the late 19th century to drain swampy areas infested with mosquitoes. Eucalyptus seeds are used in rosaries.
Crown Vetch makes a good ground cover for large sunny spaces.
Weekdays: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m
Weekends: noon to 3:00 p.m.
»oks in review
Green Grows the City
By Beverley Nichols
Reviewed by
Dorothy Gebert, library volunteer
I fyou want a light, amusing book about someone else s adventures in garden making, pick up
this book. Ifyou know Mr. Nichols from his more famous Down the Garden Path trio or the Merry Hall trio, you already know about his charming, witty writing style. This book was written in the yearsjust before World War II. He had moved to a house in a London suburb and was depressed about the desolate garden out back. Not only was there nothing but muck, the yard was an awkward triangular shape. The book follows his efforts at designing and planting this back yard. His ideas will give any city gardener hope for their small piece ofland. There are also sections on ferns, cacti, creating a rock garden and building a greenhouse (which looks quite idyllic in the accompanying photographs). And, as usual with Nichols, there are asides about his cats and his confrontations with annoying neighbours. A humorous book for a quiet winter afternoon.
A Civic Garden Centre member recommended this book to the librarian. Through an out-ofprint book search we were able to acquire this 1939 classic. Ifyou d like to recommend a book, please speak to the librarian.
Mrs. Whaley and her Charleston Garden
By Emily Whaley in conversation with William Baldwin
Reviewed by Barbara E. Stevenson, library
staff
E mily Whaley leads you on a delightful tour ofher Charleston garden. It is full ofwonders 3
ful southern plants, water features, statuary, seashells that hold beer to capture slugs, rocks collected on trips, old brick walls and wrought iron benches and gates. It s full of surprises, as is EmilyWhaley. You will enjoy her stories about gardening, how to serve the perfect backyard picnic (it depends on the people invited), learn the best times ofthe year to visit Charleston, and you will be entertained by the stories ofher family and animals. Chandler & Company
This is a charming book about an 85-year old dynamo Landscape Designers and Contractors with a zest for life and gardening.
lerary Tip A complete
The Junior Gardener s section has residential hundreds ofnon-ficiton andfiction books landscape categorized into three reading levels: service easy-to-read, elementary grades andyoung
Stalking the WildAmaranth Gardening in theAge ofExtinction
By Janet Marinelli
Reviewed by Allison Lynn, library staff
O urplanet is dying. They tell us that every day. Butwhat does that mean? And what,
ifanything, can the reader do about it? Stalking the WildAmaranth is a guide on how to approach the garden in the age of extinction. This book does not teach organic methods for feeding rosebushes. Instead, it will open your mind to the consequences of your behaviour, and what you can do to inflict positive change with your own piece ofgreen.
In the past, gardens have imitated nature. The new garden must act like nature. The facts on water and chemical use for lawncare alone are frightening. Marinelli also adds a new perspective on that often-tired argument ofnative vs non-native plants. She encourages you to view plants in terms ofbehaviour, not origin. Gardens should be designed on ecosystems and consider the role ofthe plant over its (non)nativeness.
Marinelli s strongest plea is for biodiversity in our gardens. She advocates using a variety of plant material and encourages open-pollinated seeds over cloning. The greatest triumph ofthis book is that it clarifies the individual s responsibility in this global issue. Every little garden can have a positive influence.
This is a very readable book on an often-overwhelming subject. The arguments and illustrations are fascinating and, often, quite frightening. This is a book designed to make you think. Marinelli shows you the big picture, in all its terrible glory and says, Okay, what can you do about it? You can garden in a way that encourages life and diversity.
The library s new year s wish list
By Mara Arndt, librarian
The Centre s library welcomes donations of horticultural books and magazines. In addition, we are grateful for unrestricted monetary donations or for specific titles on our wish list. Donors will receive a tax receipt on request.
« MargeryFish sCountryGardening-byTimothyClark [GardenArtPress, 1998,$35]
« MariaRodale sOrganicGardening- by Maria Rodale [Rodale Books, 1998, $30]
« Taylor s Guide to GrowingNorthAmerica s FavoritePlants: ProvenPerennials, Annuals, Flowering Trees, Shrubs & VinesforEvery Garden - by Barbara W. Ellis [Houghton Mifflin, $60]
MISSING!
To complete our collection, we request the April, 1998, issue of Organic Gardening and the April, 1994, issue ofFine Gardening.
Coming Events at the Civic Garden Centre
January 2
® Orchid Society, Toronto Judging Centre, 1:00 p.m.
L
® Southern Ontario Orchid Society, sale, 1:00 p.m., meeting 2:00 p.m.
4
* CGC Winter Course Registration Starts
10
* Ontario Rock Gardening Society, meeting, Topic: Ferns and Friends, Speaker: Elke Knechtel, Rainforest Nurseries, 1:30 p.m., Open to the public.
20
* Edwards Lecture Series, Topic: Edward James s surreal sculpture garden , Speaker: Marilyn Westlake, 7:30 p.m.
31
* CGC presents: Landscapes for wildlife, Speaker: David Tomlinson, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
February 5
* Any Swing Goes DanceattheCentre, 7:30 p.m.
6
* Orchid Society, Toronto Judging Centre, 1:00 p.m.
* Ontario Rock Gardening Society, meeting, Speaker: Paul Ehnes. Open to the public 1:30 p.m.
7
* SouthernOntario Orchid Society, sale at 1:00 p.m., meeting at 2:00 p.m.
13-14
* Valentine s Orchid Show, SaturdayandSunday 10:00 a.m.-5:00p.m. Photographers only on Sunday 9:00a.m.- 10:00 a.m.
21
e Getting the Jump on Spring, 3rd annual Horticultural Open House, sponsored and presented by the CGC. 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
24
e Edwards Lecture Series, Topic: The garden designprocess: fromprosaictopoetic, Speaker: Mark Hartley, 7:30 p.m.
28
e CGC presents: Topic: City gardening: plans and plants for 1999, Speakers: Judith Adam, Roxanne Hill-Sainsbury, and Larry Davidson, 1:00p.m - 4:30 p.m.
March 10-14
e Canada Blooms 1999 Flower and Garden Show
13-14
e Horticultural Therapy Training Course with Nancy-Lee Colibaba, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
e Ontario Rock Garden Society meeting, Speker: Barrie Porteous, Topic: Androsaces, 1:30 p-m. Open to the public.
24
e Edwards Lecture Series, Topic: The Genus Paeonia, Speaker: JosefHalda, 7:30 p.m.
28
e Canadian Rose Society, annual meeting , Topic: I promised you a rose garden, Speaker: George Pagowski, 2:00 p.m.
April 19
e Ontario Rock Garden Society meeting, sale 12:30 p.m. Speaker: Dick Lighty. Topic: Variation in native plants, 1:30 p.m.
27
¢ Annual GeneralMeetingofTheCivicGarden Gentre, 7:30 p.m.
Gettiny the Jump on Spring
Lectures ¢+ Seminars ¢ Demonstrations ¢ Vendors
Displays ¢ Teaching Garden's Corner for Kids
Garden Cafe ¢ Door Prizes ¢+ Horticultural Societies andmuch more!
On-site advice from CGC's staff horficulturists and Toronto's Master Gardeners
Lectures, Demonstrations and Seminars by:
ArtDrysdale: Nancy Lee-Colibaba: Alternative Suggestionsfor Spring Horticultural Therapy
Denis Flanagan: Marjorie Mason-Hogue: The Indoor Gardener Dry Shade Gardens
Martin Galloway: Liz Primeau: WeirdRelationships between Creatures Garden Makeovers in the Garden Robin Tench: Frank Kershaw: Natural Gardens andLawn Care
Good Garden Ideas Tom Thomson: Ferns and many more still in the sprouting stage! Sunday, February 21, 1999 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sponsored and Presented by: