The Civic Garden Centre (CGC), foumieé 1958, is a volunteer-based, not-for-pm tgxgg-nization whose mission is to act as acentral resource forgardening,horticultureand allied
environmental issues byencouraginginteres promoting involvement, and gathering, di bers ofthe community.
seminating and interpreting information in order to enhance the quality of life farmem
WhatWe Oer
LocatedatEdwardsGamms,The Centre offers many programs and service children. Our horticultural library has|
8,000books, 70 periodicals, and a large collection of clippings, pamphlets, nursery and seed catalogues, as well as a great selection of children s gardening books. Horticultural Information Services offers free gardeninginformation year round, and the Trellis Shop has - many unique gifts, books and gardeningsupplies for sale. The Teaching Garden has been created as a working garden to foster interest ami educate people in the love and values of gardeningandthe naturalworld, As acommu-
including year-round activities for familiesan
3¢Directory & Hours of Operation
Administrative Offices
Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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 2 to March 31
Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 12 noon to 4 p.m.
Telephone: 416-397-1340; Fax: 416-397-1354
E-mail: civicgardencentre@infogarden.ca
Master Gardeners Info Line: 416-397-1345
Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 12 noon to 3 p.m. or Infogarden.ca/mastergardenerboard.htm
Community Services: 416-397-1351 cgc@infogarden.ca
s&aewspace,with access to Edwards Gar em, mepfTortsntos favourite garden spots.
3% Patrons
Brian Bixley, Awdrey Clarke, Mark Cullen, Camilla Dalglish, Sondra Gotlieb, Marjorie Harris, Lorraine Johnson, Michele Landsberg, Susan Macauley, Helen Skinner
3¢ Board of Directors
PRESIDENT: Janet Greyson
Kim Dalglish Abell, Alice Adelkind, ArthurBeauregard, SandraBeech, MarisaBergagnini, Dugald Cameron, Lindsay Dale-Harris, Kathy Dembroski, Leslie Denier, Tony di Giovanni, Heather Dickson, Suzanne Drinkwater, MaryLou Eaton, MaryFisher,Judy Floyd, Carol Gardener, Lorraine Hunter, Cecil Lamrock, Sonia Leslie, PatrickLi, Grace Patterson, Indiana Pirau,Jean Read,Jennifer Reynolds,JanetRowley, Dawn Scott, Tim Tanz
3 Staff Members
Executive Director Douglas Markoff Manager, Community Services Jenny Rhodenizer Manager, Horticultural Services Cathie Cox
Volunteer Co-ordinator Christine Martin
Accounting
Joe Sabatino
Administration Shirley Lyons
Capital Campaign Director Janice Turner King
Course Co-ordinator
Rosetta Leung
Development Co-ordinator Niti Bhotoia
Horticultural Assistant
Nicole North Librarian
Maintenance Supervisor
Rental Co-ordinator
Teaching Garden Co-ordinator
Mara Arndt
Walter Morassutti
Angela Carruthers
Shannon Collins
NU[HS from the Board
= by Janet Greyson e PRESIDENT
Enhancing our members quality of life
Frederick Law Olmsted, the great American now. Some of the circumstances have changed; little girls don t wear dresses nearly so much and needlepoint has more often been replaced by the laptop, but our need for open spaces and quiet contemplation remains.
landscape architect, is renowned for his public commissions that include New York s Central Park and Parc du Mont-Royal in Montreal. But his ideas about what landscape architecture could contribute to American life were best defined in his private commissions.
An important goal in the suburban communties of the 19th century that he designed
What does any of this have to do with The Civic Garden Centre? If we look at our mission statement, I think that it mirrors many of Olmsted s thoughts. We don t claim to cure your nervous condition but we do state was the fostering ofwhat he called domesticity. The community pro- ...ourneed_fOl' that our goal is to enhance the vided the public setting for the open spaces and quality of life for members of the daily activities of individuals and |quiet contemplation |community and we do this families, but it was the home- remains. through the programmes and serstead that he was most concerned about. He believed that all homes should have a variety of attractive open-air apartments that would enable residents to move many of their domestic activities outdoors.
He liked small outdoor spaces that related to the activities of the house such as the kitchen, but he also thought that the family needed other spaces as well. There should be turf on which young children can walk, and fall without injury, on which young girls can romp without soiling their dresses, he wrote. There should be a dry walk for damp weather, a sheltered walk for windyweather, and a sheltered sitting place for conversation, needle work, reading, teaching and meditation. Without such outdoor spaces, he warned, the inhabitants of even wellbuilt houses would be almost certain, before many years, to be much troubled with languor, dullness of perceptions, nervous debility or distinct nervous diseases. A house without such outdoor apartments could not ease the nervous tension and strain ofurban life.
It is remarkable that Olmsted expressed this belief in the mid-1800s a time that by today s standards we would regard as less hectic than the present. Yet his words have meaning
vices that we offer.
The Teaching Garden, for example, gives many children the opportunity to learn about gardening and how it relates to the environment. We like to think that this kind of exposure will introduce children to the importance of nature in their lives, thereby enhancing their experience. Our courses and library lead the way in helping people with their gardening problems by providing information and instruction in the hope that this knowledge will add to their enjoyment ofhome life.
These are but a few of the many CGC activities that enrich our lives and our community. I think that Frederick Law Olmsted would heartily approve ofwhatwe do atThe Civic Garden Centre.
Elected President of The Civic Garden Centre Board ofDirectors at the AGM in April, Janet Greyson has been on the Boardforfouryears. She was Chair ofthe Fundraising Committee, a member of the Communications Committee and is currently a member of the Capital Campaign Committee. Janet and her husband, Dr. David Greyson enjoy gardening both in Toronto and at their country residence near Thornbury. Janet enjoys being at the CGC and loves working with other volunteers.
MARKS GARDEN KEEPS GROWING
A newly expanded collection ofplants now includes some newer varieties in combination with those that have become some of Mark s personalfavourites - chosen for their multi-seasonal interest in the garden, by providing added colour, texture and form a perfect addition to a an ever growing line ofplants in Mark s Garden.
by Douglas Markoff e EXecutive DIRECTOR I
Achieving our objectives at Canada Blooms
It is 9 p.m. on Sunday evening, March 17, and
Canada Blooms officially ended a few hours ago. The wind outside the g Metro South Convention Centre is howling, so much so that it is a challenge stacking empty cardboard packing boxes on a flatbed cart and then wheeling it into the building. I take a mental note this would make an insightful article for an issue of Trellis not my box-balancing act but describing the commitment of the dozens of volunteers and staff who made up not only this final shift but each of the 120 preceding shifts at Canada Blooms.
With all of the boxes finally inside, the volunteers continue packing up merchandise. At 9:30, I start to manoeuvre our 24-foot rental truck onto the oversized loading elevator. I shift the big diesel into reverse and, while the backup beeper warns of the truck s approach, I say to the elevator operator: Tell me when I hit the back door. We both chuckle, knowing that it has been a long day for everyone and a sense of humour is the only thing separating us from the feral cats scampering around outside.
The elevator arrives at the 600 level where The Civic Garden Centre Trellis Shop sold a terrific assortment of gardening gifts and plants during the show. Cathie Cox and Nicole North had obviously supplied the correct mix of products and set the right prices, because there are substantially fewer boxes to load onto the truck than we had unloaded just days before.
This level done, the truck, volunteers and staff move down to the 700 level. As the official bookseller for Canadian Gardening s Speakers Series, this is where the CGC sold books on landscape design, perennials, herbs, single genera,
botanical gardens ofthe world, native plants, children s nature books, crafts, roses and many other gardening subjects. This is also where we accepted CGC memberships and where the Toronto Master Gardeners answered the public s gardening questions.
With a sigh of relief, we see that, once again on this level, there is much less product to load onto the truck than we had originally brought and restocked during the show. Even so, we face a ton of tables, chairs, a metal arbour, carpets, shelving, signs, lighting, cash registers and myriad miscellaneous items.
Then, at 10:30 p.m. when we are almost finished, Canadian Tire, with whom we partnered, tells us that they want to donate to us some of the products that had been used on the feature gardens level. These were items that Shannon Collins and a small army of volunteers had used for the delightful children s seed planting activity in which almost 4,000 children participated. (Actually, some adults also insisted on planting up beans and nasturtiums gardening does bring out the kid in us.) Although it means staying to help move these items from the garden to the we delivered children s activities, generated revenue and hadsomefun too.
shipping dock, and leaving the truck elevators where we were to move to another entrance on the opposite side of the Convention Centre, the volunteers, undaunted, unanimously agree to stay and load the donations.
Rumbling out from that area, we proceed down the south truck ramp a spiral roadway that leads down and still farther downward, conjuring
The CGCTrellis Shop was a busy spot at Canada Blooms
up visions ofJules Verne s AJourney to the Centre ofthe Earth. The trip is worth it though, and we load (or jam) clay pots, a half-ton of bagged soil, planting tables and plants into the truck. By 11 p.m. we are finally on our way home. Returning to the CGC the next morning, | meet still more volunteers who help to unload the truck.
At this year s Canada Blooms, The Civic Garden Centre achieved its objectives on all three levels of the show where we participated. Our investment in one of the top horticultural shows in North America paid off by raising awareness for CGC programs and services we delivered children s activities, generated revenue and had some fun too.
During the five days that Canada Blooms was open to the public, the many days ofsetting up and decorating, the tear-down and the countless hours of preparation and planning, volunteers, board
members and staff worked as a team to support each other s efforts. These are the reasons behind our continued success: teamwork, careful planning, a professional attitude, commitment and good business sense as well as clearly defined objectives.
Thank you all for your support and remember, this isyour Civic Garden Centre.
Special Thanks toCanada Blooms Contributors
On behalf of the volunteers and staff ofThe Civic Garden Centre, we thank the following companies and individuals for their generous contribution and support during Canada Blooms.
Indigo Books
Micki Cramer, Micki s Linen Rentals and Special Event Draping
TimTanz, Boutique Sérénité ofYorkville
FRIENDS PROGRAM BLOSSOMS!
he annual fundraising program of the Friends of The Civic Garden Centre is booming or should | say blooming?
Instituted only three years ago, it s hard to imagine what we would do without the generous support of these special donors.
The Friends program helps to sustain courses, events and services for the community. It allows us to reach out to all members of society, especially those who would not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in our activities. A few of the many initiatives that your donations help to support include Green Adventure, a full-day program for children with special needs and children at risk, that provides free lunch, transportation and the use of the Teaching Garden; tours at Edwards andAllan Gardensfor adult ESL (English as a Second Language) students; and a
Seniors Outreach Program that | Frances Price provides tours for seniors from | Vivienne & Michael Wiggan retirementand nursing homes.
A special thanks to all of our SUSTAINING MEMBERS Friendsfor making these programs | Markson !Sorooah Hodgson andso much morepossible!
Architects
NitiBhotoia, Development :::?Eliz;llt(ersley
Ceer
FRIENDS OF 2001
DIRECTOR S CIRCLE
Lindsay Dale-Harris
Janet Greyson
Barbara Mayer
BENEFACTORS
Susan & Geoffrey Dyer
Trac'ey_Lawko
Marjorie Shu
SPONSORS
Kim Dalghs!1 Abell
Barbara Goldring
Vivien Jenkinson
Sonia Leslie
| ..Markson
Helen Shaw
FRIENDS
Arthur Beauregard
Lorraine Hunter
Anne Lindsay
Marion Magee
Marics Mooie
Grace Patterson
Catherine Peer
Catherine E. Pogue
JudithRidout
Elizabeth Wilson
Suzanne Drinkwater MaryWolf
Douglas Markoff
by Christine Martin ® VOLUNTEER CO-ORDINATOR
e =9\
Feeling like part of the CGC community
HOW' S IT GOING? How are you finding the job? Are you enjoying yourself? Almost every day in the first few weeks after my arrival in mid-March, I was asked these questions by volunteers, by staff and by board members. My response: ...I continue to be
. , interest in the CGC and inviting
met with about 20 new volunteers, introduced them to the programs of The Civic Garden Centre and discussed where they might fit in. In so doing, we ve been able to fill several of our outstanding vacancies. I've discovered that by quickly it s going well. But what do I impressed by the responding to a person s initial mean by that?
First, 'm grateful for the warm dedication OfcGC them for a visit, they soon get welcome I've received from so volunteers who 80 nooked on the place. And the many. Even asking me how it s above and beyond |ist goes on posters and going has made me feel at home. the call ofduty. newsletters are produced, meetPeople have gone out of their way to remind me of names, to explain how things work, to tell me their stories. Rather than feeling isolated and lost, I quickly felt like part of the community here.
Secondly, I ve been able to really apply myself to the variety of responsibilities I've been taking on as Volunteer Co-ordinator. I ve enjoyed getting to know our dedicated volunteers. I have
ings attended, schedules filled. I've really enjoyed the variety and there is never a dull day.
Thirdly, I continue to be impressed by the dedication of CGC volunteers who go above and beyond the call of duty. My job is that much easier because people volunteer so willingly and generously. As I came on board for training with Mary Strachan, Canada Blooms was in full swing. It still amazes me that over 120 shifts were staffed by volunteers during those five days. Congratulations!
Finally, who can complain about working in an environment filled with plants? My personal goal is to help connect the people of the city with the natural world. By being a part of the team at the CGC, I can begin to achieve that goal.
So yes, it s been going well. As with any job, there have been challenges along the way. At times the to-do list seems impossible to complete. I've made mistakes. [ wonder if there will be enough volunteers for outstanding vacancies. But these are minor hitches in comparison to all that I get to do and learn and the great people who make up the CGC team. I look forward to the months to come as I continue to run and develop the Volunteer Program at the CGC. I can be reached by phone at 416-397-4145 or by e-mail at volunteers@infogarden.ca.
Volunteer Shaikh Bawajir A.A.G., helps out at Canada Blooms
Old shoes -
GREETINGS TO THE DEDICATED readers of Trellis. 1 would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. If you haven t already met me, you may have seen me on the grounds followed by a trail of munchkins. [ am this year s Teaching Garden assistant, Jen Turgeon. So far I ve had a wonderful garden adventure. I 'm thoroughly enjoying the volunteers, the staff, the children and the precious moments spent in the garden.
new ideas
staff and volunteers. We ve added some folk art to the garden with a large bike wheel encircled by coloured bottles, which perches on top of a flagpole. The light that shines ...you ll see that we ve through the bottles casts a rainplanted some wornoutshoes oozing with character: bow of colours in every direction. Tramping throughout the garden, you ll see that we ve planted some worn-out shoes oozing with character. And, of course, the scarecrows are back, standing tall and whispering words of encouragement to the seedlings.
The spring came and went in no time at all. The kindergarten to grade six programs were a hit again this year and were fully booked before they started. We added more experiments and dramas for the kids than in previous years, working at unlocking the natural world in unique and exciting ways. In addition to the regular bookings for school groups, the Teaching Garden ran curriculum-based outreach programs for children from high-needs schools. Eight full-day programs were awarded to the Toronto District public and Catholic school boards. They were great days for the students, the leaders and the volunteers. The gratitude shown by the schools and the children made this initiative all the more worthwhile. Our vision at the Teaching Garden is to continue to expand the parameters of our community-based outreach program each year.
The summer is now in full swing. With almost all of our programs fully booked, we have our hands full trying to plant Mother Nature s seed in the mind of every child.
To make the Teaching Garden a more magical place for the children, you may have noticed some additions that have been crafted by the
If you haven t had a chance to visit us this season, come out to see how the Teaching Garden has grown!
The scarecrows have returned to the Teaching Garden this year along with old shoes and bicycle wheels WE LOOK FORWARDTO
Irresistible Irises
One ofthe mostspectacularflowers in the
ofbezngplanted in earlyAugust, longafter the rush ofspringgardening
chores.)
by Kenneth Brown
s the snow disappears, the iris season Astarts when the bulbousIris, including the bright yellow 1. Danfordiae and the dark purple 1. reticulata, poke their flowers through the cold soil. Like other floweringbulbs, we plant these tiny delights in the fall and contemplate their coming beauty throughout the winter. The papery bulbs are quite inexpensive, allowing us to plant large drifts to make their arrival spectacular. These bulbous Iris can be used anywhere in the garden
10 MOST POPULAR TALL BEARDED IRIS
Voted best cultivars in the 2002 American Iris Society survey.
Dusky Challenger
their centres. These beards often differ in colour from the flowers, playing quite a dominant role in the appearance of the iris. One last horticulture lesson the flower colouring divides into four main categories. In selfs the falls and standards are the same colour; in bi-tones they are of the same colour but different shades; and in bicolours the falls and standards are of distinctly different colours. Plicatas should complete your confusion, usually referring to an iris where the standards are one Jesse s Song because other plants will not over- Siiverado colour and the falls have splatters shadow their early blooms and the Conjuration of that colour on a different slender foliage can comfortably dis- Titan sGlory coloured background. appearunder laterperennials.
BeverlySills
Stairway to Heaven
Ifyou can sort through the pre-
The miniature irises that bloom Stepping Out ceding confusion, reading iris catin May should be near the gar- £dT: ::;::;:rd alogues should be less daunting. den s edge so that their blooms, which reach 10 to 15 centimetres (four to six inches), are not lost among taller plants. They are the first of the rhizomatous Iris to bloom followed by dwarf, border and, finally, the magnificent tall bearded. These all produce a dense mass of thick rhizomes (garden speak for fat underground stems) at the surface of the soil and differ in their blooming time, height and flower size.
A short lesson in terminology might help you understand iris catalogues. Most people think iris flowers have two distinct types of petals although this is technically incorrect. The outer three, properly called sepals, are known as falls because they typically curve downward. The inner three, the true petals, are called standards because they typically stand erect from the centre. The falls, in most varieties, have a soft fuzzy structure, the beard that looks like a caterpillar crawling down
The two largest American growers, Schreiner s and Cooley s, are both in Oregon and publish wonderful fullcolour catalogues. In Canada there are several growers, including McMillen s of Norwich and Chuck Chapman of Rockwood; both publish catalogues featuringwritten descriptions.
In a garden filled with many varieties, each day brings another first bloom and you decide that maybe it is your favourite rather than yesterday s exciting discovery. Sparkling pure whites leave you breathless, until the vibrant deep yellows entice you to their part ofthe garden and thenyou are quicklyseduced bythe depth ofthe colour and texture ofthe dark purples. In between are shades ofpink and blue that defy description.
Silverado is a large strong cultivar of an iridescent, silvery lavender colour. A stalk of three or four of these 15-centimetre (six-inch) plus flowers can have you returning to the garden
Courtesy McMillen s Iris Garden Iris City; ghgé é
several times a day to see them in a different light, reinforcing in your gardener s heart the certain knowledge that 48 weeks of cultivating and waiting is more than worth it to enjoy the four weeks of spectacular colour, form and texture that explode from those clumps of dull flat leaves. There is a rainbow of colours available, except for a true red. Devotees of that colour will have to settle for the likes of Raspberry Ripples an aptly named dusky beauty with flamboyant frilly edges on all of its petals.
The collapse of the last iris blooming late in June is both a great sadness and an almost welcome respite from the weeks of rushing to the garden several times a day to see what new magnificence has burst open. After a month of resting, it s time to plant the new arrivals or to dig up, divide and share with friends the large clumps that have developed in the four to five years since you first planted that single piece ofrhizome.
All of the rhizomatous /ris should be transplanted during the languid days of August. An older clump with a mass of rhizomes will have most of the leaf fans growing near the perimeter. Dig deeply with a fork, lifting this mass and its attendant thick roots that grow several centimetres straight down and gently remove most of the soil. Separate from the main clump, the fat five to 10 centimetres (two to four inches) of rhizome supporting each cluster of leaves and trim the leaves of the fan down to 10 to 12 centimetres (four to five inches). Each clump should produce several healthy divisions.
If you discover any rhizomes that are soft or hollow, cut into them to follow the tunnels of the only significant pest of Iris, the borer. You might find a rather large, ugly, beige larva with a black head chewing a centimetre-wide tunnel up the centre of your favourite variety. Stab, step on, burn or otherwise destroy this creature and look for another piece of rhizome that is solid and devoid of tunnels.
This is a wonderful time ofyear to be magnani-
mous. Every clump you dig will produce more than enough to replant your garden, allowing you to share the excitement of irises with your friends and neighbours. Whether you have just dug up your own divisions, purchased them or been lucky enough to have shared in your neighbour s bounty, the planting procedure is the same. Dig a hole that allows the long vertical roots to reach into the soil without being curled. Mix a little long-lasting fertilizer such as bone meal into the soil and then gently fill in the hole, working the soil between those roots. When you are finished, the horizontal rhizome with its fan of leaves should be just showing at the soil surface. Water in with a good transplant fertilizer such as 10-52-10 and then sit in the shade and contemplate the spectacular beauty that should appear next June and will certainly reward your efforts with a mass ofcolour and texture the secondyear.
A member of the Canadian Iris Society, Kenneth Brown grows over 110 varieties ofiris in his Whitbygarden.
JOIN THE CANADIAN IRIS SOCIETY
IFYOU FIND IRISES as irresistible as Kenneth Brown does, consider joining a group of iris-lovers. The Canadian Iris Society holds regular meetings, flower shows, sales and auctions. Annual membership is $15 and entitles you to receive a quarterly newsletter, attend the Annual General Meeting, and share your growing enthusiasm for irises with a group of likeminded gardeners. Membership forms are available on the CIS website at members.rogers.com/cdn-iris.
This year the Canadian Iris Society s annual auction of new and quality varieties will be held at The Civic Garden Centre on August 10. Open to the public, the auction is a great starting place for growing a garden full ofthese wonderful plants.
The CGC is pleased to promote all horticultural and plant societies through our Horticultural Outreach program. For more information on joining, contact Nicole North at 416-396-1371 or visit our Web site at www.infogarden.ca/horticulture.htm.
The CGC invites horticultural and plant societies to hold their events at the CGC. To inquire, contact Angela Carruthers at 416-397-1349.
Sources for Iris
Chuck Chapman Iris Garden: 519-856-4424; e-mail, irischapman@netscape.net ~ Cooley s Gardens: 503-873-5463; Web site, cooleysgardens.com . McMillen s IrisGarden: 519-468-6508;Web site www.execulink.com/~iris Schreiner sGardens: 1-800-525-2367;Website,schreinersgardens.com; e-mail, info@schreinersgardens.com
)-HIGH COMPOSTING
( In thisfirst in a series ofarticles about balconygardening, Julie Warshaw discovers the recipeforsuccessful composting five storeys above the city!
Compost hardly seems the stuff of romance. Let s face it, we're talking rot and decay here. But those peculiar people who love making compost carry on endlessly about the intricacies of bringing their piles to fruition. Most would agree that oxygen, moisture, vitamins, beneficial micro-organisms and insects, and a proper mix of nitrogen and carbon sources are essential, not to mention the cor-
The biggest difference between working on a terrace and
round ones, about 38 centimetres (15 inches) wide and high, with wide mouths to make for easier work when it comes time to mix and aerate. There are also rectangular planters that are about 40 centimetres (16 inches) wide at the top by 16 centimetres (6 inches) high. They are a bit narrower at the bottom and stack easily for storage. You can try whatever planters you have on hand, but rect drainage, sun and wind expo- conventional remember that ceramic pots tend sure, shape and construction of the compostingis to crack in the winter when filled pile, timing, temperature, turning that the whole With soil (which is the whole point and feeding, as well as activators, process is of this exercise after all); so pots of lime and other additives, winter miniaturized. plastic or the newer polymer insulations and seasonal variations, what to add and what not to add, plus sifting, screening, grinding and sandwiching. Alchemy would be simple by comparison.
But when I talked with Eileen, a CGC volunteer, her main concern was that her method is too simple. Now this is more like it. And best of all, from fall through spring Eileen composts on a 2.4-metre (eight-foot) square fifth floor terrace in the heart of midtown Toronto. I love composting, she explained. I love the feel and smell of good compost, and I hate wasting fruit and vegetable scraps.
Here s Eileen s method. Come fall she empties the soil from some of her planters into a plastic garbage bag which she leaves handy on the terrace. The planters she uses include
resins are better. They are also lighter and easier to handle. Placing lids on your pots is also a good idea to discourage pigeons and other birds.
The biggest difference between working on a terrace and conventional composting is that the whole process is miniaturized. Planters replace bins and piles, and composting material is added in very tiny pieces.
A key to Eileen s success is her food processor. After roughly cutting up fruit and vegetable scraps she processes them to a fairly fine consistency. Sometimes she ll even add a bit of water. A blender can do in a pinch, but she found it has a tendency to purée the scraps rather than leave them in tiny pieces. She empties the processed mixture into one of her planters
along with a nice trowelful of soil from the garbage bag and mixes the stuff around. That s it. As a planter gets full she does not even dig down very deeply. Her one cardinal rule is to keep everything simple. As one planter fills up she puts it aside and starts the next. That s where the stackable planters come in handy.
Heat is the essential element for successful composting. Usually, the larger the container, the hotter the compost and the faster it turns into black gold. But even though the planters she uses are small, Eileen discovered that whether with a northern or a southern exposure, a newly filled planter can actually generate enough heat to compost her finely chopped scraps.
Eileen also adds coffee grounds and tea leaves but simply mixes them in separately without processing. While she has heard that coffee filters and tea bags would probably decompose, she tends to stay away from them, and for that matter from anything else that might take too long to turn itself into compost. And just to be safe, she sticks strictly to vegetable matter. If it s so cold out that the scraps will freeze she keeps the processed scraps in a separate, lidded container on the terrace. Once it warms up and the scraps thaw she resumes her mixing.
Her only additional task is to check the moisture content in the active planter. Because the processed vegetable scraps add moisture, she finds she doesn t need to add extra water very often. If you pick up a level handful of compost, it should feel moist to the touch but not leave a moist feeling on your hand after you put it back. Too much moisture leaves your emptied hand feeling a bit wet. If you don t feel any moisture at all, the compost is too dry. Aerating the compost is also simple because stirring in the scraps is all that is needed to keep a good supply of oxygen in the mix.
Eileen estimates that terrace composting
takes her about twenty minutes a week. She gets her food scraps out fast and finds her planters need little additional attention. In any case, since it s all right on her terrace, the whole project is just steps away. She easily turns out at least four planters of compost each year, mixing about one-third of the compost material with two-thirds of last year s potting soil when it s time to replant in the spring. She hasn t bought new potting soil in years, although she sometimes adds peat moss, depending on the feel of the finished product. And, of course, fertilizing terrace plantings is always recommended.
As recycling regulations become stricter, we will be required to separate organic from nonorganic waste for collection. How much more sensible for gardeners to save the best food scraps to enrich our gardens.
Julie Warshawhasgardened infourstates and one province and thinks there may be a terrace in herfuture.
COMPOSTING COUNCIL OF CANADA
Whetheryou compost on a balcony or on the ground, the Composting Council of Canada isa good source of information. The CCC publishesfactsheets that include topics such as making compost tea, troubleshooting compost problems and using compost as mulch, for flower and vegetable beds and when planting trees. Forfurther information, visit their Websiteat http://www.compost.org or call 416-535-0240.
eee FURTHER READING e¢e°
For more information about balcony composting, see the City of Toronto s composting factsheet at www.city.toronto.on.ca/compost/balcony.htm as well as their factsheet on composting with worms at www.city.toronto.on.ca/compost/withworm.htm.
Getting Your Lawn Off Drugs
Un the thirdin a series ofarticlesaboutpesticides,Carol Gardner looks at common sense ways to build a healthy lawn.)
ecently, a friend told me that her town Rcouncil was considering a ban on the cosmetic use of pesticides and, our lawn-care guy asked me to sign a petition against the regulation. Did you sign? I asked. Uh huh, she replied. He says what he s using is absolutely safe. So what is he using? I asked. Don t know, she replied, sheepishly.
My friend isn t alone. A lot of us have turned a blind eye to the issue of using chemical pesticides for lawn care because we re just too darned confused by all the information and misinformation and, let s face it, we don t want to have the worst lawn in the neighbourhood. We assume that going the organic route will mean that we ll have to sacrifice an attractive lawn for the satisfaction of knowing that we re following a healthier path. But is that assumption correct?
eficial nitrogen-fixing micro-organisms that provide the necessary nutrients for grass. Moreover, chemical pesticides are indiscriminate, killing beneficial insects and earthworms that are nature s best soil aerators. Without aeration, the soil compacts, the grass dies and a healthy habitat is destroyed.
Distinguishing between naturalproductsand manufactured ones is complicated; notall natural products are non-toxic, nor areallsynthesizedonestoxic.
In this article we ll use chemical to refer to synthesizedproducts and organic to referto natural products. In ournextarticle in the series, we ll deal with this issue more thoroughly.
Apparently not. For all their ease of use (notwithstanding the potential health threats), chemical solutions are not, in fact, building healthy lawns; instead, they re treating the symptoms of unhealthy lawns pests, diseases, and weeds. Lawns living on chemicals are like some people living on pills, fending off problems with drugs when the real solution is to overhaul their lifestyle.
One problem with the use of chemical fertilizers arises from their process of manufacture, which leaves a salt residue in the product. This salt, when it enters the soil, can kill off the ben-
Over time, chemical fertilizers also make the soil more acidic, dramatically changing its pH. The pH scale an indication of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil goes from O to 14, with a pH of 7 being the neutral point which is considered the healthiest for the growth of most plants. Extremely acidic soils may contain high concentrations of soluble aluminum, iron and manganese which may be toxic to the growth of some plants.
So how do you get your lawn off drugs? It s both easy and difficult. Easy, because it s really just common sense; difficult because, particularly at the beginning, it will be more work-intensive, and probably more expensive. The first step is to know what you are dealing with by having your soil analysed. The CGC s Trellis Shop will analyse your soil for pH and salt levels. Ifyou want to check for nutrient levels, you can do so by sending a sample to the University of Guelph (for instructions, phone 519-7676226 or e-mail info@lsd.uoguelph.ca). Then, simply follow the three main steps to a healthy lawn: encourage a strong root system, use nat-
ural predators against pests and apply common sense to weed control. Here s how.
Build strong roots
® overseed bare and thinning spots
®* mow more frequently, removing no more than one-third of the blade length to avoid clumps of long grass which contribute to thatch problems. Have the blades of your lawn mower sharpened professionally at the beginning of the growing season and sharpen them yourself as often as possible. Dull blades damage the grass and leave it open to disease.
e water deeply but less frequently to encourage root growth. The water should soak into a depth of 20 centimetres (8 inches) (about one hour s worth of watering). You can check by placing an empty cup in the middle of the sprinkling area; when the water in the cup reaches a depth of 2.5 centimetres (one inch), it should have penetrated the soil to the proper depth.
o fertilize in the early fall rather than in spring or summer because spring/summer fertilizing encourages top growth at the expense of root development. Use a slow-release organic fertilizer.
® aerate your lawn to reduce soil compaction. This allows water, organic matter and nutrients to feed the soil. After aerating, add screened compost to the lawn by spreading with the back of a rake.
Control pests naturally
® plant a mixture of grasses diversity is the best protection against pests and disease.
® rake out excess thatch in the fall.
® encourage beneficial insects worms, ladybugs and spiders by providing the plants and conditions they like.
® use nematodes (natural microscopic parasites that kill soil-dwelling insects in the larval stage) to combat pests such as grubs. Nematodes are available through an increasing number of garden outlets, including our own Trellis Shop.
Root out weeds
So far, so good. Now we come to weed control not my favourite part of this exercise,
because the non-toxic way to get rid of weeds is to dig them out by hand. I know, I know! However, I have learned to make it more fun and I'm happy to share the secret: pretend that the weed is the hair of someone you particularly dislike (okay, it s sick, but it works). According to my calculations, a former boss of mine doesn t have a hair left on her head and my lawn doesn t look bad either! When you remove a weed, throw a little grass seed onto the spot so that you aren t just clearing space for another weed. If hand weeding doesn t appeal to you, you have three choices: turn lawn into flowerbeds (think of the new plants you can acquire!), learn to be more tolerant of the poor things or get someone else to do it for you.
Many lawn-care companies specialize in organic solutions and many of the companies that once offered only chemicals now offer an either/or service. Just make sure that you know what you re getting before you sign up. Technically, organic refers to a product that contains carbon, so a company can be using chemicals while legitimately calling them organic. Ask specific questions and make sure you re speaking the same language.
Good luck and happy weeding!
Carol Gardner is a garden writer, a volunteer and member ofthe CGC' sBoard ofDirectors as wellas a member ofthe Trellis Committee.
City ofToronto services
Year-round, weather permitting, compost is available from the Keele ValleyLandfill Sne at $10 a tonne ($3/km delivery ng 905-832-0682, exten: etween April 20 an residents can.
ympost at locations thro {wwwcity.toronto.on.ca/compos call the CompostingHelpline at416-39
® You can purchase a compost bin for $15 fromthe citybycalling416-392-9573.
® Hazardous waste can be disposed of at depots across the city. For locations and times, call 416-392-4330. -
EASY STRETCHES & TIMELY TIPS FOR SAFETY IN THE GARDEN
by Lorraine Hunter
DON'T LET THE FEAR of aggravating a bad back or straining a muscle keep you from working in your garden. The Canadian Physiotherapy Association offersthe followingGarden SafetyTips.
® match the size of the gardening tool handle to the size of your hand
® choose tools that you can hold so that you keep your hand positioned in line with your forearm
® use awheelbarroworwagon to transport supplies
® use tools with a telescopic or extended handle to reduce the reach
® keep digging and cutting tools sharp
® when working at ground level, consider using knee pads, a foam pad for kneeling or a low, padded kneeling stool with side handles to help you stand up
® wrapa slippery handle with tape to improve your grip
® move with your work, keeping it in front of and close to your body to avoid reaching and twisting
e lift with your knees slightly bent and your back straight; avoid twisting or reaching.
To reduce muscle strain, injury and fatigue, the association recommends the following warm up before you start gardening in earnest. March on the spot until you feel warm, then take a few minutes to do the illustrated stretches. Movements should be slow and controlled; you should feel a gentle stretch of the muscle stretching should not be painful. Once you feel a stretch, hold the position for 10 to 15 seconds do not bounce or jerk. Repeat each stretch two or three times; repeat stretches at the end ofyour activity.
For more information, visit The Canadian Physiotherapy Association Web site at www.physiotherapy.ca; go to Public Resources.
NECK
A1.Sitorstand with good posture
2. Bend neck forward as shown
B 1. Sit or stand with good posture
2. Keeping face forward, tip ear towards shoulder
SHOULDERS
A 1. Grasp elbow with opposite hand
2. Pull elbow and arm across chest until you feel a gentle stretch
B 1. Reach up behind head as shown
2. Press elbows back until you feel a gentle stretch
A
WRISTS
A 1. Hold wrist as shown
2. Bend wrist until you feel a stretch
B 1. Hold your hands together as shown
2. Bend wrists downward until you feel a stretch (A) 03s
LOWER BACKAND LEGS
A 1. Place hands firmly against hips
2. Bend backward until you feel a stretch
B 1. Clasp hands together overhead
2. Lean to the side until you feel a stretch
C 1. Sit with leg straight on bed
2. Lean forward keeping back straight so that stretch is felt in back of leg
D 1. Sitin chair
2. Bend forward as shown
E 1. Hold ankle as shown
2. Bend knee upward to feel stretch
3. Make sure thigh stays in line with body
F 1. Position body against wall with foot behind and toes pointed at wall
2. Lean into wall to feel stretch
AUTUMN
Golfbythe Sea
IN SCOTLAND LOVE, LILT & LAUGHTER October 4- 14, 2002
Heatheron the Hills
Picnics bythe Loch Dancing inthe Castle Food for Kings Whisky on the tongue Music in the air Magical Mists ofSkye!
Highland Cattle on the Moors Walking intheGlen Gardeners/Golfers camaraderie Visiting Spectacular Gardens
Chicago 4 day Gardener s Getaway September 16-19, 2002
Our fourdaygarden adventures have become very popular. This year'sdestination is the gardens and nurseries of Chicago. Pam Duthie, author of Continuous Bloom will host our visit to the Botanic Garden. Jeffwill bevisiting Chicago in Julyforthe Perennial PlantSymposium andwill have previewed all the great sites. Downtown Chicago has a Magnificent Mile" 30 city blocks of exquisite urban paradise ofmedian planters and gardens. Wewill, ofcourse, be including our usualfinal evening dinnercruise. Cost $579 CAD per person double occupancy. Deposit and insurance $100 to confirm your UPCOMING TOURS 2003 - CELTIC GARDEN ADVENTURE - June 23-July 7, 2003
CHOOSING A2o)
HORTICULTURAL TECHNICIAN
Certified Garden Professionals
(The Canadian NurseryLandscapeAssociation has introduced the Canadian CertifiedHorticultural Technician Program to ensureproficiency in core landscape skills. )
by Terry Murphy
ow do you know ifyou are hiring a qualiH fied professional to complete your landscape installation or to maintain your grounds? How do you know that the workers you hire are working safely without damaging your property and plants? In most cases you don t. In Ontario, individuals working in the landscape industry are not required by law to be certified. Nor does the horticultural industry have any mandated qualifications anyone can work as a landscape contractor, maintenance worker or garden centre employee.
A few people working in the industry are certified under the province of Ontario s Horticultural Technician apprenticeship program. Others have obtained knowledge and learned about the industry by getting a college diploma or even a university degree. All will call themselves certified, but how do you know what their actual qualifications are?
Evaluating and Upgrading Skills
THE LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY across Canada, through the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA), is attempting to train and
CCHT PROGRAMTESTS FOR LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE SKILLS
Edging and trimming aPnI:Im sensitivity use Fertilizer application Pruding Grading and sodding
Safeoperation of Pestidentification equipment
. : Tree planti
Plan reading staki:g andngg,uying
Plant identification
upgrade the skills of individuals working in the industry by introducing a certification program open to all horticultural personnel. The Canadian Certified Horticultural Technician (CCHT) program is based on the evaluation of key skill requirements to see if workers meet a predetermined, basic standard. Individuals who score at least 70 per cent on each skill level are granted the Canadian Certified Horticultural Technician designation.
Administered and evaluated by industry professionals across Canada, the CCHT program for construction and grounds maintenance is recognized across North America through a reciprocal agreement with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America. This means that an individual s CCHT qualification is equally valid in Halifax, Vancouver, Los Angeles or Texas.
Finding Qualified Horticultural Professionals
THE ONLY INDUSTRY program that currently offers certification through testing is the CCHT program (designers and irrigation contractors have separate certification programs). This doesn t mean that there are no other qualified industry personnel available, but it does give you one of the best assurances that the advice and work you are getting are reliable. Ask your landscapers, maintenance company or garden centre if they employ CCHT-certified professionals. Look for the CCHT triangular logo with the red maple leaf!
For further information on the CCHT program, please contact Terry Murphy at Landscape Ontario: 1-800-265-5656 x 317.
Terry Murphy is the Manager of Education, Training & Human Resources at Landscape Ontario.
NEW NIAGARA FALLS Mosaiculture § Garden
by Lorraine Hunter
IMAGINE A FLOCK of mallards about to take off, two standing moose, a caribou all sculpted from flowering annuals and leafy plants.
A Naturally Canadian Experience is the theme of Niagara Parks first Mosaiculture Garden, which opened May 25 and will continue all summer. If you attended Mosaiculture International Montréal in either of the past two summers, you ll recognize the sculptures that were part of that highly successful exhibit. Ifyou didn t see the exhibit in Montreal, now s your chance.
Blending horticultural inspiration with the mosaic designs found in traditional enamel work or fabric motifs, the art of floral sculpting flourished in Europe during the late Renaissance and could be found in the formal stylized gardens surrounding the castles of that period. Today s version of this historical art form came into its own at the Montreal show with entries from around the world using plants to provide different textures and colours. Two-dimensional mosaiculture is displayed in parterres or on a slight incline. Three-dimensional sculpture involves a team working together to fill a rigid wire sculpture shell with growth mix and then plant densely with colourful flowers and foliage plants.
Each structure must be strong enough to support the weight of thousands of pounds ofwet soil and plants and to withstand all kinds of weather. Sculptures must be pruned weekly and may require up to 10 waterings a day when it is hot and dry. Some of the more complex structures have their own built-in irrigation systems.
The Mosaiculture Garden at Niagara Falls marks this art form s first Canadian showing as an exhibit outside ofMontreal and it is the only mosaiculture garden to be displayed in Canada during 2002. Thirty-five larger-than-life sculptures make up 12 exhibits created with hundreds of thousands of
plants all in full bloom. Ofspecialinterest is the sculpture titled Mallards Taking Off which won the Gold Medal for Mosaiculture International Montréal at the 2001 New England Spring Flower Show in a category defined as Something out of the ordinary but displaying horticultural skills and beauty . The wingspans ofthree ofthe birds measure a full three metres in length.
The Niagara horticultural experience will feature daily interactive sessions on how to create, plant and care for floral sculpture. Artisans will be on hand every weekend from June through September to answer questions and inspire visitors with their work. Admission is $4.50 for adults; $2.50 for older children; children five and under are free. The garden is located next to the Niagara Parks Greenhouse just south of the Horseshoe Falls.
Formerly the editor ofPlant & Garden magazine, Lorraine Hunter is a member ofthe Board ofDirectors ofthe CGCas well as Chair ofthe Trellis Committee.
Niagara Parks Gardens
While visiting Mosaiculture, tour the gardens of the Niagara Parks Commission including the Botanical Gardens (famous for their rose collection), Niagara Parks Greenhouse, QueenVictoria Park, the Fragrance Garden, Oakes Garden Theatre, King s Bridge Park, the Floral Clock and Queenston Heights. For more information, call 1877-NIA-PARK (642-7275) or visit the Niagara ParksWebsiteatwww.niagaraparks.com.
Courtesy Niagara Parks
R RBC]
FUNDRAISING
Royal Bank of Canada EmployeeVolunteer Program
AS A CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION, The Civic Garden Centre relies heavily on the generosity of others. Donation sources include foundations, individuals and corporations. One source of corporate funding is the Royal Bank of Canada s Employee Volunteer Program. Committed to supporting community vitality, each year the Royal Bank offers their employees and pensioners an opportunity to apply for a $500 grant in support of a charity for which they volunteer for at least 40 hours. Last year, the CGC s library received a grant from the Royal Bank program to initiate a new media collection of gardening videos and CD-ROMs.
COMPANIES OTHER THAN the Royal Bank may offer similar programs. If you volunteer forThe Civic Garden Centre, why not check and see if your company offers a volunteer program for its staff and retirees?
WHETHERTHEY STEM from corporate volunteer programs like the Royal Bank s or from individuals and foundations, your donations are important toThe Civic Garden Centre.They add to the revenues we generate from plant sales, Friends of the Civic Garden Centre program and special events such as Through the Garden Gate, Golf Day (coming up this September 10) and Mistletoe Magic. Remember, this is your Civic Garden Centre and every bit of assistance makes a difference.
To the Eitor
BIRD SPOTTING IN EDWARDS GARDENS
Iwould like to say how much mywife and I (both CGC members) enjoyed Loretta Skinner s article on birds in Edwards Gardens (7rellis, May/June 2002). Reading it brought back a number of fond memories of birds we ve seen in the park, notably a Baltimore Oriole in the tall trees at the far end of the upper section of the garden (which sadly have been cut back recently).
As one who is fortunate to live close by, I often delight in the birds that I can identify (and those I can t!) while walking in Edwards Gardens and the nearby parklands. In fact, I had thought ofwriting a similar piece at one time.
If you have ever been to Tommy Thompson Park at the Leslie Street Spit, you may have seen the notice board at the entrance to the park which lists birds and animals (I think) that have been recently seen within the park. May I suggest something similar for Edwards Gardens? The notice board near the cemetery would seem to be an ideal location for this useful and interesting information. To gather this information, a form and a drop-box could be located at the notice board or a form could be filled out on the CGC s excellentwebsite.
It would be wonderful to expand the park s interests in fauna as well as flora in this way.
Sincerely,
John Grimley
Dear John Grimley
Thank you so much for your note of appreciation for Loretta Skinner s article on the birds of Edwards Gardens and the surrounding parks. I 'm glad it prompted you to offer your suggestion about posting a list of birds that have been spotted within the parks. As the City of Toronto Parks Department is responsible for the operation of Edwards Gardens, the CGC will pass along your recommendation to them for consideration.
Lorraine Flanigan Editor, Trellis
" Top Ten Tips for Garden Tourists
(Summertime isgarden touring time. Grabyour hatand camera and take along these tipsfrom veteran travellerandgarden gazer Carol Gardnen)
. Take comfortable shoes. If your shoes are attractive, they aren t comfortable enough. Buy yourself a pair of really ugly ones. Wear them around the house before embarking.
. Get your legs in shape before you go. Many gardens are pretty tough slogging, with steep stairs and uneven footing. If you ve been too sedentary prior to the trip, you'll hurt in places you didn t know you had.
. Pack a cooling foot spray. It may sound wimpy, but trust me, you'd swap caviar and champagne for it at the end of a long day.
. Ask yourself, What would | wear mucking through a garden in rain and mud? and pack accordingly. This will work especially well for travellers to England.
i. Ask yourself, What would | take in the case of high temperatures and scorching sun? Pack it. (Travellers to England can ignore this rule.)
Pack a notebook and pens so that you can make note of all those exotic plants you can t grow. Remember that the international language of gardening is Latin. Brush up on your Latin.
. Don t forget your camera and at least 10 rolls of film. Make your children look at each and every picture when you get back. Explain them in excruciating detail. Your children will either take up gardening or leave home early.
. Take a fanny pack. Trailing through gardens with something hanging over your shoulder can be a real pain in the neck.
. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, arrange for someone to look after your own garden while you re away. If you come back to a mess after viewing some of the best gardens in the world, you ll want to throw yourself under your weed whacker.
New Staff In and Around the CGC
Welcome to Christine Martin and Jenny Rhodenizer
CHRISTINE MARTIN Volunteer Co-ordinator
With a strong interest in gardening and a passion for building connections between people and the natural world, Christine Martin brings The Civic Garden Centre a broad range of skills, from biochemistry and beekeeping to adult education and stewardship. A member of the North American Native Plant Society, Christine has researched and designed a community wildflower garden as well as developed and led several garden workshops for children. As co-ordinator of the CGC s volunteers, Christine hopes to expand the great team we
Summer Courses
July-August 2002
Space is limited. Register now for best selection of summer courses. For a free copy ofthe course flyer, call 416 397-1340 or check our Web site at www.infogarden.ca
have by filling in some gaps and increasing our diversity, to help volunteers to expand their skills through experience and training sessions, to explore tangible and meaningful ways to récognize and appreciate our volunteers, to assist staff and volunteers in working together even better and in understanding each other s needs and roles and to continue to implement Mary Strachan s excellent communication strategies! Phew, Christine s going to be one busy lady!
JENNY RHODENIZER Manager, CommunityServices
When she read about the Teaching Garden s Mud Pie Mondays, Jenny Rhodenizer thought: These are my kind of people! An amateur gardener, Jenny has extensive experience in communications, event co-ordination, fundraising and public relations. Most recently working at Crescent School where she designed and produced communications pieces including magazines, newsletters and flyers, Jenny also operates her own Web site development and design company called rhod WORK.
Recognizing that the CGC is one of Toronto s best-kept secrets, Jenny thinks it s time to let the cat out of the bag. She s determined to Get a Jump on Spring, walk Through the Garden Gate and sprinkle everything with Mistletoe Magic . In the upcoming months, she ll be working to develop the Friends fundraising program as well as helping to increase awareness of the CGC s many programs and services. And somewhere along the garden path she hopes to find the time to get something growing in her own backyard.
Florence Fennel
l.. \ > e
s\{7 USRS \} / N2 o
by Anna Leggatt
FLORENCE FENNEL, or Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum, is one of my favourite vegetables. I love the sweet anise taste of the white crunchy bulb and the finely dissected, bright green, ferny leaves.
Starting plants from seed is easy, but because fennel will bolt in hot weather, plant seeds outside later in the season, say July 1. (Bolting is when a plant goes to seed without storing food in a bulb or a root some boltresistant seeds are available.) Florence fennel is biennial, related to carrots and parsley, and will normally seed the second year. However, it usually is killed in our winters.
To plant in the garden, cover the seeds with about five millimetres (1/4 inch) of soil. They
will germinate at about 20°C (68°F) in one to two weeks. Thin the seedlings to about 25 centimetres (10 inches) apart, using the trimmings in a salad.
It is possible to start seed inside four weeks before the last frost. Once the soil has warmed up to 20°C (68°F) or more, transplant the seedlings outdoors. Do this while they are still very small, otherwise they ll be more difficult to transplant. You will have a great crop if the summer is cool and damp. This is not happening often nowadays.
Florence fennel needs full sun and a normal, slightly acidic soil. Extra fertilizer is not usually necessary. Keep plants lightly watered. When bulbs begin to swell, mound the soil up around the base of your plants, adding more soil as the plants continue to grow. This blanches the bulbs to keep them tender and sweet. You can take some of the leaves for garnishing salads. Harvest when the bulbs are about 10 centimetres (four inches) across (usually in early September). Use fennel raw in salads, or cooked in soup or as a braised vegetable.
Take my advice: do not mix your fennel with other plants unless they are from the mint family. I like mixing vegetables in with flowers but my fennel has not done well when I have done so! Luckily, I found the solution in The Vegetable Gardener s Bible by Edward C. Smith keep them in a separate patch.
You may find large green stripey caterpillars (sometimes called parsley worms) munching away at your fennel. Do not kill them; they are the larvae of swallow-tail butterflies. Move them to a Queen Anne s lace plant or leave them alone. Then, enjoy more butterflies as you lunch on a fennel salad.
Anna Leggatt is a Master Gardener, garden writer and active volunteer for The Civic Garden Centre.
i g3
B Expert advice from the Master Gardeners :
Q What can I plant in a narrow bed between the house and the walk? It gets a lot of sun but most things I've tried die out.
A Amend the soil with compost or manure to increase the water retention as the brickwork and walk paving reflect heat onto the bed and dry it. Use a mulch to retain moisture and keep the soil cooler. Try annuals such as portulaca, hardy cacti, geraniums or dusty miller. For perennials, try heat- and sun-loving plants like lavender or artemisia. Alternatively, you could put large containers there which would enable you to have better control of the soil condition and moisture.
that the solution is well diluted by following the directions on the product label scrupulously.
Q My seven-foot tall Magnolia soulangiana is heavily infested with what I believe to be magnolia scale insects. They are oval and 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch long with a greyish white fuzzy coating. They are tightly attached to all the branches including the main trunk. Some of the leaves are coated with a sticky substance which has become blackened (mould?). What treatment would you recommend? I would like to do something now (rather than wait for dormant spraying next spring) because there are so many insects that I am afraid they will kill the tree. It s also my wife s favourite plant.
Use planters for a hot dry bed between bricks and concrete
Vivien Jenkinson
lllustrations:
QMy petunias were fine until the last few days when I noticed aphids at the tips of the leaves. I sprayed with insecticidal soap but the plants turned brownish after this.
A This problem can be caused by spraying when it is too hot, when there is too much sun on the plant or when the solution is too strong. Another
Petunias are often attacked by aphids; wait for cloudy weather before spraying time, try spraying in the evening or on a cloudy day and be sure
A 1t does sound like you have magnolia scale. This is often a difficult pest to control. If the infestation is light, you can scrape it off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. If it is heavy, you can spray during the summer months with a solution of one cup (250ml) isopropyl alcohol and 1/2 teaspoon (2ml) insecticidal soap in one quart (one litre) of water. Spray every three days for two weeks. In late winter or early spring, you should spray with dormant oil to smother any overwintering adults or eggs. Note: In the control ofmagnolia scale, it s important to keep your tree healthy reduce stress by asking an arborist to remove dead, weak and heavily infested branches; check for recurring infestations; and, as a precaution, apply dormant oil every year. In mid- to late August when the insects are at the crawly stage, it s also wise to apply horticultural oil. Ed.
Doyou have a question aboutgardening? Contact the Toronto Master Gardeners InfoLine at 416397-1345orlogon to the Q&A Forum at infogarden.ca/mastergardenerboard.htm and Ask a Master Gardener!
CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE
'ANNUAL GOLF DAY AND GARDEN TOUR
SEPTEMBER 10, 2002
PHEASANT RUN GOLF COURSE, SHARON, ONT.
GOLF & DINNER
$160/person includes:
* GolfCart & Green Fees (Scramble Format)
* Contests & Prizes
* Buffet Dinner
GARDEN TOUR & DINNER
$90/petson includes:
SPONSORSHIP\
$200/Hole
* Richters Hetb Wreath and Potpourri Workshop (Materials and Refreshments Contact Paul Gardner 416-494-2598 Provided) Proceeds from this event
* Tour ofLocal Private Gardens including willsupport the Civic Garden Centre Mason-Hogue Gardens Xeriscape Garden
CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE 2002 GOLF DAY & GARDEN TOUR REGISTRATION FORM
NAME:
ADDRESS: CITY POSTAL CODE:
PHONE
GOLFING PARTNER/FOURSOME:
NAME:
NAME:
NAME:
GOLFDAY: __x $160 TOTAL
GARDEN TOUR: __
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES __ x $90 TOTAL x $200 TOTAL
MAIL TO: THE CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE GOLF DAY 2002
777 Lawrence Avenue East Toronto, ON M3C 1P2
Limited registration. Reservations will be made on a first-paid, first-reserved basis. Deadline is August 30th, 2002.
As proceeds from this event are for charitable purposes, rain cheques cannot be issued. Alldonors willreceivea taxreceiptfor theappropriateportion ofthe donation as defined by Canada CustomsandRevenueAgency.
Lectures .\ \
Edwards Lectures |
SPEAKER: DUGALD CAMERON
WHERE: Floral Hall
WHEN: Wednesday, August28, 7:30 p.M.
Toric: Creating a Spring Bulb Spectacle with Tulips, Daffodils and Everything Else!
PLAN YOUR SPRING bulb spectacle now! Just in time for the fall bulb planting season, Dugald Cameron of Gardenimport unveils the springflowering treasures that he discovered on his most recent trip to Holland. This timely lecture will highlight a selection of new and seldom grown tulips, daffodils and other spring-flowering bulbs.
Free to members; non-members $5
SPEAKER: STEPHEN LACEY
WHERE: Floral Hall
WHEN: Wednesday, September 25, 7:30 p.m.
Toric: Borders and Beyond: New Trends in Planting & Design
FOR A LOOK AT the revolutionary trends in design and planting that are transforming gardens in Britain and Europe, Stephen Lacey will begin this lecture with contemporary examples of gardening in Belgium, France and the United Kingdom that demonstrate the new interplay between formality and landscape. He will also explore the origins, principles and appeal of the nature-inspired style of planting featuring stunning woodland, meadow perennial and annual schemes in Germany, Holland, England and the United States. Stephen is a well-known garden writer, lecturer and television presenter. His books include The StartlingJungle: Colour and Scent in the Romantic Garden and Scent in Your Garden. He contributes a weekly gardening column to the Telegraph and appears regularly on BBC s long-running series Gardener s World. Free to members; non-members $5
"the Edwards LectureSeries.
Special Lecture
SPEAKER: STEPHEN ANDERTON
WHERE: Floral Hall
WHEN: Wednesday, September 4, 7:30 p.m.
Toric: Courageous Gardening
A popular lecturer, Stephen Anderton is well known for his weekly column in The Times. His lively writing appears in many magazines in Britain and the United States, and he is the author of several books. He has received four awards from the British Garden Writers Guild including Practical Gardening Book of the Year for Rejuvenating a Garden. Stephen has 20 years of experience with garden restoration and the management of large private and public gardens. His most recent book is Urban Sanctuaries: Peaceful Havens for the City Gardener (2001).
Admission $5
Co-sponsored byWeall & Cullen
The Civic Garden Centre sincerely thanksWeall & Cullen fortheir financial support in co-hosting the Special Lecture Series.
THE LIBRARY HAS a drop box where you can return items after public hours. Custom-made to fit under the bench in front of the library s glass doors, the box has two narrow slots which can easily accommodate books, magazines, pamphlets and so on. If there are any outstanding fines (we charge 20 cents per book per day), please include them with your deposit .
Website REVIEW
Inspired by Irises
IF YOU'RE INSPIRED by Kenneth Brown s article about irises on page 10, search the Internet for more information using the Google search engine. At www.google.com, type in the keywords growing irises Ontario for a list of 700-plus Web sites to visit.
Here are two interesting sources of information: Canadian Iris Society - members.rogers.com/cdn-iris This Web site provides a wealth of information on the cultivation of the different types of irises, lists events in and around Toronto, includes iris talk on the Web and much more.
McMillen s Iris Garden - www.execulink.com/~iris
Want to visit this gorgeous garden? Want to order plants? The McMillen s Iris Garden Web site includes a map as well as clear directions for getting there.
AUTHOR OF SEVERAL BOOKS on gardening and environmental issues, Lorraine Johnson explores the many facets of gardening in this fascinating book. She believes that when we garden, we are not only lavishing tender loving care on a patch of earth but are bonding with nature to make the world a better place.
In these times of diminishing natural resources, gardening can restore and nurture life in a way that broadens our connection with the world. As examples, Johnson cites guerrilla gardeners who reclaim urban spaces, suburban gardeners who uproot their front lawns in favour of wild plants and the creators of community gardens.
The book includes an action alphabet full of practical advice from the author on ways to rethink your gardening strategies to make this simple healing pleasure more meaningful.
This provocative book is surely designed to inspire the gardener in all of us.
Reviewed byMadge Bruce
The Cive Garden Centre
Distinctive : Garden Accents
Upper and Lower Link
Moments in Time RAYMOND DAVIDSON
July 2 to July 15
Seascapes, landscapes and prints of people and places capture that one brief special moment.
Upper Link
3D MetalPetals &More BLAIN BERDAN
July 16 to July 29
A seven-time award winner, the artist expresses his love of art through teaching and participating in several painting societies in Toronto and the surrounding area.
Upper and Middle Link
Mixed mediafrom mystudio ROSEMARY KNOX
July 30 to August 12
The artist uses oils, water and pastels to capture locations close to home and in distant lands.
Upper and Lower Link
Creative Nonie YVONNE CHEESLEY
August 13 to August 26
Pictures of deep dimensions whose subjects and treatments are diverse and interesting. k a t C)g garden
accent on gardens
For information on Art in the Link, call Cathie Cox at 416-397-1358. 905-475-7674
What's on at The Civic Garden Centre|
104 Y
6
Southern Ontario Orchid Society
Judging 1 p.m. Open to the public.
Administrative Foyer & Boardroom
Information: www.so00s.ca
AUGUST
10
Canadian Iris Society
Auction: Open to the public at 1 p.m.
Auction 2 to 4 p.m.
Garden Auditorium
Information: 416-225-1088
Southern Ontario Orchid Society
Summer Orchid Fest
Seminars, speakers, BBQ
Open to Societymembers only
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; judging 9:30 a.m.
Floral Hall, Administrative Foyer & Boardroom
Information: www.so0os.ca
22
Canadian Chrysanthemum & Dahlia Society
Meeting: 8 to 10 p.m. Visitors welcome Information: 416-286-5798
25 Geranium, Pelargonium & Fuchsia Society ofOntario
Geranium & Pelargonium Show
1 to 4 p.m. Open to the public.
Information: http://geranium_society.tripod.com
28 Edwards Lecture
Speaker: Dugald Cameron
Topic: Creating a Spring Bulb Spectacle
Floral Hall, 7:30 p.m.
Admission: members free; non-members $5
JULY & AUGUST
GuidedTours ofEdwards Gardens
Tuesdays and Thursdays. Free.
Meet in foyer of CGC at 11 a.m.
SEPTEMBER 4
Special Lecture
Speaker: Stephen Anderton
Topic: Courageous Gardening
Floral Hall, 7:30 p.m.
Admission: $5
Sponsored byWeall & Cullen
10
Annual GolfDay, Garden Tour & Dinner
Pheasant Run Golf Course, Sharon Alternative garden tour for non-golfers
Information: 416-392-0724
IN & AROUND THE GTA
JULY 6, 14
MERLIN S HOLLOW
Open house. 181 Centre Cres., Aurora
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: free
13,14
JARVIE GARDEN
Open house. 37Thornheights Rd., Thornhill
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: free
CANADIAN ROSE SOCIETY
11th Annual All Miniature Rose Show
Sherway Gardens Shopping Centre
The Queensway & West Mall, Etobicoke
July 13: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
July 14: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Information: 416-622-6422; crs@mirror.org
JULY & AUGUST
Music GARDEN TOURS
Wednesdays, 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.
Queen s Quay at the foot of Spadina Avenue
Free. Information: 416-397-1340
CasA LoMA GARDENS
Free access (gardens only)
July 8, August 12: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Every Tuesday: 4 p.m. to dusk
Information: 416-923-1171; www.casaloma.org
EVENING WALKING TOURS
High Park Citizens Advisory Committee
AlternateTuesday evenings July 9 - August 20, meet at 6:45 p.m. $2 donation. Call for meeting place. Information: 416-392-1748 or 416-392-6916 (Colborne Lodge)
SCHEDULES
URSES
For more information on summer courses call 416-397-1340 orpick up a flyer at the information deskin
The Civic Garden Centre. Information is also available on ourwebsite www.infogarden.ca.
AUGUST 1118, 25
TORONTO ISLAND GARDENS
Self-guided tour
1 to 5 p.m. Admission: $5 Information: 416-203-0921
11-17
HORTICULTURE: ART AND SCIENCE For LIFE
XXVith International Horticultural Congress Information: 416-504-4500; www.ihc2002.0rg
17
WATERFRONT GARDENS WALK with naturalist Peter Iveson. Free
To register: 416-943-8080x227 info@torontobay.net
CONGRATULATIONSTOTORONTO MASTER GARDENERS!
This year marks the tenth anniversary ofvolunteer service for Master Gardeners
Joan Beattie, Sonia Day, Pat Gray, Margaret Nevett and Marilyn Shepherd while five-year service pins go to Ida Harding, Jolanta Hickey andJane McCulloch.
Graduating Master Gardeners in Training include Ellen Farrelly, Marie Findlay, Lorraine Flanigan, Catherine Peer, and Lucy Van Wyk.
Congratulations to all!
CLASSIFIED ADS
Bermuda Gardens, March 2003.
Based in a delightful hostel we study birds, tropical botany and seashore life. Our fourth tour to this magical island. For free Newsletter and itineraries, call George Bryant atTravel helpers (416) 443-0583 or 1-877-245-2424.
Peonies for Fall Planting
Herbaceous peonies dug to order and shipped bare root for fall planting by far the best time to plant peonies! We grow early hybrids that don't require staking, fragrant old French introductions and numerous varieties in between. La Pivoinerie D'Aoust, Hudson, QC (450) 458-2759,
REACH 2,500
A classified ad inTrellis costs only $1 a word (1/2 price for members).
