Trellis

Help<eep our Waterpure

Q The Civic Garden Centre at Edwards Gardens

Who we are

The Civic Garden Centre (CGC), founded in 1958, is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit organizationwhosemissionistoactasacentralresource forgardening,horticultureandalliedenvironmental issues by encouraging interest, promoting involvement, and gathering, disseminating and interpreting information in order to enhance the quality oflife for members ofthe community.

What we offer

Located at Edwards Gardens, The Civic Garden Centre offers many programs and services, including year-round activities for families and children. Ourhorticultural libraryhas over8,000

HOURS OF OPERATION

Administrative Offices:

Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

CGC Library and Trellis Shop: April 1 to October 31

Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, Sunday &Holidays 12 to 5 p.m.

November 1 to March 31

Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 12 to 4 p.m.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President: Lindsay Dale-Harris

Members: Ilze Andzans, Timothy P.D. Bates, Arthur Beauregard, Marisa Bergagnini, Dugald Cameron, Judi Conacher, Susan Dyer, Clare Fisher, Judy Floyd, Janet Greyson, Lorraine Hunter, Carolyn Kearns, Jane Larson, Tracey C.H. Lawko, Sonia Leslie, Victoria Lister Carley, Kenneth D. Maiden Barbara Mayer, Grace Patterson, Helen Shaw, Sue Stevenson

STAFF MEMBERS

Executive Director: Douglas Markoff Manager,Community Services: Kathy Varley

Manager, Horticultural Services: Cathie Cox Accounting: Joe Sabatino

Administration: Shirley Lyons

Course Coordinator: Rosetta Leung

Horticulturist, Teaching

Garden Coordinator: Cindy English

Librarian: Mara Arndt

Maintenance Supervisor: Walter Morassutti

Rental Coordinator: Randie Smith

Trellis Editor: Liz Primeau

Volunteer Coordinators: Teresa Ardanaz

Carol Gardner, Dolce Tatlow, Julie Warshaw

Volunteers: Over350 volunteers

PATRONS

Brian Bixley, Mark Cullen, Camilla Dalglish, Sondra Gotlieb, Marjorie Harris, Lorraine Johnson, Michele Landsberg, Susan Macauley, Helen Skinner, Hilary Weston

Trellis, March/April2000

Departments Special Evenings

Notes from the Board Bookbrowsing

Notes from the Corner Office New program a winner

Volunteer News Here s to our library

Q&A

Expert advice from the Master Gardeners

Plant Profile New shrubs for colour

Library News

We re on line, and plugged into Web sites

Happenings

Great Gardening Conference features renowned speakers 14

Garden Shows a Breath of Spring

Special events to note Edwards Lecture

9 A dialogue about rhodos and azaleas

Volume 27, Number 2

Editor: Liz Primeau

Proofreaders: M. Arndt, D. Gebert, L. Luke, L. Skinner

Advertising: (416) 397-1340

Design: Robert Ellidge

Printed by Harmony Printing on recycled paper

19 21 3 O Coming Events atthe CGC

Stellarspeakers to inspireyouforspring

Spring Courses 2000

A variety of classes to help you start spring

3 1 Fun for Kids at March Break

Features

9 10 17

Spring bulbs Return to CGC Watch for the show

Help Make Our Lakes Great Each one ofus can help

The Perfect Venue Function rooms for special events

2 The Bog People Who are they? Read on... In the next issue... Read all aboutThe IntimateGardens 3 Rosedalefeatured onthisyear's Through theGardenGate tour, andgert all thedetailsontheCGC sever-popu!ar out-of town bus tour. Both i mJure.

Trellis is published six times a year as a members newsletter by The Civic Garden Centre at Edwards Gardens. 777 Lawrence AvenueEast, 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 ofthe month to insurepublication eightweeks later. Forexample, material for the May/June issue must be received by March 1.

Opinions expressed in Trellis do not necessarily reflect those ofthe Centre. Submissions may be edited for style and clarity.

Charitable business number: 119227486RR0001

: mthe]?'oard

Browsing through opportunities

by Lindsay Dale-Harris, president, CGC board ofdirectors

or those of us whom the fates have F decreedmustgarden inZones4 - 6, these latewintermonths shouldnotbethought of as dreaded times to endure but rather as wonderfulopportunities. Withourgardensneatly tucked under their blankets ofmulch; our tools cleanedandoiled; andnothingmoretaxingthan the occasional hellebore or broken branch to worry about, we now have time time for reading,timeforplanningandtimefordreamlng

Thisis the time ofyear I like to gather up the latest gardening catalogues (yet another fabulous editionfromGardenimport), open my favourite Christmas book (Jane Brown s Pursuit ofParadise, whichactuallymentions the CGC), consult my best reference books and start dreaming about | this season s garden. Needless to say, far removed from the real problems ofdrought and disease.

Well equipped although I think I am, my resources can t possiblymatch those available at the CGC Library. Here, librarian Mara Arndt has just catalogued the 10,000th book (not all are still on the shelves, given our current space constraints) and isbusy adding to ourcollection at a rate of300 books a year through donations

'DON'T MISS...

and acquisitions. Also on hand is a wealth of Canadian, American and Britishmagazines and periodicals. When I cannot find a particular issue of a a particular magazine, Mara or one ofherablevolunteers (see VolunteerNews, page 8) invariably not only finds it for me, but remembers otherarticles orbooks on similarsubjects. Especially valuable at this time ofyear are the 100 plant and seed catalogues for 19992000 from nurseries across Canada, neatly filed

in special boxes. In short, the library has all the ingredients anyone could need for reading and planning and dreaming.

Members will not, ofcourse, be surprised to learn that I am | notalone inmy enjoyment ofthe B library. ThefirstTuesdayinJanuary, after the Christmas holidays, there were over 100 withdrawals, and a busy pace has continuedthroughoutthe month. With the provision ofnew internet access (see Library News, page 31) we expect the library will be busier than ever.

Without a doubt, the library is one of the CGC s best memberbenefits, and itwillbe one of the areas to receive particular attention in our plans to revitalize the Centre. [

HelenFleggMemorialLecture-DorothyField, May4, 7:30p.m. TheVancouverco-author ofthe moving and beautiful book Between Gardens talks about gardens and the value of life: oftossing seeds, workinginthe soil andreaping whatthe landlikes to grow, aswellas about friendship andliving with integrity. Free tobothmembers andnon-members.

Special Evening with Martin Lane Fox, May 10, 7:30 p.m. A keen naturalist particularly interested inbutterflyconservation, Lane Fox spent 20 years creating asix-acre gardennear Newbury, England, that s widely regarded as one ofthe finest made since the Second World War. Currentlyhe s involvedintherenovation ofthelandscape atTrinityCollege inToronto.

$5 at the door I

Lindsay Dale-Harris

Spring Arrives Early At The

<THE MUST SEE SHOW FOR : PRACTICAL

GARDENERS

riendly exhibitors share their lowledge and experience you. Plus, over 75,000 sq. ft. of plants and gardening products to see and buy - bulbs, hard-to-find plants, tools, plant care products, garden decor, accessories, gifts, booksand much more!

GET A GREEN THUMB

Enjoy free seminars atThe Pla & Garden Theatre sta MarkCullen, Art Drys Marjorie Mason Ho Tom Thomson a many others!

New Hortlcultural Outreach program beneflts all

by Douglas Markoff, executive director

hroughthe seasons, thousands ofpeople frequent the Civic Garden Centre who

T share a common bond a passion for plants. People from green beginners to seasoned professionals, from youngsters to octogenarian gardeners, from those limited to window sill or community gardens to others with expansive private grounds, want to share interests, exchange information, swap stories and become more involved in the alluring world of plants.

Some are eager to become a member of a general club in the area where they work or live, while others have an interest in a particular plant and want to join a specialty society. Whatever your level of expertise, interest or garden size, a new CGC project is for you. Horticulture Outreach (or Project HO, as we have dubbed it) is a practical plan designed to connect a person with a particular gardening interest with a like-minded horticultural group.

Douglas Markoff

CGC can act as a conduit, connecting him or her with one ofthe more than 125 local groups we currently track. At the same time, the CGC will send a copy ofour extensive schedule of events monthly to participating groups. This way, club members who may not belong to the CGC, and therefore don t receive Trellis, will know about our programs and events, including Edwards Lectures, courses, plant sales and garden tours.

Here showitworks: TobecomepartofHorticultural Outreach, we askCGC members who belong to a gardening club or horticultural society to ask the group s secretary to send copies ofits newsletter, membership brochure and events listings to theCGC regularlythroughthe year. The information should be sent to the attention ofthe CGC library, andwe, in turn, will make it available to the public in the front lobby and library. Contact names and the club s specialties, ifany, are entered in a comprehensive database and regularly updated.

When a new visitor to the Centre wants information onjoining a horticultural group, the

This is awin/win situationfor all involved. Horticulturalgroups are activelypromotedandprovided with a regular stream of opportunitiesto increasetheirmembership and attendance at their events by tapping into the constant flow ofpeoplevisitingThe CivicGardenCentre. TheCGC continues to deliveraservicethat s afundamental part of its mandate, communicating horticultural and gardening information to the community. At the same time, we can expand awareness of what the CGC is, and what programs we offer. The CGC library benefits by offering a more comprehensive service to the public and enhancing its circulation base. The horticultural industrybenefitsbecauseamoreinformedpublic is one that frequents garden centres, purchases gardening books and engages in the innumerable activities avid gardeners do.

If you belong to a local gardening club or any other type of garden-related organization, discuss Horticultural Outreachwithyourpresident and fellowmembers. Let s spreadthe gardening bug to others and expand our horticultural community.

Andremember, this isyourmeritorious Civic Garden Centre. [y

Introducing our patrons

The Civic Garden Centre is fortunate to have a numberofpatrons who shareourinterestinpromoting horticulture and gardening and have agreed to lend us their names in support ofour endeavours. Their presence enhances our efforts, and we are proud to have them so willing to publicly acknowledge our mission. In this and subsequent issues we will publish thumbnail profiles ofone or two ofthem.

Brian Bixley

Camilla Dalglish

Marjorie Harris

Michele Landsberg

Helen Skinner

Lorraine Johnson

Mark Cullen

Sondra Gotlieb

Lorraine Johnson

Susan Macauley

Hilary Weston

Lorraine is a former member of the CGC boardofdirectors, andawriter, editorandgrower ofnative plants. She s also a past president ofthe formerCanadian Wildflower Society and a founder of the Alex Wilson Community

Garden in downtown Toronto. Her six books include Grow Wild!NativePlant Gardening in Canada and Northern United States, and 100 Easy-to-Grow Native Plants.

I mhonouredtobe askedto lendmyname as a patron, Lorraine wrote in her acceptance letter. Iverymuch valuethe CGC andthework you do, and I hope this helps in some way.

Michele Landsberg

Michele is one ofthe country s most influential journalists. She writes extensively and from the heart on feminist and family issues, people and gardening, and her career has included stints at The GlobeandMail, Chatelaine and the Toronto Star, plus the publication of three books. During her convalescence after treatment for cancer a few years ago, Michele took up gardening and found it wonderful therapy. I don t know whether it s a dementia or a hobby, she told a reporter for the Star.

Jlrogcind Sheridan Nurseries | Garden Guide!

Complete with over400 colourphotographs, updatedplant information, planting tips, rose care information, the Canadian Hardiness Zone map, andmuch more! We are sureyou willfindthis colourfulandinformative Guidean essential tool to answer allyourgardening needs.

Visit any one ofourstores to pick up your copy today, and happygardening from your friends at Sheridan Nurseries!

Volunteers are the backbone of CGC library sgoodservice

by Carol Gardner

It s like entering my own living room... but with service, said a library patron enthusiastically to Mara Arndt, the CGC' s librarian. Those of us who use the CGC libraryregularlyrelate to her comment: thebreadth ofknowledge among the librarians and volunteers is impressive, the level ofservice high and the ambience welcoming.

MaraArndtcreditsthe library s 30-plus volunteers with itssuccess. While some of them manage the front desk, at least halfwork behind the scenes researching and cataloguing, the backbones ofgood service. Their ages range from 15 to I don twantto talk about it, ; afew are students; some are retiredschool librarians. All share aloveofgardening. It sbecause ofthese people, says Mara, thatwe can offerthis kind ofpositive experience.

Doreen Taylor, here with John Cunningham atthe volunteerbarbecue, was head librarian for Ontario Hydro and works in the CGC library at least two mornings a week. She s one of many who provide CGC members and the public with a topquality library.

One such volunteer is Doreen Taylor, an accreditedlibrarian, aCGC membersince 1971 and a volunteer since 1991. After retiring as headlibrarianatOntario Hydro, Doreenoffered to cataloguethe library s magazines. Once that job was accomplished, others followed in rapid succession, especially the ongoing indexing of magazine articles by subject enough to keep herbusy forat leasttwo mornings aweek. As well as herbehind-the-scenes work, Doreen helps outatthe frontdeskduring special events,

assists withcollectiondevelopment ( She has really good judgment about books, says Mara) and contributes ideas related to the ongoing improvement ofthe library. She enjoys the feeling of fellowship and welcomes the opportunity to maintain her skills.

And of course, she adds, I m a gardener, and I love books!

Those are two of the qualities Mara looks for in volunteers. The others are: attention to detail, a desire to help patrons resolve their queries, and a commitment to see a task through to its conclusion. Somevolunteers work a regular four-hour weekly shift; others work irregularflexiblehours. Right now, the library is seeking volunteers to help with proofreading ofTrellis another task that falls under the library s wing.

WhenI started this article, Mara made me promise to focus only on volunteers andnot on her. I promised, and I lied. No article about the librarywouldringtruewithoutacknowledging that one ofthe reasons it is sohighlyvalued is the hard work and commitment Mara puts into it. Like other staff members, Mara does more thanher share ofvolunteerwork inthe library, on committees and at special events. Now, Mara, can we talk about that late fine..../ ¢ )

" Springbulbs make a comeback atthe CGC

By Douglas Markoff

As a member of the Civic Garden Centre for many years, I remember the times when the groundswere awashwiththe colours ofspringflowering bulbs. Well, this year they re back. Betweenthe generous donationofthousands of bulbs fromGardenimportInc. andtheplantings done bythepark staffofEdwards Gardens, the grounds around the CGC will be a blaze ofcolour this spring.

A group ofhardyvolunteers undertheguidance ofCathie Cox, horticultural services manager, ventured out under less than ideal conditions last fall toplantbulbs inthe librarygarden and inthebeds aroundthe south, east, andwest sides ofthe Centre. Springwill be heralded by an array ofTriumph tulips, several species of allium, crocus, hyacinths, iris, Minnow and Tahiti daffodils, andnewbulbs including Camassia leichtlinii Blue Danube , fritillaria Sulfurin and many species tulips.

MARJORIE S MILLENNIUM GARDEN

TOUR - JULY 3 - 17, 2000

Personally Escorted by Marjorie Mason Hogue HAMPTONCOURTFLOWERSHOWisthehighlight ofour3 dayLondonvisitinadditiontoBETHCHATTO GARDENS andtheGARDENS OFTHEROSE-ST. ALBANS.EnroutetoNorthWaleswewillvisitPOWIS CASTLE,CARNARVONCASTLEANDBODNANT GARDENS while enjoying 3 days of beautiful mountainsceneryinSNOWDONIA. Theworldfamous LAKE DISTRICT will be our next stop at BEATRIX POTTER SHILLTOPFARMonourwayviaGRETNA GREEN for our week in SCOTLAND. We have scheduled visits to ROBBIE BURNS GARDEN and THREAVES SCHOOL OF GARDENS and CULZEANCASTLE. NowtotheHIGHLANDS,we must away to INVEREWE GARDENS, CRATHS CASTLE and BALMORAL, visiting a HEATHER NURSERY,theLOCHS andaDISTILLERYwithour final day touring the EDINBURGH area. Fully escorted by Marjorie, with breakfast and dinner included, also entrance fees to the Gardens as noted. $3979.00 per person based on double occupancy. Contact Lorna: Carlson Wagonlit Travel Tel: 905-683-8411

The central entrance Dbed, which is planted with Gleditsia triacanthos Shademaster , had a delightful display of ornamental kalein thefallthatlooked too good to remove when it cametime toplant the bulbs. A member suggested that next year we plant the bulbs an inch or two under under the kale. By mid to late winter, when it s time for the kale to be removed, the bulbs will have developed roots will be snuggled in awaiting spring. It s a good tip to remember. ]

THE TORONTO FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW

Come and join us for the day.... work a little, play a little and experience Canada Blooms 2000.

Over 1000 hard-working and dedicated volunteers help make Canada Blooms the success it is. Share in the excitement of Canada Blooms 2000! Call our office today...

Help Make Our Lakes Great

Inourbathrooms

and ourbackyards, eachone ofus canhelp renewnature

s purewater

Story andphotos by Gail Krantzberg

In many small ways, every day, we all contribute to water pollution. But by adopting some | | simple home and garden habits -- such as mulchingandusinga bucketinsteadofthe hose to wash the car-- we can keep our waters pure.

f all the water on planet Earth, only three percent is fresh, and almost all ofthat is underground or locked up in icebergs. Only one-hundredth of one percent is found in our lakes, rivers and streams and, amazingly, one-fifthofthatwatermakes upthe Great Lakes. Yet nearly one-third of the Canadian population lives in the Great Lakes Basin.

Overtime, the industrial, municipal andrecreational use ofthe Great Lakes have seriously injured their unique and priceless ecosystem. The GreatLakes are atrisk. The loss ofnatural habitats has also had a profound effect on the well-being ofthe Basin and its inhabitants, including birds, amphibians, fish and mammal species. Urban and rural development has destroyed forests, wetlands and othergreen spaces, and more will be lost as our population Srows.

Ourcars, ourchemicallytreated, manicured lawns, our wasteful use ofwater and even the cleaning products we use in our homes affect theenvironmentenormously. Forexample, acre foracre, lawns and gardens, publicparks, playing fields and golf courses are sprayed with pesticides andherbicides more intensivelythan most farm crops. Children andpets are directly exposed more than others, but the chemicals have less visible effects: they enter our waterways, and potentially our drinking water and the fish we eat. There is good news governments and corporations have invested billions of dollars to control what comes out ofpipes andto cleanupthe legacy ofcontaminated sediment from the bottoms of our rivers and the Great Lakes.

Pipes, though, are not the only problem. Each ofus is a small part ofthe problem, and together we re a big part. Let s explore what

we, as individuals, can do inourgardens to protect our sweet-water seas. Here are some tips.

® Mow high. Two inches (five centimetres) is theabsoluteminimumforhealthygrass,three inches (eightcentimetres) isbest. Long grass shades roots and keeps them cool; the shade makes it harder for weeds to grow.

Water deeply, seldom and wisely. Bluegrass lawnsneed aboutan inch ofwateronce a week; fescues and perennial ryegrasses need about halfthat. Watering heavily and less frequently encourages deep, strongroots.

Drip irrigation is one ofthe bestways to limitwasteful watering, but ifyouuse a conventional sprinklerdon t wateryourlawn or garden during the middle of the day, when losses to evaporation are greater, or on a windy day. Instead, put the sprinkler on before 10 a.m. Disconnectyourdownspoutand direct rainwater onto your garden or into a rain barrel.

Mulch. The simplest way to mulch grass is to mow your lawn often, with the blade height set so that no more than one-third of the leaflengthisremoved, andleavethe clippings in the grass. This reduces the need for fertilizerby30percent. Otherkindsofmulch are a magical addition to your garden beds. A three- to four-inch (7.5- 10-centimetre) layer of dry, chopped leaves or shredded bark notonly smells delicious, itkeeps moisture in the ground, thus conserving water; mulch alsopreventsweedseeds fromgerminating, resulting in less use ofherbicides.

Compost is garden gold. It nurtures plants naturally, and by composting kitchen waste and garden clippings you generate less for the garbage collector and landfill sites.

Aerate and overseed. Dandelions do nicely in soil packed tight as concrete, but grass rootsneed oxygen. In June, whenthe fewest weed seeds are blowing around, aerate your lawn. Rake it smooth, overseedwith abit of hig-quality grass seed, and water it in.

Go native. Naturalization offers another approach to reducing pesticides, and has

grow ground covers

pe; ternativetothe established, oversareahealt] , manicured lawn. theychokeoutweeds, andbecausemanyare indigenousplants,theyrequire lesswaterand arerelativelypestfree. Hereare someofthe many choices suitable forthis area.

Thyme (Thymus montanusor T, serpyl

plantsin late spring.

Ajuga (A4juga reptans). A fast-spreadinggroundcoverthatlikessuntolightshade andmoist soil, and sends up four-inch (10cm)highspikes ofdeep blue flowersinlate . £l

. et woodruff (Galmm inmoist,shadyspotswheregrasswon tgrow. Coveredwithtinywhiteflowersinspring.

Periwinkle (Vinca minor). Formedium to dark shade, with shiny green leaves and rich, blue flowers in spring. It withstands drought once established,but young plants

Japanese spurge (Pachysandra terminalis). Bestin light to deepshade and welldrainedsoil; somevarietieshavevariegated leaves. Control spreadingbymowing.

Creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera). Dens clumps ofspreading stems crowned ink or white flowers in spring. Best for areas in light to medium shade, such as under trees; needs moistsoil.

Creepingjuniper(Juniperus horizontalis). Grows slowly, but excellent for covering rocky slopes; requires full sun and dry

Three-toothedcmquefo (Potentzllatridentata). Acreeperforrockysites and dry, sunny slopes, 10 inches (25 centimetres) high,withsmallwhiteflowersinearlysummer. As abonus, leaves turnreddish in fall.

Children, pets and wildlife are more directlyexposed topesticides used on lawns because theyplay on the grass, but everyone suffers when the chemicals drain offto ourlakes. numerous environmental and recreational benefits. A hardy mix ofnative species can thrive without pesticides. Butterflygardens, nativewildflowergardens,natural prairie and wooded areas are springingup across Ontario aspeople getserious about protecting their environment while enjoying the birds andwildlife they attract. Seekoutnurseries that carry native plants, or contact The Civic Garden Centre for advice.

® Consider xeriscaping, or landscapingwith grasses, shrubs and plants that require little water. Dry riverbeds made ofstone, pebble mulches and decorative boulder accents in gardens not only make them low-maintenance, they conserve water by replacing plants.

® Try companion planting. Geraniumsrepel Japanesebeetles, aphids don t like garlic and mint, marigolds repel flies. There are more beneficial combinations ask at the CGC library for a book on the subject.

® Resurfaceyour driveway. Solidasphalt allows rainwater and melted snow carrying

road salt and corrosive materials fromvehicles to run offinto storm sewers and directly into streams and lakes. Gravel or paving stones, on the other hand, allow water to soak into the soil, where it s naturally filtered and cleansed as it passes downward.

Other less garden-related practises also use a lot ofprecious water. By resisting the temptation to hose down your pathways and driveways in the spring, you ll prevent winter s accumulation of corrosive materials, oil and otherpollutants from reaching streams and lakes just as fish come in to spawn . Instead,useabucketfor soapingand rinsing the car, and clean the drivewaywith a push broom insteadofthehose; each activity saves about 50 gallons ofwater. Readily available water-saving equipment such as energy-saving shower heads and toilet dams can cut water consumption by about half and you ll never notice the difference. Fix leaky faucets in ayear, one drip per second can waste about 5,000 gallons (20,000 litres) ofwater. Flow controls, such as aerators and flow restrictors, can reduce water use up to 75 percent. You may run the taps for the same amount of time, but less water is pumped down the drain.

Keep cold water in the fridge so you don t waste enormous volumes by running the taps. Hand wash and rinse dishes, or wait until your dishwasher is full before turning it on. And for goodness sake, turn offyourtapwhilebrushing yourteeth.

Some opportunities to protect the Great Lakes are not as obvious. For example, paper manufacturing is one of the top five waterconsuming industries. Use recycled paper products where possible, use both sides of a

sheet ofpaper, andparticipate in recycling programs. Batteries leach toxic metals including lead, mercury and cadmium into water, so choose rechargeable batteries and avoid both polluting and creating waste. Take old paint cans and other hazardous household waste to a licenced facility never pour leftover paint, stain or oils down the drain: the toxins end up in the Great Lakes.

Last, join a group working to rehabilitate, protect and conserve the Great Lakes. If you don t know where to start, contact me at (416) 314-7973, or by email at krantzga@ene.gov.on.caandI lldomy best to help.

For more details on toxin-free lawn care, read How to Get Your Lawn & Garden Off Drugs, (Ottawa, Friends ofthe Earch, 1989) by Carole Rubin.

Dr. Gail Krantzberg is senior advisorfor the Ministry ofEnvironment and The Ontario GreatLakes Renewal Foundation.

$6.00 Tuesday, May 9, 10:00 - 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 10, 10:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Civic Garden Centre at Edwards Gardens 777 Lawrence Ave. E. at Leslie St. FREEPARKING

TTC from Eglinton Station Lawrence East 54 or 544

Allproceeds support the specialprojects of the Milne House Garden Club.

Telephone (416) 449-3664 for information

Gardening Conference features renowned speakers

he bi-annual Great Gardening I Conferencereturns to the CGC this fall for its eighth year. The two-day event, titled Great Gardeners and Their Plants kicks off with a celebratory dinner at Casa Loma Friday, October 13, and continues Saturday and Sunday at the CGC with intensive lectures and slide presentations. Several internationally known gardening experts will discuss their special areas ofinterest and the changes taking place in the gardening world. Speakers include:

Frederick Case II, Saginaw, Michigan, ontrilliums.

Tony Avent, Raleigh, North Carolina, on hostas, heuchera and heucherellas.

Nori and Sandra Pope, Somerset England, on colour in the garden.

Lady Skelmersdale, Somerset, England, on bulbs.

Allen Paterson, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, on roses.

Lauren Springer, Colorado, on garden design.

In this and coming issues, Trellis will profile the speakers.

Allen Paterson

Former RBG director speaks onroses

Allen Paterson may have retired from Hamilton s Royal Botanical Gardens to live in his native Scotland, but he will always be rememberedby Canadiangardenerswho encountered him here for his wit, charm and gentlemanlyways. He leftthe RBG in 1993, andnow he and his wife garden on a two-acre terraced propertywithtypical Scottishviews and amore clementweatherthan inCanada. Whencontacted in January, he was puttering in his garden, enjoyingthe snowdrops andhellebores already in bloom.

AllentrainedinhorticultureattheUniversity

Botanic Gardens, Cambridge, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. He became curator of the Chelsea Physic Garden in London in 1973, and in 81 was appointed director ofthe RBG, when he moved to Canada. Today he sits on the council of England s Royal Horticultural Society and is a judge at the annual Chelsea Flower Show. He s also on the steering committee of The American Garden Conservancy, andrecentlyattendedits 10th anniversarycelebration in Charleston, South Carolina.

Allen is a noted garden writer and lecturer. His books includeHerbs in the Garden, The HistoryoftheRose, PlantsforShadeand Woodland, and Designing a Garden, a personal history ofhis garden inHamilton. He andhis wife travel to France everyyear forachange ofclimate and a bit ofculture.

Lauren Springer Author draws from expenence

Lauren Springer s experience and accomplishments belie her youth. She holds a master s degree in horticulture, hasworked inpublic gardens intheUnited States andEurope, and designed the water-smart garden at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Now living in Colorado, where the climate can be harsh and unforgiving, her interest has turned to plants thatthrive in its environment.

In 1993, the Garden Writers of America awarded Lauren the Art ofGarden communicationaward forhercolumnintheDenverPost. She both wrote and took the photographs for The Undaunted Garden, a book based on her hands-on experience inherowngarden, andit s become a necessity for gardeners dealing with difficult conditions.

Lauren Springer, her husband and young daughter, live in rural Colorado with a menagerie ofanimals and a half-acre garden containing more than 1,100 species ofplants. [ 1]

Garden Shows a Breath of Spring

Canada Blooms keeps volunteers busy

By Lorraine Hunter

Sheerenthusiasm is the numberone requirement for volunteering at Canada Blooms, says Amy Cole, the show s volunteer coordinator.

About 1,200 people dedicate their time and energy to bring this gift ofspring to the City of Toronto, this year March 22-26 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre South Building. About a third ofthose involved are volunteers from The Civic Garden Centre. They re asked to devote aminimumofthreehours to the show, and couldbe askedto do anything from sell ice creamto staffthe informationbooth orgive out programs. Some ask to work in the horticulture, floral design or education areas. We re flexible and open, says Amy. It s a wonderfulwayto see the show andwe do invite all our volunteers toenjoyCanadaBlooms as ourguest before or after their shift.

Canada Blooms rents office space in the Civic GardenCentrebuildingandsharesits goal to promote gardening wherever possible, says CGC volunteer coordinator Carol Gardner. CGC volunteers also man the CGC booth at Canada Blooms for four-hour shifts, and many volunteer specifically for special events like Canada Blooms or other garden shows. Everyone wants to go to Canada Blooms, says Carol.

But Canada Blooms is not the only gardening show in town inthe coming weeks. Here s a glance at it and some others taking place in the Toronto area this spring.

Canada Blooms 2000 is a celebration of Canadian horticulture in the new millennium. More than 30 feature gardens provide a stunning display of colour and inspiration, and more than 150 vendors offer everything new in gardening products. The Canadian Gardeningmagazine EducationHallpresents more than 300 hours of seminars, workshops and

demonstrations with leading flowerandgarden experts.

Admission: $15; $10 in advance. Wednesday to Saturday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Early morning tours with Master Gardeners and evening tours with garden experts are $30. Opening night tickets are $125 perperson and include a buffet dinner and live music. For more information, call (416) 4478655.

The 7th annual Success With Gardening, now part ofthe International Home & Garden Show, takes place March 16-19 at the International Centre, 6900 Airport Rd. at Derry Rd., Mississauga.

Success With Gardening is devoted to gardening enthusiasts andoffersthe latestandmost hard-to-find plants, bulbs, seeds, tools, care products, accessories and more. The Plant & Garden Magazine seminarstage offers visitors the opportunity to learn from such gardening experts as Art Drysdale, Mark Cullen, Frank Kershaw and Tom Thomson. Thursday and Friday 11 a.m.-9:30p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Adults: $10; seniors & youths (9-18) $7. One admission gets youintobothshows. Formore information call (416) 512-1305.

Another show well worth catching is the MerrillLynch Ontario Garden Show, March 31 to April 2 at the Royal Botanical Gardens Centre, 680 Plains Rd. W., Burlington. More than 100 exhibitors cover all the bases from dried flowers, specialty flowers and plants, seeds, garden statuary, books, greenhouses and more. Some ofthe country s best-known gardeners lecture onnew and currenttrends on the Plant & Garden stage. While there, visit the Mediterranean garden, a feature greenhouse of

the RBG. Friday, noon-9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Free to RBG members. Non-members; adults $8; seniors $6. Formore information call (905) 5226117, ext 306. ¢

To volunteerfor Canada Blooms, call the CGC volunteer coordinator, (416) 397-4145, or Amy Cole at Canada Blooms (416) 4478655. Volunteerswillbewelcomedrightupuntil show time.

Upper Link

The Perfect Venue

" From management seminar to elegant dinner dance, the CGC' s function rooms make any event special )

By Lorraine Hunter

re you looking forthe perfect location Aforyourdaughter sweddingreception, the company workshop or annual meeting, a music recital or dinner dance? Whether it s for a classroom or theatre-style function, or a small, intimate reception, The Civic Garden Centre has the perfect venue.

The CGC offers a variety ofbanquet halls, meeting rooms and show space. Designed by Toronto architect Raymond Moriyama, with an addition designed laterbyJerome Markson, the stone andglassbuildinghas some 10,000 square feet ofusable space. And ofcourse, the rolling lawns, spectaculargardens and rustic bridges in thenaturalwoodlandsettingofadjacentEdwards Gardens make the additional option ofawalkin theparktheperfectfinishingtouchto anyevent.

The H.B. Dunington Grubb Floral Hall, the Centre s main hall, opens through double glass doors to a garden patio. The 3,400-square-foot hall seats 350 people theatre-style, 240 dinnerstyle, or can accommodate 200 for dinner and dancing. It has a screen, stage, sound system and various lightingsystems, aswellasakitchenfor refrigerating,preparing,heatingandservingfood.

For a medium-size function, the 1,590square-foot Garden Hall Auditorium includes a foyer and private patio accented by colourful flowerboxes,andagatedentrancenearthermain entrancetothe CGC. Screen andsoundsystems areavailableandtheGardenHallalsohasakitchen. It offers seating for 120 theatre style, 100 dinner style, and 80 for dinner and dancing.

The upper mezzanine holds a mix-andmatch combination of rooms totalling 1,735 square feet, known as the Studio Rooms. The three studios canbe combined to make a single function room, or divided into two or three meeting rooms. Easels, flip charts, a television setwith VCR and overhead or carousel projectors may all be booked in advance. Each ofthe

Studio Rooms has a separate entrance, and one kitchensuitable forrefrigerating, preparingand serving food. (Arrangements can be made for heating food). Each room can accommodate 40 theatre style, 32 classroom style, 32 dinner style and 16 for dinner and dancing. The three StudioRooms combinedaccommodate 150theatre style, 96 classroom style, 125 dinner style and 90 for dinner and dancing.

The CGC also has a spacious informal area inthe administrationfoyer; ithas adomedglass ceilingand seats 50 theatre style and32 fordinner. And the Centre s elegantboardroom, overlookingthe entrance to Edwards Gardens, seats 20. Audiovisual equipmentisavailable,booked in advance.

Coffee is available for all functions. Outside catering is permitted with complete kitchen facilities available. Ifalcohol is to be served, aspecial-occasionpermit is required. Call (416) 326-0450 to arrange for the permit.

A permit is also necessary forwedding ceremonies or to have wedding pictures taken in EdwardsGardens, available fromTorontoParks and Recreation at (416) 392-8188.

The CGC is wheelchair accessible, offers ample free parking and security.

To make an appointment with Randie Smith, the Centre s facilities rental co-ordinator, call (416) 397-1349. Rates are available on request.

Why Trellis is sometimes late

You may have noticed that your copy of 7rellis sometimes arrives later than the copies of some of your friends. This is because Trellis is mailedusing Bulk Mail, Canada Post s least costly category. This sometimesmeans thehandling and mailing of Trellis is staggered over several days.

The only way to rectify the staggered

mailing situation would be for Trellis to be mailed as First Class Mail, which would more than doublethe costofmailing. Forthepresent, the CGC will continue with the Bulk category in order to save money.

In the meantime, ifyour 7rellis is late and you needto read a copy, a current one is always available in the library for your reference.

CGC s annual plant sales comingup in May

This spring s plant sales promise to be as filled with exciting new varieties as were last year s very successful sales. Manager ofhorticultural services Cathie Cox is scouring the markets for the best ofthe latest foryour garden. As in otheryears, MasterGardeners willbe inattendance

to help you choose the rightplants foryourgarden s conditions.

The perennials sale is Thursday, May 4, to Sunday, May 7. The annuals sale takes place Thursday, May 18, to Sunday, May 21. Watch for more details in the next issue of Trellis. @

Don t miss CGC Annual General Meeting and Edwards Lecture

The first CGC annual general meeting of this century takes place Tuesday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m. inFloralHall. At8 p.m., afterreports from the CGCboard, Diana Beresford-Kroegerwill speak. Her topic is Water, Whispers & Sounds. Diana was raised in Ireland and lives outside Ottawa. A student of classical botany, medical biochemistry, organic and radionuclear chemistry, she worked as a heart research

scientist before becoming a full-time gardener. Sheis oftenheardonCBCradio sTheGardening Show, andonNPR s Living on Earth, where she hasgainedareputationasanecologicalgardener.

Hermost recentbook, BioplanningaNorth Temperate Garden, features information on growingmorethan 1,200 species ofplants, with an ecological guide to the environmental function ofeach species.

youwon twantto miss

1gOlie s Inward Garden, withJulie MoirMesservy. One ofAmerica s most accomplished garden designers anddelightful speakersconductsa iqueworkshopintroducinganewmovementinlandscapedesign: creatingagardenthrough rOcessthat s asmuchapersonaljourneyas itisarewardingmethodofmakingagarden«of ~ your own. JulieMoirMesservyiswellknowninTorontoforcollaboratingwithcellistYo-Yo N a"onthewaterfront s Music Garden, inspiredby Bach. See ComingEvents fordetails. March 10, 11

Horticultural Therapy Training Course, a popular workshop conducted by Nancy LeeColibaba,isbackbypopulardemand. Thehands-oncourseprovidesyouwithanunderstandingofhorticulturaltherapy andhowto implement its ideas. See ComingEvents fordetails.

sreaker:

MARJORIE HANCOCK

DATE: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 7:30 P.M.

Toric: RHODODENDRONS & AZALEAS WITHOUT FEAR

Marjorie Hancock s father, the late Leslie Hancock, was the founder ofWoodland Nurseries in Cooksville, now part ofMississauga, and Marjorie was born and raised on the property. It was verymuch inthe countrywhenMarjorie was young. Lesliebeganworkingwithrhododendrons in the late *30s, and by the 70s the family business was specializing in the plants and became involved in the formation ofthe Rhododendron Society ofCanada.

In her talk, to which she ll bring plants and a colourful slide presentation, Marjorie will engage the entire audience in a dialogue about rhododendrons and azaleas, what they are and what conditions they need. Her goal is to offer a presentation that s less structured than a typical Edwards Lecture. Plan to attend and ask all those questions you ve always wanted answered.

Free to CGC members; non-members $4 at the door.

sreaker: ANNA PAVORD

pate: MONDAY, APRIL 17, 7:30 P.M.

Toric: THE TULIP

Anna Pavord is a celebrated British garden writer and editor, as well as a successful television personality and director. Her ideas and expertise are shared regularly through her gardening column for England s The Independent newspaper and magazines such as Country Living. Anna is also associate editor of Gardens Illustrated. Her books include The Tulip, 1999; The Kitchen Garden, 1996; The BorderBook, 1994; Flowering Year,1991; and Foliage, 1990.

Free to CGC members; non-members $4 at the door.

speaker: MICHAEL MARRIOTT

pate: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 7:30 P.M.

Toric: DAVID AUSTIN

S ENGLISH ROSES

Michael Marriott is a senior staffmember at David Austin Roses in England. He s designed a number ofwell-known gardens in England and abroad, and has a lifetime of experience on all matters concerning roses. He ll cover designing a rose garden orborder, the choice ofroses for various positions in the garden, cultural considerations, rose diseases and so on. Bring your questions and ask the expert.

$5 at the door.

The Bog People

Who arethose intrepid souls who labour deep inthe Edwards Gardens bog? The truthis outthere. Read on...

ByJeanne Balman

0, we re not neanderthals just people who enjoy hands-on gardening and have (or make)a little sparetimeto work inthe Edwards Gardensbeds looked after by the Rhododendron Society.

I think it all began when a few CGC tour guides expressed concern about neglect in the bog garden and made enquiries about whether they could do something about it. I should explain here that the bog garden is at the south of the Gardens, next to Wilket Creek; abridge runs over it and it lies at the bottom ofa steep slope. It s almost perpetually wet, or at least damp, with slightly acid soil, and it s full ofplants. No one is eversurehowmany,butatlastcountitwas about62varieties. Something isalways inbloom: in spring it starts with bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) andthe season ends with witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana) in early winter.

It s a very labour-intensive place. Seven or eight years ago John Bromley was the first to take charge of the gardening team, although team is probably a misnomer sometimes there are only a couple ofvolunteers. We workTuesday afternoons from lateApril or May until November or later, dependingonwhenthe snow flies, underthe guidance ofKenDuncan. Ken directs the weeding, deadheading,transplantingandsometimes the new planting, which is a real treat.

Ken has a real passion for Edwards Gardens and spends uncounted hours volunteering there. His special areas ofexpertise are the rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias, and once the bog garden looks reasonably

wellkepthetakeshisvolunteerstoworkinthese areas. He knows all the plants byname, botanical as well as common, andhe s neverannoyed when I ask him the name ofa plant forthe fifth time.

It continues to surprise me that there isn t a lineup ofvolunteers waiting toworkin Edwards Gardens perhaps it would be more popular ifwe askedpeopletopayfortheprivilege. There mustbemanypeoplewho vemovedfromhouses to apartments and miss their gardens. We offer a pleasant outdoor activity, a chance to learn about plants, and some great exercise; it s wonderful for relieving stress. There are extra benefits, too: you might weed for an hour and stand up to stretch; nearby, watching you, lies a fox. Once I saw a pair ofkits play-fighting, a flock ofgrackles mobbing a red-tailed hawk, and a primula blooming in October. These are the things that make your troubles fade away.

Ifyou d like to volunteerforsome pleasant work in Edwards Gardens, call John Bromley at(416) 4253843, or me, Jeanne Balman, at (416) 484-9456. You need to bring a trowel, gardening gloves, clippers or kitchen shears, a hat, old clothes and enthusiasm. FA

JeanneBalman andKen Duncan are often seen kneedeep in the lovely flowers (and weeds) ofthe boggarden in Edwards Gardens. Jean is also a long-time CGCadult tourguide, ESL guide andMusic Garden guide. In addition, she's the spiritofthe librarysxeriscape garden.

SPRING COURSES 2000

GARDENING COURSES

COURSES

ARTS & CRAFTS COURSES

REGISTRATION BEGINS MARCH 27

Gardening Courses

SpecialPlantsforSpecialPlaces SPPO1

Instructor: Frank Kershaw

Even the smallest garden presents a diversity of habitat challenges to deal with, including sun, shade, good or poor drainage. These conditions require different plants to maximize your success. This course highlights hundreds of proven performers to cover the most challenging conditions, from wet soil to the dreaded dry shade.

Day/time: Monday 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Course duration: 1 evening

Date: April 10, 2000

Fee: Members: $16 Non-members: $21

Registration deadline: April 3, 2000

The Fragrant Garden <NEW> FRA02

Instructor: Dugald Cameron

Plant a garden that smells as good as it looks. Discover the range of fragrances offered by annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees and bulbs. Whether you prefer citrus, spicy, musky or sweet, learn which plants to include and how to care for them. Create a garden that indulges the senses.

Day/time: Wednesday 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Course duration: 1 evening

Date: April 12, 2000

Fee: Members: $16 Non-members: $21

Registration deadline: April 5, 2000

Lessonsfrom the Japanese Garden 1

LJGO3

Instructor: Dennis Winters

The gardens of Japan are revered for their ability to help clear, heal and awaken the most subtle aspects of the mind and heart. They are sacred places where one finds a touch of magic and light. Enjoy a slide presentation on the fascinating temple gardens of Kyoto. Discover the Japanese art of design, including the guidelines and principles of feng shui. This course can be taken on its own, and is recommended as an introduction to part two.

Day/time: Wednesday 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Course duration: 1 evening

Date: April 26, 2000

Fee: Part | or Il: Members: $16 Non-members: $21

Both parts: $30, $35

Registration deadline: April 19, 2000

Lessonsfrom the Japanese Garden I1

LJGO04

Instructor: Dennis Winters

Japanese gardens celebrate life and harmony with nature. Learn to apply the design principles of Japanese gardens to create your own special place for physical, mental and spiritual renewal. Topics include design approaches, construction techniques, plants and sources of related materials. Examples are illustrated with slides of Dennis s designs for gardens here in Toronto, inspired by the gardens of Kyoto.

Day/time: Wednesday 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Course duration: 1 evening

Date: May 3, 2000

Fee: Part | or Il: Members: $16 Non-members: $21

Both parts: $30, $35

Registration deadline: April 26, 2000

The Beauty ofIrises <NEW>

IRIO5

Instructor: James McMillen

Everything you wanted to know about one of the best known and loved garden plants forthe perennial border. Learn how to grow, propagate and remedy iris problems. This course walks you through irises season by season, advising what to do and telling you why itshould be done. Where to buy Canadian-grown irises, what to look for in a good plant and how to plant are also be covered. Slides, interactive handson learning and a question-and-answer period give you the practical knowledge needed for success.

Day/time: Thursday 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Course duration: 1 evening

Date: April 27, 2000

Fee: Members: $16 Non-members: $21

Registration deadline: April, 20, 2000

Japanese Maples <NEW>

MAPO06

Instructor: Marion Jarvie

Discover the beauty of Japanese maples. More than 300 cultivars are now in existence, and their diversity of colour, form, shape, size, and utility, make them suitable for almost any need. Explore the range of breathtaking colours and delicate shapes for use in your landscape design. Learn howto selectand care for these versatile beauties.

Day/time: Monday 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Course duration: 1 evening

Date: May 1, 2000

Fee: Members: $16 Non-members: $21

Registration deadline: April 25, 2000

Restructure andRejuvenate

Your Garden RES07

Instructor: Marion Jarvie

No garden is a lostcause. Join us for some productive reworking. All aspects of the older garden will be considered for creative and healthy reorganizing. Learn evaluation techniques: analysis of plants colour, size, shape, health and hardiness as well as how to recreate garden structure and correct major faults.

Day/time: Saturday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Course duration: 1 morning

Date: May 13, 2000

Fee: Members: $16 Non-members: $21

Registration deadline: May 4, 2000

Plantscaping Your Garden PLS08

Instructor: Marion Jarvie

Get ready for the gardening season by taking a critical look at your garden and planning for success. Organize it into various planting zones, depending on light, drainage, etc. Learn what to plant in these 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, shopping list in hand.

Day/time: Tuesdays 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Course duration: 6 weeks

Dates: May 23, 30, June 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2000

Fee: Members: $80 Non-members: $95

Registration deadline: May 16, 2000

Pruning Workshop <NEW> PRU09

Instructor: Jim Lounsbery

Proper pruning rejuvenates shrubs and trees. In this one-dayworkshop, Jim Lounsbery demonstrates the hows and whys of pruning, and participants have the opportunity to practise pruning techniques. Bring your gloves and pruning shears. Also learn how to care for small trees, flowering shrubs, evergreens and other woody garden plants, including fertilization and cultural requirements.

Day/time: Saturday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Course duration: Morning

Date: May 27, 2000

Fee: Members: $25 Non-members: $30

Registration deadline: May 18, 2000

Making the Most ofShade SHD10

Instructor: Anna Leggatt

Gardening in the shade is not difficult, it's just different. This course covers annuals, perennials and

shrubs that thrive under shady conditions. Learn all about the different types of shade, and design a garden that will flourish in low light.

Day/time: Wednesday 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Course duration: 1 evening

Date: May 31, 2000

Fee: Members: $16 Non-members: $21

Registration deadline: May 24, 2000

Gardening in Alleyways ALY11

Instructor: Anna Leggatt

Make the most of your growing space. Even narrow plots between houses can be planted. Learn to assess the character of soil, moisture, temperature and light in challenging spots. Complement these shaded/dry/windy areas with some resistant plant varieties.

Day/time: Wednesday 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Course duration: 1 evening

Date: June 14, 2000

Fee: Members: $16 Non-members: $21

Registration deadline: June 7, 2000

Propagation Through the Year

<NEW> PRO12

Instructor: Marion Jarvie

Plant propagation is one of gardening s most essential and useful skills. Learn how to increase your supply of plants through the use of seeds, cuttings, divisions and layering. Topics include howto choose the propagation method and time of year appropriate for different species, equipment and materials needed, as well as demonstration of techniques.

Day/time: Monday 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Course duration: 1 evening

Date: June 19, 2000

Fee: Members: $16 Non-members: $21

Registration deadline: June 12, 2000

Easy Container Gardening <NEW> CON13

Instructor: Kimberly Pike

Gardening in pots, tubs, hanging baskets and window boxes is always popular. Simply provide the right conditions and you'll succeed with an amazing range of plants. Topics include container types, soil preparation, plant selection, presentation and maintenace. Pick up some great gardening ideas and watch as we plant a spectacular container for summer.

Day/time: Thursday 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Course duration: 1 evening

Date: June 15, 2000

Fee: Members: $16 Non-members: $21

Registration deadline: June 8, 2000

Exciting Perennialsfor 2000 PER14

Instructor: Valerie Ward

This is your chance to preview (and even purchase) the pick of the pack of perennial plants just released. This year s fresh introductions include a green foxglove and a glorious climbing honeysuckle with white flowers and remarkable mosaic leaves. It promises to be the best year yet for both quality and profusion of new plants. Be one of the first gardeners to see about 25 of them in person.

Day/time: Wednesday 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Course duration: 1 evening

Date: June 28, 2000

Fee: Members: $16 Non-members: $21

Registration deadline: June 21, 2000

Nature Courses

Watching the NightSky: Astronomyfor Beginners

SKY15

Instructor: Ray Khan

Join the co-owner of Khan Scope Centre and learn how to locate and identify major constellations and planets. Discover what s visible from within the city with the unaided eye and through the use of telescopes set up in Edwards Gardens. Receive instruction on how to choose and use binoculars and telescopes. Get information on what to look for astronomically over the next several months. Differenttypes ofbinoculars and telescopes will be brought into the classroom for demonstration. Students are welcome to bring their own equipment.

(Maximum registration: 20).

Day/time: Monday 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Course duration: 3 evenings

Dates: May 24; June 5 and 12, 2000

Fee: Members: $45 Non-members: $60

Registration deadline: May 23, 2000

Nature Photography PHO16

Instructor: Rob Stimpson

Pressing the shutter is the final stage in taking a picture. This course is designed to bring both the technical and creative sides of photography together. Learn how the camera works, the rules of composition, and the correct use of light and film. Bring your

photographic equipment. Film and developing are included in course fee. Please note there are two Saturday field trips.

Day/time: Thursdays, 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., plus two Saturday daytime field trips.

Course duration: 6 sessions

Dates: May 11,18 and 27; June 1,17 and 22, 2000

Fee: Members: $125 Non-members: $140

Registration deadline: May 4, 2000

Botanical Arts & Crafts Courses

Spring Flowersfor the Spring Table <NEW> FLO17

Instructor: Marisa Bergagnini

The table is the focal point for entertaining. Be inspired by the tables Marisa has on display. Come prepared to make a design for your own springtime celebration. Explore ideas for using flowers in different ways, and learn how to make arrangements last longer. Bring clippers, pruners and a knife we provide everything else you need.

Day/time: Wednesday 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Course duration: 1 evening

Date: April 5, 2000

Fee: Members: $30 Non-members: $45

Registration deadline: March 31, 2000

Watercolour Painting:

Beginner and Continuing WCP18

Instructor: Ita Pechenick

Discover the versatility of watercolour painting from basic to more advanced techniques. This course covers materials, colour theory and composition. Through demonstration, practise and individual assistance, you'll 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.

Day/Time: Mondays 1 p.m. -4 p.m.

Course duration: 8 sessions

Dates: April 10, 17; May 1, 15, 29; June 5, 12 and 19, 2000

Fee: Members: $130 Non-Members: $150

Registration Deadline: April 3, 2000

Botanical Drawing:

Beginner & Intermediate DRW19

Instructor: Margit Koritar

Turn to the botanical realm for instruction and inspiration. Classes focus on understanding the characteristics of plants and developing drawing skills (line, proportion, perspective, light and shadow). Startwith

pencil exercises, then experiment in your choice of watercolouror coloured pencil. Progress atyourown level with individual assistance. Bring pencil and paper to the first class, where a list of materials will be provided.

Day/time: Wednesdays 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Course duration: 8 sessions

Dates: April 12, 19, 26, May 3, 17, 24, 31 and June 7, 2000

Fee: Members: $130 Non-members: $150

Registration deadline: April 5, 2000

Flower Arranging ARG20

Instructor: Marisa Bergagnini

Discover the joy and beauty of floral art. Through demonstration and practise learn the principles and elements of design, how to extend the life of cut flowers and foliage, the various uses of mechanics and containers, and how to incorporate candles, branches and more. In each session except the first, participants make a design for which they must supply their own plant material. Please bring pruners and a knife.

Day/time: Thursdays 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Course duration: 3 sessions

Dates: May 11, 25 and June 8, 2000

Fee: Members: $60 Non-members: $75 Registration deadline: May 3, 2000

Everlasting Flowers <NEW> EVR21

Instructor: Shirley Binns

Discoverthe art ofpreserving flowers, foliage, grasses, berries and more. Topics covered include which plants to grow and collect, when and how to harvest, plus the techniques of air drying, using silica gel and glycerine. Enjoy the beauty of plants longer and get great ideas for floral crafts.

Day/time: Monday 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Course duration: 1 evening

Dates: June 19, 2000

Fee: Members: $16 Non-members: $21

Registration deadline: June 12, 2000

Botanical Illustration in Watercolour (Advanced)

Instructor: Pamela Stagg

An intensive workshop on the techniques of painting highly detailed, realistic portraits of botanical subjects. Demonstrations and exercises are combined with painting practice, individual instruction and feedback. Advanced watercolour skills are required; experience in botanical painting, while welcome, is not required. Materials list will be made available before the first class. (Maximum registration: 15). This course is offered twice. Please specify which date

you want when registering.

BIW22

Day/time: Saturday-Wednesday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Course duration: 5 days

Dates: July 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12, 2000

Fee: Members: $180 Non-members: $200

Registration deadline: June 29, 2000

Day/time: Saturday-Wednesday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

BIw23

Course duration: 5 days

Dates: August 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30, 2000

Fee: Members: $180 Non-members: $200

Registration deadline: August 17, 2000

The Instructors

Marisa Bergagnini has an undivided love for flower arranging and horticulture. She competes internationally and has won several awards. Her proudest moment was earning a gold medal for Canada at the flower show of the World Association of Flower Arrangers. Marisa is a flower-design judge, horticultural judge, instructor and demonstrator. She is a member of The Garden Club of Toronto and other horticultural organizations, and is on the board ofThe Civic Garden Centre.

Shirley Binns has been an instructor at The Civic Garden Centre since 1994. She' s an accredited rose judge, as well as a decorative judge. Shirley has competed in world flower shows, including one in Paris, France, and had an arrangement published in the Canadian Flower Arranger. She s a member of Milne House Garden Club, the Ikenobo Ikebana Society and various other horticultural societies.

Dugald Cameron is a gardener who began his career as a child at a low-paying job; weeding his English grandmother s garden. As his interest in gardening grew, and when he became frustrated by the limited selection of inferior quality bulbs, plants and seeds available in Canada, he started his own company, Gardenimport Inc. For more than 12 years Dugald has searched the horticultural world for littleknown gems that do well in Canadian gardens.

After 12 years as a nursery horticulturist, Marion Jarvie started herown business as a landscape consultant more than 10 years ago. She has been teaching in the field for many years at George Brown Collegeand The Civic Garden Centre, aswell as lecturing throughout North America. Marion travels extensivelyto discoverand gather new and relevant plant information to add to her already vast repertoire.

Frank Kershaw has degrees in science and urban and regional planning, a diploma in horticulture and a certificate in landscape architecture.

He's a proponent of growing natural landscapes in North America, writes for numerous publications and lectures on related subjects.

Ray Khan has been an avid amateur astronomer for more than 20 years, is a member ofthe Royal Astronomical Society of Canada and part owner of Khan Scope Centre, a specialty telescope store located in Toronto.

Margit Koritar is a botanical artist who works mainly in watercolour. She received her art instruction at the Ontario College of Art, the University of Toronto and from various world-renowned artists. She s produced numerous commission pieces and has won several awards, including first place at the 1998 International Orchid Show and Conference hosted by the Southern Ontario Orchid Society. Her work has been exhibited in many shows, most recently at the Hunt Institute in Pittsburgh.

Anna Leggatt is a nature interpreter at the Kortright Centre for Conservation in Toronto. A former teacher, she has a diploma in horticulture and is currently active in numerous horticultural groups. She s past chair ofthe Ontario Rock Garden Society, a member of the Garden Writers Association of America and a Master Gardener. Anna is a regular contributor to Trellis and other publications, and she lectures to local horticultural groups.

Jim Lounsbery has been involved in the horticulture business for many years as supervisor of parklands for the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington, manager of horticulture studies at Mohawk College in Hamilton, and owner of Vineland Nurseries, which specializes in dwarf and unusual plants.

James McMillen is an accredited judge with the American Iris Society and a horticulturist who runs his own landscape gardening and consulting company in Toronto. He has more than 20 years experience

in the horticultural industry, and has grown irises and hemerocallis since he was 5. Jim and his brother are the two youngest iris judges in Canada. He grew up in the family business, McMillen s Iris Garden, which grows more than 26 acres of irises and perennials.

Ita Pechenick is a graduate of Humber College and has more than 20 years experience in design and fine arts. Her paintings feature florals, landscapes, still lifes and figures. A signature member of the Toronto Watercolour Society, Ita is a former president, and an executive member of the Willowdale Group of Artists. She is an original member of the Group of Ten Artists of Toronto. Ita teaches painting and drawing to those of all levels.

Kimberly Pike, a native of St. John s, Newfoundland, was introduced to gardening as a child on her parents seaside property. She graduated from Humber College s horticulture/landscape program, and received an award from Landscape Ontario for excellence in plant identification. Kimberly is a landscape designer at Summerhill Nursery in Toronto.

Pamela Stagg is a Canadian botanical artist who s

We need your comments

Please tell us what courses you'd like to see offered at The Civic Garden Centre. Are you a qualified instructor, or do you know someone who is? Call (416) 397-1362.

Registration Informatio

istrations for Spring 2000 courses wi -in person, by mail, telephoneor| 7 and send it to Course Registrat ito,ON M3C 1P2. Full paymentmust acc | surcharge. To register by telephone,ca withpayment by Visa or MasterCard. Reg:strattc earlyfor best selection.

achieved international recognition for her work. She holds the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society Gold Medal for Painting. An enthusiastic teacher, Pamela enjoys developing the talent of all her students and has trained a number of painters to international standards.

Rob Stimpson is co-ownerofWindsong Adventures, a four-season adventure company focusing on reconnecting with nature. He's an expert in backcountry travel and has an extensive knowledge base of Canada s flora and fauna. Rob is an award-winning professional nature photographer and outdoorguide who has traveled throughout Canada. His photographs have been published in corporate collections, books, magazines, cards and calendars.

Valerie Ward started a gardening business in her backyard in downtown Toronto, and with success came the need for a larger space. The business, Buds, moved to Bathurst and Vaughan and has supplied downtown gardeners with rare and unusual perennials ever since. Her Web site contains all sorts of great gardening tips: www.budsgarden.com.

Dennis Winters, OALA, is a landscape architect. Through his firm, Tales of the Earth, he designs public and private gardens with a special interest in gardens for meditation and healing. He s published articles and givn talks on the design of sacred landscapes of the Buddhist traditions, which he has studied since 1978. His formal education ,in the U.S. and Finland, is in landscape architecture, natural ecological systems and environmental management, urban design and architecture. ¢

onday, March 27. F articapantsma easefill out the registrationform 1Centre, 777 Lawrence Avenue stration. NSF cheques are subjectt 0, orfax to (416) 397-1354, accompaniec ;acc,eptedstnctly ona first-come basis. Register

'MEMBERSHIP: Registration fees for membersarea}ways tower than for the public. Memberships may be purchased at the same time as course reglstratlqn in which case the member s discount can be applied immediately. Please contact the CGC to inquire about memberships at (416) 397-1340.

NOTIFICATION, CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS: No confirmation ofregistration will be sent. Please make note of the courses for which you have registered. The CGC reserves the right to cancel a course if the minimum number of registrants is not reached by the deadline, in which case course fees will be refunded in full. Registrants will be notified by telephone between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Please supply telephone numbers where you can be reached in person or by recorded message. We do not accept responsibility forinconvenience caused to those we cannot contact. No other refunds of any kind will be made after the registration deadline. .

LlABILlTY: The Civic Garden Centre assumes r personal injury or mishap; all activities are at

bmty for loss or damage to property, or for

TELEPHONE

Tel: (416) 397-1340 Fax: (416) 397-1354

Expert advice from the Master Gardeners

Q. I've saved some datura seeds. Should I start them early indoors, or plant them in the garden in spring?

Sow seeds indoors early inApril, andkeep them at 16 degrees C (60 F). They should germinate in about 30 days. Move seedlings to 3 1/2 inch pots and, after hardening plants off, plant out in May, in a warm spot with full sun. Datura is a tall plant; to keep flowers abundant, keep pruning back to four feet (1.2 metres). Remember that all parts ofthe Al parts of datura plant, including seeds, are poisonous. datura are poisonous

Q. Can I prune a birch tree now?

As K

A. Birches arebleeders, A which means they § o produce lots of sap from a cut. It s better to wait until the tree

Cutting birch before its leaves are out results is in full leafand the in loss ofsap. sap hasbeentakenup by the leaves.

HUMBER NURSERIES LTD.

Ontario s Largest Garden Centre & Butterfly Conservatory

20 Acre Garden Centre and 50 greenhouses - Humber Nurseries is a leader in the production and supply of:

Perennials, Annuals, Omamental Grasses, Herbs, Aquatics Plants, Trees, Vines, Shrubs, Evergreens, Roses, Houseplants and much more.

Over 3,500 varieties thatare not commonly available at other nurseries.

Humber is TOUR"ific Humber Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens. Open Maythrough

SPECIALDISCOUNTS:

(V.I.P.), Bonus Coupons, Herb Festival, Omamental Grass Festival, Garden Photo Contest, Kid's Colouring Contests and much more

HUMBER NURSERIES LTD.

8386 Hwy. #50, S. of Hwy. #7, N. of Steeles Ave., W. of Hwy. #427

Tel.: (416) 798-TREE

R.R. #8 Brampton, Ontario L6T 3Y7 (8733) Toronto, (905) 794-0555

Fax.: (905) 794-1311

E-mail: hum @humbernurseries.on.ca

Website: www.humbernurseries.on.ca

Q. 7'd like to train euonymus to grow up a maple tree how should Ifasten it? Can [ grow bittersweet vine this way too?

Euonymus isn t a self-clinging plant so it must be tied with garden twine or supportedby netting that circles the tree trunk. Bittersweet Celastrus supports itself on twining stems, but it needs netting or a latticework support to grow upa tree trunk. Once it reaches the lowerbranches, itwill usethemasasupport, Euonymus requires But in the long term NG MR, - ; > climb a tree. bittersweet isn t a suitable choice because it needs sun, and it won tthriveunderthe shadeofamaple tree. More suitable vines for your purpose include Virginia creeper Parthenocissus, Englemann s and Boston ivies, or Hedera such as Baltic and Thorndale ivy. ¢

New shrubs Will brighten your garden

ByAnnaLeggatt

ormanyyears we ve complainedthatwe Fcannot get good new plants in southern Ontario. We read about exciting plants in Europe and in the U.S. and wait, drooling, for a local appearance.

Now, through the untiring efforts ofmany local nurserymen, we can obtain manyplants soon after we read about them. New introductions from the University of British Columbia Botanic Garden, Blooms ofBressingham in England, the Denver Botanic Garden, and the J.C. Raulston Arboretum in North Carolina, among other sources, are now being brought in.

Several small new shrubs look promising. I'm growingthe following, all hardyto Zone 5 unless noted. They all seem quite toughplants.

Euonymus fortunei Blondy was found about 10 years ago in the Netherlands in a batchof Sunspot. It s abeautiful small shrub with leaves splashedwithyellow, leaving athin green margin. The stems are yellow. Sun doesn t burn it, and it s less than a foot (30 centimetres) tall. My small plant had a pinkish tone in early January.

E. fortunei Harlequin has been available fora few years. Each leafcarries a splotch of white, andnewgrowthisnearlypurewhite,turning to pinkandred in winter. This low, spreading bush grows in shade or sun.

I like forsythia for its cheerful spring colour. However, it s a blah shrub formost ofthe year. | grow apurple clematis inmylargebush, which helps a little at least it s better than someofthemonstrositiespeople clipto enhance theirappearance. My new forsythia Goldleaf promisesto live up to its name andbrightenthe garden. At six to eight feet (1.7 to 2.3 metres), itwill be shorter than my older giant.

Hydrangea macrophylla Lemon Wave rarely flowers, but who cares? The foliage is a variable blend of yellow, cream, white and

green. One caveat: acording to the catalogues it s shy to flower, and when they do appear, they re mauve, which will make it a strange combination and difficult to place in the garden.

Itea virginica Little Henry, or sweetspire, forms a low mound, less than two feet (60 centimetres) high. In early summer, it s covered with spikes ofsweetly scented white flowers, truly living up to its name. In fall, the darkgreen leaves become fieryred. Grows in sun or shade.

Physocarpus Diabolo , orpurple ninebark, is a craze in Europe and deservedly so. It s very showy,withdarkpurpleleavesandpinkish-white, button-like flowers in midsummer. Hardy to Zone 3; grows four to eight feet (1.2 to 2.3 metres) tall. I intend to prune mine back each year to keep it small and intensify the purple.

Weigela WineandRoses haswonderfulburgundy purple, satiny foliage and rosy pink flowers, giving it a long season interest. Hummingbirds apparently love it. It grows five to six feet (1.4 tol.7 metres) tall and is hardy to Zone 4. I wantto getW. MidnightWine , which is much smallerand darker. It s describedas having a metallic sheen to the leaves, and should be available this year.

Ifyou can t find the above shrubs at your favourite nursery, ask iftheybuy from Spring Meadow Nursery Inc. in Michigan, a wholesaler that stocks them. Also ask ifthey have Cotinus Grace . It s one of the best smoke trees, with fantastic purple leaves and wonderful red fall colour. It s on the top ofmany wish lists and is available through Kato Ltd. in British Columbia. Ask your retailer to order it for you.

If we keep asking for the new and better varieties, we ll find ourplanthorizons expanding. Otherwise,nurserieswillbejustifiedintelling us there s no demand. &

Coming Events at The Civic Garden Centre

MARCH

March 4

CGC Workshop - Creating One s Inward Garden conducted by Julie Moir Messervy. 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

$125 members; $140 non-members.

March 10, 11

Horticultural Therapy Training Course workshop conducted by Nancy Lee-Colibaba 9:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

$125 members; $140 non-members.

March 12

Ontario Rock Garden Society meeting

Our Thunder Bay Garden, by Sharon lllingworth. 1:30 p.m. Open to the public.

March 13-17

The Teaching Garden

March Break Fun for children ages 5-12. Pre-registration required.

Art in the Park: 10 a.m.-noon or 1-3 p.m. daily; $55 members; $65 non-members.

Green Thumbs: 1-4 p.m. daily; $75 members; $85 non-members.

March 19

Rhododendron Society General meeting, 2-4 p.m.

March 23

Milne House Garden Club

1.p.m. Speaker: Marjolijn Malan, South African floral designer. Admission: $10. For information, call (416) 449-3664.

March 27

Spring Courses. Registration begins.

March 29

Edwards Lecture. 7:30 p.m. Speaker: Marjorie Hancock of Woodlands Nursery, Mississauga. Topic: Rhododendrons & Azaleas. CGC members free. Non-members $4 at the door.

APRIL

April 2

Southern Ontario Orchid Society. Meeting 1-4 p.m.

April 4,11, 18

Herb Society of America

Southern Ontario Unit

Hands on Herbs, three-two hour sessions of speakers, culinary demonstrations, herbs for health, and a craft to make.

Three sessions/$50; single sessions/$20. For information, call (905) 274-2060.

April 17

Special Evening. 7:30 p.m. Speaker: Anna Pavord, author and horticulturist. Topic: The Tulip. CGC members free. Non-members: $4 at the door.

April 25

Civic Garden Centre. Annual general meeting, 7:30 p.m. Followed by Edwards Lecture, 8 p.m. Speaker: Diana Beresford-Kroeger, author of Bio Planning a North Temperate Garden. Topic: Water, Whispers & Sounds.

April 26

Special Evening. 7:30 p.m.

Speaker: Michael Marriott, nursery manager for David Austin. Topic: David Austin s English Roses. $5 at the door for all attendees.

April 30

Rhododendron Society. Plant sale. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Rhodos, azaleas and choice companion plants. Members receive 10 percent discount.

MAY

May 4

Helen Flegg Memorial Lecture. 7:30 p.m. Speaker: Dorothy Field, author of Between Gardens, speaking about her book. Free.

May 4-7

Civic Garden Centre. Perennials Sale plus used gardening books and tools sale. Thursday to Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

May 10

Special Evening. 7:30 p.m. Speaker: Martin Lane Fox, RHS Council member. Topic: My Gardens Here and Abroad. $5 at the door.

Were on line

byMaraArndt, chieflibrarian

The CGC library now has an e-mail address of its own: cgclibrary@idirect.ca Please use it to renewbooks, enquire aboutholdings and availability, or for general information. E-mail messages will be checked on alternate days by the chieflibrarian.

Internet access for research by volunteers is also available. Q¢

Web site reviews

By Jean McCluskey, library volunteer

Gardening Web sites are growing. In this and future issues, we ll review the latest ones.

www.eridani.com/losthorizons

Lost Horizons nursery sitehas acataloguewith 2main listofgeneral perennials and shorterlists of ferns, geraniums, grasses, hemerocallis, heuchera, hosta, iris, penstemons, primula and pulmonaria. Information is clear and concise, with aplantdescription, price, Zone and sometimes conditions required for growing.

www.budsgarden.com

A good site forperennials, ifsomewhat wordy and not as clearly organized as some others. However, it does have good information ifyou persevere. For example, there s a good breakdown ofperennials forthe shade, andplants are listed according to their shade tolerance.

www.gardencentre.com

This site opens at a self-explanatory table of contents and includes a map, store hours etc. However, I could reach the title page only for perennials and go no further, although other sections did come up.

www.gardenimport.com

The catalogue covers perennials, flowering vines andshrubs. WhenI saw it, the spring2000 entries had not been made, but it was a very clear Web site with good pictures. g

| Fun for kids during March break

By Cindy English

Kids from 5 to 12 years can learn about nature and create their own art in the TeachingGarden sprogramsforthe March break, March 13 to 17, in Edwards Gardens.

The Green Thumbs Program, designed for the nature-loving child, includes hiking in EdwardsGardens and Wilket Creek to look for ammals plants,trees etc., and naturecrafts.Hikestakeplaceweatherpermitting, and children should wear appropriate outdoorclothingtotakeawalkandlookfor signs oflife inthe park. Children willfeed thebirds yes, they reallylandinyourhand to nibble the seeds! follow animaltracks andtakepartinothernatureactivities.Crafts includebuildingbirdhousesandfeeders, and planting seeds and flowers fortransplanting outdoors later. Every day, 1-4 p.m.; $75 to CGC members; $85 non-members,cost in_cludesmaterials.

In the Artin the Park program,anartist showskidshowto createnature sketches and paintings. Sign up for one of two classes every day, 10a.m.-noon,or1-3 p.m. p.m. $55 to CGC members; $65 nonmembers.

Allprogramsmustbepre-registered. Applications can be pickedup in the horticulturists officeattheCivicGardenCentre.For more information, call (416) 397-1340. @

CLASSIFIED ADS

Garden consulting, design and maintenance. Specializing in perennial beds, shade gardens and flowering shrubs. Ornamental tree and shrub pruning. Experienced, personal and affordable care for yourgarden. Carole Chars- ley(416) 444-8254.

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 1-800371-7779.

For sale:

Canadian Wildflowers, by C.P.Traill. First edition, published in 1868. Ten coloured plates painted and lithographed by Agnes Fitzgibbon; $700 CDN. Call: (416) 924-1732.

Trellis Shop hours

For the month of March, the Trellis Shop is open as follows: Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday noon to 4 p.m.

Trellis - V27, No2 - Mar 2000

Help<eep our Waterpure

Q The Civic Garden Centre at Edwards Gardens

Who we are

What we offer

HOURS OF OPERATION

DIRECTORY

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

STAFF MEMBERS

PATRONS

TRELLIS

: mthe]?'oard

Browsing through opportunities

'DON'T MISS...

Spring Arrives Early At The

GARDENERS

GET A GREEN THUMB

New Hortlcultural Outreach program beneflts all

Introducing our patrons

Jlrogcind Sheridan Nurseries | Garden Guide!

Volunteers are the backbone of CGC library sgoodservice

" Springbulbs make a comeback atthe CGC

Help Make Our Lakes Great

Inourbathrooms

s purewater

grow ground covers

Gardening Conference features renowned speakers

Allen Paterson

Former RBG director speaks onroses

Lauren Springer Author draws from expenence

Garden Shows a Breath of Spring

Canada Blooms keeps volunteers busy

The Perfect Venue

Why Trellis is sometimes late

CGC s annual plant sales comingup in May

Don t miss CGC Annual General Meeting and Edwards Lecture

youwon twantto miss

MARJORIE HANCOCK

speaker: MICHAEL MARRIOTT

S ENGLISH ROSES

The Bog People

Who arethose intrepid souls who labour deep inthe Edwards Gardens bog? The truthis outthere. Read on...

SPRING COURSES 2000

GARDENING COURSES

COURSES

ARTS & CRAFTS COURSES

REGISTRATION BEGINS MARCH 27

Gardening Courses

SpecialPlantsforSpecialPlaces SPPO1

The Fragrant Garden <NEW> FRA02

Lessonsfrom the Japanese Garden 1

Lessonsfrom the Japanese Garden I1

The Beauty ofIrises <NEW>

Japanese Maples <NEW>

Restructure andRejuvenate

Your Garden RES07

Plantscaping Your Garden PLS08

Pruning Workshop <NEW> PRU09

Making the Most ofShade SHD10

Gardening in Alleyways ALY11

Propagation Through the Year

<NEW> PRO12

Easy Container Gardening <NEW> CON13

Exciting Perennialsfor 2000 PER14

Nature Courses

Watching the NightSky: Astronomyfor Beginners

(Maximum registration: 20).

Nature Photography PHO16

Botanical Arts & Crafts Courses

Spring Flowersfor the Spring Table <NEW> FLO17

Watercolour Painting:

Beginner and Continuing WCP18

Botanical Drawing:

Beginner & Intermediate DRW19

Flower Arranging ARG20

Everlasting Flowers <NEW> EVR21

Botanical Illustration in Watercolour (Advanced)

Instructor: Pamela Stagg

The Instructors

We need your comments