Trellis - V28, No6 - Nov 2001

THE CIvIC GARDEN CENTRE at Edwards Gardens

Who We Are

The Civic Garden Centre (CGC), 1958, is a volunteer-based, not-for-profi nization whose mission isto act as a cen resource for gardening,horticultureand seminating and interpretinginformation bers of the community.

What We Offer

Located at Edwards Gardens, TheCivic Garden environmentalissues byencouraging interest,,, promoting involvement, and gathering, dis-

order to enhance the quality of lifeformemCentre offers many programs and services, including yearround activities for families and children. Our horticultural library has over , 70 periodicals, and a large colchppmgs, pamphlets, nursery and talogues, aswell as a great selection of ldren sgardening books. Horticultural kxforma onServices offers free gardeninginforma onyear round, and the Trellis Shop has ,manyunique gifts, books and gardening sup~ plies for sale. The Teaching Garden has been created as a working garden to foster interest ~ and educate people in the love and values of - gardening and the natural world. As a communityservice, Art in the Link offers gallery space ~ tolocal artists. As well, the CGC has a wide variety of banquet halls, meeting rooms and show space, with access to Edwards Gardens, oneofToronto sfavouritegardenspots.

3% Directory & Hours of Operation

Administrative Offices

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

CGC Library &Trellis Shop

April 1 to December 23

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

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

January 1 to March 31

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

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

MainNumber ................... 416-397-1340

FaX soanianviant sras sy 416-397-1354

Esmall sooiscoanes cgc@civicgardencentre.org

Course Registration .............. 416-397-1362

Course E-mail . ... courses@civicgardencentre.org

CGCHIbrary. i vni s v oo 416-397-1343

Library E-mail... .. library@civicgardencentre.org

Horticultural Services ............ 416-397-1358

TeachingGarden ................ 416-397-1355

Master Gardeners Free Info Line . ... 416-397-1345

Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 12 noon to 3 p.m.

L RN R s e 416-397-1349

Rentals E-mail . . .. rentals@civicgardencentre.org

JreliEShops. o s i s 416-397-1357

Volunteer Co-ordinator ........... 416-397-4145

Photography Permit, Toronto Parks & Recreation Division ............ 416-392-8188

3¢ Board of Directors

President: Tracey Lawko

Members: Kim Dalglish Abell, Alice Adelkind, Arthur Beauregard, SandraBeech, Marisa Bergagnini, Dugald Cameron, Victoria Lister Carley, Lindsay Dale-Harris, Kathy Dembroski, Suzanne Drinkwater, Mary Fisher, Judy Floyd,Janet Greyson, Lorraine Hunter, Cecil Lamrock, Sonia Leslie, Kenneth D. Maiden, Grace Patterson,Janet Rowley, Dawn Scott, Tim Tanz

3% Staff Members

Executive Director

Manager, Community Services

Douglas Markoff

Carolyn Moore

Manager, Horticultural Services Cathie Cox

Accounting Joe Sabatino

Administration Shirley Lyons

Campaign Director Janice Turner King

Course Co-ordinator Rosetta Leung

Horticultural Assistant Nicole North Librarian Mara Arndt

Maintenance Supervisor Walter Morassutti

Rental Co-ordinator Randie Smith

Teaching Garden Co-ordinator Shannon Collins

Volunteer Co-ordinator Mary Strachan

Volunteers Over 425 volunteers

3% Patrons

Honorary Patron: Hilary Weston, Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario

Patrons: Brian Bixley, Awdrey Clarke, Mark Cullen, Camilla Dalglish, Sondra Gotlieb, Marjorie Harris, LorraineJohnson, Michele Landsberg, Susan Macauley, Helen Skinner

Trellis is pubiichd, year as a members mwégtw by The Civic Garden Centre at Edwards Gardens. 777 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario M3C1P2,416-397-1340.

Manuscripts submitted on a volunmb&mmw by the

Tribute to the unsung

Notes from the Corner Office

Ifwe have it, theywill rent Volunteer News

Learning sessions a blooming success

Our very own film festival

A brief introduction to the volunteers at the top

Expert advice from the Master Gardeners

Book reviews and good news from our Librarian

[][BS from the Board

,"= byTracey Lawko © PRESIDENT

Tribute to the unsung

I recently received a letter from a CGC member Board chairman. The five committees reporting to this group will address specific areas critical to the revitalization: building improvements, changes to the gardens around the CGC building, capital fundraising, communications, and government relations.

suggesting she would like to see more information in 7rellis about CGC Board committees and about the unsung heroes who contribute their time and expertise to these committees. Indeed, there are many dedicated volunteers who contribute to our 21 committees. Three standing committees the Board s executive committee, the Board development committee and the Teaching Garden committee are required. Another 18 ad hoc committees support the activities of the CGC. I think of them in four groups: committees that oversee the delivery of the CGC mandate; those that organize our major events; those that address the needs of the people who are so critical to the success of the CGC (the staff, volunteers and members); and the committees working on our revitalization program. Some committees are small and nimble for example, the newly formed (or, rather, the re-formed) membership committee. Others, such as the Teaching Garden and programming committees, are large and well-established. All Board committees are chaired by a board member, and include a staff member and a mix of board members and volunteers. I could fill an entire issue of Trellis with descriptions of all the committees, their responsibilities, and the backgrounds of those serving on them, but space allows me to focus only on six new committees that were struck this year to implement our revitalization plans.

In January, the Board approved the revitalization committee structure outlined below. We felt it was important to keep this project separate from the day-to-day activities of the CGC. A revitalization implementation executive will oversee the entire initiative, and will be comprised of each of the chairs of the sub-committees, project treasurer David Harwood, executive director Douglas Markoff and me, the

The Building Implementation Committee, chaired by Marisa Bergagnini, will see to the reconfiguration of the CGC building. Marisa is assisted by Board members Cecil Lamrock and Sonia Leslie, staff members Randie Smith and Walter Morassutti, and volunteers Francesco Amatori, Margaret Taylor, Julia Pankratz, and Nicole Eaton. This committee has the benefit of people with design and construction expertise, as well as those with considerable practical knowledge of the CGC s programming and other space needs.

The Garden Implementation Committee will ensure the completion of teaching and demonstration gardens surrounding the CGC building. Suzanne Drinkwater chairs this committee, which includes Board member Victoria Lister Carley, former Board members Sue Macaulay and Susan Dyer, staff members Cathie Cox and Mary Strachan, and volunteers Lisa Wood and Susan Dolbey. The committee has a wealth of knowledge of all aspects related to the development of the gardens: architecture, design, plants, educational programming and maintenance.

The Capital Fundraising Committee will organize and harness the many resources available to the CGC to raise the funds we need to reconfigure the CGC building and expand into the gardens. Past president Lindsay Dale-Harris is serving as interim chair. Lindsay is assisted by Board members Kathy Dembroski, Janet Greyson and Kim Dalglish Abell, past Board members Helen Shaw and Susan Dyer, campaign director Janice Turner King, and volunteers Leslie Denier and Mary Lou Eaton. These

individuals have fundraising experience and share a love for the CGC and belief in its potential.

Judy Floyd chairs the Communications Committee, which is focused on raising public awareness of the CGC. Judy s committee includes Board members Lorraine Hunter, Alice Adelkind and Janet Greyson, past Board president Helen Shaw, and staff member Carolyn Moore. Members of the committee bring marketing and communications experience as well as extensive knowledge ofthe CGC.

Grace Patterson is chair of the Government Relations Committee, which will negotiate any necessary amendments to our agreement with the City of Toronto for the use of the building and surrounding land (both owned by the City). Grace is supported by Board members Dawn Scott and Arthur Beauregard, and staff member Carolyn Moore. Members of the committee have government and legal experience that will enable mutually beneficial continuing relations between the City and the CGC. These and other volunteers have already contributed huge amounts of time, energy and expertise to our revitalization plans. There is still much more to come and I, for one, plan to see that such worthy people do not remain unsung heroes but are appreciated for their efforts.

If you are interested in contributing to any of the 18 ad hoc committees listed below, or would like to suggest a friend, send me a note care of the CGC and I'll pass your suggestion on to the Board development committee. ®

WOULDYOUR SKILLS SUIT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEES?

Programming Human Resources

Trellis newsletter Membership

Annual Fundraising Volunteers

HorticulturalTherapy

Great

Distinctive Garden Accents

from the Corner Office

by Douglas Markoff e Executive DIRECTOR

If we have it,

he Civic Garden Centre s facilities don t Tgarner much attention in print, yet they are one of our most vital areas. Rentals are an essential source of revenue and allow us to cover many of the expenses associated with delivering the programs and services the community has come to rightfully expect from this unique and meritorious organization.

Three main categories of clients rent from the CGC: the horticultural community, businesses and social groups. Horticultural societies and gardening clubs rent space for their flower shows, plant sales and plant competitions as well as their monthly and, in some cases, annual general meetings. The CGC has more than 20 regular horticultural groups that call us home (and we re looking for more). Horticultural shows may run from a single day to several and make use of the entire facility. Larger organizations such as Landscape Ontario and the Ontario Horticultural Association also make use ofour building.

As you might expect, businesses rent primarily during the week. Groups vary in size from 10 to 300 people. Yes, the CGC is capable of accommodating large groups up to 350 people, in fact. Businesses rent our rooms for strategic planning exercises, sales meetings, retreats, facilitation, training, leadership and professional development workshops.

Social events run the gamut wedding receptions, anniversary and retirement parties, sweet 16 and graduation parties, customer-appreciation gatherings, bar and bat mitzvahs and many other cultural and religious events.

We ve rented space to child-care services; we ve been the venue of fundraisers for nonprofit organizations; we ve hosted sales of artwork, pottery, quilts, stamps, coins, postcards, furniture and clothing. We ve functioned as a non-partisan location for political parties and as

they will rent

the meeting place for government departments at municipal and provincial levels. We ve held fashion shows complete with runways; we've had shows of collectible teddy bears, car club meetings, rug and tapestry sales and auctions and bazaars. We ve been the place where insurance and finanical underwriters take classes and write exams.

Because we recognize the connection between gardening and culture, we have also promoted the CGC as a venue for music recitals. Recitals for students of all ages occur intermittently throughout the year, and we always make sure the Baldwin grand piano on loan from Robert Lowrey s Piano Experts is well tuned. Why do people rent from us? Because our facilities are versatile and offer many advantages, even for those on a tight budget. Our prices are highly competitive; in fact, they 're substantially less than comparable facilities in downtown Toronto. Many business clients want an alternative to the confines of familiar surroundings and find the CGC a wonderful option. Being able to walk through the green space of Edwards Gardens during breaks and lunch is a big plus. Our clients appreciate our central location. We re easily reached from all directions by car and the TTC, and we have a large parking lot with free parking, although we all know there are times, generally on the weekends, when the parking lot can be close to full.

The CGC allows the caterer of our client s choice and, with the exception of open flames and the use of confetti (you cannot believe how much time it takes to sweep up confetti), there aren t rigid rules for decorations or use. The Centre has been transformed into rooms of glamour, fun, intimacy, humour, reverence, reflection or casualness. The Floral Hall and Garden Hall Auditorium come complete with

walk-out patios (perfect for a summer barbecue), receiving areas and kitchens for storing, preparing and warming food. They also have light and sound systems. The cost of rental includes security, always present when the event occurs on a weekend evening and when alcohol is served, as well as support from our maintenance staff to set up the tables and chairs according to specifications. Randie Smith, the CGC rental co-ordinator whose middle name should be customer service, is ready to offer her insights or to assist with facets of the event the client may have overlooked. Randie works with the client to schedule early access for the caterer, florist and decorators.

To encourage repeat business and show customer appreciation, the CGC also offers clients a volume discount rent six times in any calendar year and receive a 20-per-cent discount on subsequent rentals.

The CGC has a mandate to serve the gardening and horticultural community, yet to cover the cost of performing this function and provide programs, we must rent the facilities

to non-gardening groups. Scheduling requires finding a balance. One way we achieve this is by limiting booking during the first two months of the year to horticultural groups only for the following year s requirements: in other words, in January and February 2002 we ll schedule the groups for 2003. Only when the hort groups schedules are confirmed do we begin to take bookings from businesses and social groups.

There are many CGC members connected with companies that may need space for meetings. You may know someone planning a social function or music recital. Support The Civic Garden Centre by considering it as the place for your event. We also encourage horticultural groups who don t already use our premises to consider the advantages of the CGC as a meeting place. ¥

For information on rentals, contact Randie Smith at 416-397-1349, or check out the Hold your Event Here section on our Web-site, www.civicgardencentre.org.

Civic

Garden Centre TS V) Annual Christmas

= HAVE A GREEN CHRISTMAS!

Plant Sale

DECEMBER 6 TO DECEMBER 9

Let the CGC be your one-stop shopping destination for plants and seasonal greenery. We ll be featuring amaryllis bulbs in bloom, topiaries, cyclamen plants, and poinsettias in all colours and sizes. There will also be 2 selection of traditional and unusual wreaths, as well as holly and other berried branches. And so much more.

Thursday, December 6 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. * Friday, December 7 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, December 8 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. * Sunday, December 9 Noon to 5 p.m.

by Mary Strachan

A =9\

Learning Sessions a Blooming Success

YOU MIGHT REMEMBER reading about our plan to offer free courses to volunteers as part of our International Year of the Volunteer celebrations. Well, we ve offered some workshops over the spring, and at the time I write we re lining up a fall schedule.

The spring courses included Gardening on the Internet with Lorraine Flanigan, and Maintaining Your Spring Garden with Jim McMillan. Lorraine s workshop was so popular we re offering it again in November. It got me hooked on the Internet, said one participant.

Whenever I have a question now, I go to the Internet first. It seems to be more up to date. Volunteers also enjoyed Jim s talk. Beginners and experienced gardeners benefitted from the exchange of ideas inspired by his question-andanswer format. Jim returns in the fall as well to offer tips on putting your garden to bed.

Volunteers joined Cathie Cox and Nicole North, our in-house horticulturists, for two workshops. They learned all about growing plants from seed in one session. In the container gardening workshop, each brought in a container of choice and potted up a beautiful arrangement using a variety of plants from our sale of annuals.

It was great to have Cathie and Nicole there to give us ideas, attested one attendee. Especially what plants went with what.

Cathie and Nicole have agreed to demonstrate an arrangement for a winter urn in another hands-on workshop in December, and volunteers will be able to take home their creations. Other workshops include forcing bulbs and sprouting, which will demonstrate how to grow nutritious and delicious sprouts.

Thanks to all the instructors for sharing their knowledge with us, and another thank you to the volunteers for attending. Volunteers are invited to join us at any of the informative workshops planned for the rest of the year, but it s necessary to reserve a space. The workshops are a good opportunity to expand your world by learning new ideas and meeting new people. To sign up or for a list of workshops, call me at 416-397-4145, or check the schedule in the volunteer co-ordinator s office. ®

Volunteers are invited to the CGC s annual holiday celebration and thank-you held this year December 5 at 5 p.m. in Floral Hall.RSVP to MaryStrachan byNovember28, 416-397-4145.

Look out, Tiger

Diane and David Gilday, and Janet and David Greyson get set to enjoythe CGC s 1stAnnual GolfTournament atWhirlpool Golf Club in Niagara Falls,ON.

by Shannon Collins

Our very own film festival

THE TEACHING GARDEN' S aim is to offer programs in a working garden that interest and educate children in the love and values of gardening, nature and the environment. Global environmental issues are sometimes overlooked in our gardening-crazed atmosphere, but in the Teaching Garden we strive to highlight the obvious connection between the environment and gardening. This was never more obvious as on September 28 when Grade 3 and 6 classes took part in the kick-off for Toronto s second Environmental Film & Video Festival, Planet in Focus.

The seed was planted in the summer of 2000 in a phone call to the Teaching Garden from Mark Haslam, organizer of Toronto s first Environmental Film and Video Festival. He wondered if we might be interested in having some kind of involvement with this exciting festival, which provides filmmakers with socioenvironmental interests a voice to challenge the thinking of Canadians and open a dialogue about the issues we re faced with in this age. As a gesture of hope, he wanted to start the festival off with a children s program where students meet the filmmaker and get their hands into some of the ideas presented to them on film. I took to the idea with enthusiasm, gathered some key volunteers and ran with it last year and again this year.

The focus last year was on schoolyard naturalization, and feedback was phenomenal. This year, an enthusiastic Grade 6 class came for a morning to screen two films: Why Rabbit Turned White and Legendfrom Spirit Bear; both focus on Native cultures and the environ-i mental issues affecting First Nations. After the screening, the students discussed the issues presented with the filmmakers, Tantoo Cardinal and Gerri Coyes. Then they learned how to make medicine wheels. g

A lively yet thoughtful group of 42 Grade 3

students from St. Bonaventure, a neighbouring school, came for the afternoon program. We screened four films Hyperhelion, No Peace in the Valley, Water Planet and Ballad ofa Water ; Hole. The students learned about the depletion' of natural resources and water degradation, and then viewed similar conditions firsthand on al nature walk through Edwards Gardens.

These issues may seem too complex for children in elementary school, but if the concepts are presented to them in an engaging way, children will absorb what they are ready to. This is the ultimate challenge for any educator. As long as we do not underestimate the potential of our children to understand and embrace relevant and meaningful problems in the world, there will always be hope that the world will find solutions. ¥

Gardening in February and March? -Yes!!! GARDEN TOURS - CUBA 8" 15"February, &22 -29"March2002.

Fully escorted tours of Eastern Cuba s fascinating botanical gardens. Between the Caribbean Sea and the forbidding Sierra Maestra are microclimates supporting exotic species and ancient plants. Based in Santiago de Cuba the throbbing heart of Caribbean Cuba we ll enjoy luxury accommodations and the culture of the oldest colonial city in the Americas. Our guides are Cuban specialists of international reputation, whose gardens have been their lifework. Amid a cloud forest of giant ferns and orchids, we ll explore high altitude gardens. Our cactus expert will lead us through his multinational collection and in search of indigenous rarities. Casa de los Helechos is the 25 year labour of love ofits director who created this unique tropical fern garden in his family s home yard. Our travels will take us to orchid laboratories, medicinal plant gardens and a Bird ofParadise nursery.

Formore excitement Add-on a side trip February go hunting wild orchids with ourexpert March attend the Jamaican Orchid Society s Annual Show in the company oftheir President

Contact Kate: South Wind Travel & Tours* Tel. 416-921-4012

Visit our website www.realcubaonline.com

* Ont. Reg # 4577474

Meet the Board

Kim Dalglish Abell, a kindergarten teacher and former Teaching Garden volunteer, is a recent new mother and chair of theTeaching Garden committee.

AliceAdelkind is a psychologist who participates in the fundraising, program development andThrough The Garden Gate committees.

Arthur Beauregard is manager of natural environment and horticulture for the City ofToronto, and represents the City. He s on the fundraising committee, the government relations committee for CGC revitalization and a valuable resource for all civic concerns.

Sandra Beech, past president of Milne House Garden Club, joins the board as an ex-officio member representing Milne House. She s also a member of the Teaching Garden committee.

Marisa Bergagnini, a horticultural judge and art instructor, is a member of theTeaching Garden andThroughThe Garden Gate committees. She s also chair of the buildings implementation committee for the CGC revitalization program.

Dugald Cameron, owner of Gardenimport Ltd., is chair of the programming committee and serves as a member of the Web site team. He s also a featured speaker and instructor at CGC courses.

Victoria Lister Carley, a landscape architect, is chair of theThrough the Garden Gate committee and an active member of the programming committee.

Lindsay Dale-Harris, immediate past president of the Board and involved in many facets of the CGC, is an urban planner and a Master Gardener. Lindsay is chair of the capital campaign committee for CGC revitalization and the membership committee.

mug shot (as they say in the dailies) and a three-line bio of the dedicated people who serve as volunteers on the CGC Board don t really tell you all there is to know about them. What we offer here is an an intro-

duction, a brief idea of who they are and the expertise they bring to the CGC. If you see them in the halls and would like to say hello, make a suggestion or ask a question, please do s0. They d love to hear from you.

Kathy Dembroski was instrumental in the creation of Canada Blooms and acted as co-producer and chair of the first two shows. She s on the CGC s capital campaign committee for revitalization.

Suzanne Drinkwater has co-authored a series of children s books on street and water safety and is project co-ordinator for The Canadian FlowerArranger. She s chair of the gardens implementation committee for the CGC revitalization project.

Mary Fisher is a librarian, past co-ordinator of theToronto Master Gardeners, and an active community volunteer. She s on the human resources committee and theThrough the Garden Gate committee.

Judy Floyd has worked extensively in event marketing and computer technology. She chairs the communications committee for the CGC revitalization project.

Janet Greyson, a former public health nurse, chairs the fundraising committee and is a member of the capital campaign committee.

Lorraine Hunter, editor ofPlantand Garden magazine, is chair of the Trellis committee and secretary of both the Board of Directors and the executive committees.

Cecil Lamrock chairs the Getting the Jump on Spring committee. He hybridizes roses and is an active member of the York Rose Society.

Tracey Lawko, president of inspiration works, inc., a business planning company, is the president of the Board of Directors and chair of the revitalization executive for the CGC revitalization project.

Meet the Board

Sonia Leslie, a Master Gardener and volunteer tour guide, is a vicepresident of the Board, chairs the volunteer and Mistletoe Magic committees, and is a member of the Through the Garden Gate and out-of-towntours committees.

Ken Maiden, a principal in Smith, Nixon & Co LLP, has been Board treasurer for four years. He is a member of both the executive and the Through the Garden Gate committees.

Grace Patterson, an environmental lawyer, is a member of the executive committee and a vice-president of the Board. Grace chairs both the human resources committee and the government relations committee for the CGC revitalization project.

Janet Rowley is an exofficio member who representsThe Garden Club ofToronto. She s a member of theTeaching Garden committee.

Dawn Scott practises corporate and securities law and is a member of the government relations sub-committee for the CGC revitalization.

Tim Tanz, an active gardener and president of the Avenue Road Gardening Club since 1985, has contributed to both print and television in the field of gardening. As a Board member, he s involved in program development.

et the experts show you how to make traditional and trend-setting seasonal decorations at

On-going workshops. Christmas wreaths, swags, urns, centerpieces, gift decorations, and more... All supplies available from the Trellis Shop.

Achieving Continuous

Advicefrom the CGC' s horticulturistfor conquering one ofthe biggest challenges in the garden

by Cathie Cox

This is the time of year when all good gar- coloured blooms. Grey or silver can calm a hot, bright colour scheme.

deners should be thinking of hanging up their pruning shears, cleaning their tools, putting their feet up and opening a good book. Right? Wrong! This is the time of year when gardeners review the performance of their beds and borders: the good, the bad and the couldbe-improved.

One of the most difficult things to achieve in a garden is continuous bloom a combination of perennials, annuals and shrubs which creates both colour and impact all year round. And now, with your garden still fresh in your memory, is when to plan the changes that will achieve your goal.

The most important rule of continuous bloom is simple: place together combinations of perennials that bloom at the same time. One area of the garden in full bloom looks better than single plants blooming here and there because one s eye is drawn to the mass of colour. But there are a few other guidelines that will help your garden look like it s filled with bloom all season.

First, use a garden designer s trick and choose plants that have colourful foliage as well as fabulous blooms, doubling their value in the garden. Purple-leaved plants teamed with silver-grey or yellow-chartreuse foliage add drama, contrast and colour, especially when the grouping is repeated throughout the border. Variegated foliage also adds interest, and the appearance of sun-dappling, and provides a wonderful foil for deep or strikingly

Purple foliage is found in many shrubs and perennials, such as smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria Royal Purple ), many coral bells (Heuchera spp.) with cultivar names such as Plum Pudding and Chocolate Ruffles , and in a relatively new cultivar of black snakeroot, Cimicifuga Brunette . Many annuals, such as coleus and dahlias ( Bishop of Llandaff is one), have purple or maroon foliage, as do such edible plants as basil, cabbage and fennel.

Grey and silver tones show up in lambs-ears (Stachys byzantina), Salvia argentea, and Scotch thistle (Onopordum arabicum). Hostas, coleus and shrubs such as elderberries, weigelas and hydrangeas have cultivars with chartreuse leaves. Many perennials have variegated forms: Phlox Norah Leigh and Harlequin , for example, and obedient plant (Physostegia spp.). The trusty hosta also has many lovely cultivars with a range ofvariegations.

Gardens in and around Toronto are often small and this restriction makes the choice of plants even more important. Long-flowering perennials or plants that rebloom are essential. Flowering plants should be chosen as combinations, with regard to the time of year they bloom. (A season s worth of suggestions follow.) It s also important that plants suit your garden s soil, sun and shade, so they perform well and give you the best bang for your buck. And when choosing perennials for a grouping, stick to plants of equal vigour. Don t combine aggressive

or invasive growers with meek ones or they ll take over the planting.

Nothing beats snowdrops(Galanthus nivalis) and winter aconites (Eranthis cilicica) for a display of colour as soon as the snow melts. Plant around bergenias, where their dainty white and yellow blooms provide a perfect contrast to the bergenia s large, evergreen, glossy foliage and create a showierdisplay. The leaves ofBergenia Bressingham Ruby and Bressingham Salmon are particularly fine because theyturnadeepmaroonincoldweather.

Daffodils (Narcissus spp.) make good partners with barrenworts, especially the yellow-flowering hybrid Epimedium x versicolor Sulphureum . Barrenworts are reliable ground covers in dry shade. The foliage stays all winter but should be removed in early spring. Hellebores, especially H. niger and H. orientalis, are long flowering. Mulch through the winter to protect the buds and prevent them from flowering too early.

Primulas can be guaranteed to produce all kinds of colour in April, but two in particular are long flowering and tolerate drier soils. Drumstick primrose (Primula denticulata) has white or lavender flowers, while those of P. x Wanda are vivid magenta. Pulmonaria, commonly called lungwort, gives value for your dollar with attractive blue forget-me-not-like flowers aging to pink in most cultivars. While flowering, the foliage is small and insignificant but later the leaves, usually spotted, splashed or edged with silver or white, enlarge and form an attractive ground cover. Surround them with forget-me-nots (Myosotis sylvatica) and white tulips to make a blue-and-white colour splash. If you have damp, clay soils, Siberian bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla) is a better alternative: a new cultivar called Jack Frost has large, polished-looking silver leaves and blue flowers.

> SUN

Dutch iris, crocus and Scilla sibirica can be planted en masse in shade or sun and allowed to naturalize in borders or lawns. Drifts

of alpine plants such as the perennial candytuft (Iberis sempervirens), thrift (Armeria Dusseldorf Pride ), rock cress (Arabis caucasica) and basket of gold (Aurinia saxatilis compactum) add colour to all earlyblooming bulbs.

Purple-leaved perennials emerging now, such as Heuchera Plum Pudding , look stunning beside the chartreuse blooms of cushion spurge (Euphorbia polychroma). Pop in a few early tulips such as the double yellow Monte Carlo or the single canary yellow Yokohama for a colour echo, and add clumps of ferny-leaved pale purple pasque flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris) and the gold-leaved ground cover Lamium maculatum Beedham s White for pizzazz.

HMAYSHADE

leeding heart (Dicentra spp.) is a great standby in partly shady areas. Two of the best are King of Hearts and Luxuriant . Both have grey-green or blue-green fern-like foliage and masses of rosy pink or red-pink blooms from May to October on a compact plant.

If you love lupins, place a few bleeding hearts in front of a group of them; the bleeding heart will still be flowering long after the lupins have been cut back. White, pink or red lupins make admirable companions, and the glossy, kidneyshaped foliage of European ginger (Asarum europaeum) is an ideal contrasting ground cover.

D. spectabilis Goldheart , a showy goldleaved bleeding heart with red-pink blooms, looks well with the clouds of chartreuse flowers of lady s mantle (Alchemilla mollis). Cut back the spent flowers of the lady s mantle as soon as possible to encourage reblooming. Double-flowering deep red Uncle Tom or St. Tropez tulips add colour, and the lady s mantle helps hide the tulips dying foliage.

The masses of unusual sharp-yellow flowers of merrybells (Uvularia grandiflora) work to great effect in this grouping. Merrybells is an undemanding and showy North American native that disappears in summer. Alternatively, yellow fumitory (Corydalis lutea) can be used; its cloud of small blooms persists or recurs until October. Plant knotweed (Persicaria amplexicaulis)

Firetail at the back of the grouping to fill in where the bleeding heart dies down in June. This knotweed grows in any soil, in sun or shade, and it flowers from late May to October. For areas with more shade, plant Trillium grandiflora with fragrant blue-purple wild sweet William (Phlox divaricata). There are many new hybrids, such as Blue Perfume and Sweet Lilac , all fragrant and long blooming. The daffodil Thalia has multiple white blooms and can also be planted for its fragrance The spiky white flowers of Allegheny foamflower (7iarella cordifolia) look good at its feet and eventually form a dense ground cover.

O SUN

as plant (Dictamnus albus) is a fabulous plant with an unfortunate name. The long, elegant spikes of flowers come in white or mauve pink, are fragrant and bloom from May to July. Lowmaintenance perennials are few and far between, but for a lazy season combine it with masterwort (Astrantia major) which has unusual greenish white blooms until July. Add bloody cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum), which has striking magenta red saucer-shaped flowers that rebloom at least once during the summer.

Many of the shade-loving ground covers start flowering now, including sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum), creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia spp.) and spotted nettle (Lamium maculatum). Choose Aurea , the gold-leaved form of creeping Jenny, to provide colour even after its flowers are finished. Pewter Pink spotted nettle has green-edged white foliage and makes a colourful combination with foamy bells (Heucherella alba Bridget Bloom ) and the hardy Geranium endressii or G. X oxonianum. All have pink blooms and are vigorous and long blooming. Lamium White Nancy has white blooms and foliage and is a good companion to the variegated Solomon s seal (Polygonatum odoratum Variegatum ).

oses can play an important role in the garden in June and July, and those with a habit of reblooming should be included. Easy choices are the shrub rose Carefree Beauty , a tall, double, rich pink, and The Fairy , a polyantha. Neither is fragrant but both are hardy, vigorous and long blooming. Some mid-sized David Austin roses, such as Pretty Jessica (pink), Othello (deep purple red) or The Squire (deep red) have good fragrance. Add drama by planting alliums such as christophii or Purple Sensation so that their large, purple, ballshaped blooms hover over the roses. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Hidcote would be a fragrant purple haze at their feet.

Coreopsis Moonbeam has masses of pale lemon blooms from May to October and is perfect for well-drained soils. Grow with sundrops (Oenothera missouriensis) to add contrast in flower size, tall yellow yarrow (Achillea x Anthea ) and a drift of spiky sea holly (Eryngium spp.) for a contrast in colour and form.

Edge borders with low, long-blooming bellflowers: (Campanula carpatica) such as Blue Clips or White Clips , Birch s bellflower or fairy thimble (C. cochleariifolia). Shear these plants back to encourage reblooming. Calamints are wonderful perennial herbs for siting with bellflowers. They re fragrant and bloom nonstop all summer and into fall. Calamintha grandifiora Variegata has variegated foliage and purple blooms, while C. nepetoides has very pale lavender or white blooms. Clumps of tall dark blue delphiniums and white Phlox carolina Miss Lingard are a good contrast in height.

ostas are beginning to flower at this time and have a strong effect if a number of different cultivars are grown together. (Choose thickleaved varieties if you have snails and slugs.) A large drift of goose-neck loosestrife (Lysimachia clethroides) looks stunning behind them, and

blue monkshood (Aconitum spp.) will add colour for three months if clumps of early and late blooming cultivars are planted. A. napellus has blue or white blooms in June and July; A. carmichaelii performs fromJuly into August.

Many perennials fade in the heat of high summer, so a little drama is called for. If you have moist soil, plant Ligularia The Rocket , which has tall spires of rich yellow, and the later-blooming Othello , which has stunning large purple-backed leaves and stems, plus shaggy orange-yellow daisy-like blooms. Team these plants with Sum and Substance hosta, whose huge yellow sun-loving leaves will add more drama.

Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale) also loves moist soil. Bruno and Coppelia bloom in different shades of deep red for about six weeks if grown in ideal conditions. The dwarf daylilies Stella d Oro and Happy Returns bloom happily alongside these and help to hide the daylilies less-than-attractive late-summer legs. Tall ornamental grasses such as maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis Gracillimus ) provide background.

Lobelia siphilitica and its cultivars bloom in spikes of blue, white, rose or plum and tolerate drier soils than their cousin, the red cardinal flower. They also contrast well with summer phlox such as David (white), Starfire (vivid pink/red) or the variegated Norah Leigh (mauve pink).

Japanese anemones (Anemone vitifolia) flower in clouds ofwhite and pink. Robustissima starts the season off in July, and cultivars such as the white semi-double Whirlwind and double pink Queen Charlotte finish in October. Anemones look their best when blowsily flowering around the rigid forms of sedums such as AutumnJoy .

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER SHADE

Pink turtlehead (Chelone lyonii) forms a large clump of unusual blooms in moist areas and combines well with Japanese anemones and hostas, or Chinese astilbe (Astilbe chinensis var.

Pumila ). This ground cover astilbe is one of the last to flower and, unlike other astilbes, tolerates dry soil. Japanese toad lily (7ricyrtis) grows in interesting large clumps of unusual orchid-like blooms on arching stems; it combines well with the shorter forms of blue and pink-red asters, such as Professor Anton Kippenberg and Winston S. Churchill , and also with white wood aster (Asterdivaricatus).

SUN

Daisies of all colours come into their own in autumn, and combined with ornamental grasses they create a strong, satisfying presence in the garden. Purple and white coneflowers (Echinacea spp.) continue to bloom in September, and if left to go to seed, look dramatic in the winter landscape.

Asters and black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia spp.) look superb clumped in front of the grass Miscanthus sinensis Variegatus , zebra grass (M.s. Zebrinus ) or flame grass (M.s. var. purpurescens), which turns red-orange in September/October. These grasses have the additional advantages of blooming at the end of summer and persisting into the winter.

Sedums are indispensable in fall. Many are blooming, but the fading flower heads also look interesting in early winter. Vera Jameson has purple foliage and deep pink flowers forming low sprawling mounds. It contrasts nicely with the short gold variegated grass, Molinia caerulea arundinacea, or moor grass. Sedum Ruby Glow has duskier coloured blooms and a more upright habit. S. Autumn Joy combines well with the pale lavender spires of Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) and the purpletinged foliage and fragrant white blooms of black snakeroot (Cimicifuga Brunette or Hillside Black Beauty ). ®

Banish those January blues with visions of great ideas and plants to try in your garden come spring. Begin your spring daydreaming and let The Civic Garden Centre help with the practical planning. Develop your creative talents with one of our botanical arts and crafts courses. Whatever your interest, come and see what we have sprouting under our roof.

January March 2002

GARDENING COURSES

Great Gardens ofthe Midwest

Frank Kershaw

Explore great private and public gardens of Indiana, lllinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and more. There is incredible variety and diversity of plant collections in these remarkable gardens, not to mention plenty of ideas.

Date: Monday, January 21

Time: 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Members: $20 Public: $30

Native Plantings

Frank Kershaw

MIDO01

Break free from endless weeding, watering and problem pests to celebrate the diversity of native plants. Using native species in your garden will attract wildlife, require less maintenance and give you new and exciting options. Discover garden designs and plant sources in this illustrated presentation.

Date: Monday, January 28

Time: 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Members: $20 Public: $30

Seed Starting Workshop

Anna Leggatt

NATO02

Get a jump on spring with this hands-on workshop offering tips and techniques for successful seed starting indoors. Discover the bountiful variety of annuals, perennials, vegetables and herbs available from seed. Learn about choosing your seeds, supplies, germination, hardening-off and transplanting. Be prepared to get your hands dirty, then take home a few pots for starting in your own garden. All materials are included.

Date: Monday, February 4

Time: 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Members: $30 Public: $40

SEE03

Plantscaping Your Garden

Marion Jarvie

Get ready for the gardening season by taking a critical look at your garden and planning for success. Organize your garden 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.

Dates: February 5, 12, 19, 26, March 5 and 12 (Tuesdays)

Time: 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Members: $100 Public: $130 PLA04

Plants to Die For Frank Kershaw

Unusual and special purpose plants are of interest to all gardeners. Frank will share his insights into unusual and special gems that lend appeal to the garden. These are plants that are well worth the effort to search out.

Date: Monday, February 11

Time: 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Members: $20 Public: $30 PTS05

Gardening on the Internet

Lorraine Flanigan

Attention cyber-surfing gardeners! Find the information you want without scrolling through screens of bewildering web sites. Learn to use directories, guides and search engines to discover web sites with plant profiles, gardening events, landscaping ideas and horticultural techniques. Through hands-on practice, takehome projects and handouts, learn how to use the World Wide Web as a good gardening tool.

Dates: February 7 and 21 (Thursdays)

Time: 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Members: $32 Public: $42 NETO06

GARDENING COURSES

Small Garden Makeover

Charmiene Montgomery

Basic information to help the novice build a new garden or improve an existing one. The first session covers the principles and practices of good garden management, including analysis of soil, climate and light, and practical and aesthetic choices of plant material. Bring a rough scale drawing of your garden with a list of needs/wants. Session two deals with planting and illustrates small garden renovations with participants working on plans for their own gardens.

Dates: February 18 and March 4 (Mondays)

Time: 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Members: $32 Public: $42 MAKO07

Woody Plants for the Landscape

Frank Kershaw

Trees, shrubs and vines are the backbone of the home landscape, creating living walls and roofs that define space. Many homeowners are unaware of the true potential and beauty of these plants. This narrated slide presentation will highlight useful woody plants for the homeowner as well as explaining how to locate, plant and care for them.

Date: Monday, February 25

Time: 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Members: $20 Public: $30 WDYO08

Vertical Gardening

Marion Jarvie

Explore the world of climbing plants, from clematis and roses to vines. Introduce climbers to your property as an inexpensive alternative to fences, as a screen for your compost pile, or to add vertical interest while using very little space.

Date: Thursday, February 28

Time: 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Members: $22 Public: $32 VERO09

Groundcovers & Grasses

Marion Jarvie

Sun, shade, damp and dry spots there are groundcovers for every use and many good uses for groundcovers. Grasses planted amongst groundcovers create a stunning scene, achieved with little expense or effort. Review the tried and true varieties and be introduced to new and interesting plants.

Date: Monday, March 18

Time: 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Members: $22 Public: $32 GRS10

Fragrant Gardens

Anna Leggatt

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.

Date: Tuesday, March 19

Time: 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Members: $20 Public: $30 FRG11

Perennials Plus

Charmiene Montgomery

Design your garden for a succession of bloom and interest using perennials and shrubs. Select plants to provide colour, texture and structure in pleasing combinations. Planting and maintenance topics such as soils, pruning, staking, pests and diseases will be discussed.

Date: Monday, March 25

Time: 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Members: $20 Public: $30 PLU12

Winter 2002 Courses

Courses will be cancelled five working days before the start date if registration numbers do not meet minimum requirements. Register early to ensure your class will run.

Page Three

HEALTH AND WELLNESS COURSES

Feng Shui Workshop

Tila Silverio

Feng shui is the art of facilitating energy flow. Tila will discuss ways to wash away negative energy, avoid energy traps and accentuate the positives with feng shui enhancements. A well-designed space will bring the opportunity for a healthier, more prosperous and happier life.

Date: Wednesday, January 23

Time: 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Members: $ 20 Public: $30 FEN13

Herbal Remedies

Colette Murphy

Try an herbal remedy to combat that winter cold. Discover the plants used in Western herbal medicine. Learn to make herbal blends of teas, tinctures and salves. Recipes will be provided, and you will make an herb salve to take home. All materials are provided.

Date: Thursday, January 31

Time: 1to 4 p.m.

Members: $30 Public: $40 REM14

ARTS AND CRAFTS COURSES

Stone Cottage Birdhouse

Linda Lee Purvis

Welcome the neighbourhood birds with a beautiful resort created from pebbles and cement. Loads of fun to make. All materials are included.

Date: Tuesday, January 29

Time: 12:30 to 3:00 p.m.

Members: $30 Public: $40 STN15

Decoupage in 3-D

Ann Clifford

Be inspired by this centuries old craft of paper cutouts. Explore the fascinating forms of decoupage and try you hand at making your own three dimensional design. All materials are provided.

Dates: February 5, 12, 19, and 26 (Tuesdays)

Time: 12:30 to 3:00 p.m.

Members: $ 60 Public: $80 DEC16

The material in this booklet has been prepared well in advance ofthe session to which itpertains.

Although it is the most current and accurate information available at the time ofprinting, The Civic Garden Centre reserves the right to make changes without further notice.

WatercolourPainting

Ita Pechenick

Discover the versatility of watercolour painting from basic 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 and glazing. Bring watercolour paper, pencil and any brushes and watercolour paints you have.

Dates: January 21, 28, February 11, 19, 25, March 4 (Mondays)

Time: 1to 4 p.m.

Members: $120 Public: $150 WCP17

Simple Soaps

Deborah Shewell

Personalize melt and pour glycerine soap bars. Discover the secrets of making milk baths, bath salts and fizzy bath balls. Take home all you create, unplug the phone and dip into your concoctions.

Date: Wednesday, March 6

Time: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Members: $45 Public: $55 SPS18

Winter Courses 2002 Page Four

ARTS AND CRAFTS COURSES

Traditional Soapmaking

Deborah Shewell

Cold process soapmaking is the art of making soap from scratch. Together we will make a batch of vegetable soap, discussing the properties of specific oils, curing times, safety precautions, using essential oils, colouring and rebatching.

Dates: Wednesday, March 20

Time: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Members: $ 65 Public: $ 75 SPM19

Basketry Basics

Donna Pasman

Learn the basics of basket weaving in this one-day workshop and make a shopping basket. We will provide the flat reed and show you step by step how to set up a basket, insert a handle, apply and lash a rim. Please bring a bucket, a dozen clothespins, scissors, awl or small pointed screwdriver, tape measure, pencil, needle-nose pliers and lunch.

Date: Wednesday, March 6

Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Members: $40 Public: $50 BAS20

Pot-et-Fleur

Shirley Binns

This is a decoration of growing plants arranged in a container with cut flowers. It is useful for winter months when flowers are scarce and is handy when a quick centrepiece is needed. All materials are supplied to make your own pot-et-fleur, as well as plenty of ideas on decorating with one.

Date: Thursday, March 21

Time: 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Members: $40 Public: $50 FLR21

Ikenobo lkebana

Shizuko Kadoguchi

Japanese flower arranging is a highly traditional art in nature appreciation. This course gives a sound introduction to beginners while continuing to develop the skills of experienced students. Bring one shallow and one tall container, pin holder, clippers, pencil, notebook and lunch. The instructor collects the additional cost of plant material (approximately $7 per class).

Dates: March 20, 27, April 3 and 10 (Wednesdays)

Time: 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Members: $ 140 Public: $170 IKB22

Where to find us..

Sheppard Ave.

York Mills

Eglinton E, Winter Courses 2002

FACTS ABOUTREGISTRATION

Advance registration is required. Registration for Winter 2002 courses starts Monday, January 7, 2002. Participants may register in person, by mail, phone, or fax. Full payment must accompany each registration. To register by mail, please fill out the form on the back of this booklet and send it to Course Registrations, The Civic Garden Centre, 777 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto, ON M3C 1P2. To register by telephone, call 416-397-1340, or fax to 416-397-1354. Registrations are accepted strictly on a first-come basis.

MEMBERSHIP: Registration fees are always lower for members than for the public. Civic Garden Centre memberships may be purchased at the same time as course registration, in which case the member s discount can be applied immediately.

CONFIRMATION: No confirmation of registration will be sent out. Please make a note of the courses for which you have registered. To confirm registration, please call the Course Office at 416-397-1362.

CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS: All cancellations by registrants are subject to a 20-per-cent administration fee. The CGC reserves the right to cancel any event if the minimum number of registrants is not reached one week prior to the start of the class, in which case course fees will be refunded in full. Registrants will be notified of such cancellations by telephone between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Please supply telephone numbers where you can be reached directly or by recorded message. We will not accept responsibility for inconvenience caused to those we cannot contact.

LIABILITY: The Civic Garden Centre assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to property, or for personal injury or mishap, during courses; all activities are at the risk of the participant.

THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

Borrowing privileges at the CGC

Trellis, The Civic Garden Centre s newsletter, delivered to your home six times a year. horticultural libraries. grams for children.

Free admission to all monthly Edwards Lectures, featuring many renowned horticulturists.

Discounts on all CGC courses for Library, one of Canada's finest adults and Teaching Garden pro-

A 10% discount on purchases over g $10 in the Trellis Shop, specializing in garden books, supplies and gifts.

Advance notice of programs, sales

Discounts on out -of -town bus tours, plant sales and many spe2 cial events hosted by the CGC.

Free access to Master Garand activities hosted by the CGC. c dener s Information Line.

MEET THE INSTRUCTORS

Shirley Binns is an accredited rose judge and a decorative judge. She has competed internationally and has had an arrangement published in the Canadian FlowerArranger.

Ann Clifford has been decoupaging for over 15 years, and has won numerous awards. As a director of the Decoupeurs Guild of Ontario and a member of the National Guild, Ann has taught many workshops.

Lorraine Flanigan is a freelance garden writer, Master-Gardener-in-training and Cultivating the Internet columnist for Plant & Garden magazine. In the winter, her favourite place to garden is in cyberspace.

Marion Jarvie started her own landscape consulting business more than 10 years ago. She has been lecturing in the field for many years throughout North America.

Shizuko Kadoguchi has the highest qualifications in Ikenobo in North America. She has taught for more than 30 years in Canada, the United States, Jamaica and Japan.

Frank Kershaw has degrees in science and urban and regional planning, a diploma in horticulture, and a certificate in landscape architecture. He is a proponent of growing natural landscapes in North America.

Linda Lee Purvis is a floral designer, teacher and artist. Her company, Magnolia s, has provided dried flowers, herbs, supplies and instruction for over 15 years. She recently launched her book Stone Style.

Anna Leggatt is a nature interpreter at the Kortright Centre for Conservation. A former teacher, she has a diploma in horticulture and is very active in numerous horticultural groups.

Charmiene Montgomery is involved in garden design and renovation, maintaining a number of small gardens in Toronto. She is a Master Gardener and member of Garden Writers of America and also a volunteer at The Civic Garden Centre.

Colette Murphy owns Earthly Paradise Gardens & Botanicals. She has been teaching ecological gardening for 5 years and has been making natural cosmetics and salves since 1978. Her hobby became her life s work in 1994.

Donna Pasman started weaving baskets ten years ago at the Haliburton School for Fine Arts. As well as teaching workshops and seminars privately and with The Basketry Network, she participates regularly in exhibitions and sales.

Ita Pechenick has more than 20 years experience in design and fine arts. Her paintings feature florals, landscapes, still lifes and figures. She is an original member of the Group of Ten Atrtists of Toronto.

Deborah Shewell is in the business of soapmaking at Soapscope in Toronto. The company offers supplies, fragrances, kits and workshops to those of all ages.

Tila Silverio is the owner of Nine Corners of Feng Shui. She is a certified feng shui practitioner with the Feng Shui Institute of Canada. She consults for business as well as residential clients.

Are you interested in offering a general interest course for adults? The Civic Garden Centre is accepting proposals for Fall 2002 programs. Course proposals should include a course outline, material requirements, group size, and a summary of your skills, experience and qualifications. Mail your proposals to The Civic Garden Centre, Attention: Course Coordinator.

COURSE REGISTRATION FORM

(Must be accompanied with payment)

Name (please print)

Address

City. Postal Code

Telephone (9 a.m. to 5p.m.)

Are you a CGC member? QNo QYes MemberCard# | want to addyearly membership fee: Q Single ($30) Q Family/Dual ($40)

| would like to registerforthe following CGC courses:

Q Visa 0 MasterCard 1 Cheque (payable to Civic Garden Centre) 1

Card

Expiry date Signature The Civic Garden Centre atEdwards Gardens 777 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario M3C 1P2 Tel: (416) 397-1340 Fax: (416) 397-1354 Email: courses@civicgardencentre.org

Allan Gardens and the Centennial Park Conservatory Christmas Flower Show featuring topiary masterpieces inspired by the National Ballet's production of The Nutcracker.

December 2, 2001 January 7, 2002

Admission is Free

Please bring a high protein non-perishable food item for the Daily Bread Food Bank.

Opening Day Events at Allan Gardens

Sunday, December 2:

* Season s Greetings

2:00-5:00 pm

» Victorian carollers

* Visit by Father Christmas

* Hot cider and cookies

* Horse and buggy rides in the park

» Children s outdoor activities = %

Allan Gardens is open daily: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm

Allan Gardens Conservatory by Candlelight:

The Centennial Park Conservatory is open daily: 10:00 am-5:00 pm

Christmas Day: 10:00 am-12:00 noon

Centennial Park _Conservatory by Candlelight: Recember 17-24, 5:00-7:00 pm

! Centennial Park Conservatory is . located at ISl Elmcrest Road, north of Rathburn Road and west 9:5 Hwy 427.

For more info call 416-394-8543.

Considered one of the most visually stunning Nutcrackers in the world, James Kudelka s version of this ballet classic is a Toronto holiday tradition for the entire family.

Allan Gardens is located at the south side of Carlton Street between Jarvis and Sherbourne Streets.

For more info call 416-392-7288. mn nnmn

Performances run from December 16-30, 200l.

Please visit www.national.ballet.ca for schedules and information.

We Believe in Magic

At thisyear s Mistletoe Magic discoveryour inner child, indulge in somefanciful tree ornaments, invest in amber jewellery or vintage clothing, orjust have a darn good lunch by Carol

dren adults become too laden with holiday responsibilities to have fun. If you feel that way (and don t we all, sometimes?), we have the cure. Come to Mistletoe Magic and for a few hours immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and tastes of long-remembered celebrations. The magic is still there; we just have to look a little harder once we re grown up.

Gardner

S ome say that the holidays are just for chil- will be with us on Sunday. Dr. Shykoff published his first book Once Upon a Time, Long, Long Ago at the age of 77; this year, he ll bring the sequel, Just a Little Later with Eevoy and Sim. During the week, author Mary Pettit will showcase her book, MaryJaneway, the Legacy of a Home Child, a true story based on the life of the author s godmother, a Home Child who became a teacher and radio personality. Natural Heritage Books will be in their usual place just across from the library.

This year a number of new artisans will join us, and we welcome back many long-standing favourites, such as the scrumptious Beetroot Delights. Grace Lallemand has been bringing her wonderful beet offerings to Mistletoe for the past 14 years; her many fans make her booth their first stop so they can load up on her unique products, including beet jelly with Cointreau, ginger beet jelly and sassy beets and horseradish. Grace started her business in 1985 after studying cooking in France, Britain, Italy, Greece, Quebec and Ontario. Come and meet this charming woman and wonderful cook.

There ll be food for the mind as well. Natural Heritage Books joins us for the second year, bringing along its large collection of Canadiana and, in many cases, the authors who wrote the books. On Saturday morning Peter Young, author of Let s Dance a Celebration of Ontario s Dance Halls & Pavilions, will be available for discussions and autographs, and we ll hear some of the swing music he writes about so engagingly. Wayne Townsend, Curator of the Dufferin County Museum and author of Cornflower Creatively Canadian, will be available Saturday afternoon, and last year s favourite, children s author Dr. Henry Shykoff,

We also welcome back Clews Clothing and Porcupine Needles; we have a staff member (name withheld so I'm still allowed access to the library) who treats herself to a Needlewear cuddly nightgown each year; it s become one of her own holiday traditions. Dem Hats will be selling their trés chic hats and scarves, and Berry Ellen will have a new grouping of coats, vests, jackets and skirts, many reversible. We re very excited about a brand new entrepreneur Barbara Richardson. Barbara turns vintage men s evening clothing into funky and elegant women s apparel beaded vests, born-again tuxedo jackets, etc. Talk about clever recycling! To complement the clothes, we ll have jewellery galore Shimmers gem and mineral-studded creations, enamel-painted sterling silver jewellery by artisan Victor Lee, and Baltic amber from Amberlink.

House and garden won' t be left out. There ll be gingerbread houses, chocolate confections, ornaments, stained-glass works, beaded artwork, copper for the garden, hand-painted glassware and garden containers, pottery, ceramics, quilts, and floral designs for every room. Papeterie

offers gorgeous hand-made paper products, and Ecoworks can help you to design eco-friendly gift boxes. There ll be Christmas gift items, children s clothes, handcrafted wooden toys, paper tole pictures and more. The Sewing Place will have custom-made cushions, table linens and draperies, so ifyou re in the market bring those important measurements.

Not to be outdone, our own Trellis Shop will be in feathered mode this season with trees made out of burgundy feathers and feathered ornaments galore. Okay, it sounds a little strange - but wait till you see them! If we can t tempt you with feathers (and we re betting we can), how about ornaments covered in faux mother-of-pearl. As usual, we ll have a wide selection of candles and seasonal plants, including amaryllis, cyclamen and poinsettia. The wonderful wreaths and other decorations put together by our talented volunteers will also be for sale.

Fill your gift list with the handmade clothes, seasonal decorations, toys jewellery and more at Mistletoe Magic, many made by CGC volunteers.

Speaking of volunteers, this show simply couldn t go on without the many, many volunteers who contribute so much to its success: the crafts and driedflower artists who have participated since the beginning; the people on the decorating committee, who work like mad, inventing, installing and taking down their fanciful creations; the volunteers who take tickets, hand out information and keep the place running smoothly. Many of our regular craftspeople tell us it s the volunteers who keep them coming back; apparently we re the only show that has volunteers on hand to booth-sit while vendors grab coffee or a meal.

The staff volunteers a lot of time, too, and many of their jobs go well beyond the call of duty. There was, for example, the year the sheep visit-

ing the show were too far from home to return at night and ended up sleeping in former staff member Kathy Varley s back yard. Their first night in a new spot turned out to be very baaaaa...d (sorry): when their bleating threatened to alert the neighbours, their owner ended up bunking outside with them the only thing that would calm them down. The sheep won t be a part of the show this year, but the handmade sweaters will.

Whether you come to shop, schmooze or just enjoy the atmosphere, bring a friend and, as they say in some circles, discover your inner child. Or swathe your house in feathers and yourself in beadwork, and remember that being an adult can be fun, too. ®

MISTLETOE MAGIC runs from Thursday, November 8 to Sunday, November 11. Hours: Thursday and Friday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Weekend hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ~ ADMISSION $5. Coffee and lunch available atA La Carte sbistro area in Floral Hall.

AHarvest for Your Table

Simple andsophisticatedarrangementsfor thefallseason

byJoy Reddy

hile we re all no doubt relieved that Wthe past summer s stifling heat has come to an end, so have leisurely dinners in the garden. Setting the table for entertaining indoors is once again on our minds, but it needn t be a chore. Nature s fall harvest is rich with items that will enhance your table as well as your menu and make informal yet elegant table centrepieces. Here are some ideas using Mother Nature s bounty.

VEGETABLES

Vegetables as table decor? And why not? Here s an idea that follows the design trends oftoday. It s easy to put together, too, and requires little more than a visit to the market and a glass vase. The ideal vase will be tall and should flare out from about nine centimetres (3.5 inches) at the bottom to about 17 centimetres (6.5 inches) at the top. A straight-sided vase wide enough to arrange the vegetables in will also work.

At the market, look for mini squashes they grow in many shapes and sizes, dark and light green, round and narrow, including a thin, fingersized yellow variety that sometimes shows up in dark green. (You ll want some of these, if they re available; if not, choose small green zucchini.) Often mini squash are sold in a mixture of sizes and colours; if they re not, buy about a quart (a litre) of each kind to get a range of shapes and colours. Choose as well three dark green, wellformed stalks of broccoli and three cone-shaped peppers, two orange and one red.

Back at home, wash and dry the vegetables. In the bottom of the vase arrange the first layer: three squashes, one each of dark, medium and light green. For the second layer, arrange the finger-shaped yellow squash alternately with the

green ones or the green zucchini, standing the vegetables up against the glass wall of the vase. Fill the centre with mini squashes. Trim the ends of the broccoli stalks so they re even and stand them on top of the squashes to one side of the vase, with the florets resting on the rim. Place the two orange peppers, stems down, in the middle and the red one next to them so that it rests on the edge ofthe rim. Ifthe pepper insists on falling off, make a cut in the side and wedge it over the rim. Place the vase ona large plate and group the leftover squash around the vase. You now have an centrepiece for tonight s dinner party and vegetables for tomorrow s dinner.

GRAINS

Golden sheaves of wheat what could be more representative of a Canadian fall, and what could make a simpler bouquet?

Decide on the height, remembering that your guests would like to see each other across the table. Gather the wheat or buy it at a market or florist shop and cut it to the desired length with kitchen scissors or garden shears. Tie the bunch tightly with twine. Clean off uneven or wayward sprigs on the base of the stalks. Hold the bunch with both hands above and below the twine, then twist your hands in an opposite motion so that the stalks splay out to give the bunch a wide base to stand on. Tie a five-centimetre (two-inch) wide ribbon over the twine, making a decorative bow. If the bunch is unstable, insert it into a low glass vase so the stalks are still visible.

FRUIT

Fruit can also be used in a pleasing arrangement. Buy a medium-sized melon, a pot of ivy (or pick some from your garden), and about a pound (450 grams) of grapes. Wash the melon and the grapes, and cut a small piece off the bottom of the melon so it sits flat in a low bowl or on a plate. Take another, larger slice off the top of the melon. Scoop out the flesh and refrigerate it.

Cut the grapes into different-sized bunches and arrange them in the melon, allowing them to drape over the sides and nearly fill the opening. Cut the ivy into different lengths and tuck the pieces around and through the grape bunches so they trail gracefully; let some fall onto the plate around the base of the melon. At the end of the meal, invite your guests to nibble on the grapes you can have the melon for breakfast. For Halloween, use a small pumpkin instead of a melon and decorate it with bunches of common mountain ash (Sorbus) or Hypericum berries, instead of the grapes. It won t be edible, but it will be pretty.

Flowers

Flowers are traditional table decorations, and the strong, bright colours of dahlias brighten up any meal. For a low centrepiece, choose a moderately shallow, glazed pottery bowl about nine centimetres (3.5 inches) at the base and 23 centimetres (nine inches) at the rim. Pick or

buy four large, orange dahlias. Then choose a smaller, round petalled variety. You ll need five medium-sized white bLossoms, one orange and three smaller pale-yellow ones. Dissolve some

Floralite or another medium to keep flowers fresh in the water in your bowl. Cut the stems short and nestle the flowers against one another. Place the four large dahlias along one side of the rim and arrange the white ones beside them in a semi-circle, finishing with the smaller orange round one. Place the three pale-yellow dahlias in the remaining space. Put a few leaves among the large orange dahlias. This arrangement works well on either the dinner table or a coffee table. @

JoyReddy is one ofthe CGC volunteers responsible for the decorations that enhance the CGC' s entrance and all its special events.

W K. cMatter

LEARNING THE LiNgO

Doyou take saccharum inyour coffea?

by Charmiene Montgomery

any vegetables and herbs we eat every M day have botanical names that describe their taste or habit of growth. But some foods that have been around for centuries simply carry the original Latin or Greek name, in the manner of a rose is a rose is a rose. Of course, being the stubborn independents we are, we sometimes have given them common names that are something else entirely.

I have a hard time getting started in the morning without caffeine, which has a fairly straightforward history. Both the common name for coffee and its botanical name, Coffea, come from kahwah, the Arabic for the beverage. Some prefer tea in the morning: again, both the common and the botanical name, Thea, have a simple history. The words originate with the Dutch rendering of the original Chinese word for tea, which is tfe. Sugar, an indispensable food which often accompanies both coffee and tea, is Saccharum in Latin, from sakcharon in Greek. This one is easy to remember, since the English word saccharine, a synonym for sweet, comes from the same source.

Malus, the Latin for apple, comes from the Greek for melon. Two smaller fruits, the currant and the gooseberry, share the botanical name Ribes, which has its roots in the Arabic ribas, or acid-tasting and anyone who has eaten a raw gooseberry will attest to the appropriateness of that reference! A much tastier tropical fruit is the banana, called Musa in the Latin. This word is a derivative of the Arabic word for banana, mous or moz. However, Linnaeus may actually have named the banana after Antonius Musa, physician to the first Roman emperor. I'm sure no one asked Antonius if he d like being called Dr. Banana!

Do you like salads made with Capsicum, Lycopersicon, Raphanus and Spinacia?

Capsicum is the botanical name for both hot and sweet peppers, and it in turn comes from the Greek kapto, to bite. It may seem strange that the botanical name for the tomato, one of our favourite foods, originates with the Greek words for wolf (lykos) and peach (persicon) and was originally used for a plant from Egypt. It appears the name came to be applied to the tomato because of inferior taste, at least as compared to the peach. (And that, too, is a matter of opinion.) As we enjoy our pasta sauce or salsa, we should remember that when first introduced to Europe the tomato, also commonly called the love apple, was considered poisonous. The radish, Raphanus in botanical Latin, is another vegetable grown in ancient times. The name is rooted in the Greek raphanis. Herodotus reports to us that radishes, garlic and onions were used to pay the workers who slaved away on the pyramids. No wonder they re still so valuable in our cooking and salads today. Finally, if you prefer spinach in your salads, or Spinacia in its Latin form, you should know its name comes from spina, the Latin for spine, a reference to the spiny appearance of the seeds.

Of course, you need to flavour your salad dressing, perhaps with Ocimum basilicus or Rosmarinus officinalis. The Latin for basil, that necessity of pesto sauce, comes from the Greek okimon, which simply means aromatic herb. The Latin name of rosemary, which goes even better with lamb than it does in salad dressing, combines the Latin for dew (ros)and for things maritime (marinus), because it was found growing on sea cliffs. Sesamum was the

name used by Hippocrates for sesame, but this herb and its oil have been used for centuries. In fact, sesame seeds were found in the tomb of King Tutankhamon.

Next, we ll look at some foods that are really basic. The English rice derives from the Latin and Greek oryza, which arose in turn from the Arabic eru. The botanical name for wheat, Triticum, the most important cereal crop after rice, is the ancient Latin name for the grain. Zea was Greek for a food grass and probably referred to spelt, but today it s the Latin name for corn. Originally it was given to a plant thought to be maize; this connection is now considered unlikely, but the name remains. The soybean, a legume that s a staple in vegetarian diets, carries the botanical name Glycine, from the Greek glykys, or sweet, a reference to the sweet roots and leaves of some species. People who aren t fond of tofu may find this strange.

Finally, let s look at a few common plants that aren t food related, although we see them

Fhebons BB

TorontoChapter208

The Way of Flowers 20" Annual Flower Show

Saturday November 17, 2001

Sunday November 18, 2001

On Saturday witness members creating individualarrangements. On Sunday this continues with group installations.

Civic Garden Centre, Edwards Gardens 777 Lawrence Avenue East at Leslie

Admission $7.00

Tickets good for re-entry on both days

Ticket information Annie Wong 905 883 6937

every day. Do you find it aggravating to find Trifolium and Taraxacum in your Poa? Poa is the Latin name for the genus, or family, to which many of the lawn grasses we grow belong and is derived through the Arabic. Clover, or Trifolium, from the Latin for threeleaved, may be considered a pest, but it s really a good guy: like others in the legume family, it brings nitrogen into the soil. Dandelions, however, may not be so welcome. Taraxacum, its botanical name, is devied through Arabic and Latin from the Persian talkh chakok, meaning bitter herb, which perfectly describes the taste of the plant s milky sap. Its common name is a mispronunclation of the French dent de lion, a reference to the sawtoothed leaves. ®

This is the last in the Learning the Lingo series. Trellis thanks Charmiene Montgomery, a Master Gardener and garden designer, for her wittyand informed treatises on the intricacies ofbotanical names.

LOSING jals & bulbs) 16, 200

byAnna Leggatt

Amaryllis

AMARYLLIS (Hippeastrum), also called naked lady because it flowers before the leaves emerge, is the perfect plant to brighten a long Canadian winter. It also makes a splendid gift.

I hadn t seen an amaryllis until I came to Canada 37 years ago. Then in a plant catalogue I found the Royal Dutch amaryllis with large bulbs and huge, exotic, funnel-shaped flowers supported in clusters of four or five by a stout stem up to 60 centimetres (24 inches) tall.

The bulb was bought dry and was sold with a pot and a packet of peat-based potting soil. I planted it, watered it once and left it in a warm place till the buds started to lengthen. Then it was watered regularly and placed near a sunny window. Each day, my children would look at the emerging buds and measure how much they had grown. They said they could see the stalk growing longer if they watched carefully.

Soon the flowers opened: bright, dark red Red Lion , pink and white Apple Blossom (which sometimes had an entrancing scent) or Orange Sovereign . We had to remember to keep turning the pot so the stem grew straight. Staking helped, but often the top became too heavy and toppled over.

Then I found pictures of one of the species amaryllis in a Park s catalogue. The species are shorter plants with smaller and more graceful, subtly coloured flowers. I bought seed of a lovely greenish-yellow species, but it didn t germinate. Shortly after, the smaller species bulbs began to appear in garden centres. Pamela , for example, delicate in size with glowing dark red flowers. My first bulb had three stems bearing, in total, 17 flowers. I left another bulb, unplanted, on the sideboard and it flowered without soil or water. Now many amaryllis species are available: H. papilio Lima has narrow greenish petals with dull crimson red centres. H. gracilis Lemon Lime is named for its

greenish yellow colour. Then picotee varieties (the flower petals have a darker edge) appeared. Picotee Petticoat has large white flowers narrowly edged with red and green throats.

The next advance was double flowers with multiple petals instead of just six. Aphrodite has lovely pink and white blooms with a hint of green in the centre. Nymph has flowers with a rose form and reddish shadings.

Last year I was given a new type, the Hadeco amaryllis. These are the result of years of hybridizing in South Africa. They re much shorter than the original cultivars, with stout stems about 30 centimetres (12 inches) tall. Flowers and foliage emerge at the same time, making a more attractive plant. Hadeco amaryllis are dependable, fast growing and, more important, one can regulate their flowering time. Keep bulbs dry and cool until 30 to 35 days before you wish them to flower; then pot them, water well and keep in a room where the temperature remains above 22°C (70°F) depending on the cultivar. Rosetta convinced me Hadecos were the easiest and best of all the amaryllis varieties I'd tried. It took 33 days to produce double, rosy pink flowers with three stems in flower at the same time. Sturdy and short, the plant was in no danger oftipping over.

Whatever amaryllis type you buy, pick the biggest bulbs available they bear more flowers than small bulbs. Bulbs should feel heavy. If the bulbs have started to sprout, the buds should be glossy and stiff. Use a pot just big enough to leave at least a 2.5-centimetre (one-inch) gap between the bulb and the edge of the pot. Plant in a peaty loam with plenty of compost, if you have it. With tall cultivars, add sand to help prevent tipping. Plant with one-third of the bulb above soil level, and keep pots near a sunny window so they have plenty of light but don t get too hot.

When the flowers die, break off the heads, leaving the stalk to wither. Then remove it. Before the bloom dies, the leaves start to appear. This is the time to start fertilizing the plant every two weeks with an all-purpose fertilizer such as 20-20-20. Keep feeding the plant as long as new leaves are appearing. Take plants outside when all danger of frost has passed, place in the shade and gradually bring into the sun. Plants should receive at least four hours of sun per day. Leave the bulbs in their pots or plant them in the garden for the summer (they re hardy to Zone 8). They re unlikely to bloom again till next winter.

Bring the bulbs indoors in their pots when the nights start to get cold, and leave them in the pots. Many authorities advise letting the bulbs dry out. I stop fertilizing them at this time, but I do continue to water till the leaves turn yellow, then I put the bulbs in the basement. Repot in the fall. Remove the dead leaves and carefully shorten the neck of the bulb to keep the stems short. When buds appear, put the pots in a lighter, warmer place and start watering.

Amaryllis are generally free of pests and diseases. Bruising on the stem or leaves may produce a red mottling, called leaf scorch, that s similar to a fungus disease, which could cause bulb rot as the pathogen spreads through the tissues. The larvae of the narcissus fly will eat the centre of the bulb, and fungus gnats may infest the soil. The best remedy for any pest or disease is good sanitation. Remove and dispose of diseased parts.

Most of the amaryllis available here originate in South America. Seed is occasionally available from Thompson and Morgan, the International Bulb Society or Flores & Watson. Sow it in damp vermiculite as soon as you get it. Keep warm, at 25°C (77°F), and cover the pot with plastic. It s also possible to propagate by cutting the bulb vertically into sections. Some (particularly the species) will form offshoots, which you can separate and replant. But they look great if you leave the bulb sections intact to grow as a group. ¥

Distinctive Garden Accents

Edwards Memorial Lecture |

SpEaKER: RICK DARKE

WHERE: Floral Hall

WHEN: Wednesday, NOVEMBER 14, 7:30 p.m.

Toric: Ornamental Grasses

RICKDARKE,a distinguished American horticulturalist, landscape design consultant, author and photographer, is an internationally recognized expert on ornamental grasses. His newest book (available at the Trellis Shop), The Color Encyclopedia of Ornamental Grasses, is considered the most authoritative reference published

on the subject. This lecture will appeal to home gardeners, nursery professionals, landscape architects and garden designers. In Rick s words: For every niche of our lives there is a grass that harmonizes and further beautifies the space. Support from the Edwards Foundation enables the CGC to offer an annual special lecture at no charge.

Speaker: FREDERICK CASE

Where: FLORAL HALL

When: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 7:30 P.M.

Topic: NORTH AMERICAN WILDFLOWERS

WILDFLOWER HABITATS are as diverse as the flowers themselves. Botanist Frederick Case has trekked through swamps and woodlands in order to photograph these plants in the wild. A frequent speaker, he s won numerous awards for botanical research and his contribution to horticultural education. He is also co-author of several books, including 7rilllums and Wildflowers ofthe Western GreatLakesRegion. Admission $5

Speaker: LOIS CORBETT

Where: FLORAL HALL

When: NOVEMBER 22, 7:30 P.M

Topic: WATER QUALITY

LOIS CORBETT, FORMER executive director of the Toronto Environmental Alliance, will speak on gardening practices on surface and groundwater. Admission $5

Speaker: RAY EVISON

Where: FLORAL HALL

When: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 7:30 P.M

Topic: THE WORLD OF CLEMATIS

RAY EVISON S KNOWLEDGE of clematis is unequalled. For over 35 years he s worked with the genus Clematis, building a collection of more than 500 species and cultivars. He s owner of Guernsey Clematis Nursery in England, one of the largest clematis production nurseries in the world, and is a popular lecturer who shares his wealth of practical experience and expertise with audiences around the globe. A nurseryman, breeder, horticultural exhibitor, judge, author and photographer, Evison has received numerous awards, including gold medals from the Royal Horticultural Society. Learn everything there is to know about clematis from this remarkable expert. Admission SS

TheCmcGardenCentres Speczal Lectures are co-hosted by Weall & Cullen nurseries.

Q My jade plant has brown-yellow pinhead bumps. Is this scale?

A Jade plant, or Crassula ovata (syn. C. argentea), is subject to infestations of scale. Try scraping the insects off with a fingernail or rub them off with an alcoholdipped swab. For heavy infestations mix a solution of one cup isopropyl alcohol and 1/2 teaspoon of insecticidal soap in a quart of water. Spray every three days for two weeks. An alternative recipe: 10 chopped tomato leaves and one cup chopped onion in 1/2 cup alcohol. Apply with a swab, leave it on for a few minutes, then gently wipe it off.

Jade plants may be infested with scale.

Q How long do birch trees usually live? I have a mature tree on my property but need space for an addition to the house.

A Paper birch trees live up to 120 years, but growth ceases at between 60 and 70 years. In city condi-

Web Site REVIEWS

tions, however, birches don t thrive and don t last much longer than 15 to 25 years. Often they re attacked by £ birch borers and leaf miners, and die back from the top. If they re planted in lawns they have to compete with the grass for nutrition. . Birch dieback at the top is caused by borers.

Q What is naked flower ? Is it a particular plant?

A No, it s a botanical term for a flower having no floral envelope, or perianth. The perianth is a collective name for the corolla and the calyx as a unit (all the sepals and petals), and it s often used when one part can t be distinguished from another.

4\} The flower at left has %t petals and sepals, but the willow and hazel are wind-pollinated so have naked flowers .

Let your fingers do the shopping

THE INTERNET IS a great source of assistance for those of us who like to give books to gardening friends during the festive season. By using www.google.ca and keying in four search keywords review Canadian gardening books I came up with an amazing 1,930 Canadian Web pages of sources. Here are a few of the more likely sites you may find useful: fireflybooks.com

This site has a list of titles on which you can click for further details. For each title there s a description of the contents, information about the author, a short review, a table of contents, a picture of the cover and sample pages. Other details included the price, number of pages, colour photographs, maps and the book s

size. Of all the sites | visited, this one had the most comprehensive information. amazon.com

What' s interesting about this site is that it includes both editorial and reader reviews, the latter noted for their frankness. In additon, the site provides the book s price and number of pages, ISBN, publication date and so forth.

gardeneureka.com

A paragraph describes the contents of the book. Its price, a picture of the cover, number of pages and colour photographs, and size were other details included.

Don t forget that the Trellis Shop will be happy to place a special order for any books currently in print but not in stock.

Reviews byJ.M. McCluskey

by Mara Arndt

Book and periodicals an on-line success

CGC MEMBERS AND non-members by the dozens have been clicking their way onto our new book and periodical databases in search of information for their gardens.

Our periodical database is rare among horticultural libraries. We've listed more than 7,000 articles covering about 2,000 subjects, some as specific as named varieties of particular plants. We index selected American, British, and Canadian periodicals from mid1995 to now and it s all done with a lot of volunteer power.

The library is recruiting volunteers to assist with ongoing automation. Please call Mary at 416-397-4145.

Book REVIEWS

One Small Garden

By Barbara Nichol, illustrated by Barry Moser Toronto, Tundra Books, 2001; 56 pages; $22.95

THIS IS A DELIGHTFUL book for both the young and the not so young. Barbara Nichol presents the reader with a unique view of a small, hidden garden. Through a series of very short stories, we re taken through the life of the garden, with its animal inhabitants large and small, and come to realize again something we all know that there s more to a garden than plants.The stories are divided into chapters, each based on a theme, such as the garden at night or how plants reproduce. The language is easy for children to understand, but still enjoyable for adults. Barry Moser s illustrations are a perfect accent to the stories. This book is ideal for families who wish to discover the magic and diversity of gardening Barbara Nichol proves that you never know what you ll find when you visit a garden.

irtin g Link

Reviewed byAlison Harris

UPPER LINK

Alana Biasi

November 27 to December 10

Inspirations from the Fifth Season

Watercolours inspired by all seasons

LOWER LINK

Yvonne Cheesely

November 13 to 26

Captivating Creations

Three-dimensional creations in ornate frames

StudioArtists ofThornhill

November 27 to December 10

Mixed watercolours and oils

For Information on Art in the Link, call Cathie Cox at 416-397-1358.

In Harmonywith Nature: Lessonsfrom theArts & Crafts Garden

Text and photography by Rick Darke New York, NY, Michael Friedman, 2001; 160 pages; $29.95

RICK DARKE, an internationally prominent horticulturist, author and photographer, has done extensive studies, lectures and writings on Arts and Crafts gardens in Britain and North America. In Harmony with Nature features the gardens and explains the philosophy behind their design within the context of the Arts and Crafts movement. He also demonstrates its relevance today, enabling gardeners to incorporate the movement s hallmarks of simplicity and reverence for nature into their own spaces. Specific suggestions for achieving this, such as adding arbours that link house and garden or planting native species for local authenticity, are part of the book. Darke s inspiring words and stunning photographs show us how to realize our own versions ofan Arts and Crafts garden.

ReviewedbyMadge Bruce

=h"> l What s on atthe Civic Garden Centre |

NOVEMBER

4

Southern Ontario Orchid Society Meeting: 1 to 4 p.m.

Information: www.soo0s.ca

York Rose & Garden Society Meeting: 2 to 5 p.m.

Information: 416-282-4434

5

Special Lecture

Speaker: Frederick Case

Topic: North American Wildflowers

Floral Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Admission $5

Co-sponsored byWeall & Cullen

8-11

Mistletoe Magic

Craft and gift show and sale

Thursday& Friday: 10 a.m.to 7p.m.

Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m.to 5 p.m.

Admission $5

Information: 416-397-1340

12

Mycological Society of Toronto Meeting: 7 p.m.

Information: 416-444-9053

Toronto Bonsai Society Meeting: 7 p.m.

Information: 416-755-0880

13

North Toronto Horticultural Society

Annual awards night and potluck meeting

Speaker: Bruce Scott

Topic: Casa Loma Gardens Past and Present 6 p.m.

Information: 416-484-0677

14

Edwards Memorial Lecture

Speaker: Rick Darke

Topic: Ornamental Grasses

Floral Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Admission free

17,18

Ikebana International

Annual show: noon to 5 p.m.

Information: 416-223-7798

18

Canadian Rose Society Meeting: 2 p.m.

Information: 416-757-8809

Geranium, Pelargonium & Fuchsia Society

Annual meeting: 2 to 4 p.m.

19

Mycological Society ofToronto Meeting: 7 p.m.

Information: 416-444-9053

20

Toronto Cactus and Succulent Club Meeting: 7:30 t010:30 p.m.

Information: 905-877-6013; www.webhome@idirect.com~naylor/tcsc.htm

22

Special Lecture

Speaker: Lois Corbett

Topic: Water Quality

Floral Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Admission $5

Co-sponsored by Weall & Cullen

25

Ontario Rock Garden Society Meeting: noon to 1:30 p.m.

Speaker: 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Information: 416-755-2325

Rhododendron Society of Canada Meeting: 2 to 4 p.m. Free.

Information: 416-226-1270; e-mail: matthew.h@home.com

DECEMBEHR

2

Southern Ontario Orchid Society Meeting: 1 to 4 p.m. Information: www.soos.ca

6

Milne House Garden Club

Christmas with Milne House Table arrangement workshops: 1:30 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

Information & reservations: 416-449-3664

CGC Open House

Seasonal decorations. Workshops: 1 p.m. & 4 p.m.

6-9

CGC Poinsettia Sale

7

Chrysanthemum & Dahlia Society

Christmas party: 6:30 p.m.

Information: 416-286-5798

9

Ontario Rock Garden Society Meeting: noon to 1:30 p.m.

Speaker: 1:30 to 5 p.m.

Information: 416-755-2325

10

Toronto Bonsai Society Meeting: 7 p.m. Information: 416-755-0880

12

Ikebana International

Seasonal arrangements demonstration: 7 p.m.

13

Special Lecture

Speaker: Ray Evison

Topic: The World of Clematis

Floral Hall, 7:30 p.m. Admission $5

Co-sponsored by Weall & Cullen

IN & AROUND THE GTA

NOVEMBER 2-11

ROYAL AGRICULTURALWINTER FAIR THE GARDENS AT HERITAGE COURT

National Trade Centre, Exhibition Place

Information: tel: 416-263-3400; www.royalfair.org

Tickets: 416-872-1212 or 1-800-461-3333 or www.ticketking.com

DECEMBER 2, TO EARLYJANUARY ALLAN GARDENS

Victorian Christmas FlowerShow

Handmade wreaths, garlands and topiary trees complement masses of traditional Christmas flowers and plants.The conservatory is candlelit in late afternoon. Sherbourne and Carlton Streets. Open daily. Information: 416-392-7288.

Schedules can change after press time; be sure to check ahead.

, oy Lectures Comlngin

January 10

The world s leading authority on conifers, ADRIAN BLOOM, will speak about Conifers

Don t miss this first lecture of the new year onJanuary 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Floral Hall. in the Garden and tell us how to use them with other plants for year-round colour.

January 2002Y

lanuary30

BRIAN HOLLEY, formerly with the Royal Botanical Garden in Burlington and now with the Cleveland Botanical Garden, visits the CGC to speak about Forging a Powerful New Presence: The Last Eight Years at the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Watch for details ~ in theJanuary/Februaryissue ofTrellis.

CLASSIFIED ADS

BOOKS & MAGAZINESWANTED

Bermuda Gardens, March 2002. Is your home cluttered with old gar-

. . dening books and magazines? The Based in a delightful hostel we study birds, tropical botany and Chvic Gandal Contit will ghidly accisi seashore life. Our fourth tour to this magical island. For free | these items for a future fundraiser. Newsletter and itineraries, call George Bryant at Travel helpers | Please bring yourdonations to the (416) 443-0583 or 1-877-245-2424. hyary e P N e e

Great Gardens of England and More - Exclusive v PLANT

SALE

: : « » e are moving our exquisite sm.all grou? (ma.xn.num ?) sma.ll.roads. tours of gardens and pla.ces gatileni Ofoik Mills; Bayview 3rea) of interest in Britain. Variety of itineraries for 2002, plus customized is being dismantled! Many lovely tours. Combine with your visit to Chelsea or Hampton Court BTEe Py IR T Ry Tl 1T e 2 Flower Shows, WAFA or Floriade. Information from Judy Prentice [R{I@FICRSETGNTERT T IT@(1)8 905-947-4595. Email: judyp@acncanada.net Please call 416-226-3281 for appointment with owner/gardener.