The Toronto Botanical Garden is a volunteer-based, charitable organization whose purpose is to inspire passion, respect and understanding of gardening, horticulture, the natural landscape and a healthy environ~ment. Since its inception in 1958, the Toronto Botanical Garden, formerly The Civic Garden Centre, has encouraged, stimulated and educated
countless Canadian gardeners. Almost 50 years later, the Toronto Botanical Garden has expanded its vision and set a goal to become a self-sustaining urban oasis while making Toronto the mosthorticulturally enlightenedcityinthe world.
What We 0fer
Located at Edwards Garden, the Toronto Botanical Garden offers many programs and services, including yearround activities for families and children. Our horti-
ippings, pamphlets, nursery and seed catalogues as
3¢ Directory & Hours of Operation
Administrative Offices
Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Library &Trellis Shop
Closed until the end of 2005
January 5 to March 31
Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday & Holidays noon to 4 p.m.
Telephone: 416-397-1340; Fax: 416-397-1354
E-mail: tbg@infogarden.ca
Master Gardeners Info Line: 416-397-1345
Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sunday& Holidays noon to 3 p.m. or infogarden.ca/mastergardenerboard.htm
well as a great selection of children s gardening books. Horticultural Information Services offers free gardening information year-round, and the Trellis Shop has many unique gifts, books and gardening supplies for sale. The Teaching Garden has been created as aworkinggardento fosterinterest and educate people in the love and values of gardening and the natural world. As a community service, Art in the Link offers gallery space to local artists. As well, the TBG has a wide variety of banquet halls, meeting rooms | and show space, with access to Edwards Gardens, one ofToronto s favourite gardenspots.
3¢ Patrons
Brian Bixley, Awdrey Clarke, Mark Cullen, Camilla Dalglish, Sondra Gotlieb, Marjorie Harris, LorraineJohnson, Michele Landsberg, Susan Macauley, Helen Skinner
3% Board of Directors
PRESIDENT: Geoffrey Dyer
Brad Badeau, Arthur Beauregard, Susan Burns, Dugald Cameron, Peter Cantley, Lindsay Dale-Harris, Kathy Dembroski, Leslie Denier, Tony DiGiovanni, Heather Dickson, Suzanne Drinkwater, GeoffreyDyer,Janet Greyson, Ralph Fernando, MaryFisher, Lorraine Hunter,Janet Karn, Linda Ledgett, Sonia Leslie, Doreen Paton, Rosemary Phelan,Jean Read,Jennifer Reynolds, Dawn Scott, Bunny Slater
Lorraine Hunter (chair), Lorraine Flanigan (editor), Carol Gardner, Lorna Luke, Marion Magee, Jenny Rhodenizer
VOLUNTEER
EDITORIALASSISTANTS
T. Coombes, M. Magee
VOLUNTEER
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Jennifer Capretta
'VOLUNTEER PROOFREADERS
M. Bruce, ]. Campbell, E. Heinz, L. Hickey, J. McCluskey, L. & S. Skinner, K. Sundquist
ADVERTISING
416-397-1351
Printed by Harmony Printing on recycled paper
Trellis is published six times a year as a members newsletter by the Toronto Botanical Garden at Edwards Gardens. 777 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario M3C 1P2, 416-397-1340.
Manuscripts submitted on a voluntary basis are gratefully received. No remuneration is possible.
Articles, manuscripts and advertising material must be received by the first of the month to ensure publication eight weeks later. For example, material for the March/April 2005, issue must be received by December 17.
Opinions expressed in Trellis do not necessarily reflect those of the TBG. Submissions may be edited for style and clarity.
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission.
Charitable business number: 119227486RR0001
Canada Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #40013928 ISSN 0380-1470
COVER: Mayor Miller at the opening of the Allan Gardens
Conservatory
from the TBG
by Margo Welch e EXecutive DIRECTOR
Moving forward
s you open this issue of 7rellis, construcAtion of the new addition and renovations to our present building are underway. Rest assured that although we are renovating we are still open for business. Many TBG programs and events are continuing during construction. We encourage you to come out and participate in the great selection of lectures, courses
Many of you have given generously, but if you have not yet made a donation I hope you will consider doing so. As the letter stated: No one knows better than you how important it is for TBG to improve its existing facilities, and to expand its programs and services to meet your growing needs ... Designed to be both beautiful and educational, [the] gardens will be and workshops that will be held TORONTO central to TBG s expanding in the Dunington Grubb Floral BOTANICA], Programs and activities. Hall and the Garden Auditorium GARDEN
This past fall we also develbeginning February 1, 2005. Don t be intimidated by the hoarding around the building; access to the hall and auditorium will be well lit and clearly marked as you approach from the parking lot.
Our new logo is an abstract leafwith an innerpattern representing the Jfrond ofafern.
During the fall, staff and members of the Board of Directors worked on a number of initiatives to draw attention to and invite support for our organization and the revitalization project. Previews were held with the staff at Edwards Gardens and with the general public to present the designs for the building and gardens. TBG representatives, as well as the architects, Councillor Cliff Jenkins and city staff, were available to answer questions. At a reception held in a beautiful private garden, horticultural groups and societies were invited to view and comment on the TBG s plans. Feedback from all these events has been positive and good suggestions have been made.
A letter from Lindsay Dale-Harris, chair of the Blossom Campaign, describing our capital campaign, what it will accomplish and why we need your support, was included with your November/December issue of 7rellis. The campaign is going very well, and we are closer to achieving our $6-million goal with each month.
oped a new logo and brand identity to reflect our name change and vision. The designers chose a fresh and earthy green colour that is inspired by a newly sprouting plant and that denotes the TBG s new growth. While the logo s design is abstract, the overall shape resembles a leaf with the internal pattern representing the frond of a maidenhair fern. The symbol reflects many aspects of the TBG. First and foremost, it connotes a fresh, living and growing plant form. The frond at the centre represents a meeting place for the community, an idea that is also suggested by the apex of the pathways that will be created in the gardens. The humanistic aspect of the logo, a human eye, considers the TBG s core purpose: inviting people to enjoy, respect and understand the natural landscape. We believe that our new logo will have impact and staying power!
The Program Guide included in this mailing provides details on what we have planned to inspire, instruct and entertain you. If you have any questions about our programs, access to the building or progress on the revitalization project please call us! We want to see you, our members, enjoying the offerings at the TBG.®@
ON DECEMBER 1, 2004 we were very sorry to say goodbye to Lore Fuchs, Weekend Supervisor and Ruthanne Stiles, Librarian, two valuable employees of the Toronto Botanical Garden who have been with us for many years.
LORE STARTED WORKING at the TBG (the Civic Garden Centre at the time) 17 years ago. As our weekend supervisor, she was responsible for reception and security, acted as building tour guide, onsite overseer for rental clients and supreme problem solver. Lore has a great sense of duty and could always be depended upon to ensure the security of the building, answer visitors questions and find solutions to the various problems that inevitably arise during programs and events. She has always been willing to step in when help is needed, dealing skillfully with many different people. We are delighted that Lore intends to stay in touch and that she has expressed an interest in volunteering.
RUTHANNE BEGAN her professional association with the TBG in 1996 as a library volunteer and then was hired as a library assistant in 1999. In these roles she acted as the critical right-hand person for Librarian, Mara Arndt and became extremely knowledgeable about the collection and key in the running of the Library. One of her responsibilities was training the volunteers for which she was ideally suited given her communication skills, patience and grace. When Mara left in January 2004, Ruthanne accepted the position of Librarian. With her calm demeanor and business-like approach she skillfully stepped in and managed a very smooth transition. Under her leadership the Library has been well cared for and Ruthanne is respected by all for her knowledge of the horticultural collection of books and periodicals. She will be missed by the volunteers, library users and staff of the TBG.
Thank you both for your contributions and dedication to the Toronto Botanical Garden.
by Jenny Rhodenizer MANAGER, COMMUNICATIONS &VISITORSERVICES
Three Ways to Access the Buildingin 2005
uring much of 2005 the TBG will look Dvery different, with all the makings of a construction site. There will be hoarding, big machinery and piles of dirt. Fear not, though, we will continue to operate many of our programs during the renovations, and we have established
safe and secure areas in which to enjoy them. Beginning mid-January there will be new temporary points of entry to our halls and office area. The accompanying diagram illustrates where the entrances will be located. There will be lots of signage marking the way from the parking lots.
Lawrence Avenue East
JANUARY
FEBRUARY TO MAY
JUNE TO AUGUST
PARKING LOT
Renovation Timetable 2005
e Building closed to the public
e Building construction begins
¢ Administrative offices can be reached by phone or e-mail
e Library &Trellis Shop closed until end of 2005
e Floral Hall, Garden Auditorium and administrative offices re-open
e Courses, workshops and lectures resume
* Horticultural and business meetings resume
e Landscaping begins
® Floral Hall closed
e Limited schedule of courses, workshops & lectures
e Garden Auditorium open on a limited basis
¢ Administrative offices open
SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER
¢ Floral Hall, Garden Auditorium and administrative offices open
Treat your senses o a welcome escape from winter...
* Explore acres of fantasy gardens stretching the imagination with vibrant colours and fragrances.
« Discover this year's spectacular Dream Wedding Garden, presented by The Home Depot.
* Find small-space ideas in the expanded balcony and townhouse gardens area.
* Learn answers to all your questions in non-stop workshops by your favourite gardening gurus, including Ken Beattie, Mark Cullen, Ken Druse, Patrick Lima and Marjorie Mason. For complete up-to-date details, visit www.canadablooms.com.
ADLBEIANENS -
by Kristin Campbell ® VoLUNTEER
Volunteering opportunities duringrenovations
uring renovations, volunD teers may be wondering how to contribute to our ongoing activities. Here is an outline of what will be happening during the construction, and some information on areas where volunteers will be needed during the springand summerof2005.
DECEMBERANDJANUARY
The building will be closed dur-
FAREWELLTOTHE CRAFT GROUP
TheTBG givesthree big cheerstothe Craft Group, which is being disbanded after many years of faithful service. Much thanks to both Margaret Hertling and Lillian Lee for their valuable contributions, their inspirational devotion and loyalty to their work. We very much hope that we will continue to see them regularlyat theTBG as they are a wonderful part ofour volunteerfamily.
dren s programs atAllan Gardens and for the March Break programs at Edwards Gardens.
JUNE THROUGH AUGUST
During the summer months, construction moves outdoors. Only the west entrance will be functional which restricts the use of the building. No courses, lectures or workshops will be offered, and facility rentals will ing the intensive construction occurring in December and January. Staff will be working from home, answering phone calls and e-mails as usual, but there will be no access to the TBG building. Consequently, volunteer opportunities will be greatly reduced for these two months. Our staff members will discuss with you how (and whether) your usual volunteer work can proceed during this time.
FEBRUARY THROUGH MAY
We anticipate that staff and volunteers will be able to return to the TBG in a limited capacity during this time. Edwards Lectures, workshops and courses will be running, so we will need help with the sale of books and selected gift items at these events. The Librarywill be closed, but current periodicals and some reference works will be available in the administrative area. Library volunteers will also be needed to maintain some essential support systems for the collection. We will need volunteers for Canada Blooms, and to help with our spring sales of perennials and annuals, which will be held as usual in the Floral Hall. However, Getting the Jump on Spring has been cancelled for 2005. Also, our facilities may be rented only in the evenings and on weekends. Administrative functions will return to normal during this time, so there will be plenty of tasks for our administrative volunteers including help with the preparations for reopening. Teaching assistants will also be needed for chil-
be limited to the Administrative Foyer and Boardroom. Nevertheless we will need volunteers to help with special events such as Through the Garden Gate and out-of-town garden tours; to work on the library collection s support systems; to assist with preparations for reopening and with administrative functions. Tour guides, Teaching Garden assistants and maintenance volunteers will also be needed.
Volunteers have invested much time and energy in the TBG. Many of our volunteers have been here for longer than most of our staff, and volunteers have helped give this organization continuity and stability. You, our volunteers, are invaluable to the programs we offer. We appreciate the manyways you help us, from your cheerful words to your helping hands. During the renovation we hope that you continue to find satisfying work at the TBG. Please contact the volunteer office at 416-397-4145 or volunteers@infogarden.ca about volunteer opportunities.@
VOLUNTEERAT CANADA BLOOMS!
From March 9 to 13, 2005, volunteers will be needed to help run the TBG booth at Canada Blooms. Come out and help with the setup and takedown, book sales and customer assistance. To volunteer, please call Kristin Campbell at 416-397-4145 or volunteers@infogarden.ca.
~ IEAFETNTEEYY MIDGE COOPER
Carol Gardnerchats with a cheerful dynamo.
JUST HEARING ABOUT Midge Cooper s schedule makes me want to lie down and have a little rest. This fit and cheerful dynamo volunteers at least twice a week at the Toronto Botanical Garden and then spends another two days weekly tutoring immigrant women through the Regent Park Learning Centre. For the past four years, she has done a variety of volunteer jobs for the Toronto International Film Festival from office tasks to working on the red carpet. Perhaps most impressively, Midge travels to all these assignments by bicycle a 45-minute oneway trip to the TBG. Not only that but she manages to look cool and breezywhen she arrives!
Fortunately, Midge is accustomed to an action-packed life. She was born in a small town near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, and went to Cornell University to study international affairs. There, she met her late husband Brian, who was studying hotel management. Brian s first assignment was a year at the Hilton Hotel in London not a bad first step for a young couple. They imagined themselves living all over Europe, but after a year they found the call of home was too strong to resist. They returned to Brian s childhood home, Burlington, Ontario, where they joined his family s restaurant business. They were there for 25 years, running six restaurants and raising three children. The call of the wild was still strong though, and they managed to packa lot oftravelling into that time.
When their children were well on their way to independence, Midge and Brian moved to Toronto, to be closer to Brian s job as dean of hospitality at George Brown College. Midge worked as a concierge for the Toronto Tourist Commission, dealing with travellers at some of the city s major hotels.
The kind of experience that someone like Midge brings to an organization is invaluable. Over her four years with the TBG, she has designed programming for the Teaching Garden and continues to work on garden maintenance; she helps volunteer co-ordinator Kristin
e 5.
Campbell keep in touch with volunteers and schedule them for assignments; she works with horticulturist Cathie Cox during plant sales by unloading plants, doing setup and working as cashier; she works as a bus host during Through the Garden Gate and helps with the setup of a number of special events. Clearly, she enjoys the place and her fellow volunteers.
The TBG is not, however, her only passion. She has taught skiing for the past 33 years and continues to teach three months a year. She keeps in close touch with her three married children - a daughter in Belle River, Ontario, a son in Stowe, Vermont ( right near the Ben & Jerry s headquarters , she gleefully says), and another daughter in Pearl City, Hawaii. And there are two new loves in her life a two-year-old granddaughter and a one-year-old grandson. And then, of course, there s her garden. It s improved, she says, since she became a TBG volunteer: it still contains a little bit of everything, but at least now I know the names of the things I plant! The garden is informal, vibrant and full of variety a perfect reflection of its creator.@
An award-winninggarden writer, Carol Gardner is a member ofthe Trellis Committee.
Midge Cooper (top) is surrounded by sprouting green thumbs in theTeaching Garden.
byTobin Day ® SUPERVISOR, CHILDREN S
& Caley Baker ® TEACHING GARDEN CO-ORDINATOR l
Grand Opening atAllan Gardens
Ithink it s really important thatkidsfrom the inner city experience soil and understand that corn doesn t comefrom a shop, butfrom theground.
CouncillorRae
at the opening ofthe Children s Conservatory
WITH THE GRAND OPENING
of the Allan Gardens Children s Conservatory on October 13, we are celebrating the beginning of a new program of children s education. The former University of Toronto conservatory has found a new home at Allan Gardens and will now provide a space for children to learn about plants, soil and habitat in a greenhouse setting.
At the opening ceremonies, Councillor Kyle Rae, Mayor David Miller, Frank Iacobucci (interim president of the University of Toronto) and Ed Clark (president and CEO of TD Bank Financial Group) each spoke about their roles in the partnership that made reconstruction of the conservatory possible.
An eager grade four class from Church Street Public School also participated in the grand opening. The class learned how to pot up spider plants, and three students shared their knowledge and skills with the attending dignitaries. Eight-year-old Alison Dris said that the mayor was a good student. In her words, He understood. It was nice.
School programs for grades three and four began on November 1. Each class visits the conservatory twice, which enables students to track the progress of their soil and plant experiments as well as the growth of the lettuce and nasturtiums which they had planted and will be able to harvest and eat.
Our grade three program focuses on soil and plants. Students investigate the properties of soil found in different environments by comparing the sandy soil in the arid greenhouse to the richer soil in the tropical one. In addition, stu-
dents learn to make connections between plant adaptations and the soil plants thrive in. For instance, they observe how the water-conserving ponytail palm likes to grow in sandy desert soil.
Our grade four program is centred on habitat. Using the conservatory plants as a starting point, students discover how plants and animals find food, water, shelter and space. For example, students get up close and personal with our vermicompost (worm compost). They discover the habitat of worms by tracking the decomposition of leftover lunches.
Overall, by teaching urban children about gardening and the environment we hope to: e create awareness of the diversity of life and promote respect for living creatures
e teach children where food comes from in addition to gardening skills they can apply at school and at home
e empower children by teaching them that small actions can have big consequences
e develop healthy relationships between children and other living creatures
e help children see the connections between food, nature and people in urban environments @
For more information or to book a class visit to the Allan Gardens Children s Conservatory, publicschool teachers can call416-392-7290.
"ac ing Garden programs atthe TBGwill Friday, March 18, with March Breakactivities. For more information, call 416-397-1355. -
Women s Longest Drive Heathbridge Capital Management Ltd.
Women s Closest to the Pin Chair-man Mills and Nancy & Bruce Bone
CONTEST SPONSORS
Putting Contest BMO Financial Group
Buy the Pro Aurora Landscape and Le Boeuf Properties Inc.
HOLE SPONSORS
Bayview Flowers
Brad & Kathy Badeau
Bradford Greenhouses Ltd.
BrookdaleTreeland Nurseries
The Dalton Company
Eric R. Sellors Holdings Ltd. CanadianTire #192
George & Kathy Dembroski
George Sant Greenhouses
John McColl Scotia McLeod
Konkle Farm & Greenhouses Ltd.
Marshall Macklin Monaghan
Martin Wade Landscape Architects
Mehler Fashion Imports Silvia Mehler
Modugno-Hortibec Inc.
Montgomery Sisam Architects Inc.
Morrison Williams Investment Management Ltd.
Northend Floral Inc.
PMA Landscape Architects
Rosenswig McRaeThorpe LLP
Sanwell Nurseries Limited
Warren Greenhouses Ltd. & Linwell Gardens Ltd.
Willowdale Subaru
Winward Silks of Canada Yoder Canada Ltd.
SPECIAL GIFTS
Judy & Bill Benson
Suzanne Drinkwater
Ralph Fernando
Heather Heaps & Cailey Heaps Estrin
Belinda Morin
GIFT-IN-KIND DONORS
507 Antiques, a la Carte, Abbott of England, ACME Environmentals, Algoma Central, Annabell s Interior Design, Stuart & Kate Bahen, Bell Distributions, Biagio Restaurant, Bianco, Blue Willow Garden & Landscape Design Centre, Michael & Sue Burns, CanStage, City of Toronto, Hugh & Anne Coulson, Janet Davis, George & Kathy Dembroski, George & Heather Dickson, Euan
Dougal, Eagles Nest Golf Club, Elisabeth Legge Fine
Antique Prints, Flemingdon Park Golf Club, Gardenimport Inc., David & Janet Greyson, Ben Gross, Heathbridge Capital Management Ltd., Hofland, Horticultural Design, Joy Cherry, Landscape Forms, Landscape Ontario, Ken Maiden, The May Group, Meaford Ironworks, Michael Kluthe Salon, Sandra Munn, Newcore Imports Inc., Oak Ridges Food Market, Ontario Paint & Wallpaper, Parklane Ltd., RBC, Ridpath s, Eric & R. Sellors Holdings Ltd.
; hroughout 2004 generous individuals and companies provided in-kind products and services to the Toronto
3 Botanical Garden. Whether through gifts of books to the library, items for events, or tools
INDIVIDUALS
ChrisAylott
Martha Aylott
Stuart & Kate Bahen
Deborah Ann Beatty
Niti Bhotoia
Pat Briffa
Michael & Sue Burns
Risa Cohen
Tony & Moira Cohen
Hugh & Anne Coulson
Lindsay Dale-Harris
Janet Davis
George & Kathy Dembroski
George & Heather Dickson
Euan Dougal
Marion Elliott
Dorothy Ferris
Pam Finlay
Anne Gibson
David & Janet Greyson
Ben Gross
Arthur Hammond
Barbara Mayer
Grace Mueller
Sandra Munn
John Oyston
Mimi Pangman
Barrie Porteous
Gwen Rattle
Joy Reddy
Penny Richards
Mary Schoo
Eric & Garian Sellors
Marjorie Shu
Mary Simpson
Melba Smith
Lana Soosar
Pamela Stagg
Ruthanne Stiles
Kimberley Stinson
Lynda Summerville
Anne Wilson
COMPANIES & GROUPS
507 Antiques
Marjorie Harris a la Carte Kitchens Inc.
Kathy Hartley Abbott of England
Joe Hickson
Irene Hunter
ACME Environmentals
Algoma Central
Daniel King & Annabell s Interior Design
JaniceTurner King
Ivan Lee
Bell Distributions
Biagio Restaurant
Sonia Leslie Bianco
Dianne Logue
Gayle McDonald
Crawford & Sylvia MacIntyre
Blossoms Rosedale
and plant materials for the Teaching Garden, these gifts have provided tremendous support to the TBG s programs and services. We are truly grateful for the support of people like you. THANK YOU!
Canadian Wildlife Federation | Milne House Garden Club
Flowers, says Monica Schut, bring the colour, fragrance and texture ofnature indoors.
Flowers, flowers, everywhere! Today flow-
ers are no longer considered luxury items, as they have been in the past, but as everyday staples that bring the colour, fragrance and texture of nature into our indoor environments. Perhaps this new way of accepting flowers as part of our daily lives has developed because the pressures and fast pace of contemporary life often seem to deny even the smallest of momentary pleasures. When we bring something of beauty from Mother Nature s garden into our hectic lives, it introduces an element of peace, order and balance. Or perhaps it hearkens back to our agrarian past that gave us an appreciation of all things green and growing. Whatever the reason, we know that the floral industry in North America continues to grow by double-digit percentages each year.
Constant research, the development of new varieties and better access to emerging markets around the world have caused an astounding increase in the selection of floral material. Not many years ago, the principal floral stars were roses, with a supporting cast of carnations, chrysanthemums and gladioli. Today, these are still floral stars, but none has a solo career for long. New varieties, new colours and new shapes continue to entice us with their siren calls and we are taking them home in increasing numbers.
The floral industry has become a component of the interior design movement that has exploded on the North American continent over the last five years. The one overall trend in interior design has been the influence of nature, and this has driven the demand for and use of natural elements and materials in our surroundings. Walls are covered with linen-like materials, and bamboo is being used in flooring as are cork, slate and granite. This demand has provided opportunities for growers to produce floral crops that have never been on the design bench before.
Natural materials add texture and form to contemporary designs.
1. FLOWERS FOR EVERYDAY
The idea that flowers are only for special occasions has been replaced with the notion that flowers are fundamental to our everyday lives, whether at home or in the workplace. Not only do they provide a splash of colour but flowers symbolize our appreciation of the environment. Expressions of joy, love, caring and sadness are also communicated with flowers and continue to fill the void when words cannot convey our messages.
2. KEEP IT SIMPLE
People are taking a less is more attitude. They re finding everyday pleasure in a single gorgeous stem of a cymbidium orchid, for example, and leaving the more abundant floral bouquets and arrangements for celebratory events, especially weddings. This minimalist approach lets us admire each specimen for its unique beauty, colour and shape and also allows for more frequent and varied purchases.
3. COLOUR EXPLOSION
The wide range of flower colours and shades has expanded the floral designer s palette. Roses are no longer just red; they may be one of five or ten shades of red, ranging from red/black to red/pink. The designer has become an artist, using the full range of tones and hues available today. Designers are using colour to reflect the change of seasons, to celebrate the joys of life and to complement interior décor.
4. STONE ELEMENTS
A fundamental element of floral design today, stone is used to introduce another layer of interest to floral arrangements because of its interesting surface textures, shapes and natural colours.
5. NEW GRASSES
Grasses from Peru, Italy and South Africa are now available to contemporary floral designers who are using them to introduce another textural component to designs. These exotic grasses accentuate the subtle shades of greens and browns of the other materials in the designs.
6. GOING ORGANIC
In addition to grasses, various other organic materials are being used in the design room everything from branches, ferns, seedpods, mosses and berries
to ornamental vegetables like cabbages anything that adds texture and form. Sumptuous fruits such as pomegranates, pears and grapes are also playing an increasingly important role in enhancing seasonal arrangements. And herbs are being incorporated into designs for their properties of healing and fragrance.
7. SPIRITUAL ELEMENTS
Flowers have always had a spiritual connection to the human heart. Whether to honour someone or something or for worship or sacred festivals, flowers continue to be used to reflect or express spirituality. Zen and other eastern religions are influencing North American floral design, allowing for greater exploration, expression and understanding.
8. DESIGN AS ART
With the broader selection of floral materials available today, designers are becoming more experimental and non-traditional, taking floral design to new levels. Those designers who are artists at heart are using flowers as an artistic medium, exploring new forms and sculptural shapes in very creative ways.
9. GLASS AND SCULPTURAL MATERIALS
Along with the idea of floral design as art, sculptural materials are being used as design elements. Wire, long relegated to the mechanics of construction, is being shaped to form components of the design itself. And glass containers have evolved from typical vase shapes to beautiful vessels that have become important parts of the overall arrangement rather than a secondary component.
10. INSPIRATION
Designers are not only inspired by the large variety of materials available to them, but they also continue to look to the past and to other artistic genres for new ideas. For example, paintings by the classic Dutch artists are being studied for their wild and abundant use of flowers; music is becoming a motivational design element; and current fashion trends and interior design influences supply other sources of inspiration.@
Monica Schut is an instructor and the Educational DevelopmentDirectorforthe Canadian Institute of Floral Design. She also provides small business coachingspecific to thefloral industry.
SPOTLIGHT ON Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Dawn Bazelyresists
South African plants,
the urge to bring back exotic er Canadian garden.
IN FEBRUARY 2004 I participated in a visioning panel at the Toronto Botanical Garden. The invitation came at a time when my work schedule was crazy and [ worried about whether I could do it justice. In retrospect, accepting it was a great move since it turned out to be the first of three visits this year to botanical gardens on three different continents. The highlight was my March trip to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town my first time in Africa.
Although I had read many scientific papers about the ecology of the South African Cape s unique flora, known as fynbos (pronounced fine-boss ), I was unprepared for the spectacular flora I saw growing there. I was also impressed by the leadership that my colleagues at Kirstenbosch are providing on a range of major environmental issues in particular, the problem of invasive nonnative plants.
The South African botanical garden is both a showcase for the extraordinary native Cape flora and a key place for introducing the public to the issue of how non-native species affect the local environment. On the drive into Cape Town from the airport, I noticed numerous posters with catchy slogans like Hack the Hakea that warned about invasive plants. South African ecologists are concerned about the survival of the highly diverse Cape fynbos that encompasses over 8,000 plant species. Fynbos means fine-leaved and is an apt description of many of the plants, of which 70 per cent
Botanical Garden
are found only in South Africa. The functioning of this unique fire-dependent ecosystem is threatened both by habitat loss and by invasive non-native plants.
My visit to Kirstenbosch was an excellent introduction to the enormously diverse fynbos flora. My husband (an ornithologist by training and a keen birdwatcher) could barely keep up with me as I raced around the garden, dashing from the Proteaceae (which includes the bottlebrushes) to the Restionaceae, which are reedlike plants and a characteristic group of fynbos. (This made a nice change from my following him on his birding quests!)
Although I am a plant ecologist in my day job, I am also a keen gardener, and I found myself coveting practically every plant that I saw in Kirstenbosch. Who would not want a bird of paradise plant, in particular the unique Mandela s gold variety (Strelitzia reginae Mandela s Gold ), in their backyard?
Mandela s Gold bird of paradise growing at Kirstenbosch National
Knowing the potential harm that moving plants around the globe can do, however, I found myself pondering the source of this strong urge to fill my garden with gorgeous South African plants. People move organisms around for many reasons. European colonists, setting out into the unknown, often brought familiar plants with them. Ironically, the availability of seeds of Mandela s Gold strelitzia, which was developed at Kirstenbosch, is strongly affected by the non-native grey squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis, which Cecil Rhodes introduced from England. At Kirstenbosch we noticed that all of the seedheads of the bird of paradise were encased in wire. On investigating the garden s web page, I learned that these squirrels will consume nearly all the crop if unchecked. It [the squirrel] takes the entire, almost-ripe green capsule, leaving nothing but the vandalized remains of the spathe behind. We have battled for years to find the best way of protecting our developing seed, and short of erecting a cage around the plants in the garden, we have found that enclosing each fertilized flower in fine-mesh chicken wire keeps the squirrels out.
But it s not just homesickness that prompts people to move plants and animals around the world. When we arrived at our bed and breakfast in the leafy suburb of Bishopcourt, near Kirstenbosch, the first thing I noticed, apart from the group of Hadeda ibises, Bostrychia hagedash, marching around the lawn of the enormous, beautifully tended back garden, was a Manitoba maple, Acer negundo. All I could imagine was that in South Africa, Manitoba maple is fashionable as a garden specimen because it is unusual and rare. Ironically, in Canada, the World Wildlife Fund s 2003 Nature Audit listed this tree as one of our country s few native invasive species of note!
The squirmy feeling I got from seeing the fabulous Cape flora was definitely driven by an acquisitive gotta have it for my garden collector kind of feeling. I don t think I 'm the first to feel it either. Many of our showiest garden plants are those brought from South Africa, such as redhot poker, Kniphofia. Most of our garden plants
that originated in South Africa are non-invasive and will not escape from gardens. However, some of the non-native plants that have escaped and become pests agricultural as well as environmental weeds that disrupt ecosystems pose huge threats. The challenge for plant ecologists is to predict which species will become pests when introduced to foreign ecosystems and to act in a preventative way.
While one key aspect of tackling the global issue of invasive species is public education and outreach, the other is research. Karen Alston, a master s student in conservation biology at the University of Cape Town, has studied how factors such as the proximity of urban gardens may be affecting the invasion by non-native plants of the protected Newlands Forest that borders Kirstenbosch. My concerns about Manitoba maple, or box elder as Karen called it, were entirely justified. Although its ecological impact remains to be determined, this invasive Canadian tree has infiltrated the fabulous and rare native Afromontane forest habitat that lies in the lee of Table Mountain.
The combined program of research and public outreach that is happening in the Cape is impressive. For example, outside a local supermarket in Paarl one Saturday, I noticed a display about water conservation that included leaflets on invasive non-native plants that suck up water and are compromising its availability.
South Africa and its Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden have much to teach the rest of the world, including Canada, about the issue of invasive plants!®@
A professor in York University s Biology Department, Dawn Bazely recently co-authored, with Judith Myers, The Ecology and Control of Introduced Plants.
R L R A A S A B P e T S PR O] Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is located outside Cape Town, South Africa. Renowned for its collection of indigenous plants, the garden features 528 hectares of fynbos and native forest as well as display gardens planted with native species. For more information, visit the Web site at www.nbi.ac.za/frames/kirstfram.htm
HOME-GROWN FIERGIES
The 2005Edwards Lecture series, says Cathie Cox, willfeature Canadian gardeninggreats.
I n keeping with the dictionary definition of
a hero as a person distinguished by courage, noble deeds, outstanding achievements and favoured by the gods , the 2005 Edwards Lecture series will feature homegrown heroes who have performed noble deeds throughout Canada, achieved beautiful gardens and stunning landscapes, broken new ground and helped to enhance the beauty of a country that seems to be favoured by the gods.
GROWING A VISION
ome of our home-grown heroes are experts who will help illustrate our goals for the new Toronto Botanical Garden. The TBG will be seeking LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. LEED was developed to quantify the sustainability of a building and its construction process. By following its guidelines, we can help protect and promote environmental quality, human health and community livability. Through the implementation of projects such as storm-water management, sourcing local materials and recycling others and creating a green roof for the Trellis Shop, we are helping to create healthy spaces.
One of the most distinguished of our lecturers is Cornelia Hahn Oberlander. Holder of the Order of Canada, Ms. Oberlander has been described by Ray Hnatyshyn as Canada s premier landscape architect. She will be speaking about designing buildings and gardens that are sustainable and environmentally responsible. Known for innovative design methods such as green roofs, Ms. Oberlander has par-
ticipated in and encouraged the greening of urban areas and healthy spaces over a career that now spans a half-century. From the beginning she has been motivated by social responsibility and environmental sensitivity. Tuesday, March 8
Martin Galloway, the well-known lecturer, television personality and owner of Chalk Lake Greenhouse, will be talking about Toronto s unique ravine system (which includes Edwards Gardens where the TBG is located) its native plants and the challenges it faces from invasive species. This lecture is in keeping with the vision of the TBG to increase awareness of the natural beauty of our environment. Wednesday, October 5
In a similar vein, Ken Greenberg, a highly respected Toronto-based architect and urban planner, will be speaking on the topic, Toward a Green City, which draws on his experience with the Darwin Project in Boston. Wednesday, November 23
Tom Sparling and Terry McGlade, two of Toronto s finest landscape architects and garden designers, will outline their part in the design of our new and inspiring gardens. Wednesday, November 9.
OUTSTANDING IN THEIR FIELDS
The other speakers in our lecture series are experts in their fields. Barrie Porteous has spent most of his spare time leading numerous botanical trips abroad in addition to chairing the Ontario and North American Rock Garden societies and the rhododendron, heather and penstemon societies. He will be speaking on a subject close to many garden-
ers hearts: Fearless Plant Hunters. Many of the hardy perennials, roses and shrubs that we grow today were discovered by the amazing plant explorers that Barrie will talk about. (more information on page 30) Wednesday, February 16
Jamie Ellison has an extensive horticultural background in lecturing, specialty plant propagation, interpretive tours, writing and photography. He also co-owns the specialty plant business, Bunchberry Nurseries, in Upper Clements, Nova Scotia. His topic will be magnolias, a subject he knows well as founder of the Magnolia Society in Nova Scotia. Tuesday, May 10
Patrick Lima, who wrote The Art of Perennial Gardening, a bestseller which showcased his Bruce Peninsula property, Larkwhistle, will be giving a talk on the subject of his new book, The Organic Home Garden. Tuesday, April 12
Ed Lawrence is a well-known gardening presenter of CBC s Ontario Today and a horticultural specialist with the Official Residences Division of the National Capital Commission. He has agreed to share with us his experiences and some of the challenges of keeping the gardens of the six official residences looking their best at all times. Wednesday, May 25
For keen gardeners who want to know and grow the most recent and most successful perennial introductions of 2005, three plant experts will be presenting a What s Hot and What's Not lecture just when you need to know right before the
MEET BRITAIN S LEADING TELEVISION PERSONALITY, CAROL KLEIN
Carol Klein is a garden writer extraordinaire, renowned lecturer, teacher and television personality as well as the owner of Glebe Cottage Plants, a nursery in Devon, England. She will be speaking on the subject of her recently released book,
TBG s perennials sale. Janet Anderson of Janet Anderson Distinct Perennials, John Valleau of Valleybrook Gardens and Mark Denee of Epic Plants are some of the most successful wholesale nursery growers in Southern Ontario. Wednesday, April 27
All of our home-grown heroes will help us make informed and inspired choices as we seek to produce heavens and havens of our own.?
Cathie Cox is Manager, Horticultural Services, at the TBG.
PlantPersonalities: Choosingand | Growing Plants by Character. Carol is well known in the United Kingdom for her exciting garden exhibit at the Chelsea Flower Show as well as for her appearances on television shows such as Garden Party, Real Gardens, Garden Doctors and Wild About the Garden. Tuesday, March 22
Mystery, Murder and Mayhem
Try this quizaboutpoisonous plants
ByLorraine Hunter
From William Shakespeare to Agatha
Christie, writers have always been fascinated by the mysterious and often toxic properties of certain plants. Even children s books, from the classic Babar to the currently best-selling Harry Potter series, contain many references to poisonous, and sometimes even magical, plants.
What do Agatha Christie and J.K. Rowling have in common?
TESTYOUR MURDER MYSTERY PLANT KNOWLEDGE!
1. The study of poisons is known as toxicology. Where did this term originate?
2. Name the murder-mystery author who has written some 41 books and 24 short stories involving poisons.
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3. How did Agatha Christie know so much about poisonous plants?
4. What do the novels The Crooked House, A Pocket Full of Rye, The Moving Finger and Lord Edgware Dies have in common?
5. In Shakespeare s play Macbeth, what poisonous plant was contained in the liquor offered by Macbeth to the Danish troops which caused them to fall asleep and led to their slaughter?
6. What poisonous potion was the philosopher Socrates forced to drink that caused his death?
7. What popular 19th-century drug, derived from what flower, is said to have influenced the creativity of such people as poets Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Samuel Taylor Coleridge and the composer Hector Berlioz?
8. In Shakespeare s tragedy Hamlet s father is murdered by a poisoner hired by his uncle. What poisonous plant was used and how was it administered?
9. What killed the grandfather elephant in The Story of Babar: The Little Elephant by Jean de Brunhoff?
10. Which five of the following plants featured in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling are real plants: Abyssinian shrivelfig, aconite, belladonna, bouncing bulbs, hellebore, mandrake, puffapod, yew?
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Many plants and flowers, if taken internally, can cause discomfort or even death. Here is a by no means complete list of some flowering plants that should never be eaten or even tasted.
The alkaloid colchicines is concentrated in the flowers and bulbs and can cause death.
2.Lily-of-the-valley, Convallaria mayjalis All parts are poisonous and even the water in a vase in which it was placed can cause death.
3. Monkshood, wolfsbane, Aconitum spp. All plant parts are poisonous and can cause a variety of symptoms that can culminate in respiratory paralysis, coma and death.
4. Delphinium,Delphinium spp.
May cause burning in the mouth, tingling skin, nausea, stomach upset, abdominal upset and other symptoms; can cause death.
5. Bleeding heart, Dutchman s breeches, Dicentra spp. May cause laboured breathing, trembling, lack of co-ordination, convulsions; large amounts may be fatal.
6. Hellebores, Helleborus spp.
Roots and leaves may cause a slow, irregular pulse, laboured breathing, convulsions, respiratory failureandsometimesdeath.
7. Golden chain tree, Laburnum anagyroides All parts, especially seeds and bark, maycause burning of the mouth, thirst, irregular pulse, coma, circulatory collapse, respiratoryfailure and death.
8. Castor bean, Ricinus communis All parts, particularly the seeds, produce a variety of symptoms leading to tachycardia, convulsions, liver and kidney damage and death.
9. Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus spp. The leaves of all species may cause gastroenteritis, laboured breathing, stupor, paralysis, convulsions and death.
10. Oleander, Nerium oleander
All parts, including twigs, leaves and flowers are poisonous. After a few hours, dizziness, sleepiness and slow, irregular breathing appear, followed by unconsciousness, convulsions, respiratory paralysis and death. Drinking water from a vase that contained the flowers has caused poisoning. @
The Meaning ofGardens i with Sharilyn Ingram
Sunday, February 6-1to 3 p.m.
Discover why "the best gardens connect you { with the natural, human and spiritual worlds" and apply these theories to your own garden.
The LegacyofArts and CraftsGarden Design withFrankKershaw
Sunday, February 13 -1 to 3 p.m.
{ Observe how purity ofdesign,use of local materials,tasteful elegance and durability continue to inspire today's gardeners.
Each lecture is $15 + GST. Includesa Q & A
Spadina Museum: Historic House & Gardens 285 Spadina Road, next door to Casa Loma 416-392-6910 spadina@toronto.ca
Lorraine Hunter is a garden writerand memberofthe TBGBoardas wellas chair ofthe Trellis Committee.
Thanks to our generous donors for making this yeat s Seed Exchange so interesting and tempting! Our seed donors (whose code names appear at the end of each plant description) include AGAR Gordon Agar, ANDE Katy Anderson, BURS Merle Burston, CAMP
Kristin Campbell, DOLB Susan Dolbey, FADE
Madeleine Fadel, GARD Jean Gardiner, GARN Ruth Garnett, GEDD Marsha Geddes, GITT John Gittins, HEIN Eleanor Heinz, JENK Vivien Jenkinson, LEGG
Anna Leggatt, MANO Irwin Manov, OYST John Oyston, PLAS Roman Plaskota, PRES Pressed Flower Group, ROGE Norman Rogers, SILV Karen Silvera, WIKA Alice Wikaruk.
1. Aconitum napellus(Monkshood) PER blue 100cm PLAS
19. Allium schubertii(Ornamental onion) BU lavender 50cm; like A. cristophiibut bigger head & uneven flwrstalks BURS, LEGG
20. Allium senescenssubsp. montanum (Ornamental onion) BU lavender 45cm; extended repeat bloomer, mid- to late summer ANDE
Seeds are listed alphabetically by botanical name, followed by common name in parentheses, then plant type coded as follows: AN annual, BI biennial, BU bulb, HERB herb, PER perennial, SH shrub, VEGvegetable, VI vine. A brief description lists flower colout, height in metric and distinguishingcharacteristics as supplied bythe donors.
Some plants may hybridize and may not grow as expected, especially named varieties. We cannot guarantee that all seeds are true to name. Only a few seeds are available in some selections.
Please keep this list for reference when you order as your seed packets will arrive with a number but no name.
182. Veronica austriacasubsp. teucrium(Veronica) PER blue 1m; strong DOLB
183. Yuccagloriosa(Spanish dagger) PER cream 2m; largeflwrson spike,exoticappearance GARN
NAME (PLEASEPRINT)
ADDRESS
Areyou a seeddonor? O Yes 1 No 0 SASEenclosed 0 $6 handling enclosed
Ordersarefilled in theorderreceived,with donors getting first choice.You may order up to 20 packets of seed. Please write the numbers clearly in the boxes at left in ascending numerical order. To have the seeds shipped, send the form along with a SASE large enough to hold your orderand a $6 cheque (payable toToronto Botanical Garden) for handling. If you plan to pick up your seeds, send the form with a selfaddressed envelope large enough to hold yourorderand a $6 chequeforhandling.
DEADLINE JANUARY 21
Addressed envelope for pick-up enclosed
1d like to help package the seeds
An Alpine Celebration
KatyAnderson extends an invitation to a world-class rockgardening conference inJanuary
This year, the Ontario Rock Garden Society
(ORGS) celebrates 20 years of meeting at the Toronto Botanical Garden. Our monthly meetings, often on general horticultural topics with a focus on alpines, have increased the knowledge of hundreds of our members. From January 28 to 30, 2005, ORGS will be hosting the Eastern Winter Study Weekend of the North American Rock Garden Society (NARGS). Everyone is invited to join us at the Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel for a fun and informative weekend of speakers, workshops, plant, book and vendor sales, a silent auction and after-hours presentations by NARGS members.
Speakers from near and far will be offering their expert insights on growing alpine plants. Dr. John Good, who recently received an OBE for services to the environment, will present 20 plant portraits of alpines from around the world and offer his suggestions for growing them successfully. Jim Jermyn, show manager of Gardening Scotland, Scotland s premier flower show, will talk about the challenges of growing the créme de la créeme of the more challenging European alpines. And Germany s Erich Pasche, formerly of the Wuppertal Botanical Garden in NorthrhineWestfalia, will introduce us to the many gardenworthy plants that he has discovered on his journeys to the Tien Shan mountains of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and China as well as the many alpine treasures found in the Mediterranean. The curator of the Montréal Botanical Garden s Alpinum, René Giguére, joins us for a presentation on the more than 3,000 varieties of alpine plants in the garden s collection, including some of its more recent acquisitions.
Closer to home, local heroes Marion Jarvie, Barrie Porteous and David Tomlinson will also talk about growing alpines. A popular lecturer at the TBG, Marion Jarvie will focus on Early Goodies spring plants that brighten even the dullest April days. At dinner on Saturday evening,
ORGS member Barrie Porteous will entertain us with a presentation entitled Ontario Great Place to Grow Alpines, Eh? And David Tomlinson of Merlin s Hollow in Aurora will offer a thought-provoking lecture, Growing Wildflowers Conservation or Rape?
On Saturday afternoon, three workshops will be conducted by ORGS members, each running concurrently in two sessions, so choose two of your favourites: Gardening in Tufa , with Harvey Wrightman; Pruning with Paul , with master pruner Paul Ehnes; To Go Digital or Not to Go Digital/Thatis the Question , with Michael Dolbey.
You do not need to be a member of ORGS to join us at the Eastern Winter Study Weekend. For conference fees and detailed information, visit our Web site: www.onrockgarden.com. To register, contact registrars Norm and Lynne Limpert at limps@sympatico.ca or conference co-ordinator, Katy Anderson, at katyand@sympatico.ca @ 3% 3% 3% DR PR DR 3R 3% 3R 3% 3% 3 3 3 XK KatyAnderson is a past president ofthe Ontario Rock Garden Society and co-ordinator of the Eastern WinterStudy Weekend2005.
Join the Ontario Rock Garden Society
Explore the world of alpines | . by joining the Ontario Rock . 2 ¢ Garden Society. In addition to wimatie informative and entertaining monthly meetings, ORGS organizes members garden tours and picnics as well as four plant sales each year and the largest horticultural seed exchange in Canada. Members receive nine issues of the Journal per year, each one packed with delightful and educational articles, and a handbook listing members and suppliers of garden products and services. For information about joining ORGS, contact Andrew Osyany at torgsted@sympatico.ca.
Book REVIEW
The Reford Gardens: Elsie s Paradise
ByAlexander Reford; photographs by Louise Tanguay Montréal, Les Editions de 'Homme, 2004; 177 pages; $29.95
The ON A BUS TRIP travelling through the Gaspé Peninsula last year, | was struck by the beauty and harmony of the remarkable landscape that is the Reford Gardens. Now, | have
the pleasure of reviewing a book about these beautiful gardens.
The Villa Reford overlooks two rivers the Mitis on one side and the St. Lawrence on the other at the gateway to the Gaspé Peninsula. From 1926 until 1959 Elsie Reford dedicated herself to the creation of her personal paradise, a series of gardens that cover the grounds of the family estate. Author Alexander Reford endeavours to give us insights into what Elsie s life was like during her summers at Grand-Métis while she worked on the gardens. He claims she didn t know a daisy from a dandelion when she began. Largely self-taught, she quickly became
Web site REVIEW
FLORAL DESIGN HOW-TO
If the article on floral design trends on page 14 has inspired you to fill your home with floral arrangements, here are three Web sites that will help you out with design tips and construction techniques.
* ARRANGING FLOWERS www.arranging-flowers.com
ARRANGING FLOWERS provides step-by-step instructions, complete with photos or illustrations. Directions are available for six different arrangements, for wedding bouquets and for boutonniéres. A series of photos shows how to wire flowers, and a plant encyclopaedia provides botanical and common names of plant material as well as a chart for each plant highlighting the characteristics that are useful in floral arranging. A separate section of the site shows how to make arrangements using silk flowers. This part of the Web site is worth visiting simply for the lovely illustrations.
* A FLOWER ARRANGER S GARDEN www.thegardener.btinternet.co.uk
THIS U.K.-BASED SITE offers a peek at the gardens of Chrissie Harten, a floral design instructor in
an expert despite gardening in one of the most difficult climates on the continent.
Superbly illustrated by Louise Tanguay s fabulous photographs, this book literally takes the reader on an enjoyable stroll under a canopy of crabapple and birch trees, past a pond and through a woodland, to catch glimpses of Elsie s collections of favourite flowers, including the exotic Himalayan blue poppy.
In essence, this book is a tribute to Elsie Reford, Alexander Reford s remarkable and visionary great grandmother who has bequeathed a living legacy to the history and art of gardening. Reviewed byMadge Bruce
Worcestershire. If you can resist looking at the many photos and comments in her various garden journals, scroll down to the sections on flower arranging where she offers hints and tips on techniques for using floral foam and flower conditioning as well as guidelines for arranging fresh or dried flowers. The site also features an excellent section on plants with fabulous foliage and another on preserving flowers.
FEAR NOT! Despite the name, this site is not for greasy engineers but offers excellent instructions and extensive explanations of the many and varied bits of equipment, called "mechanics , that floral designers use. Divided into four categories cutting tools, adhesives and securing devices, stem holders and other design aids the instructions are illustrated with drawings and offer lots of insights into how professionals and talented amateurs achieve their creative results.
Reviewed byLorraine Flanigan with research by Jean McCluskey
by Anna Leggatt
Digz talislanata -Grecian, orwoolly, foxglove
I USED TO THINK all foxgloves were more or less the same: a metre high, a somewhat leafy spike of flowers, with downward-facing, finger-sized bells in pink or white. The stems arose from a rosette of large, mid-green, soft hairy leaves.
Many years ago, however, I grew a packet of mixed Digitalis seed and discovered many other species. One of my favourites is Digitalis lanata. The peduncles, or main flower stems, are covered with white hairs, which are mostly hidden by the flowers in the dense spike. These flowers measure up to two centimeters (3/4 inch) in length and are tubby little bells, pale honey yellow in colour, netted with brown. Half the length is a white tongue that faces out and down. The flowers face in all directions giving an overall impression of a whitish poker. The shiny, mid- to dark green leaves are smaller than those of Digitalis purpurea, the common foxglove.
Digitalis lanata grows in many situations from full sun to leafy shade, though the flower spikes are not as dense in shade. These foxgloves make an effective show in groups, but they need space because unlike other species, they hate to be crowded.
Some references list this species as biennial and sometimes as a short-lived perennial. In my garden, it is usually the former. I generally leave them to self-seed, which they do prolifically! After setting seed, the plant will die. If I cut off the flower stem before the top flowers open, my plants will struggle to survive for a second flowering season butwill produce only weak plants.
Of all species in the genus, Digitalis lanata has the highest levels of digoxin and, like all other species in the genus, is poisonous. Because of this, I was not supposed to play with our foxgloves when [ was young, but they were irresistible with what looked to me as a child like lovely pink gloves! Foxgloves are not native to North America where Penstemon is the taxonomical equivalent. Digitalis is mainly native to southern Europe, the eastern Mediterranean and into Asia. Some have naturalized in other areas. D. lanata has even appeared in some Toronto ravines and is listed as a noxious weed in at least one American state.
Other notable species include:
e Digitalis grandiflora, usually a perennial in Toronto that looks like a yellow version of the common foxglove
e D. lutea, a perennial that bears small flowers
e D. X mertonensis, a husky hybrid with bells the colour of squashed strawberries
e D. thapsi and obscura, both perennials
e D. ferruginea, a rusty coloured foxglove
Try growing foxgloves from seed there are several species listed in this year s Seed Exchange on page 23. Foxgloves germinate easily under lights in the basement as long as you do notcover the seedf
Anna Leggattisa Master Gardener and active member ofthe TBG.
Foxglove
X Expert advice from the Master Gardeners |
Q 1 received a potted azalea as a gift and it s starting to look a little shabby. I have it in a north-facing window. How should I be taking care of it?
A Florists azaleas, Azalea indica cvs., prefer bright indirect light, so the first thing you should do is to move your plant from the north-facing window where it will not receive enough light. Most importantly, azaleas should be in a cool room where temperatures are below 18°C. Then, keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Start feeding it in late March with a 20-30-20 fertilizer specially formulated for plants that prefer acid soil. With patience and perseverance, these florists azaleas can be coaxed to re-bloom.
Azaleas like it damp and cool
Q@ 1'd like to know how to prune a jade plant. It is two and a half feet tall and wide and I'd like to prune off some of the lower branches so that it looks taller than it is wide. How should I do this, and can I use the cuttings to make new plants?
A Jade plants, Crassula ovata or C. argentea, are relatively easy to prune. Be sure to use a very sharp knife or pruning shears that have been cleaned in a mild bleach and water solution. [A ratio of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water is recommended. Ed.]
Cut close to the stem when pruning a jade plant
Because multiple stems grow below and behind the pruning cuts, to reduce the width of your plant, you will need to cut the branches back close to the main trunk. It s always better to take too little on the first cut, then stand back and evaluate how it looks before cutting more if necessary. [Never remove more than one-third of the plant at one time. Ideally, plants should be pruned while in active growth in late spring or early summer. Ed.] The cuttings are easy to use to start new plants. Select the healthy cuttings taken from just above a set of leaves. Cut these back to about eight centimetres (three inches). Leave the cuttings in a warm, dry place for between one and two days to a week, until the end is dry and develops a callous. Then, each cutting should be placed into a small pot with slightly damp sterile potting mixture. Cuttings should be watered only enough to keep the mix just barely damp don t overwater and don t cover the plants or rotting will occur.@
Do you have a question about gardening? Contact the Toronto Master Gardeners InfoLine at 416-397-1345 or log on to the Q&A Forum at infogarden.ca/mastergardenerboard.htm and Ask a Master Gardener!
Home Grown Heroes: Edwards Lectures 2005
THIS YEAR, THE TBG S Edwards Lectures will feature an all-star cast of Canadian horticultural leaders, growers and authors. Our first lecture in the series features Barrie Porteous. In the coming months, watch for these other home-grown heroes!
CORNELIA HAHN OBERLANDER, Canada s premier landscape architect
PATRICK LIMA, A graceful writer on vegetables, herbs, design and more
MARK DENEE, plant grower and industry leader in plant packaging and labelling
JANETANDERSON, grower of Distinct Perennials
JOHN VALLEAU, author of ThePerennial Gardening Guide
JAMIE ELLISON, an avid collector of rare and specialty plants
ED LAWRENCE, co-host of CBC Radio s Ontario Today
SPEAKER: BARRIE PORTEOUS
Toric: FEARLESS PLANT HUNTERS
WHEN: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 7:30 P.M. WHERE: FLORAL HALL
MANY OF THE PLANTS we take for granted and grow in our gardens today were introduced thanks to the efforts of intrepid plant hunters. Exploring the western regions of China, for which maps did not exist, men such as Kingdon-Ward, Farrer, Forrest and Wilson, together with French missionaries, risked their lives to unearth and introduce to the rest of the world a host of garden-worthy plants, many of which are hardy in southern Ontario. Barrie Porteous will detail the triumphs and tribulations of these plant hunters and, based on his experience, tell us how to grow the plants they introduced in our gardens.
Barrie Porteous is a well-known writer and lecturer and a founding member and past presi-
dent of the Ontario Rock Garden Society. Over the past 20 years he has led many trips in North America and Europe to study plants in the wild. Both in his Toronto garden and at his cottage in Muskoka, he grows a wide variety of plants, mostly from seeds collected in the mountainous regions where he has travelled. Free to TBG members; non-members $12. Door sales only, limited seating.
explorer JosephRock collected many plantsthat we grow today, amongthem, Paeonia rockii. 43
Joseph Rock was born in Vienna in 1884 and emigrated to the United States in the early 20th century. He became a self-taught botanist and spent many years in China s Yunnan Province. During his explorations, he collected plant and bird species for many organizations including the Smithsonian Institute and the Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University, and was a frequent contributor to National Geographic magazine. Most significantly for modern gardeners, he introduced to North America, Paeonia rockii, a rare and beautiful tree peony from southwestern China.
Plant
Photo courtesy: Hunt Institute
Buens Calentar
=5" ll What s on atthe Toronto Botanical Garden|
JANUARY
No events at the TBG due to building renovation. Please check with your favourite horticultural society for its meeting times and places.
FEBRUARY
6
Geranium, Pelargonium & Fuchsia Society
Meeting, Floral Hall, 1 to 4 p.m.
Information: 905-683-0935
13
Ontario Rock Garden Society
Speaker: Richard Fraser
Topic: Hepaticas, orchids et al.
Floral Hall, noon to 6 p.m.
Information: www.onrockgarden.com
15
Mycological Society ofToronto Meeting, Floral Hall, 7:45 p.m.
Information: www.myctor.org
Toronto Bonsai Society
Meeting, Garden Auditorium, 7 p.m.
Information: www.torontobonsai.org
16
Edwards Lecture
Speaker: Barrie Porteous
Topic: Fearless plant hunters
Floral Hall, 7:30 p.m.
Free to TBG members; $12 for the public
24
Canadian Chrysanthemum & Dahlia Society
Meeting, Administration Foyer, 8 p.m.
Information: 905-686-8058
IN & AROUND THE GTA
JANUARY 28 TO 30
EASTERN WINTER STUDY WEEKEND
North American Rock Garden Society (NARGS) Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel
Speakers: Dr. John Good, Erich Pasche, Jim Jermyn, René Giguere, Marion Jarvie, Barrie
Porteous and David Tomlinson
Workshop leaders: Harvey Wrightman, Paul Ehnes, Michael Dolbey
The many many bulbs I found I had to have and that I know
Should have gone in weeks ago!
Joan Lenczner is a Master Gardenerand TBG volunteer.
CLASSIFIED ADS
Complete run Canadian Gardening 19902004 over 90 issues. $190 plus postage/packing; free delivery inToronto. 416-481-3895.
CHELSEA 2005 - Tentative dates for 2005 are 23 May 02 June when we will visit RHS Wisley, Kew Gardens and Chelsea, the world s greatest flower show. Selected guided visits to prominent castles, manor houses and stately homes in addition to London sightseeing with British Airways direct flights to London also included at Cad $3899.00 per person double occupancy. World Expo Garden Tour of Japan, Kyoto:Nara:Nagoya 07 May 15 May 2005 JAPAN Springtime NatureTour to Hokkaido & Honshu Islands, 03 June 18 June 2005. GREECE in Autumn - Off the beaten track
experience -08-27 October 2005. Please register your interest for more detailed itineraries for these tours by contacting 905-683-8411 e-mail Ibates@on.aibn.com
Floralight, three tier, 24" wide. Like new. Paid $500.00 Sell $250.00 Call Heather 416-751-3542
Nature Tours for Retirees
Our fourteenth year leading small groups in bird and wildflower studies! Upcoming tours from Toronto include Point Pelee, Algonquin, Gaspe, Magdalen Islands, Grand Canyon, Ecuador, Ireland, Sicily, Iceland, Baffin Island. For details, call George Bryant at TRAVEL HELPERS (416) 443-0583 or 1-877-245-2424. E-mail: g.bryant@sympatico.ca
