Trellis - V33, No4 - Jul 2006 by Toronto Botanical Garden

TORONTO GARDENBOTANICAL

Aot Us

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 environment. 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 goalto becomea self-sustaining urban oasis while making Toronto the most horticulturallyenlightenedcityintheworld.

WatWeOy

Located at Edwards Gardens,the Toronto Botanical Garden offers many programs and services, including year-round acti for families and children.Our horticultural library has over 8,000 books, periodicals, and a largecollection of clippings, pamphlets,

3¢ Directory & Hours of Operation

777 Lawrence Ave. East Toronto, ON M3C 1P2

Administrative Offices: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Library: Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

shopTBG: Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Library and shop TBG open for some special events and holidays: call 416-397-1340 to inquire.

Telephone: 416-397-1340; Fax: 416-397-1354

E-mail: info@torontobotanicalgarden.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 www.torontomastergardeners.ca

Communications: 416-397-1351 communication@torontobotanicalgarden.ca

Courses: 416-397-1362; programs@torontobotanicalgarden.ca Donation Inquiries: 416-397-1483 annualgiving@torontobotanicalgarden.ca Events: 416-397-1484 events@torontobotanicalgarden.ca

Executive Director: 416-397-1346 director@torontobotanicalgarden.ca Horticultural Services: 416-397-1358 horticulture@torontobotanicalgarden.ca Library: 416-397-1343; library@torontobotanicalgarden.ca

Rentals: 416-397-1349; rentals@torontobotanicalgarden.ca

Teaching Garden: 416-397-1355 teachinggarden@torontobotanicalgarden.ca shop TBG: 416-397-1357 shop@torontobotanicalgarden.ca Volunteer Co-ordinator: 416-397-4145 volunteers@torontobotanicalgarden.ca

nursery and seed catalogues as well as a great selection of children s gardening books. Horticultural Information Services offers free gardening information year-round, and shop TBG has manyuniquegifts, booksandgardening supplies for sale. The Teaching Garden has been created as a working garden to foster interest and educate people in the love and values of gardening ~and the natural world. As well, the TBG has a wide variety of banquet halls, meeting rooms and show space, with access to Edwards Gardens, one of Toronto s favourite garden spots.

3% Patrons

HONORARY PATRON: Adrienne Clarkson

Brian Bixley, AwdreyClarke, Mark Cullen, Camilla Dalglish, Sondra Gotlieb, Marjorie Harris, LorraineJohnson, Michele Landsberg, Susan Macauley, Helen Skinner

3¢ Board of Directors

PRESIDENT: GeoffreyDyer

Susan Burns, Dugald Cameron, Peter Cantley, Lindsay Dale-Harris, Kathy Dembroski, Tony DiGiovanni, Heather Dickson, Suzanne Drinkwater,James E. Eckenwalder, Ralph Fernando, Mary Fisher, Colomba B. Fuller,Janet Greyson, Bill Harding, Marjorie Harris,Janet Karn, Sonia Leslie, Rosemary Phelan, Jean Read, Kathy Redeker, Dawn Scott

3 Staff Members

Executive Director

Margo Welch

Manager, Communications Jenny Rhodenizer

Program Co-ordinator Graham Curry

Special Events Supervisor

Special Events Assistant

Manager, Horticultural Services

Head Gardener

Taxonomic Assistant

Manager, shopTBG

Director of Development

Fundraising Assistant

Children s Programs Supervisor

Children s Programs Co-ordinator

Facility Sales Co-ordinator

Stephanie Chiang

Joanna Verano

Cathie Cox

David Leeman

Amanda King

Brad Keeling

Melanie Gaertner

Sarah Durnan

Tobin Day

Caley Baker

Kristin Campbell

Maintenance Supervisor WalterMorassutti

Maintenance Officers

Volunteer Intern

Librarian

Receptionists

Accountant

Administrator

Alvin Allen, Jack Speranza

Tanya Ziat

Leanne Hindmarch

Nancy Kostoff

Tanya Ziat

Joe Sabatino

Shirley Lyons

EDITOR

Lorraine Flanigan DESIGN

June Anderson TRELLISCOMMITTEE

Lorraine Hunter (chair), Lorraine Flanigan (editor), Carol Gardner, Lorna Luke, Marion Magee, Jenny Rhodenizer

VOLUNTEER EDITORIALASSISTANTS

T.Coombes, M. Magee

'VOLUNTEER PROOFREADERS

M. Bruce, J. Campbell, L.Hickey, J. McCluskey

ADVERTISING

416-397-1351

Printed byHarmony 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 | AvenueEast, Toronto,Ontario M3C | 1P2, 416-397-1340.

Manuscripts submitted on a voluntary basis are gratefully received. No remuneration is possible. Articles, manuscripts and advertisingmaterialmustbereceivedbythe first of the month to ensure publication eight weeks later. For example, material for the Sept./Oct. 2006, issue must be received by July 5, 2006.

ions expressed in Trellis do not necessarily reflect thoseof the TBG. Submissions may be edited forstyle and clarity.

Charitable business 119227486RR0001

Canada Publications Mail Product SalesAgreement#40013928 number: ISSN0380-1470

5| | from theTBG

by Margo Welch e ExecuTive DIRECTOR I

Supporters make our garden growr

This past spring we delightedly watched a group of 30 LO contractors donated their time to plant our gardens first trees and shrubs. It involved a full day of work during the busiest time for landscape professionals. The TBG required their expertise to ensure that each tree and shrub was placed and planted with care. The day was organized by LO and co-ordinated by our contractors, Aldershot another LO member. Thank you to TBG Board member Tony DiGiovanni and to all LO contributors involved in these efforts.

the progress of our gardens. Volunteers arrived to assist Cathie Cox, Manager, Horticultural Services, and David Leeman, Head Gardener, with planting, mulching, weeding and watering. These garden volunteers have willingly taken on whatever task was required, and their labour has been essential. After 18 months of construction we can now give the public a glimpse of our vision and it s wonderful. The results will only get better over the years as the plants mature and the design is fully realized.

The gardens have also benefited from colleagues and organizations who share our interests and are keen to see us succeed in our goals. Two such groups have recently provided extraordinary help.

Landscape Ontario (LO) is one of our biggest supporters, and it s difficult to track all the things they do for us because much of it is encouraging others to lend support and become involved. The association directs donations our way, generates new memberships, promotes our programs and services and offers expert assistance. This year, on April 21,

This past year, the Niagara Parks Botanical Garden, under Tom Laviolette s direction, has guided us through the tricky business of developing plant records and databases an area of critical importance for a botanical garden. As well as spending time with a group of staff to demonstrate its record system, answer questions and provide contacts, this spring Niagara donated its database to the TBG. This database represents a huge amount of labour and expertise. This very generous gift allows us to begin documenting our collection using an excellent structure and the best information available. Thank you Tom, Lorne Fast and the staff at the Niagara Parks Botanical Garden.®

TBG GARNERS GREEN DESIGN AWARD

The Toronto Botanical Garden, under the design leadership of David Sisam of Montgomery Sisam Architects, in consultation with Enermodal Engineering Limited, received an Award of Excellence and was given the top award for Green Design at the Green Toronto Awards held in May. The George and Kathy Dembroski Centre for Horticulture is an example of ecologically conscious design and demonstrates the

TBG s commitment to leadership in sustainability and environmental stewardship. We are proud of the award and especially grateful to David for giving us such a beautiful green building. The TBG s accomplishments come as a result of the efforts and support of many individuals, businesses and organizations. Our volunteers are exceptional, our donors generous and our board provides insightful leadership.

by Jenny Rhodenizer

MANAGER,

Good eats and great greens at the TBG Café

ating alfresco is a much Eannmpated pastime for all Torontonians the minute the weather warms up. For many years TBG members and visitors have longed for a relaxing place to enjoy a cup of coffee and a snack or light meal amidst our beautiful setting. We are therefore delighted to announce the Toronto Botanical Garden s latest acquisition, the former snack bar in the barn at Edwards Gardens. Through our management agreement with the city of Toronto we have been given permission to lease the building for the next three years with the expectation that it will provide another revenue stream for our organization.

During April and May the snack bar received a modest facelift to transform it into an attractive café more reflective of the TBG s image. Now under new management, in partnership with the TBG, the café features a warm and inviting atmosphere and a simple menu of healthy and fresh food selections, including hot and cold drinks, sandwiches made with wholesome bread, delicious salads, decadent cakes, pastries and ice cream.

The café manager, Steven Turner, has been in the food services business for over 10 years in both South Africa and Toronto. A former manager of a Second Cup located on the Kingsway, Steven was attracted by our tranquil setting and by the exciting possibilities offered by partnering with a botanical garden. The café selection committee loved his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellent customer service. He won us

over with his enthusiasm and engaging personality.

Reflecting our commitment to sustainable living, the café offers organic and fair trade coffee from Planet Bean, a company located in Guelph, Ontario, that supplies freshly roasted flavourful coffee. Planet Bean negotiates a fair price for the productwith co-op growers and pays a premium price to support investments in their local communities, such as education and health care. Its coffee is ecologically grown in the shade of tropical forests, which protects habitat for many creatures including migratory songbirds. This arrangementalso ensures that farmers, and the drinkers of their coffee, are not exposed to harmful chemicals.

A portion of the proceeds realized by the café will support the Toronto Botanical Garden, so Wwe encourage you to visit often. Be sure to carry and showyour TBG membership card at the café as all members, volunteers and staffwill receive a 10-per-cent discount on purchases. The TBG café is an ideal setting to meet friends and family for a drink or to conduct a casual meeting with business associates. Where else in the city can you find such a wonderful setting?

The café continues to offer outdoor seating on stone tables and benches as well as new indoor seating for approximately 20 patrons. The café is open Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Bon Appetit!@

TBG Café

Marjorie Harris is a passionate gardener and one ofCanada s leadinggardenwriters. She writes a garden column for the Globe andMail, speaks across the country and is editor-in-chiefofGardeningLife. Herbooks includeSeasons ofMyGarden andBotanica North America. Born in Shaunovon, Saskatchewan, she was educated from Goose Bay, Labrador, to Vancouver, BC, and graduated in Honours English from McMaster University.

And many thanks to our retiring board members Brad Badeau and Linda Ledgett as well as Marisa Bergagnini, Garden Club ofToronto and KathyRedeker, Milne House Garden Club.

Friends of the Toronto Botanical Garden

Thankyou to thefollowing Friendsfor providing generous support towards our programs and services. Our Friends are fundamental to the TBG s ability to educate and provide the community with the most valuable and upto-date information on gardening and horticulture. The following individuals made donations to the Friends Program from March 1, 2006 to May 5, 2006.

Our Tilted Trees

When are you going to 2 | plant the trees that are heeled in at the front ofthe building?This is the most frequently asked question of Head Gardener David Leeman. The flowering crabapple trees that you may have noticed planted at an acute angle in front of the Courtyard Garden near the parking lot have, in fact, been deliberately

planted this way. That s because the row of Malus Donald Wyman crabapples will be espaliered against the wall once Master Pruner Paul Ehnes sharpens his secateurs later this summer.

Michele Bussieres

Marilyn Creighton

Brenda Dinnick

Madeleine Fadel

Patricia & William Harris

Beverley Harrison

David Hogarth Smith

Barbara McDonald

JoAnn Moysey

June Murdoch

Catherine Park

Catherine Paterson

Jean M. Read

Jeanne Rowles

Sally Somers

Ruthanne Stiles

Judith Wilder

Barbara Wilkins

Espalier is a technique for training plants so that they grow flat against a wall or trellis. It s a great way of making the most of a small space and one that s beautiful to boot!

BEHIND THE SCENES

The support ofmanygenerous donors, says Cathie Cox, is critical to the success ofourgardens.

THEY SAY THAT BEHIND every great man is a woman, a sexist assertion but the underlying message of this adage could be applied to the Toronto Botanical Garden. Behind our staff are generous donors who have given us their time, patience, products or services but most importantlytheir support, which is critical as we grow as a botanical garden.

During the planning stages of the garden, the Garden Implementation Committee visited the Chicago Botanic Garden, Morton Arboretum, Garfield and Millennium Parks, Niagara Parks School of Horticulture and Jardin Botanique de Montréal. We were overwhelmed by the generosity of their staffs who answered our endless fact-finding questions and toured us through their gardens for days at a time. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to these institutions, which I hope we can repay by helping other fledgling groups in the future.

Landscape Ontario (LO), an organization with a huge heart, has also been instrumental in helping us with the groundwork by rallying support within its membership. For example, four LO paving companies generously donated their products to form the pathways around the TBG. The variety of materials used should help garden owners make educated decisions about colour and types of paving stones.

Under the direction of LO s executive director, Tony DiGiovanni, and Bruce Warren of Clintar, landscape professionals from 10 member companies of the Toronto chapter of Landscape Ontario contributed their labour and expertise on Friday, April 21, to plantour trees and shrubs and to donate and distribute mulch and compost. Those of you in the gardening industry know what a truly generous gesture this was since this date fell during the feverishly busy spring season. Finally, I would like to thank all of our volunteer gardeners who, under the direction of David Leeman, our head gardener, toiled tirelessly in all

weather conditions to plant, weed, spread mulch and label. David and I could not do without them and would like to welcome anyone who wishes to join our team.

Many of these benefactors often shun the accolades they deserve but their support has been vital to the health and well-being of this botanical garden. Thank you to all who have supported the building of our gardens and, in addition to those I ve alreadymentioned, to these generous donors:

® Bruce Scott, Head Groundskeeper, Casa Loma for his hands-on advice on the nitty-gritty details such as budgets, tools and equipment

® Dugald Cameron of Gardenimport who generously donated bulbs last fall to ensure that spring arrived at the TBG with massed displays of flowering bulbs

® Landscape Ontario members, including:

¢ The Landscape Company (Steve Hary, Lisa Fuhlendorf, Kal Battieste)

e Oriole Landscaping (George Urvari, Gergely Eserhati)

e The Beach Gardener (Mark Bradley, Mark Gillies, Blair Gallant, Nicole Petersen, Leon Lin)

* Arbordale Landscaping (Keith Severs)

e LawnSavers Plant Health Care (Kyle Tobin)

¢ Townscaping (Pat Elo)

e Clintar (Bruce Warren)

¢ Shibui Landscaping (Arthur Skolnik, Conroy Haughten, Rocal Kelly, Jeff Collins)

e Grower s Choice (Matt Robertson) and C ] Blowers (Chad Jackson)

® Sheridan Nurseries for their extremely generous donation of all of the trees and shrubs, with special thanks to Linda Podzorski and Valerie Stensson

® Toronto Rhododendron and Horticultural Society for plant donations, and especially Marion Moore and Lynne Melnyk.®

Children's Programs

by Caley Baker ® CHILDREN

James Boyd - honouring our first director

ONE OF THE MOST-ASKED questions at the opening ofthe George and Kathy Dembroski Centre for Horticulture was Who isJames Boyd, and what is his connection with the Children s Centre?

For those curious to know, James Boyd was hired in 1961 to work three days aweek for $100 a month as the first director of The Civic Garden Centre (CGC). Over the next 13 years (until his death in 1974), he implemented new garden clubs and horticultural programs, built a dedicated team ofvolunteers, oversawpublication ofthe first issue of 7rellis and ensured that his vision ofa larger centre became a reality. As [ read of Boyd s priorities and ideas, each was strikingly familiar. His surprisingly modern approach to running a horticultural organization is evident at the Toronto Botanical Garden even today.

Boyd s innovative thinking led, among other things, to the creation of the High Rise Gardeners Club for apartment dwellers as well as the formation of a horticultural group for men only. But one of his most visionary priorities was to introduce horticultural programs that would interest children. This goal gave rise to the development of theJunior Garden Club in 1966. Its activities became extremely popular, and throughout the late 1960s some 60 children on average attended Saturday morning programs organized by Milne House and the Garden Club of Toronto. These included

walks in Wilket Creek, birdhouse building and nature crafts activities that remain part of our programs today. By 1972, membership in the club had grown so large that it was necessary to divide it into two groups 13- to 19-year-olds formed a group called the Enthusiasts while younger members became known as Green Thumbers.

As the CGC generated more interest and support in the community Boyd identified expansion of the facility as a priority. In particular, he noted that improving the Centre s capacity for educational programming was of primary importance and that the new facility should include more teaching space and a larger library. The major renovations thatthe TBGhas recentlyundergone, includingthe redesign of the library and especially the addition of a centre devoted to children s programs, reflect the continuing pursuit of these ideals.

Although children s programs at the TBG have changed since James Boyd s time, they continue to contribute to the organization s goal of providing horticultural education to as many people (young and old) as possible. The formation of the Junior Garden Club 40 years ago was the result of James Boyd s belief that children had an important role to play in the organization. Naming the new Children s Centre in his honour recognizes that the TBG continues to build on his creativity and innovation by providing fun and educational programs for children.®

HALLOWEEN HOWL

Registerfor Halloween Howl on Saturday, October 28.Take part in haunted happenings in theTeaching Garden it will be a scream! - For more information, call 416-397-1355 or e-mail teachinggarden@torontobotanicalgarden.ca.

well remember a spring day in 1988 when, as a new tour guide, I took my first group on a walk through the park. Until the 1950s the land we know as Edwards Gardens was owned by Rupert Edwards who created one ofthe finest landscape gardens in the country. Despite being offered $500,000 for the property by developers, he was loath to see his dream die and, fortunately for us, sold his garden to the city of Toronto for $153,000. I invite you to follow me now and, as we stroll through the park, see through my eyes what it used to be like before the damaging floods of this century.

At the entrance are two columnar European beech (Fagus sylvatica) trees that were planted by Mr. Edwards. Notice the high-maintenance creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera var. palustris), which is commonly used on golf greens. Also at this point there is a bronze plaque donated by the Toronto Historical Society that tells the history of the park. Ahead is the carpet bed, with its design of flowers and foliage newly created each year by the park s staff. Look into the greenhouse as we pass and you ll see the tropical plants that are overwintered and transferred to the patio when the weather improves. Some of our annuals are propagated here before being transplanted into the gardens.

Past the barns to the evergreen walkway, we come to a structure built from Credit Valley stone and designed by Raymond Moriyama to serve as a peaceful shelter to contemplate the ever-changing vista. To the right you can see the origina] well used by the Milne family, the first settlers on this land in the early 1800s. Down the hill notice the fountain designed and built for Mr. Edwards by Len Cullen. Mr. Edwards garden was Len s inspiration for Cullen Gardens in Whitby. Looking down the slope to the right of the fountain we see a magnificent black

walnut tree (Juglans nigra) an indication of fertile land to the early settlers, and wood for furniture and nuts for nutrition.

Watch your step as we descend to Wilket Creek, a tributary of the West Don River. The rock garden that we are walking through was built for Mr. Edwards using several hundred tonnes of Credit Valley stone. This decorative rockery also served to prevent erosion and to protect Edwards golf course. The waterwheel you hear and see was originally used to pump water to the garden but is now purely ornamental. Standing on the bridge and looking upstream you ll see a rustic humpback bridge, which is a popular choice of brides for wedding pictures.

We now reach the first of more than 20 rhododendron beds containing about 200 cultivars together with one of Ontario s finest collections of magnolias. These were planted by the Toronto chapter of the Rhododendron Society and are lovingly tended by a dedicated society member, Ken Duncan. Before we ascend the steps to the arboretum take a look at the small spring-fed pond surrounded by dwarf evergreens and various grasses that provide interest for most of the year.

On the way up the pathway be careful not to touch the tree on the left known as the devil s walking stick (Aralia). Look carefully and you can see the wicked thorns on the branches. Having puffed our way up the steps we can take awhile to drinkin the tranquillityofthe arboretum. Not part of Mr. Edwards original garden, this land was purchased later with the idea of creating an arboretum. As its name suggests it s the home of many varieties of trees including tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicumn) and harlequin maple (Acer platanoides Drummondii ). There are also extensivebeds ofroses, perennials, rhododendrons and shrubs. As I've never met a tree I didn twant to hug, I would like to draw your attention to the ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), which is one of the oldest and hardiest trees in existence and is uniquely neither coniferous nor deciduous.

Now stand back and look ahead. What does that grouping of trees remind you of? Right the Group of Seven, the painters who glorified the white pine in many of their landscapes. As

we walk along notice this magnificent Crimson King maple, (Acer platanoides) which was moved from its original location in downtown Toronto, where it was planted by the mayor to commemorate the accession to the throne of George VI.

Before we return to the valley let s take a look at the nursery where plants are grown to decorate our municipal offices. It s also an experimental garden that s used as a trial garden for new plants. Notice the dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides), a tree thought to be extinct which was rediscovered in China in 1941. This tree originally stood at the entrance to the Civic Garden Centre but was moved here by Tommy Thompson a hands-on gardener who was the first commissioner of metro parks because he felt it needed a home more compatible with its native habitat.

At the bottom of the hill is the bog garden, which is maintained by the group oftour guides. It is here that plants such as Primula, Solomon s seal (Polygonatum), cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), lady s mantle (Alchemilla mollis) and Ligularia thrive in a moist protected area fed by natural springs.

We are now entering the final phase of our tour before returning to the parking lot. As we wend our way along the woodland path, watch for the fox family, the owl and other wildlife. Before we step onto the concrete look to the left where you can see some very old tombstones where members of the Milne family are buried. A descendant of the Milne family transferred title of this property in 1957 for the sum of $1 on the understanding that the cemetery would be taken care of in perpetuity.

I was lucky to be a tour guide when Edwards Gardens was ajewel in the Toronto parks system. For many reasons this is no longer true. I hope that the rejuvenation we see taking place now is but a foretaste of things to come and that the entire park will be restored to its former glory for everyone to enjoy.®

For 12 years, John Bromley conducted guided tours of Edwards Gardens before retiring in 2000.

Building a Rock Garden

Cristina da Silva describes how to build andplant a raised berm.

IF YOU RE LOOKING for a replacement for the decrepit playset and abandoned sandbox in the backyard, Gordon Hayward s brilliant Edwards Series lecture in March, which covered the many uses of stones in the garden, might provide inspiration. Why not transform the transitory children s playground into a timeless rock garden?

e SITE SELECTION AND DESIGN

While rock gardens are usually situated on a slope, building a raised berm a mound of earth that brings form and interest to a flat yard will create similar conditions. The best spots for rock gardens in southern Ontario face east, southeast or north and have bright light and good air circulation. While south- and west-facing sites are considered prime real estate for rock gardens in Britain, they don t bode well for alpines in our hot and humid summers hot afternoon sun and no shade is the perfect recipe for lightly steamed alpines!

Berms look better against a natural backdrop of trees and shrubs that help integrate the rock garden into its surroundings in tight spaces growing vines up a trellis will fulfil the same function. A word of caution when locating the berm: stay away from shallow-rooted trees like maples, dogwoods or elms; their intertwining feeder roots form a dense mat, which will suck up water and nutrients.

Before preparing the site, sketch out a plan that specifies the shape and position of the berm, the plant choices, and the positions of rocks and plants. Keep in mind that rock gardens require maintenance: allow for paths and/or stepping stones. Take your clues from nature but, ultimately, the rock garden should reflect your personal preferences. Develop your own style.

e PREPARING THE SITE

Remove any grass and perennial weeds from the proposed site. Instead of throwing away the cut sod (grass with a layer of soil), place it upside down on the site and add a thick layer of topsoil

over it at least 0.3 metres (one foot) to prevent any grass or weeds from growing through.

e SOIL

The classic recipe for a rock garden mix is one part good loam, one part sand and one part pea gravel combined with a generous dollop of leaf compost or well-rotted cow or horse manure. This mixture drains well, a prerequisite for growing alpines, succulents and bulbs. For small berms, it s easy to mix in the different components with a shovel. However, with larger berms save your back and use a rototiller.

* ROCKS

For a naturalistic look, choose a single type of rock with the same colour, texture, and form preferably from among those indigenous to your area. Rocks thatweathereasilyappear more natural, so limestone, sandstone, slate and tufa are used more often than granite. Balance and scale plays a huge role in rock selection, particularly in an urban setting. Boulders and rocks need to be in scale with any nearby buildings, fences, walls, driveways or sidewalks. Don t underestimate the importance of scale; out-of-scale elements in the garden disconcert our senses, and the space is no longer relaxing. To visualize how scale works, picture a small bungalow with a postage-stamp front lawn and a newly planted one-metre tall white fir (Abies concolor). Twenty years later, the perfectly proportioned white fir has grown into a 15-metre tall, 5-metre wide tree, which completely blocks the house. Fortunately, boulders don tgrow. Small rocks (30 centimetres high) placed next to a two-metre fence look ridiculous, and large boulders (over two metres high) looming over a narrow path look and feel ominous.

e STONY MULCH

Mulch not only reduces watering and weeding in rock gardens but it also plays an essential role in unifying the design. Pick gravel similar in

colour and texture to the larger rocks. Mix different sizes in unequal proportions to create a natural effect of rocky mountain mulch.

e PLANTS

Select plants appropriate to the site conditions. For example, the southwestern side of a berm will need sun-loving plants, whereas the opposite northeastern side would require shade-loving plants. The top and middle are best for drought-tolerant plants or those requiring sharp drainage. Plants that need water appreciate being planted at the base of the berm where more moisture naturally gravitates.

e PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

There are a couple of ways to construct a berm. The method described below is based on Gwen Kelaidis technique as outlined in Rock Garden Design and Construction, compiled by the North American Rock Garden Society and published by Timber Press.

Use spray paint to outline the shape of the garden and mound the soil inside that area. Then set the rocks into the berm, starting from the bottom. Place them randomly, approximating nature as closely as possible, burying at least one-third to one-half of each rock. (Evenly spaced rocks that sit on the surface of the soil create an unattractive plum pudding or almond pudding effect.) Slant the rocks

JOD ROCK

Rock garden plants are usually less than 30cm (12") in height. Here are some that make good beginners , choices.

PERENNIALS

Campanula (bellflower); most, including C. carpatica

Blue Clips Blaue Clips & Birch Hybrid

Dianthus (pinks and sweet William)

Festuca glauca (blue fescue)

Iberis (candytuft)

Papaver nudicaule (Iceland poppy)

Sedum (stonecrop), especially S. spurium

Dragon s Blood Schorbuser Blut

Sempervivum (hens and chickens)

inward, tucking in some soil to stabilize them. This position also allows water to drain into the soil (and thus irrigate the plants) and prevents crown rot due to standingwater. Stratified rocks, with their distinctive linear marks, need to be positioned with the striations all in the same direction in order to appear natural. Don t rush this step setting rocks into a berm takes thought, time and a strong back.

When the rocks have been arranged, plant the alpines and other small rock garden plants. Once in place, add a shallow layer of stony mulch to give the berm that final natural touch.

A rock garden needs to be watered until it s established, especially during the first year. In time two to three years the plants will thrive on rainfall alone, with the exception of the occasional hot dry summer. Rock gardens require only minimal maintenance; every spring add two centimetres (one inch) of compost, and occasionally weed during spring and summer.

The interplay of leaves, flowers and rocks makes a rock garden an artistic masterpiece. They are truly timeless gardens that will thrive and flourish for many years. @

Cristina da Silva owns Hawthorn Writing & Landscapes, a garden communications and garden design company, and is a regular contributor to the Toronto Star.

SDEN PLAIN

SPRING-BLOOMING BULBS

Crocus

Fritillaria meleagris (chequered lily)

Galanthus nivalis (snowdrop)

Iris pumila, I. cristata, I. graminea (dwarf iris)

Narcissus bulbocodium (dwarf daffodil)

Tulipa tarda, T. urumiensis

DWARF EVERGREENS

Picea (spruce), especially P. abies Little Gem

Pinus (pine), especially P. mugo var. pumilio

Taxus (yew), especially 7. cuspidate & T. xmedia Hicksii

Thuja (cedar), including 7. occidentalis Danica

Tsuga (hemlock), including 7. canadensis Jeddeloh

Horticulture as Therapy

Margaret Nevettexplores the healingpower ofgardening

he therapeutic benefits of horticulture Tbecome obvious when we work in our own backyards. At the end of a stressful day, we spend time weeding, watering or enjoying the blooms, and before long we ve forgotten our worries. Since Egyptian times physicians have recommended walks in the garden as therapy for their patients. Today, healing gardens with labyrinth walks and enabling gardens with raised beds are being designed to help people who are suffering from illness or disability.

Using horticulture as therapybuilds on a special connection between people and plants. Horticultural therapy, or HT, is about using plants and the natural world to promote healing in a nonthreatening way. HT uses gardening and plantrelated projects to improve people s cognitive, physical, emotional and social functioning. Horticultural therapists develop programs to help achieve individual treatment goals, matching a person s interests, needs, skills and capabilities with an appropriate horticultural activity that s fun and enriching.

Because of the diversity of horticulture, there is great flexibility in how and where horticultural therapy programs can be implemented. Nursing homes, long-term care and rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, hospices, school and communitygardens and even prisons are all suitable environments. HT programs can be done in a conservatory, an activity room or even from a portable plant cart that is wheeled from room to room.

Depending on a participant s abilities, horticultural therapy programs may be passive or active. As a passive form of therapy, a garden or greenhouse offers a quiet sanctuary and respite from the

institutional health-care setting for patients, families and caregivers. Experiencing such a restful environment can stimulate the senses, promote healing and provide a feeling of overall well-being.

Active programs involve people working with plants and engaging in physical activity, which increases their endurance and provides them with a sense of accomplishment. For example, learning about life cycles and how to grow plants can build selfesteem and help develop a sense of purpose and hope. Whether arranging flowers, planting or weeding, active HT gets the body moving as well as providing mental stimulation, improvingmotor skills and offering social and emotional growth as people interact and gain inspiration from others.

Accessible gardens, designed with raised beds at various levels and wheelchair-friendly ramps, can make an active HT program possible for people of all abilities. Adaptive devices and tools are available to help overcome physical challenges. Ergonomic design of hand tools can help prevent wrist and joint irritation. Telescoping handles can extend a person s reach so that they avoid bending.

Many horticultural therapy programs have been developed in Canada as part ofhealth care facilities and social programs. Horticultural therapists often workwith an interdisciplinaryteam ofprofessionals to understand a patient s needs. Mitchell Hewson, one of Canada s Horticultural Therapy Masters, has created a world-renowned Horticultural Therapy Program at Homewood Health Centre in Guelph, Ontario. Homewood is a 312-bed psychiatric hospital with raised bed gardens, forested walking trails and a labyrinth. Programs offer help to patients dealing with addiction and

mental health issues, schizophrenia, eating disorders, depression, dementia and trauma.

Christine Pollard, another HT Master, developed the program and teaches at Providence Farm, a vocational school located on Vancouver Island. This therapeutic community provides horticultural therapy and other practical training, such as woodworking and small engine repair, for people experiencing barriers to education and employment. Participants learn interpersonal and life skills that are transferable to other areas of work such as the landscaping industry.

Seniors in retirement communities and long-term care facilities can enjoy the benefits of horticultural therapy programs too. The sensory stimulation may slow the effects of dementia and assist in coping with chronic conditions.

Sunnybrook Hospital Veterans Wing in Toronto has a wonderful therapeutic garden that has been created and managed by Registered Horticultural Therapist Philip Spring. Residents and visitors enjoy the garden with its pleasant seating areas and smooth pathways suitable for wheelchairs and walkers. A greenhouse and work space connected to the main building provides opportunities for year-round activities.

The Chicago Botanic Garden s Buehler Enabling Garden demonstrates and educates the public about opportunities for lifelong gardening. It's a living example of design techniques that make gardening possible for people of all abilities by using raised garden beds and water features that bringthe plants and water within easy reach. Planter boxes, specially designed with plastic to hold the soil in place, are mounted vertically so that plants can be tended while standing or sitting. Hanging baskets on pulleys can be lowered to allow easy watering and maintenance, even from a seated position.

The city ofGuelph, alongwith many concerned corporate and private citizens, raised funds to create the Guelph Enabling Garden. This accessible community garden at beautiful Riverside Park has a variety of raised beds, benches and work areas.

The Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association (CHTA) promotes horticultural therapy as a profession in Canada. The association is working to develop and support education, research and documentation to demonstrate the benefits of HT.

A program based on a points system combining education and experience has been established to qualify for professional registration.

Horticulture as a therapy can be developed for many more situations. Horticultural therapists can provide consultation services to help initiate, develop, market and implement HT programs in our hospitals, continuing care facilities and hospices. Community gardens can develop horticultural therapy programs that could feed the hungry while helping people acquire practical skills and develop self-esteem. Innovative programs can give youth at risk a chance to have an impact on their environment while becoming part of a co-operative community.

Finally, we can all use HT to take a preventative approach to our health as we deal with our stresses and the challenges of aging. By creating and enjoying our own healing garden, which feeds our natural passion for the therapy that can be found in growing things, we can make gardening for life a realistic goal.®

Margaret Nevett is a Horticultural Therapist and Master Gardener. She also demonstrates and sells enabling tools as the store manager of Gardenscape Tools.

Learn more about horticultural therapy Horticultural Therapy in Practice

There are three horticultural therapy training programs in Canada, including Horticultural Therapy in Practice at Homewood Health Centre, Guelph, www.homewood.org/healthcentre/content/ workshop.htm; HorticulturalTherapy Certificate at Providence Farm, Duncan BC, www.providence.bc.ca; and Horticultural Therapy Training Course, Royal Botanical Gardens, Hamilton, www.rbg.ca

GARDENSTOVISIT

¢ The Guelph Enabling Garden Riverside Park, Guelph 519-763-2804; enablinginfo@sympatico.ca www.enablinggarden.org

SPOTLIGHT ON Humber Arboretum Stout Silver Medal

Daylily Collection

by Lorraine Hunter

DAYLILY LOVERS IN THE TORONTO AREA

are in for a treat. The Daylily Walk at Humber Arboretum should be spectacular this summer says Sandy Carlton, owner of Arcadian Daylilies.

Carlton has been instrumental in building a world-class collection at the arboretum, illustrating the many styles, sizes, heights and colours of the modern daylily (Hemerocallis).

The collection is the result of a three-way project between Arcadian Daylilies, City of Toronto Parks, Forest and Recreation and Humber Arboretum. Carlton recalls that it began in 1999 when Arthur Beauregard, Manager of Natural Environment and Horticulture at the City of Toronto Parks, Forest and Recreation, was intrigued to learn that he was running a daylily business out of his home in downtown Toronto.

We needed more space , Carlton explains, and he said why not use space at one of our parks and suggested Humber Arboretum. The Arboretum was happy to accept.

In 2000 the Stout Silver Medal Bed was begun. Named for Dr. Arlow Burdette Stout, who is considered the father of modern daylily breeding in NorthAmerica, the Stout SilverMedal is the highest award that a daylily cultivar can receive. The latest winner is Fooled Me , awarded in October 2005 and installed at Humber this spring.

It took us two years to acquire all the cultivars required to assemble the collection, which to our knowledge is the only complete Stout Silver Medal Collection in Canada , says Carlton. Planted in a 200-foot winding bed, these 56 cultivars, which are set out in chronological order (with appropriate signage), provide remarkable insight into the progress daylily

Daylily Janice Brown is.a 1994 Stout Silver »Medal winner, oneof the collection at Humber s Daylily Wa

hybridizers have made since 1950. Flowers in the collection come in just about every colour including white, red, yellow and orange, but no blue. It was the 1960s before we had a clear pink, says Carlton. A cultivar named Luxury Lace was a pink breakthrough.

Carlton s own favourite from the collection is Ed Murray , a Stout award winner from 1981 with intense blackish red colouring with a delicate white edge, but I love them all.

In 2003 a separate collection ofdaylily species was begun. These are the plants that the original hybridizers used to produce the multitude of cultivars registered today. While the species have very little commercial value, they are historically significant. Originally from East Asia, a number of them were brought to Europe by Marco Polo. The species have since naturalized just about everywhere.®

LorraineHunter is a garden writer, columnistfor Canadian Gardening magazine and chair ofthe Trellis Committee.

Visiting the Stout Silver Medal Daylily Walk

Located at the back of Humber College s north campus, the Arboretum is open during daylight hours, 365 days a year. Parking for Arboretum visitors is free in Lot 1 behind Humber College. Access is off Humber College Blvd. through Entrance A, west of Highway 27 and south of Finch Avenue. For more information call 416-675-6622 x 4467 or visit www.HumberArboretum.on.ca.

BOTANICAL SYMBOLISM INTHE ARTS The Language of Flowers in Victorian England

Carol Gardnerdiscovers hidden messages infloral bouquets.

WHEN YOU CONSIDER the conditions in England during Queen Victoria s reign, it s easy to understand why flowers and floral symbolism were the rage. Let s face it, if your everyday life featured opium abuse, smallpox, cholera, sewage overflows, belching soot and the continuing exploits ofJack the Ripper, you d be looking for a little distraction too.

People have been assigning meaning to flowers since the beginning ofrecorded time, but few have embraced the practice as wholeheartedly as the Victorians. They even had a number of floral dictionaries to consult: Le Bouquet du Sentiment written by a Mme Goyet in Paris in 1816, Le Langage des Fleurs written by Louise Cortambert (using the pseudonym Charlotte de la Tour), published in 1819 and translated into English in 1834, and Arthur Freeling s 1857 book, Flowers, their Use and Beauty, Language and Sentiment. Writing floral dictionaries became quite the rage and many other authors followed with their own interpretations of floral symbolism.

Communicating via flowers was not a game to be played by the faint ofheart, as flower meanings were complex. It wasn t just the flower but its colour that conveyed meaning. A red rose stood for passion, awhite rose was an indicatorof innocence and platonic love and a pink rose stood for romance or a pledge of love. If you held the flower upside down it could convey the opposite meaning, and the combination of flowers in a bouquet could tell an entirely different story.

Romantic bouquets called tussie-mussies became the rage. In earlier times, people had carried bouquets ofaromatic herbs as a protection from the assorted smells of the environment, but

in Victorian times they became fashionable accessories called articulated nosegays or wordposies . A suitor would give the small dainty bouquet to the object of his affection and she, wellschooled in the language of flowers, would deduce the meaning. It must have been extraordinarily easy for a young man to get himself into trouble without ever knowing why!

The Victorians passion for floral meaning took a macabre turn with the invention of the memorial hair flower wreath. The Victorians believed hair to be a symbol of eternity as it appeared to continue to grow after death. So, when a family member died, a lock of their hair would be cut and added to the wreath a horseshoe-shaped affair that was displayed against a luxurious fabric in a framed shadow box. The hair was shaped into a very finely articulated flower and placed in the most prominent position in the box. When the next family member died, their flower would get the place of most prominence and the penultimate deceased would be moved into a less obvious position.

Many of these wreaths still exist in museums and private homes today. | know a woman who keeps one in her guest room. She doesn t say anything about it to most guests, because she says that they find it a bit ghoulish. However, if a guest has overstayed his welcome, he is given the full background and history of the family hairloom and all but the bravest make a hasty departure. Those wacky Victorians may just have known what they were doing, eh?®

Carol Gardner is an award-winning garden writer and member ofthe Trellis Committee.

visit this summer? These two overnight garden destinations couldn t be more different from one another. One takes you to the rural gardens of Grey and Bruce counties, northwest of Toronto. The other invites you to the Old Port in downtown Montreal.

|ooking for some inspirational gardens to F

Grey-Bruce Gardens

ardeners in Grey and Bruce counties have formed a network and put together a Web site (www.ruralgardens.ca) as a resource to help visitors plan their garden touring activities in this area. Some 37 gardens are open to the public from May to October. There are maps, links to individual garden Web sites and descriptions on the site. These gardens are many and varied. Several have plants for sale; others offer organically grown produce. There are also lots of bed and breakfast and resort accommodations nearby.

This part ofOntario is home to some 44 species of orchids and over 36 species of ferns as well as the globallysignificant Lakeside Daisy (Hymenoxys herbacea) and the Dwarf Lake Iris (Iris lacustris). Many ofits towns are Communities in Bloom winners including Owen Sound, Kincardine, Meaford and Mildmay.

As you tour around these counties, you will be able to identify their rural gardens by the yellow daisy signs similar to the one on their Web site. Some gardens have regularly scheduled hours but others are by appointment only .

@ International Flora Montreal

Open from June 16 to October 9, International Flora Montreal 2006 is the most extensive summer-long outdoor garden show ever held in North America. More than 45 gardens created by landscape designers from all over the world will be on display at the Parc des Ecluses at the Old Port.

Showcasing the latest gardening and landscaping trends, this event highlights the passion of gardening the quest for a little spot to dream in, a longing to personalize one s own space, a desire to help beautify our surroundings. There will be show gardens, water gardens, roof gardens, vegetable gardens, gardens that heal us and nourish the earth as well as avant-garde and street-side gardens to offer inspiration. You will be able to pick up tips on new developments in recycling and composting and listen to talks by such experts as Australian landscape designer Jack Merlo and British garden designer Lizzie Taylor.

Ifyou go: Access by public transit is easy and parking is available nearby. Adult admission is $12.50 from Monday to Thursday, when hours are 10 am. to 6 p.m., and $14.50 Friday to Sunday when the exhibition is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Reduced rates are available for seniors/students and groups. For more information, visit www.floramontreal.ca or call 5142820222

If you go: Admittance is either by set % fee orarecommended donationof$2 per visitor. Each owner determines any entrance fee. For more information, visitwww.ruralgardens.ca.

Lorrame Hunterisagarden Wrzter,columnzstfor Canadian Gardening magazine and chair ofthe Trellis Committee.

byCathie Cox ® Manager, Horticultural Services

Show Garden shows off

THE SHOW GARDEN AT THE TBG is located between the Nature and the Herb gardens along the main path into Edwards Gardens. This multi-purpose garden can be split into three distinct areas: a trial garden where plants are tested; an area showcasing new introductions; and displays ofdwarfand unusual evergreen and berried shrubs.

Watch for Astilbe Colour Flash in the Show Garden

A garden of this type is frequently criticized for its mass plantings of new introductions and plant trials because it often lacks a cohesive design that would make the garden attractive in the winter. However, a show garden has a valuable place in a botanic garden, allowing observations about plant performance, hardiness, susceptibility or resistance to pests and diseases and vigour to be easily monitored and comparisons to be made among similar species or cultivars. The masses of evergreens in the third area of this garden have been chosen for their form, foliage and compact size. Together with the accompanying berried small shrubs and trees, they will help give this garden form as well as winter and fall interest. All are suitable for smaller gardens, and the deciduous shrubs and trees will add colour with their flowers and fruits as well as attracting birds and wildlife.

Treatment of pests and diseases will be organic with an emphasis on prevention and promoting plant vigour. Container-grown annuals will be trialled in the garden in partnership with the University of Guelph. Assessments of the plants and growing conditions will be made at regular intervals and the results published on our Web site at the end of the year. The same plants will also be trialled at the university and grown in a similar fashion so that comparisons

can be made between the two locations.

This year, in the new introductions area, look for the plant donations from Valleybrook Gardens, Epic Perennials, Janet Anderson Distinct Perennials and Raymond Evison who has generously sent clematis for the trials and the various trelliage placed throughout the garden. Favourites suchas BlueAngel ( Blekitny Aniol ), Josephine ( Evijohill ) and Perle d Azur , along with new trial plants such as Gazelle ( Evipo014 ), Medley ( Evipo012 ) and Bonanza ( Evipo031° ), were sent from Guernsey to a reputable growerin Ontario, and then shipped tous. There are many misconceptions about the hardiness and vigour of bamboos. Valleybrook Gardens donation of its line of bamboos will offer us an invaluable learning experience about these plants. Epic Perennials has also generously supplied a variety of sedums, some recently introduced and some little known. Many new sedums promise drought tolerance once established, intensely coloured flowers and contrasting foliage. Janet Anderson has agreed to provide the newly introduced Volcano Series of summer phlox, which boasts high performance with exceptional mildew resistance, as well as the Color Flash Series of astilbe. The lime or tri-coloured foliage of these plants has been touted as a breakthrough which will bring another dimension of interest to a shady garden. Design may not be the main focus of the Show Garden, but the annually changing plant trials and introductions should provide a learning experience that will make it invaluable to the home gardener, the plant collector and the garden designer.®

2006 SEED EXCHANGE REPORT

hank you to the donors, to those who Thelped with packaging and to those who ordered seeds from this year s seed exchange. We had a good variety and were delighted towelcome new donors who helped to expand the variety of seeds offered on our list. Thirty-four people requested seed, and the favourites were Cimicifuga racemosa, Clematis Abundance and Lycopersicum Red striped Roman heirloom tomato. Any seeds left over were used to support various TBG activities.

COLLECT AND DONATE SEEDS FOR 2007 SEED EXCHANGE

Collecting seeds from your garden is a great way to share your favourite plants with other members of the TBG. Follow these tips when harvesting seeds.

®Flowers that produce seed pods containing many seeds are best collected when the pods turn brown and start to split open. Cut them from the stems and put them in a paper bag and store in a cool, dry place until the seeds fall out. Then, sieve them to remove debris.

®Seed pods of plants such as Clematis contain only one seed. To catch them before they fall, wait until they start to change colour, then give them a gentle tap, catching them below in your hand or in an envelope.

®Pods that explode, such as those of hardy geraniums, can be cut offjust as they turn brown and placed in a paper bag.

®Store seeds in labelled paper envelopes, not in plastic bags.

Details about participation in the 2007 Seed Exchange will appear in the September/October issue of Trellis.

Thursday, September 14, 2006 at theToronto Botanical Garden Tickets $350

AnEveningofEnchantment

Enjoycocktails inthe newlyinstalledgardens, adinnerinanelegantpavilion andtemptingdessertsbymoonlight.

Contact SarahDurnanat 416 397 1483 or annualgiving@torontobotanicalgarden.cafordetails.

by Anna Leggatt

Leucothoe

GOOD WINTER AND SUMMER COLOUR

accented in spring with grape-like clusters of small creamy bells with all these great characteristics, why don t more of us grow this small shrub that s suited to partly shaded areas?

Leucothoe is a genus in the Ericaceae, or heather, family. It is found in the wild in North and South America as well as in eastern Asia and Madagascar. There are about 50 species of these deciduous or evergreen small shrubs. However, only four or five species and their cultivars are readily available. Two of the best for the Toronto area are of the fontanesiana species, which is native to the southeastern United States and, unfortunately, has unattractive common names such as dog hobble, fetterbush and drooping leucothoe. Look for L. fontanesiana Rainbow (a.k.a. Girard s Rainbow , syn. L. walteri Rainbow ) and L. Scarletta Zeblid . Both are hardy to Zone 5.

L.f. Rainbow grows to about 1.5 metres (five feet) in height, with arching stems that bear evergreen foliage. The new leaves emerge deep red, then fade to pink, green and cream. The

pink colour vanishes with the heat of the summer and, in Toronto, returns as the weather becomes colder. Like many of its ericaceous relations, flower buds form late in the vyear. These blossom in mid-spring into branched clusters of creamy white downward-facing urnshaped flowers. Judging by the ones in my garden, the clusters can be as much as 10 centimetres (four inches) long and four centimetres (two inches) wide and grow from the leaf axils along the upper 30 to 40 centimetres (12 to 16 inches) of the stem. The leaves are oval to elliptical, measuring up to 10 centimetres (four inches) long with finely toothed margins, and tapering to a narrow point. The leaves are arranged alternately on reddish coloured stems.

L. Scarletta Zeblid is similar to L.f. Rainbow, but with smaller purplish red new leaves which become green in the summer. They turn a lovely shiny bronze-red colour in the fall that lasts until spring. Note, though, that a hard winterwill cause browning and flower bud drop in both cultivars. All leucothoes prefer to grow in a moist, peaty acid soil in partial shade. However, they are tough and will grow in less than ideal conditions and will tolerate nearly neutral and drier soils, but in these conditions, they will not grow as well. Use them as companions to rhododendrons or near hollies where they will provide contrast to the stiffly upright form of the hollies. @

Anna Leggatt is a Master Gardener, member of the Ontario Rock Garden Society and a tireless volunteer ofthe TBG.

TBG

shopTBG

416-397-1357

and diverse selection of horticultural SummerHours

shop TBG for botanically-inspired home accents and the most current and gardening books.

Mondayto Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Western Australia

September 25 - October 11, 2007 » Land Cost: US$3650 (Approx.)

Leader: Vonnie Cave. Vonnie is a well known garden writer and plant photographer in her native New Zealand. Vonnie has led more than a dozen wildflower tours to this area.

Sichuan & Yunnan

June 1-22, 2007 * Land Cost: US$3495

Leader: Peter Cunnington. Peter is an experienced and very popular leader who has accompanied numerous trips, including our very successful wildflower trips to the mountains ofChina and Europe.

S Expert advice from the Master Gardeners

Q can you give me some advice on how to look after a weeping Japanese maple I've just transplanted it from a friend s garden and need to nurse it back to health.

IIlustrations: Vivien Jenkinson

A Forget-me-nots bloom only once. Cutting off the seed heads will not make them rebloom. However, by the time they finish blooming, most likely they have sown their seeds for next year s plants, so you should have a bumper crop next season. Next year, to limit the spread of more than you may want, be sure to cut off the flowers just before they go to seed.

A weeping Japanese maple likes good drainage.

A Japanese maples like a relatively sheltered position with some sun, but not too much, especially not hot afternoon sun. They prefer a well-drained organic soil, so if you didn t add compost or composted manure to the hole when planting, top-dress the soil with some now and again in the fall. Regular maintenance should include giving your tree adequate water, especially in very hot weather. Water deeply to encourage good root growth and, if you haven t done so already, feed with a liquid transplant fertilizer (one high in phosphorus, the middle number listed on the label). /When planting Japanese maples, digthe holeas wideas the tree s crown to encourage roots to spread outward, thus preventingthe rootsfrom wrappingaround themselvesas theymightin a smallerhole. In heavyclaysoil, hill up the area slightly to prevent water collecting at the base ofthe trunk. Ed.]

Q. My forget-me-nots (Myosotis sylvatica) have finished blooming. Should I cut off the seed heads to encourage them to rebloom?

Forget-me-not seeds will produce rosettes by July or August for next year's flowers.

QL 1 noticed that my sage (Salvia) plant is almost ready to flower. Should I let it flower if I want to dry the leaves and use them for cooking? Should I harvest them now before the plant flowers, or can I do it anytime during the summer?

A With most herbs, including sage, the volatile oils that give them their flavour and aroma reach their peakjust before the plant flowers, so that is the best time to harvest the leaves of your sage. The easiest way to do this is to cut some sprigs (stem and all), tie them into a bundle using a rubber band, and hang them upside down in a dark dry area with good air circulation (a closet, the rafters of a shed or garage or an attic are all suitable spots). Once the leaves have dried, slip a paper bag over the bundle and crush the leaves into the bag. Remove the stems and transfer the crushed leaves to a jar where they ll remain dry. If you enjoy using fresh sage leaves in summer salads and on meats grilled on the barbecue, harvest only a portion of the plant and leave the rest for freshly picked sage all summer long.

Sage is best picked before flowering.

Do you have a question about gardening? Contact the Toronto Master Gardener s Info Line at416-397-1345orlogon to www.torontomaster gardeners.ca andAsk a Master Gardener!

by Leanne Hindmarch

News for new members and new gardeners

IF YOU REJUST GETTING

into gardening the TBG Library is definitely the place for you! Some of our most popular books for beginners have been identified with a yellow sticker on their spines that makes them easy to find on the shelves. Next time you re in the Library, look for the following symbol:

CALLING ALL FLOWER ARRANGERS

The Library has received an extremely generous donation ofa current issue ofthe British magazine Fusion Flowers. We hope you ll come in and have a look at it. Please let us know what you think of this magazine andwhetheryou feelwe should subscribe to it on a regular basis. Your input counts!

THE LIBRARY INYOUR HOME

In addition, the list of beginner books can be found on our Web site at www.torontobotanical garden.ca/library_resourceguides.htm.

ATTENTION MOVIE BUFFS

Help out the Library! Send us a list of your favourite adult or children s feature films that relate to plants or gardening. Call with your recommendations at 416-397-1343 or e-mail library@torontobotanicalgarden.ca.

We_b_ site REVIEW

HAVEYOU EVER WONDERED about the roots of our modern wonder drugs such as warfarin, aspirin and codeine? The virtual exhibition, Healing Power of Plants (www.virtualmuseum.ca/Exhibitions/Healing plants), presents interviews with healers and scientists, a map of plants and places to visit, quizzes and games: all the resources needed to satisfy the curiosity of young and old alike.

Trellis readers will be interested to discover the role that some of Canada s medicinal plants have played and continue to play in the field of plant-based medicine. For example, goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), now an

Don t forget that you can search the TBG Library s collection from your computer at home. Surf to our home page at www.toronto botanicalgarden.ca/library.htm where you ll find a link to our catalogues. Contact us at 416397-1343 or library@torontobotanicalgarden.ca and we ll set aside the books you want for pick up. If you have trouble with your search, call us and we ll walk you through it, or set up an appointment for one-on-one help the next time you are at the Library.

endangered species, is the subject of an urban legend: supposedly it can mask the results ofa positive drug test!

An essential element of this Web site is the treatment of the ethical issues faced by both drug producers and consumers due to the global trade in plant-based medicines. The site tackles this issue by posing questions and offering a variety of answers based on differing points of view.

The exhibition is the first project of the Coalition of Canadian Healthcare Museums and Archives designed to demonstrate one facet of the healthcare resources held by Canada s museums of healthcare. It was created in partnershipwith the Museum of Health Care at Kingston, Ontario Heritage Foundation/Niagara Apothecary, the Royal Botanical Gardens and James J. 0 Mara Pharmacy Museum and the Virtual Museum of Canada (VMC).

Reviewed byFelicityPope, Secretary/Treasurer, Coalition of Canadian Healthcare Museums and Archives.

Book REVIEW

Vegetables, Herbs and S Fruit: An lllustrated - Encyclopedia by Matthew Biggs, Jekka McVicar and ® Bob Flowerdew

Richmond Hill ON: Firefly Books, 2005; 640 pages, $29.95

THIS DEFINITIVE and fully illustrated reference book combines the expertise of three wellknown gardening authors and contains indispensable information to help gardeners

o TORONTO GARDENBOTANICAL Shines at Green Awards |

he Toronto Botanical Garden received an award of excellence for its cutting edge technology, systems and practices to protect the health of employees and all building occupants and was voted the leader in

the category of Green Design for its energy-efficient green roof at the Green Toronto Awards held at Toronto City Hall on Tuesday, May 2, 2006. Sustainability and environmental stewardship have been integral to our goal of helping Toronto become one of the most horticulturally enlightened cities in the world, says TBG executive

choose the plants best suited to their space, climate and needs.

More than 100 herbs, 70 vegetables and 100 fruits are organized in alphabetical entries. The authors provide tested and practical tips on cultivation techniques and dealing with disease and pests as well as on maintenance and harvesting. They also supply suggestions on pruning, companion planting and a calendar of what to do when. The book includes recipes and suggestions for medicinal and cosmetic uses of the plants.

This encyclopedia is an invaluable reference for any gardener or cook.

Reviewed byMadge Bruce

director Margo Welch. The George and Kathy Dembroski Centre for Horticulture was developed under the design leadership of architect David Sisam (Montgomery Sisam Architects) in consultation with Enermodal Engineering Limited, and Ms Welch noted that the building s innovative and energy-efficient green roof , use of recycled and

sustainable materials and green housekeeping programs demonstrate that commitment. Our new green building is the first of many educational initiatives and recreational programs that we have developed. The TBG is very pleased to be recognized for its achievements in helping Toronto in its greening initiatives.

Don Green (left) and Councillor Joe Pantane (right) present Green Design Award to the TBG s Geoffrey Dyer.

Summer Garden Tours

THIS SUMMER, the TBG is pleased to offer an exciting array of garden tours that you won t want to miss. The day trips include transportation by air-conditioned motor coach, refreshments en route and a gourmet lunch. Call 416-397-1340 for more information and to register.

DAY TRIPS

*Caledon Country Estates

Sunday, July 2, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Guide: Frank Kershaw

Visit several private gardens and country estates, with a lovely gourmet luncheon at Mrs. Mitchell s. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a water bottle as this trip features expansive country properties. This tour will feature fabulous design and plant materials, a diversity of environments, stellar design, myriads of colourful blooms and foliage, woody plants, perennials, miniscule groundcovers, water ponds with gardens and more!

Fee: public $105; TBG members $95

*Niagara-on-the-Lake

Wednesday, July 12, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Guide: Theresa Forte

Visit a whimsical private garden featuring unusual and large plants and the gardens at the Niagara Parks Botanical Garden as well as have an exclusive tour, talk and shopping spree at Valleybrook Gardens. The trip includes a

gourmet luncheon and tour at Strewn Winery. Fee: public $105 / TBG members $95

DESTINATION GARDEN TOUR

*A Morning at Marion Jarvie s Garden

Wednesday, July 19, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

One of the most famous gardens in the Toronto area, Marion Jarvie s property in Thornhill has an incredible variety of special garden areas and a remarkable plant collection. It includes perennial borders, an alpine and scree garden, a bog garden, woodland beds, a fragrant garden and a Mediterranean garden. Her garden has been evolving since 1965 and has benefited from the introduction of many exciting new plants she has collected on her world travels, some of which may be available for purchase. Get great advice and be inspired by Marion s unique and innovative ideas. Bring your camera and be prepared to be dazzled!

Fee: public $45 / TBG members $40

TORONTO S ROOFTOP

GARDEN SERIES

eLecture

Speaker: Monica Kuhn

Topic: Green and healthy rooftops

Thursday, July 6, 7 to 9 p.m.

From small residential garages to large corporate buildings, there is a great variety of rooftop gardens and green designs. Learn about sustainable architecture, green roofs and permaculture from an expert in the field as she leads you through a visual presentation and discussion of recent international and local projects. The evening begins with a special viewing of the TBG s own green roof.

Fee: public $35 / TBG members $30

eGardens in the Sky: Rooftop Garden Tour

Saturday, July 8, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Guide: Terry McGlade

Take a private tour of three landmark rooftop gardens in downtown Toronto. You ll see a skyhigh meadow, a mixed perennials and annuals garden and a private residence. Terry McGlade, designer of the TBG s own green roof, will host this informative tour. He will provide insight into the planning, philosophy and benefits of green roof gardens and talk about how rooftop gardens can enhance public and private spaces. The number ofparticipants for this tour is limited; please register early to ensure a spot. Transportation is provided between tour stops.

Fee: public $35; TBG members $30

eFairmont Royal York Rooftop Herb Garden Tour & Luncheon

Friday, August 4, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Host: ChefJean-Charles Dupoire

Be part of this exclusive visit to the rooftop of the Fairmont Royal York Hotel where chef and urban gardener David Garcelon grows fresh herbs to season the dishes on the menu at the hotel s elegant EPIC dining room. This sky-high garden, the only one of it kind in Toronto, is an extension of the hotel s environmental program and part of the chef apprenticeship training

e Fairmont » RoyalYork s Chef Dupoire

program. Guests will enjoya tour and talk given by ChefDupoire, followed bya three-course gourmet lunch in the restaurant featuring herbal-infused cuisine. The tour involves walking the last three flights to the 14th-storey rooftop.

Fee: public $95; TBG members $85

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

*Ravine Birding Walk

Saturday, August 12, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Guide: Richard Joos

Take a stroll from Edwards Gardens into Wilket Creek park with Richard Joos, bird researcher and president and chair of the Toronto Bird Observatory. Explore the ravine and discover and identify the early fall migrants on this walk in the morning, when most bird species are feeding or are moving to new locations. Please bring binoculars.

Fee: public $35; TBG members $30

Buents Calendar

==5 l What's on atthe Toronto Botanical Garden|

JULY

TorontoJudging Centre ofthe American Orchid Society

Judging, Studio 2, 1 p.m.

Open to the public

Information: www.so0s.ca

Caledon Country Estates Day Trip

Guide: Frank Kershaw

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

Public $105; members $95