WELLNESS WINNERS | FALL CONTAINERS | OVERWINT E R TROPICALS 51Vol•2022Fall
How to overwinter cannas and other tropical plants page 24.
torontobotanicalgarden.ca [4] FROM THE TBG Here’s to a summer of delight, wonder and beauty [6] FOcus On WEllnEss tbg programs to keep us gardening into our twilight years [8] BuRsTinG WiTH cOlOuR trial gardens inspire visitors, draw hummingbirds and photographers [12] WEddinGs Back bigtime at the tbg [13] BEauTy & REspiTE Join tbg tour guide on a walk through the gardens [16] THE TEacHinG GaRdEn goals and challenges of Planting Vegetables [17] OuTsidE in bring houseplants back indoors for the winter [20] THERE’s sTill TiME to create a great autumn planter [24] OvERWinTER TROpicals With a little know-how, you can enjoy them for years [27] WElcOME TO THE GaRdEn Wildlife and volunteers make tbg home [28] Tiny GaRdEn: BiG iMpacT transferring from a large garden to a smaller one. [32] BOOk sHElF a harvest of cookbooks using produce from the garden [35] BOOk ExcERpT not all bees live in hives, sting or make honey [36] planT pROFilE camas bulb – a quiet beauty to plant now for spring [37] in MEMORiaM remembering Margaret buchinger [38] GOOd THinGs aRE HappEninG events and activities at the tbg [40] puzzlE piEcEs Mini reviews of challenging yet satisfying jigsaws [41] syMpOsiuM inspiring change for a sustainable future [42] cRaFT cORnER refrigerator Pickles no big dill to makege:ollege.ciagaraZaPauloto:ocVerPHMMit,ntHisPasasanbeni.
3 Fall 2022
This colourful visitor catches a ride on a volunteer’s hat. see page 27
inside Fall 2022 • Vol 51
torontobotanicalgarden.ca
Seeing the TBG alive and thriving through another season feeds the momen tum of our planning for future growth. In May the Board of Directors voted to advance designs for the desired Expan sion from schematic (planning the garden from 3,048 metres / 10,000 feet above the ground) to design development (planning at the human level and defining the mate riality of the spaces). Later this fall we will have more updates to share as the design team advances the plans. Watch your member e-newsletter for invites. With summer waning, I am making plans to transi tion my personal garden for fall. I have always had a hard time saying goodbye to the beauty of my summer garden containers. If you, too, are wanting to hold onto the plants that have filled your outdoor spaces, this issue is for you. Check out the articles Outside In and Overwinter Tropical Plants to give your tropical and semi-tropical houseplants the best chance at thriving during our colder months. As the heat of summer retreats, it is also a per fect time to plant fall containers. Read on for suggestions about hardy autumn displays. Mark your calendars for our author series this fall fea turing Sonia Day, Lorraine Johnson, Sheila Colla and more. We also have an abundance of programs to get you out in the Garden and on the trails to enjoy the beauty of fall. Maybe you, too, will find that the essence of Toronto Botanical Garden brings you back time and time again.
TBG JutilaStephanieDirectorExecutivechatswithbluesandcountrysingerCrystalShawandaattheEdwardsSummerMusicSeries
Here’s to a summer of delig H t, wonder and beauty
fromtheTBG
The essence of place, is what brings me back to a garden time and time again. With a full season of prime-time gardening transitioning into fall, I am at once nostalgic for the summer days and inspired for the change of seasons, both in my home garden and at the Toronto Botanical Garden. Summer 2022 has been epic in so many ways. After a two-year hiatus, the TBG’s Through the Garden Gate tour returned with vigour. It is truly a gift to visit the personal and inspired places of Toronto’s gardeners. With so many to see in one week end (17 to be precise), I maintained a good pace, when in fact I wanted to sit and stay in each of the one-of-a-kind gardens, carefully studying the plant combinations, taking in the sculpted views and the artistic elements. Anyone who wants to share their personal garden with me, know that I will quickly say yes. In the meantime, mark your calendars for June 10 and 11, 2023 for our next Through The Garden Gate tour in Riverdale. At the Toronto Botanical Garden, we welcomed the summer months whole heartedly. We embraced a steady pulse of guided garden tours, the artistically inclined studied botanical drawing, the nature enthusiasts joined us for birding and ravine tours and we embraced the refresh ing mornings with Yoga in the Garden. Our horticulture staff and volunteers have been steadily transforming garden beds to polli nator friendly plantings, thanks to funding from PollinatorTO. And, we came together as a community to celebrate our quintes sential summer evenings with the return of the Edwards Summer Music Series.
4 Fall 2022 MolarthurPhoto:a
Stephanie Jutila Executive Director
Public
Three performances: 1:30 p.m. / 4 p.m. / 6:30 p.m. General Admission: $55 TBG members: $50 Students: $25 The show will be held rain or shine.
Developed in partnership with Artists’ Play Dance + Circus Studio led by Artistic Director Elizabeth Dawn Snell
Tuesday, September 13, 2 to 4 p.m. Former Toronto Star gardening columnist Sonia Day celebrates the amazing flowers of Mexico in a talk about her latest novel, The Mexico Lunch Party: A Sisters of the Soil Novel. A fun afternoon with a special treat - Capirotada, or Mexican Bread Pudding, baked by Sonia herself. $5, Free for TBG members
RAVINE DAYS
October 1 through 10 Celebrate and enjoy Toronto’s beautiful ravine network.
#TorontoBotanicalGarden#YearoftheGarden2022
WHAT'S ON FALL 2022 FOR A FULL LIST OF UPCOMING PROGRAMS AND EVENTS VISIT torontobotanicalgarden.ca/event TorontoBotanicalGarden @TBG_Canada GUIDED GARDEN TOURS Weekly in September and October You'll learn about the plants, pollinators, history and ecological aspects of these beautiful Toronto gardens and wild spaces. Adults $20, Senior/Student $10 Children 5 years and under are free Pre-registration is required. FOREST BATHING September 24, 1 to 4 p.m. Certified Forest Therapy Guide Emma Rooney will lead you on a guided walk to stretch your sensory awareness and deepen your connection with nature. Public $55, TBG members $45 AUTHOR MEXICANTALK:LUNCH PARTY WITH SONIA DAY
BLOOM: Dance+Circus in the Garden
Wednesday, September 7
An outdoor, high-fly ing dance, circus, and garden experience with storytelling, aerial tricks, beauty and joy. You’ll be led through the garden to secret performance locations as you’re transported into a magical garden where cheeky gnomes, slinky snakes and silly frogs swing through the sky and dance above the hedges. Incredible circus acts bring to life the essence of hope, friendship and love through magical flowers.
torontobotanicalgarden.ca
By lorraine Hunter learn the core, or isolated muscle strength or stretching, 3-D Workout practices movement that encourages the body and mind to work together as a whole. We aren’t bones stacked on top of each other, but instead, a network of fascia, muscle, ligaments, bones, etc. that all function together to keep us moving. We don’t have a sore knee or sore hips: we have a body that isn’t functioning as a whole. This is what we call biotensegrity.”
By itself, 3-D Workout keeps you moving. Learning to move with your whole body will also improve other activities in your life, says Tena.
A 3-D Fitness Workout goes through movements, stretches and resistance training to wake up all parts of your body and mind to get
“I was trained that the forest is the therapist. The guide opens the door” emma rooney and her father Tim rooney in the forest.
“It increases agility, balance, efficiency and strength, which keeps us mov ing safely,” says the Certified Level II 3-D Workout instructor. “Even the little movements which can be done while watching TV are enough to keep us all gardening well into our twilight years.”
Y ou don’t have to be an athlete to be fit for gardening. The Toronto Botanical Garden has several adult programs that focus on wellness. Here is the lowdown on three of them: 3-D Fitness WorkoutTM, Yoga in the Garden and Forest Bathing.
3-D Fitness Workout TM Increases agility, balance, efficiency and strength
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Not someone who wants to run or bounce, Tena loved Pilates. And then she was introduced to 3-D as a modern approach to fitness. “It incorporates the new ideas we have about how our bodies move. Instead of focusing on three tbg programs for all ages, body types and fitness levels to help us keep gardening well into our twilight years
Focus on Wellness TBG neWs them moving together, explains class leader Tena Van Andel.
Forest Bathing is said to relax your mind, revitalize your body and help you to discover your Self. It began in Japan in the 1980s as an effec tive tool to overcome the ill effects of a hectic life and stressful work environment. The name comes from the Japanese Shinrin-yoku. Shinrin means forest and yoku means bath ing but classes here are not exactly the same as they would be in Japan, says Emma. Her class is “about con necting. It is very sensory and not taskPeopleoriented.”oftenwonder if they will be physically able to do it. “You don’t have to be physically fit,” says Emma. And, age is not a factor. “The key element is to slow Participantsdown.” can expect to go slowly, gently and be reassured they will get the opportunity to do things they may never have done, or not for a long time. You don’t need a guide but it is helpful in a beautiful park, says Emma. “Many people feel safer to do it with a group. I encourage people who take my class to go on and do it on their own.”
Tena Van a ndel
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You do not have to be fit to do Yoga at the TBG but you do have to want to focus your mind, work with your breath, turn off your phone and be in the moment, says instructor Arti Meyers, founder of yoga4good, a not-for-profit organization offering customized yoga programs.
The most obvious benefit of outdoor yoga is time in nature and breathing the fresh air, she says. “It is so joyful to practice yoga at the Toronto Botani cal Garden, and it feels like such a gift to all of us who are practicing. As we practice yoga in nature, we connect with the earth, with nature, with each other, and importantly, we connect withArtiourselves.”wasintroduced to yoga as a young girl by her father. (Her parents immigrated to Canada in the 1950s.)
Forest Bathing has been defined as immersing yourself in nature in a mindful way, using your senses to derive a range of benefits for your physical, mental, emotional and social health. “Beyond just seeing, it includes listening and touching,” says Emma, “things an adult doesn’t get that much opportunity to do. It’s kind of like tap ping into childhood activities.”
Certain trees, including conifers, emit oils and compounds to safeguard themselves from microbes and patho gens. Known as Phytoncides, these molecules are also good for our immu nity. Breathing in the forest air boosts the level of natural killer (NK) cells in our blood. And this helps to fight infec tions, cancers and tumors.
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“Although I can’t promise a lower golf score, at least your back and hips won’t hurt after a game. It’s a wonder ful program for all ages, body types and fitness levels.”
arti Meyers
The class will take place in the ravine or the teaching garden where there is lots of space, but you can for est bathe anywhere, says Emma. “We benefit from different landscapes. Some people feel safer in a forest. Others in a more open setting.”
The program is offered to anyone who would like to stretch and breathe in the garden. Experience is not required. Beginners and more experi enced yogis are all welcome, because the classes focus on breath, have slow careful movements and incorporate meditation. Classes are held in the garden, weather permitting, otherwise inside. Students should bring their own mat and water bottle.
For more information see https:// yoga4good.ca Forest Bathing Building a relationship with the natural world The key to forest bathing is to strengthen the relationship between our well-being and that of the environ ment and all the other creatures in that environment, explains Certified Forest Bathing teacher Emma Rooney.
But it was not popular at the time. She started reading more about it and practicing a little bit when pregnant with her second child, and was having back problems. “Yoga was the therapy I needed to resolve my pain and strengthen my back to avoid pain in the future,” she recalls. “I’ve practiced everYogasince.”hasbeen an important part of her life for more than 30 years. “It has been an activity that I have been able to access anywhere, anytime for physi cal, mental and emotional wellness.”
For more information on 3-D WorkoutTM see body-in-motion.com/https://
“I was trained that the forest is the therapist. The guide opens the door,” she says.
Yoga at the TBG Spending Time in Nature and Breathing Fresh Air
“We offer Gentle Yoga at the TBG,” says Arti. “Our classes focus on moving the body with the breath, lengthening, opening and stretching. We move in a non-strenuous, com fortable way and the pace is slow and relaxed. We focus on accessible poses and offer options while always listen ing to cues from your own body.”
Bursting with torontobotanicalgarden.ca 8 Fall 2022 BurkhoLeannePhotos:Lder Coleus Fire & Spice and C. Vino
with Colour trial gardens inspire visitors and draw hummingbirds and photographers By Leanne Burkholder
Some of Ball FloraPlant and Selecta One new varieties for 2023 are also on display giving gardeners a sneak peak of what will be available next year. For colour, plant selection was also inspired by the Pantone 2022 colour of the year, Very Peri, a blue-purple periwinkle shade.
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ShowcaseAnnualsinPetuniastheNew urkholderPhotos:leanneb
Working closely with TBG Director of Horticulture Roger Gettig, Tanya started with a selection of plants that provided colour contrast, but also critical pollinator support.
M agnificent displays of flowers, colour and foliage contrasts were on dis play at the TBG Trial Gardens again this summer thanks to generous donations of plant material from Ball FloraPlant and SelectaPlanningOne.for the 2022 displays began last September, said Tanya Carvalho, Canada Territory Manager at Ball FloraPlant/Selecta. They included two large former City of Toronto beds, as well as borders and planters. Cuttings for the plant materials were ordered in October from suppliers across the world—Nicaragua, Uganda and Kenya—and sent to George Sant and Sons Greenhouses in Bolton in early March so they could be potted for growth before being shipped to the TBG for planting at the end of May by Ball FloraPlant/Selecta One, the TBG’s horticultural team and volunteers. How are the plants selected?
“Apart from the beds at Landscape Ontario’s head quarters, the TBG Ball FloraPlant and Selecta One displays are unique in Ontario in terms of their size and variety of planting material,” said Tanya.
Remembering the buzz of pollinators around the 2021 gardens, she brought back salvia and lantana in 2022. In fact, the pollinator displays also attracted so many photographers last year that new beds were added in front of the Edwards Gardens greenhouse area to accommodate the demand!
“The interesting thing I learned from photographers taking pictures of the salvia displays was that male hummingbirds were more attracted to the red salvia, while the females preferred the blue,” commented Tanya. “I never knew thatWhilebefore!”most people focus on perennials, she noted, “it is important to remember that using annuals in small or large displays is also an important example of how home gardeners can support pollinators.” Planter boxes along the walkway provide examples of planting combinations people can use in their gardens, patios or balconies. The Ball FloraPlant and Selecta One Trial Gardens at the TBG can provide inspiration for planning your 2023 displays!
Perennial Partners Look out for these perennial additions from Darwin Perennials (a Ball FloraPlant Partner) at the TBG. • Agastache ‘Little Adder’ • Digitalis Arctic Fox Rose • Echinacea Sombrero baja burgundy • Eupatorium Little Joe • Heuchera ‘Big Top Caramel Apple’ • Monarda BeeMine lavender • Nepeta Blue Prelude • Penstemon Rock candy ruby • Phlox Ka-Pow Purple • Phlox Ka-Pow Soft Pink • Salvia Nemorosa ‘Blue by You’ • Veronica Skyward Blue • Veronica Skyward PinkSurePetuniaShotBlueMixedcoleusBlueberriesPetuniaShamrockLantanaRoseSureShotandCream
Looking for a unique Loca L e for upcoming nuptials?
PhotograaylyncPhoto:Phy
“We work with a list of preferred partners or caterers and the couples work directly with them,” said Patricia. “We provide chairs, tables and electrical equipment.”
Sometimes Patricia will help with the décor but often the couple has their own ideas. A July wedding this year had a camp or cottage theme. The ceremony took place on the Westview Terrace and the reception inside with trees and a starry night backdrop, literally bringing the outside in.
torontobotanicalgarden.ca
A parklike setting in the middle of the city with lush sur roundings in a beautiful garden with lots of parking? Well, look no further than the Toronto Botanical Garden.
“We also do other events such as henna parties and birthday celebrations. On one occasion we had a party inspired by the TV show Bridgerton. The little girl’s moth er brought the guests on a shuttle bus. They got off and had cupcakes in the Perennial Garden and then got back on to head to their next destination.”
Couples like the garden for their photos. Many, while they may even be married elsewhere, get permits from the city to have photos taken in Edwards Gardens or from the TBG for pictures taken here. Favourite TBG spots for wedding photos are the Knot Garden, on the bridge out side the Garden Hall and by the white elephant statue at the front entry.
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How do couples find out about the TBG as a wedding venue? “Lots see us on the Wedding Wire www.wedding wire.ca (where the TBG listing has five out of five stars and lots of positive reviews from happy couples). They also hear about us by word of mouth or by Googling out door wedding venues. And, we also get people just walk ing through the gardens.”
BackWeddingsBigtimeatthetBg
The TBG also rents facilities for Celebrations of Life, and has had several for people who passed away during COVID and have some connection with the Garden, for corporate seminars, bar and bat mitzvahs and more. “We even had a briss (the circumcision of a baby boy),” said Patricia. And, of course, there are often film crews setting up a base camp for crew parking and lunch. – Lorraine Hunter
From last May until this coming October more than 30 weddings have been booked, totalling more than one per weekend, says TBG Rentals Supervisor Patricia Chevers. That is comparable with the years before COVID. “We actually did have a handful of weddings here, about 10 to 12, during COVID years, at times when restrictions were lifted a bit,” she said.
Most weddings are booked a year or more ahead but you might get lucky for a smaller ceremony if there is an appro priate space available. Weddings at the TBG generally take place in either the Garden Hall with its outdoor Wesvtiew Terrace featuring a water channel, waterfall and bridge, or the larger Floral Hall with its enclosed outdoor courtyard. Attendees generally range anywhere from 20 to 220 guests.
torontobotanicalgarden.ca 13 Fall 2022 orticultutralPhotos:ballh
Join tbg tour guide Gail M. Murray on a walk through the gardens treat in any season, a guided tour of Toronto Botanical Garden and Edwards Garden is especially lovely in the fall. Please join me, dear reader, on a walk through the gardens.
As we begin in front of the TBG main building note the dolomite elephant, a favourite spot for wedding photos, next to the living green sculp ture Mosaic Hedging of Cornelian cherry and European beech trees. Stroll down the Entry Garden designed by Dutch nurseryman Piet Oudolf in collaboration with Martin Wade Landscape Architects. Oudolf’s New Wave planting style combines perennials and grasses. Their rhythmic swaying adds drama to this sophisticat ed meadow. Bees love the coneflowers and catmint. In spring, bulbs reign with drifts of Iris, tulips and daffo dils. Peonies are queen in June and by July it feels like you are wander ing through a meadow among flut tering monarch butterflies. There’s a structure to the tour yet blooms are ever-changing.Opentheblack wrought iron gates to the right of the main entrance to the building to enter the Floral
Beauty & Respite••• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • TBG Entrance A• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •••••••••••••••••••••••••••• gPhotos:ailM.Murray • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Ornamentagrasses • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ••• • • • • • • • • • The Entry Garden • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •Domite elephant • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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• ScuLpture in tHe Garden sculpture, long a tradition in for mal French (Versailles) and Italian Renaissance gardens (Villa d’Este), is becoming popular in North America. In 2018 and 2019, the TBG hosted ZimSculpt displaying over 100 pieces of hand carved stone from Zimbabwe, Africa. And many pieces, including the white elephant at the front of the building, are displayed throughout the gardens. A sleek heron stands tall in the Westview Terrace while in the Entry Garden The Garden Web, a stunning nine-metre high stainless steel modern sculpture by Ontario College of Art graduate Ron Baird, gleams against the brilliant blue sky, a piece of whimsy and imagination. The Knot Garden demonstrates the formal art of shaping and pruning plants, mostly boxwood, Japanese yew and privet, into geometric patterns. These formal gardens were popular in 17th and 18th century France, namely Versailles and the Gardens of Love at Chateau Villandry in the Loire Valley.
Continue walking south to the wooded area at the end of the New Annuals Showcase (formerly the Carpet Beds). Here members of the Milne family lie at rest in a private cemetery. The Milnes were Scottish settlers who farmed this area begin ning in 1817 and ran a mill on Wilket Creek. In autumn, it’s magical to descend the winding pathway through the forest of golden maples to the creek in the valley. Feel like a hike? To your left you can leave the park and follow the path along Wilket Creek and the ravine, walking all the way to Sun nybrook Park. This little hike takes about an hour. Upon return enjoy the rushing waterfalls, mallards, rock garden and in June, rhododendrons dancing in the dell. But I’ve diverted from my set tour. From the New Annuals Showcase, head west to Rupert Edwards’ original barn (now Bloom Café) and former stables. In summer, free concerts, as part of the Edwards Summer Music Series, are held in this large court yard. The music varies from jazz to rock and roll to flamenco.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • T GardenWeb • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • P in Autumn • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Re d • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •••••••• • • • • Brides' Bridge in wint • • • • Fountain • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
The main building houses offices, including those of the Garden Club of Toronto and Milne House Garden Club, washrooms, a large auditorium (for lectures, plant sales, wedding receptions and more), teaching stu dios, the eclectic Garden Shop, and the Weston Family Library, largest private horticulture library in Canada.
torontobotanicalgarden.ca Hall Courtyard, my ‘Secret Garden’, designed to thrill the senses. Listen to the water rippling down the water curtain, see mauve wisteria in spring and trimmed boxwood, smell fra grant David Austin roses, touch fuzzy lambs’ ears and soldier-straight horse tail aka scouring brush (Equisetum hyemale) and enjoy the peace and serenity of a green and white palette.
Wander left to the Westview Ter race, a sheltered area with aromatic plants (such as viburnum , Daphne, lavender), delicate Faerie roses, a waterfall and water channel to soften the cool hardscaping of the paved courtyard.
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When the Edwards’ home burned down in 1962, up and coming archi tect, Raymond Moriyama was chosen to design a shelter on the foundation of the former home – a shady respite and perfect vantage point to view the valley. Japanese tea house and west coast themes are evident in his design. Moriyama went on to design the original Civic Garden Centre (now the TBG) building, Bata Shoe Museum and the Ontario Science Centre. The charming fountain and stone work by the towering willow trees in Edwards Gardens are the creations of Len Cullen who later developed Weall and Cullen Nurseries (since purchased by Sheridan Nurseries).
Len’s son, renowned garden writer, Mark Cullen, is an honorary patron and huge supporter of the TBG. Mark and his son Ben, a current TBG Board member, launched their book, Escape to Reality, here in 2018. We were fortunate to have Paul Zammit, TV, radio personality and garden guru, as Director of Horticulture for over ten years. Paul is currently teaching at Niagara College. In addition to fabulous gardens, TBG offers horticulture courses, a hands-on teaching program for Toronto District School Board students, various events such as book launches, craft shows, yoga in the garden, plant sales and Through the Garden Gate, the most exquisite garden tour in Ontario, spotlighting a different neighbour hood each time – Rosedale, Swansea, The Beach and Riverdale on June 10 and 11, 2023 – where members of the public can discover charming private gardens. To learn more or to sign up for a tour, visit thetheorsittour,garden.ca.www.torontobotanicalWhetheryoujoinaguidedstrollquietlythroughthegardens,underatreetoread,takeaclassmeetafriendforcappuccinoincourtyard–enjoythebeautyandrespite.
Donated by the Toronto Historical Society, a bronze plaque delineates the park’s early history. Rupert Edwards purchased the property (31 acres) in 1954 to fulfill his dream of a country estate with wide open spaces. Calling it Springbrook Farm, he set about creating one of the finest landscape gardens in Toronto, including a ninehole golf course and rockery of Credit Valley stone to prevent erosion. Ten years later, when developer E.P. Tay lor was creating Don Mills, one of Canada’s first planned communities, Taylor offered Edwards $500,000, a huge sum at the time. Fortunately for us, Edwards sold his property to the City of Toronto for $150,000 with the stipulations that his name would remain and that it would always be free.
Note: After retiring from teaching, Gail M. Murray became a volunteer tour guide at Toronto Botanical Garden.
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Goals Some of my design goals were for visitors to learn about vegetable gardening and to get their hands dirty. i wanted the gardens to show visitors how to grow a vegetable garden within a large space; demonstrate the importance of shoulder crops, crop rotation, companion planting, winter gardening, indigenous farming and cover crops through a combination of direct seed sowing and planting plants started indoors at tbg. the gardens were also designed to demonstrate how going vertical with plants conserves space and allows more produce to be grown: and, how neatly spreading grass around the plants in the beds, helps prevent soil erosion, reduce weed growth and keep moisture in the ground by shading the soil.
ThegTeachingarden goals and challenges of Planting a Vegetable garden. By Dean Ruhnke
Seasonal Horticulturist
Fallow Bed: Visitors will learn the importance of crop rotation; what leaving a bed fallow means and the importance of leaving a bed fallow for the soil. alyssum was planted here to help attract pollinators, especially those that parasitize the garden pests, providing free integrated Pest Management (iPM).
• do not plant sunflowers next year. too hard to protect.
ChallenGes as of this writing there have been challenges that many of you might be experiencing in your garden, too.
European Bed: native european vegetables were started from rare and endangered heritage seeds and plants. Visitors will learn how to grow and use new vegetables with an ethnic twist. a particular highlight, the artichoke cultivar imperial Star, which normally flowers in its second year, was already producing flowers to be eaten this year.
• Protect the three Sisters plants so the corn may grow; encaging them in fences. discuss with other public gardens. For example, we didn’t grow corn when i was a student at niagara Parks commission School of Horticulture because of the raccoons.
The Teaching garden, located on the west side of Edwards Gardens, across the creek and up the curved path, was opened in 1998 to stimulate children’s curiosity about nature and gardening through hands-on activities. But there have been no school or recreational programs there for the past two years due to COVID. So last fall we set out to plan and design a vegetable garden there.
Solutions • Protective netting had limited success. Switch to chicken wire next year.
North and South American Production Bed: Visitors will learn about growing vegetables native to this hemisphere. these plants are great for local pollinators. this fall, annual rye will be grown as a cover crop.
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• do not harvest the lettuce. letting the animals eat it is keeping them away from other more important plants.
torontobotanicalgarden.ca
Weather the cold slow spring delayed planting as soil temperatures were not warm enough even for the shoulder crops. drought in June, July and august made it tough to direct sow carrots and quinoa. Keeping the seed and soil moist was a challenge. the drought also caused diseases such as powdery mildew. Insects cabbage moths decimated a planter of kale and cabbage. Animals rabbits, groundhogs, squirrels, chipmunks and raccoons were eating the sunflowers, sweet potatoes, clover, chickpeas and more. if you were wondering where the corn went, now you know. raccoons.
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« Themes there are four raised beds each laid out with a unique visitor learning goal. raised beds tend to dry out and warm up more quickly in the spring and stay warmer in the fall, thus extending the growing season. the four raised, themed gardens include:
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Indigenous Bed: Visitors will learn how and why indigenous people chose the plants they planted including corn, pole beans and squash, known as the three Sisters. corn provides the living stake to allow the pole beans to climb, pole beans provide nitrogen to fertilize the soil and squash shades the soil to reduce erosion and suppress weeds.
• Work better with Mother nature. review short- and long-term weather forecasts. I would like to thank the Garden Club of Toronto for their continued support and the Garden Volunteers who helped to make this garden a realization. A list of plants being grown can be found on the Toronto Botanical Garden website. well.doingpumpkinsGiant
17 Fall 2022
Yes, you can bring houseplants back indoors for the winter
Zonal geranium
By Georgie Kennedy torontobotanicalgarden.ca outside in a s sepTember breezes in, it’s natural to think of the cold months ahead and to want to capture the summery ambiance you’ve created in your garden. It’s definitely possible to bring plants indoors, but bear in mind that a few will thrive, some will barely survive and others are just not suited to our dry household environments.
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“First to come inside will be the potted plants i put out on the veranda at the end of May.”
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“don’t fall for the myth that ferns and snake plants will live without light.” begoniaTuberous
First to come inside will be the potted plants I put out on the veranda at the end of May. That includes my prized Bonsai Fig ( Ficus rubiginosa ), a Kimberley Queen Fern ( Nephrolepsis obliterata ), a pink blooming hibiscus ( Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ), and croton ( Codiaeum variegatum ), a truly versatile tropical.
• Prune any dead or weak branches and leaves.
Coleus
• Do the outdoor work on a warm fall day well before the frost hits.
• Be sure to check for insects before you bring any plants indoors. A good blast with a hose is often enough to take care of some insects, but others are not so easily removed.
• How much space do you have for an indoor garden, ideally near a large south or west window?
h ot Tips
• Research the water, light and nutrient requirements of each plant.
Well-known known garden writer Larry Hodgson provides helpful and comprehensive advice in this article How to Debug Your Plants…Before You Bring Them Back Indoors – Laidback Gardener Laidback Gardener blog.
• Repotting gives new energy to a plant.
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Failproof Indoor-outdoor selections
19 Fall 2022
Then I’ll get my Lee Valley garden trays for approximately two dozen or more tender zonal geraniums (Pelargonium x hortorum) including about ten P. ‘Vancouver Centennial’ varieties. (I freely admit I’ve had a sentimental attachment to these delightful flowering plants ever since Paul Zammit recommended them for a container at one of the annual TBG plantFirst,sales.)Itrim them back severely, give them a wash and dry and then place each in a new container with fresh potting soil. They grow magnifi cently, and usually need to be pruned at least once before spring planting.
• If you have only a few windows or you face north, check out the amaz ing variety of grow light stands.
• Don’t fall for the myth that ferns and snake plants will live without light in hallways or bathrooms. They will not grow in darkness; they simply die slowly
Before heading to your yard or balcony to gather them in, here are a few considerations:
Coleus geraniumsand
h erbs Some gardeners report great success bringing herbs indoors, but I’m not in their league. I have a large perennial herb garden at the base of our back steps. We cook and season with thyme, oregano and chives almost all year long. Yes, I scrape off the snow and snip the hardy herbs. Fresh basil and cilantro are fantastic when treated as annuals in pots. I’d lost too many herb plants indoors to consider it a worthwhile use of time and energy until I discovered hydroponic systems such as AeroGarden. The inventors of these kits hit upon a genius idea by creating the correct conditions for fresh herbs and even vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers. I recommend this method as it takes out the guesswork.
I’m unwilling to pay for expensive new ones year after year when I find them so easy to tend and propagate indoors. If you’d like to try a simpler method that saves space, you can clean off your geraniums, leave them in the sun to dry for a day and store them in a paper bag in a cool dark room until spring.
• Is there someone who will be responsible for watering if you plan to travel?
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Another absolute gem, coleus, known for its brightly coloured leaves, is easily brought indoors by taking a few cuttings and rooting in water. Once roots develop, plant in well drained soil. Begonia This intriguing plant deserves special mention. At the urging of my friend Veronica Sliva, I grew hundreds of tuberous begonias from microscopic seed during the COVID winter of 2021. Last fall, I cut them down to nubs and allowed them to go dormant in the cold room, giving them an occasional spritz of water. Most revived gorgeously from mid to late spring. This year, I plan to repeat the process, except I’ll save a few Begonia boliviensis for a spectacular indoor show. Rex Begonia is another showstopper that doesn’t need a dormancy period.
Zonal Geraniums
As summer winds down and the temperature starts to drop the container plantings that served us so well throughout the summer are starting to look tired and sad. But, there is still plenty of time to enjoy a fall-inspired container that will look great until the snow flies. There are lots of choices when it comes to plants for fall con tainers. Fall is all about bold, jewel-toned bloomers, eyecatching foliage and attractive seed heads.
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Thrillers, Fillers and s pillers When designing a container garden you can’t go wrong if you choose your plants by using the “Thriller, Filler and Spiller” concept. Paul Zammit, former Director of Horticulture at the Toronto Botanical Garden (currently a Professor at the Niagara College) is well-known for his spectacular container creations. We asked him for his thoughts.
Thriller plants play the starring role. Usually, they are the tallest, most upright plants in the arrangement. Grasses are at their peak in fall with long-lasting seed heads that make a bold statement as a thriller plant. Paul says “Ornamental grasses such as Buchanan’s Sedge, Carex buchananii, Rushes, Juncus spp. are a good choice.” sTill Time To CreaTe autumngreataplanter j By Veronica Sliva Planter
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• Remove perennials used in fall containers and plant them into the garden by end of october when you should be getting ready to switch your pots over to containernextarrangementswinter(theseasonofgardens).
Paul’s Tips Personally, i have always put more emphasis on foliage than flowers.
• Yews (Taxus) and boxwood (Buxus)
• Perennials such as coral bells (many great fall colours)
Planter 2
• If you include ornamental kale (or as some people refer to ifpleasantoftenaoamanybeornamentalthem,cabbage),carefulusingtootooclosetodoorwayorwindow.ncetheyarehitwithhardfrost,theyemitanotsoodour(eventheystilllookgood).
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• Upright Evergreens such as Degroot’s Spire Cedar • (Thuja occidentalis)
Fillers play a supporting role by complementing the thriller plant. They add mass and help to fill in the gaps. Fillers should add interest and texture to the design. You can choose foliage or flowers or a combination of both. Paul suggests using foliage for dramatic and lasting impact. Some of his favourite fillers are:
• Blue Arrow Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum)
21 Fall 2022
• Personalize your container by exploring the wonderful vast selection of pumpkins, gourds and squashes that are seedasavailable,currentlyaswellbranchesandpods.
p aul r ecommends:
• Evergreens can often be left in the container to overwinter and become part of the winter arrangement (dress up the base of them with assorted cut evergreen boughs and branches).
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• Flowers from fall Aster (Aster spp.) and Fall Flowering Mums (Chrysanthemum spp.)
But he cautions, “Often one of the annual purple foun tain grasses such as Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’ are used. I think this is a bad choice as the plant is not frost tolerant and looks rather sad after a good first frost. Fall containers should be designed with as many plants as possible that are frost tolerant.”
Planter 1: Canna, King Tut Papyrus and assorted trailing plants. Planter 2: Dusty miller (“Jacobaea maritima, formerly Senecio cineraria”), Salvia argentea ‘Artemis’, kale.
• Shrubs with good fall colour such as Oak Leaf Hydrangea, Hydrangea quercifolia and some of the Hydrangea paniculata
Planter 3: Carex, kale, Atlantic White Cedar, Dogwood (cornus) boughs Planter 4: Chysanthemums, kale, baby gourds. Planter 3
Heuchera spp., Bergenia, Bergenia spp. Heuchera (coral bells) are available in many eye-catching shades from dark burgundy to pale caramel hues as well as myriad shades of green. As a bonus, they are perennial and can be planted into the garden to reappear in spring.
• Marigolds are chosen for their sunny, bright yellow or orange hues to add a flash of colour to any fall o utdoor display.
• Herbs such as sage, Salvia officinalis ‘Tricolor’
• Pansies can take the cold. Their pretty faces in a wide variety of colours add lots of interest when tucked between spiller plants at the container’s edge.
•
• English Ivy (Hedera helix) cultivar’s Hedera ‘Glacier’, H. ‘Ivalace’, H. ‘Gold Child’
Paul’s favourite spillers are:
• Bugleweed (Ajuga), especially the larger leaf selection such as Ajuga ‘Catlin’s Giant’ and A. ‘Burgundy Giant’
•
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Other Fall Favourites
• While ornamental kale and cabbage are often highlighted in fall containers, why not choose a variety of kale that is both beautiful and tasty. ‘Green Curls’, a dwarf variety, grows to about 38 centimetres (15 inches) tall and is perfect in containers.
• Herbs such as thyme, chives, sage, rosemary and parsley tolerate cooler temperatures and make tasty fillers for containers. Note: Check out the Thriller, Filler & Spillers sidebar for more plant suggestions.
22 Fall 2022
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) blooms from late summer until frost. Its cheerful bright yellow flowers are long-lasting and partner well with grasses.
• Assorted kale, Brassica oleracea s pillers , as the name suggests, tumble over the edge of the container and usually have a trailing habit. Their job is to soften the edges of the pot and ‘anchor’ the arrangement to the rest of the plants. Choose spillers that echo the colours, texture or shape of the thriller or filler plants to create a well-put-together look.
• Annuals such as Dusty Miller, Senecio cineraria (syn. Jacobaea maritima)
What about edibles?
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Give new life to Tired Containers
Planter 4
• Thriller plants should be about one and a half times the height of your container • Filler plants should be one-third to two-thirds the size of the thriller.
What is the most common mistake made in filling a container? “Since many of the plants used in a fall container arrangement will likely not put on much growth, I believe it is important to plant up fall containers so they look full,” says Paul “Also, using plants that turn to mush after a first hard frost. For example, many of the ornamental peppers that are often used.”
Gazania gerbera daisy
• Amend the soil with a lightweight mix (as Paul Zammit suggests) to ensure it continues to drain well throughout the fall. Do not use garden soil.
• The fertilizer you added earlier in the season has probably been used up, so when you are finished with your planting apply an all-purpose fertilizer (20-20-20).
VSunSalviaPentasongomphrenaemesiasteospermumcoleusincaZinniacreepingJennyasparagusFernbacopabrachycomecalibrachoadiasciaHelichrysumivygeraniumlysimachiaPortulacaScaevolaSweetPotatoVinetrailingPetuniaVerbena dtoniiHypoestesHeliotropeddccbbbbSansevieriaFuchsiadracaenaacopaegoniasostonFernrowalliaaladiumoleusiasciaustyMillermpatiensresineemesiaxalisPansySalviaoreniaichondraSilverFalls boliviensisBegonia PllandiilHelichrysumicoriceVinevygeraniumvy,VariegatedgreenamiumobeliaurpleHeart Shade TolerantSun Lovers • Fillers • • Thrillers • • s pillers • Fillers & Spillers oPhoTs:JAneTDAVis
What about soil? is the type of ‘soil’ used in containers important for a relatively ‘short-term’ planter? “This is a loaded question,” says Paul. “I recommend a soilless mix for pots and avoid using garden soil and/or triple mix. In horticultural circles, there is much discussion about moving to more peat-free based potting mixes (that are also more sustainable).”
• Decide what plants need to go and which can stay. Those that are past their prime or too tender to stand up to cooler weather should be removed.Try not to disturb the roots of those you want to keep.
• Spillers tend to have long stems with a vining habit. Choose plants that will not overtake your filler plants.
torontobotanicalgarden.ca Fall 2022 a Matter of s cale
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The size relationship of individual plants to one another as well as the size of the container is an important design element known as ‘scale’. The most successful container designs are a treat to look at because the plants and con tainers are well balanced in terms of scale.
Instead of starting from scratch, with a little thought and not much work, you can transition your summer containers into something fabulous for fall.
It is too heavy and will compact easily. A soilless mix is ideal.
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With a little know-how, you can overwinter your tropicals and enjoy them for many years. Depending on the plants, there are different overwintering strategies you can use. ls
By Veronica Sliva
torontobotanicalgarden.ca 24 Fall 2022
verwinter TropI ca
he tropical plants we enjoyed out doors during the summer are native to warm, humid, frost-free environments so will not survive outside when the temperature dips to single digits. In the fall many gardeners just treat them as annuals and compost them. But buying new plants every spring can be expensive, and some of your favou rites may not be available at the local garden centre next year.
With a little know-how you can enjoy them for many years
O
Bougainvillea citrus plants
25 Fall 2022
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The easiest plants to overwinter are those that can hiber nate or go dormant for the winter. Examples are figs, brugmansia and plumeria. When the temperature starts to dip below 10 degrees c and the leaves start turning yellow, it is time to bring these tropicals indoors. To induce dormancy, withhold water and let the soil dry out. stop fertilizing (during slow growth or dor mancy fertilizing is not necessary). place the plants in a dark, hiBiscus
Jasmine
If you have the space you can consider treating some tropicals as houseplants during the winter. Indoors they do best in a bright sunny location with high humidity. The plants will experience less shock if you bring them inside before the temperature drops below about 10 degrees c It is not unusual, however, for them to drop their leaves once indoors. Be sure to inspect them for insects and treat them if necessary.
Flowering plants such as tropical hibiscus, mandevil las, jasmine, bougainvillea and citrus can be challenging because they typically require higher light conditions than most homes can offer. I have had very good success plac ing them in a sunny west- or south-facing window. I cut them back about two-thirds before bringing them inside. come spring they are not as robust as when I brought them inside, but they survive and bounce back once out doors when the weather permits.
Growin G on as a Houseplant
overwinterin G plants t H at G o dormant
Consider G rowin G t H ese popular tropi C als indoors • Tropical hibiscus: To keep the plant from becoming leggy cut back by about a third at the end of october, then again in December, and in February.
• Mandevilla, jasmine and passiflora: prune back by about a third when you bring them indoors.
• Citrus: Give citrus as much light as you can. When I bring them in I give them a good soaking (but do not let them sit in water). I only water again when the soil is dry. They may bloom throughout the winter (wonderful scent) and in spring I usually see fruit developing. some commonly grown foliage plants that we use in our outside containers such as spider plants, crotons and ivies, are native to the tropical understory and can, there fore, handle lower light conditions. They are worth trying to keep over the winter.
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passiflora
mandevilla
cool spot where they will not freeze. I have a cold cellar under my front porch that works for me. an insulated basement or attached garage that never freezes will do as well. check occasionally throughout the winter and if the soil is super dry, another spritz now and again is okay. and that’s all there is to it. In the spring, after the danger of frost has passed, bring the plants into a heated and lighted area for a few days and give them a little water. In early spring (from February or March onward) leaves will begin to appear. at this time give the plants more light and a little more water. once the night temperature is above 10 c they can go out doors. I start regular watering and fertilizing (all-purpose 20-20-20) at this time.
tak e cuttings to start new plants a plant has to be outstanding or a hard-to-find variety for me to take cuttings. I like coleus and these days there are many new (and expensive) varieties to drool over in the garden centres. In the last few years, I have been tak ing cuttings of my favourites to make new plants for next year. I take a few 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in) cuttings, remove the bottom leaves and just plunk them in a glass of water and set them on a windowsill. once a good root system is formed (in three to four weeks) I plant them up in a soil less mix. Then, the new seedlings go under fluorescent lights in the basement. over the winter as the plants get bigger I take more cuttings. I had so many new seedlings that I didn’t have to buy any coleus last spring! I also took cuttings of a fancy petunia and it rooted nicely in water, too. You can try a variety of other annuals… sweet potato vine, geranium, impatiens, begonia and plectranthus have worked well for me with this method.
26 Fall 2022
UnsPixabay,Photos:Plash
Bulbs, t ubers and C orms some of our favourite summer flowering annuals are grown from bulbs, tubers, corms or rhizomes. Examples are caladium, canna lilies, dahlias, elephant ears and tuberous begonias. Instead of buying new ‘bulbs’ (we’ll call them ‘bulbs’ for this article), lifting and storing them over winter is easy. after frost kills the foliage, dig up the bulbs, cut off all the leaves, let them dry out for a few days and shake off the soil. It’s that simple. Then wrap the bulbs loosely in newsprint, or pack them in peat moss, coconut coir or sawdust. put them into cardboard boxes and store them in a cool spot that does not freeze (such as a basement). In springtime around March or april you will see new shoots appear. at this time, pot them up, give them a little water and grow them on until it is time to plant outdoors.
torontobotanicalgarden.ca 27 Fall 2022
our volunteers include TBG members, donors, high-school students in need of volunteer hours and master gardeners with lifetimes of experience. some of our volunteers come for the exercise, and others have joined us to escape the isolation of pandemic times. The garden takes care of us all and we do our best to return the favour. I knew from the get-go that TBG would make me a real horticulturist, but I had no idea that it would teach me so much about community. Friendships formed while working in the garden are special. We become connected through the soil and its history. With each mystery plant’s identity revealed, wildlife sighting shared or story told, we become richer in spirit. I have learned lots from our volunteers and have been lucky enough to visit some of them in their own gardens. They have taught me what it means to care for something, to watch it grow. I have seen younger volunteers with a passion for plants devote themselves to a career in horticulture and public parks and it warms my heart to know that my colleagues and I played a part in inspiring them. and, when a new volunteer joins us for the first time, the oth ers quickly take them in, teach them the ropes, wel come them home. Great things are hap pening, and much of that is thanks to our wonderful volunteers. We couldn’t do it without you.
i started working at Toronto Botanical Garden in June of 2020. Having graduated from the Environmental landscape Management program at seneca college the year before, and completing two whirl wind summer seasons as a gardener at the Toronto Zoo, I knew that TBG would be the real launch of my horticultural career. I was excited and nervous and spent a week or two in advance muttering plant names in latin and brush ing up on my notes from horticulture classes, green house operations and parks management, my mind an array of plant ID tests. as expected, the garden welcomed my knowledge and my passions, while further opening the gates of learning. Thanks to Dean ruhnke, our familiarizedhorticulturist,lead-handIquicklymyselfwith the grounds and Wilket creek ravine. I met the plants and wildlife that called this place their home... and it wasn’t long before I called it that, too. It felt like home, somewhere I could spread my roots, a place in which to grow. This profound, intimate feeling of homecoming was only amplified when I met our dedicated teams of volun teers-- some of whom have been lending their hands to the earth here for well over a decade. some were even there in the presence of Dutch landscape designer piet oudolf when the Entry Garden was first planted!
Photos:sasanbeni
Plants, wildlife and volunteers make tbg home for seasonal horticulturist Sasan Beni to the garden allgar“thedentakescareofusandwedoourbesttoreturnthefavour.”
•••••••••••••• { welcome
} ••••••••••••••
This page: Allium Mount Everest, Opposite page: Bowles Golden Carex
I consider myself an expert, simply because I have made every mistake known to man or beast in developing what has now become three small gardens (four next year) –the back garden, the front garden and what we romanti cally call ‘the driveway garden’. Here are a few things
The worst thing was that because we moved into a semicondo community (only the land is condo) everything you do outside has to be approved by the condo board. I still get palpitations when I think about it. So annoyed was I, that I submitted my first garden plan giving all the plants their Latin names only; approval came almost immediately, because, I’m sure, nobody wanted to deal with it. Lesson learned. Bear in mind that these decisions are made by people who said that I couldn’t plant native trees because “they don’t do well here”. It’s ridiculous, anyway, to ask for plant names, because, as any gardener knows, although you might have a plan, it goes out the window when you hit the nursery!
How to plant a small garden.
29 Fall 2022 garolcPhotos:ardner O
nce you’re over the shock of moving from a large to a small garden, you slowly begin to realize that you have to change your laidback ways. In a large garden, if a plant is not ‘earn ing its keep’, you tend to leave it there because you enjoy the one flower it produces, or the multiple flowers that last for three days, but a small garden turns you into a brute. Anything that isn’t worth the space goes. This isn’t a lesson I learned immediately, but, after seven years of small gardens, I’ve learned the hard (and expensive) way.
T I ny G A rden
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I’ve learned: • Groundcovers are your friend. I always think that if I can see soil, the garden is a failure, but, in a small garden, if your plants are too close together, they will smother each other quickly. If you plant an interesting selection of groundcovers, the garden will look full as it grows. If you do want to plant something new, most groundcovers are pretty easy to pull up from the space.
I’ve settled on three that I think work well together:
Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum), sedum Angelina (Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’) and creeping Jenny (Lysima chia nummularia), the latter two for their sunny yellow colour and all three because they add different textures to the garden and seem to co-exist happily. Be aware that creeping Jenny is considered an invasive plant in Ontario, so shouldn’t be allowed to escape your garden borders.
B ig i mpact it took writer Carol Gardner seven years to transfer from a large garden to a smaller one. here’s what she learned along the way.
Cranesbill geranium ‘Rozanne’ Small roses surrounded by sedum Angelina.
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• Texture In large gardens, you get a mix of textures because you have a large array of plants, but in small gardens, that isn’t always the case. you can easily add a variety of textures with the addition of dwarf conifers, linear type grasses and plants like Meadow rue (Thalictrum ‘Splendide’). Thalictrum is so airy looking that it definitely adds a touch of romance; it reminds me of garden fairies – probably due to an excess of d isney-watching as a child.
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• ‘Dwarf’ shrubs It’s sensible to buy shrubs labeled ‘dwarf’, but some turn out to be rather large in the end, so prepare yourself to do some regular pruning.
“remember, it isn’t just the flowers that add colour, but the leaves as well.”
• Form differences in textures usually give you differences in form. Adding something like a carex grass can add a dra matic difference in shape as well as acting as a centrepiece for smaller plants. My favourite is Carex elata ‘Bowles’ Golden’ which I prefer to (dare I say it?) the ubiquitous Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’.
• Stars and Workhorses are as important as in any other garden. One that fits the bill on both counts is my favourite plant – Cranesbill geranium ‘ r ozanne’. It blooms prolifically from early summer to late fall. It’s quite an enthusiastic plant, but definitely not invasive; you can easily trim it back with no ill effects.
• Colour The more variety you have, the more interesting your garden will look. I can’t recommend colour schemes, because I have absolutely no disci pline with colour; I love them all! r emember, it isn’t just the flowers that add colour, but the leaves as well.
• Avoid plants that take up too much room. I made the mistake of planting three foxgloves ( Digitalis ) only to find that they practically took over the back garden. Fortunately, they’re biennial, so the problem sorted itself out naturally. Of course, there are always exceptions. Because I love fall-blooming anemones, I sim ply make room for them even though they grow like mad.
• Small gardens need height to look lush, possibly more than do large gardens. Use trellis-climbing plants like clematis and roses as well as a variety of allium ( Allium sativum ), crocosmia and r ussian sage ( Salvia yangii , also known as Perovskia atriplicifolia ). With those three, you have spring, summer and fall covered.
Dwarf shrubs and colourful groundcovers help shape the small garden.
torontobotanicalgarden.ca 31 Fall 2022 More bulbs and perennials reco MM ended for s M all gardens Bulbs • Any kind of allium • Glory-of-the-Snow (Chionodoxa forbesii) - (tiny, beautiful, reliable bulb) • Dwarf Iris • Snowdrops • Crocus • Muscari Perennials • Ground cover roses • Any bush clematis • Heucheras (for colour variety) • Aquilegia • Pulmonaria (for shade) • Astilbe
• Learn to love tiny plants for the very front of the garden. For me, Johnny Jump-ups (Viola cornuta) fill the bill. not only are they cute and colourful, but they’re also edible and look lovely gracing a cheese tray or added to a salad. They’re self-seeding, so, once you have them, you have them. don’t forget your patio or balcony. you can extend the scope of your garden with annuals or perennials planted in pots around the space. Lastly, remember that your garden, small or large, is nothing less than the expression of your own heart and soul, so be brave, be daring, and have fun!
Johnny Jump-ups make edible garnishes.
Speaking of trellis-climbing plants, I have recently tried the new clematis billed as groundcovers or bush clematis, only to find that wanting to climb is part of their dn A. However, if you provide them with a small obelisk, they are perfectly happy and it gives you the option of adding a decorative accessory to the garden.
W elcome to the wonderful world of homemade beverages! The title above says it all. This is a book for “everyone who loves good food and drink, appreciates economy, embraces creativity, and wants new ideas for a memorable garden and an inviting table,” write authors Nan K. Chase and DeNeice C. Guest. From basic recipes for things like peach juice, apple cider and rosehip tea to the more exotic sounding kombu
Making and Preserving Juices, Wines, Meads, teas and ciders Reviewed by lorraine hunter
drink the harvest MAKING AND PRESERVING Juices, Wines, Meads, Teas and Ciders by Nan K. Chase and DeNeice C. Guest. (Storey Publishing)
a harvest of cookbooks using produce from the garden cha, prickly pear syrup and bitchin birch wine, to name just a few, they offer inspiration for creating your own drinks. And the ‘delicious’ photography by Johnny Autry will tempt your tastebuds. Whether you are looking for new ways to enjoy your garden’s bounty or want to experi ment with pure concoctions made from farmers’ market finds, these recipes and techniques – including harvest ing, canning, fermenting and pasteurizing – will introduce you to a whole new world of great, wholesome drinks.
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Book shelf
32 Fall
Drink the harvest
There are recipes for appetizers (Mini Salmon Cakes to Marinated Mushrooms), soups, salads and dress ings, meat, fish/seafood, eggs and veggie burgers, pesto, sauces, teas and desserts such as Minted Mango Mousse and Sweet Herb Crepes. Perfect for anyone who likes to cook!
Whole Food Cooking Every Day
Homegrown Herbs a complete guide to growing, Using, and enjoying More than 100 Herbs Reviewed by Veronica sliva
Reviewed by Georgie kennedy e veryone’s heard of food that looks too good to eat, but have you ever seen a cookbook where the pages make your mouth drool? Check out plant-based chef Amy Chaplin’s Whole Food Cooking Every Day. Winner of the James Beard Foundation 2020 Vegetable-Focused Cooking Book Award, it was named one of the Best Cookbooks of the Year / Best Cookbooks to Give as Gifts in 2019. You may want to specify this book as an heirloom in your will, a gift to future generations who want to eat healthily and save the planet. Inside its embossed cover, this book has everything from breads to spreads using plants from land to sea, soups and sautés, fermented and roasted veg, puddings and muffins, nut and seed milks. The food lifts right off the pages — whether it’s a selec tion of fruit compotes, roasted beet slices or servings of Fig Almond Cake with Fennel. Chaplin shares her simple vegetarian lifestyle in the easy-to-prepare recipes, promoting the use of seasonal foods whenever possible. Each chapter includes impor tant information such as a comprehensive chart of cooking time for various ingredients, ideas for varia tions, as well as suggestions on how to incorporate new foods into one’s daily diet.
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uthor Tammi Hartung is known by some as the ‘Herbal Goddess’ and for good reason. She has been growing and working with herbs for over 30 years and is an accomplished medicinal herbalist, frequent lecturer and educator. Homegrown Herbs is a complete guide to grow ing, using and enjoying more than 100 herbs in a variety of ways – as food, as medicine and in garden design.
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Homegrown Herbs by Tammi Hartung (Workman Publishing) Culinary Herbs grow, Preserve, cook! Reviewed by lorraine hunter
A uthor Yvonne Tremblay tells you how to grow your own herbs but the emphasis is definitely on how to use them including drying, freez ing, infusing with oil, vinegar, honey and syrup and cooking with them.
Culinary Herbs Grow, Preserve, Cook! By Yvonne Tremblay (Whitecap)
Whole Food Cooking Every Day by Amy Chaplin (Artisan Books)
Hartung gives guidance on planning and designing themed herb gardens. She describes optimum conditions for suc cess. And if you want to propagate herbs, she tells you how to do that, too. There are many charts throughout the book including Plant Characteristics & Requirements, Plant Hab itat Preferences and more. It features recipes for culinary and medicinal preparations as well as natural lotions and potions. This comprehensive book is for both enthusiastic beginners and experienced gardeners and herbalists.
Warning: do not read this book on an empty stomach!
David Tanis Market Cooking recipes and revelations ingredient by ingredient
Reviewed by Georgie kennedy I t’s not another vegetarian cookbook! This guide to seasonal cuisine incorporates all manner of cheeses and meats into its vegetable-based recipes. Renowned chef Joshua McFadden has created a feast for the sensa tions, with its embossed cover and full-page photos that will have you wiping the drool off your chin. Six Seasons shares his secret tips to creating sensible and simple gastronomic dishes. We know there are four seasons, torontobotanicalgarden.ca 34 Fall 2022 so how does he account for two extra? Well, he counts Early Summer, Midsummer and Late Summer as separate harvest times based on the different veggies available. Just open at one of the coloured pages to find a dish exactly geared to what you’ll find at your local grocers or farmers markets.
At nearly 500 pages this is a large tome. Accompanied by appealing photography, in-season vegetables are the star attraction. Preparation methods come from a variety of cuisines but are uncomplicated and highlight the natural flavours of the veggies.
Six Seasons: A New Way with Vegetables by Joshua McFadden with Martha Holmberg (Artisan Thomas Allen & Son, Limited) Fermented Vegetables creative recipes for Fermenting 64 vegetables & Herbs in krauts, kimchis, brined Pickles, chutneys, relishes & Pastes
Fermented Vegetables by Kirsten K. Shockey & Christopher Shockey (Storey Publishing www.storey.com)
Reviewed by Veronica sliva
Six Seasons: a new Way with vegetables
his book is about cooking mostly with vegetables (although a few recipes contain fish or meat) that you might find at the farmers market or grow in your own garden. Author David Tanis shows home cooks how to put a meal together with what is available and in season.
Reviewed by Veronica sliva
A ll you could ever want to know about ferment ing vegetables is contained in this book. If you have always wanted to make sauerkraut, kimchi, brined pickles, chutneys and more you will find creative recipes to inspire you. Parts 1 and 2 detail the fundamentals of fermentation and how you master the basic methods. In Part 3, 64 indi vidual garden vegetables are given a section of their own. Gardeners with an abundant harvest can find tips and recipes on how to make a variety of ferments with a particular vegetable. For example, there are eight pages devoted to making different types of sauerkraut with cabbage. With a total of 140 recipes and helpful tips and stories throughout, this book is an invaluable resource for new “fermentistas” and those with experience looking for new and interesting ways of fermenting their favourite vegetables.
T
This book aims to prove that food doesn’t have to be fussy to be satisfying and that vegetables should be central to a meal. You will find a variety of traditional recipes such as Roast Chicken with Whole Garlic Heads, Spanish Garlic Toast or the exotic sounding Smoky Turkish Eggplant. You will also find surprising ways to prepare common vegetables such as Butter-Stewed Radishes with Dill.
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David Tanis Market Cooking – Recipes and Revelations Ingredient by Ingredient (Published by Artisan, A divi sion of Workman Publishing Company Co., Inc. and in Canada by Thomas Allen & Son Limited)
There are approximately 860 differ ent bee species in Canada, with more than 350 species in southern Ontario. Types of native bees include bumble bees, sweat bees, mining bees, cuckoo bees, leafcutter bees and cellophane bees, among others. And there are more to discover. In 2010, bee expert Dr. Jason Gibbs found a species—in downtown Toronto—that had never before been described to science. Con sider that for a moment: a bee species found...in the middle of the largest city in the country...described to science for the first time...just over ten years ago. Urban habitats are, in many ways, quite hospitable for bees, with a diver sity of plants for nectar and pollen and an array of habitats for nesting, mat ing and shelter. Anywhere we live can provide habitat, whether it’s in a big city, a small town or a suburb or on a farm. But some species of native bees are in trouble. Take the rusty-patched bumblebee, for example. As recently as the 1980s, it was abundant in southern Ontario—one of the most common bumblebee species in the region. Its extensive historical range spans from the eastern US west to the Dakotas, north to southern Ontario and south to Georgia. However, by the early 2000s, it had all but disappeared from Canada and much of the US.
In 2012, the rusty-patched bumble bee had the unfortunate distinction of being the first native bee in Canada to be officially designated as endangered. One of the authors of this book, Sheila Colla, was the last person in Canada to identify this bee in the wild, in 2009, by the side of a road in Pinery Provincial Park. Sheila had spent every summer since 2005 searching for the rusty-patched bumblebee in places where they had previously been record ed. On that summer day in 2009, she had found none and was on her way out of the park when, from the passen ger window of the car, she spotted the distinctive rusty patch of a lone speci men. This sighting was the last known in TheCanada.causes of this bee’s rapid and catastrophic decline have not yet been confirmed, but speculation centres on several negative factors: loss and fragmentation of habitat, including nesting and foraging oppor tunities; disease and competition from non-native honeybees and man aged bumblebees in greenhouse and field crops; pesticides; and climate change. Given the dramatic speed and geographic extent of bee loss, conservation scientists believe a new disease brought in by managed bees is the main driver of decline. The widespread loss of a formerly common species is a phenomenon echoing around the world. In Europe, approximately half of bumblebee spe cies are in decline and only a few are increasing. Of the 25 known bumble bee species in the United Kingdom, three are considered extinct and at least seven have undergone significant declines. In North America, there is evidence suggesting that one-quarter of the 46 native bumblebee species are at risk of extinction. For example, the relative abundance of the Ameri can bumblebee—a once-common excerpted from A Garden for the Rusty-Patched Bumblebee: Creating Habitat for Native Pollinators (ontario and Great lakes edition), © lorraine Johnson and sheila Colla, illustrations © Ann sanderson. Published 2022 by Douglas & McIntyre ltd. Book excerpt not all bees live in hives, sting or make honey species—has fallen dramatically: by 89 per cent between 2007–2016 and 1907–2006. Other once-common bee species now rarely seen in Ontario include the yellow-banded bumble bee, the yellow bumblebee and the bohemian cuckoo bumblebee.
Reversing this trend, and ensuring that common species remain com mon, will take committed action at all levels of government and by everyone. And one important place for individu als to start is by creating habitat gar dens—connected landscapes full of diverse native plants known to provide nectar, pollen and habitat for native bees, maintained using practices that support the pollinators necessary for all life on earth.
lorraine Johnson sheila Colla
Native, or “wild” bees— that is, bees that occur natu rally within a region—are some of the most misunderstood creatures around. Popular misconceptions are that they all make honey, they’re all black and yellow, they all sting and they all live in hives. But the majority of Ontario’s native bees don’t live in hives (they are solitary), are not black and yellow (they are a variety of colours, including blue and green!), do not sting—and none of them make honey.
35 Fall 2022
torontobotanicalgarden.ca
a quiet beauty to plant now for the spring garden By Rose Roberts
36 Fall 2022 PixabayPhoto:
torontobotanicalgarden.ca
Plant Profile fect bridge between spring and sum mer. Their understated elegance makes them a welcome addition to both for mal and informal landscapes and will grace your garden for years to come. Caring for Camas I’d read that when early explorers Lewis and Clark encountered dense meadows of common camas (C. quamash) in the West, Lewis wrote: “The colour of its bloom resembles lakes of fine clear water…” So, with drifts of watery-blue flowers dancing in my head, I spoke with two bulb experts about growing and caring for camas.
In the sprIng edition of Trellis, Leanne Burkholder, landscape design er, wrote about attracting pollinators to our gardens by adding more North American or Ontario native plants. I needed no convincing. Last year, for example, I added foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia). It’s beautiful, easy to maintain and the pollinators love it! This year’s choice was easy. While cultivating the garden I unearthed a small oval bulb with strappy leaves. It was camas (Camassia) a member of the Asparagaceae, or asparagus family, and a North American native bulb. I’d planted the bulbs years ago, but after two major garden excavations, they’d been destroyed — all except this one! I decided then and there to add camas to my order of fall-planted bulbs. Springtime Beauty Has this quiet springtime beauty missed your notice? Let me introduce you. Picture a basal rosette of grasslike foliage with upright spires of sixtepalled, star-like blooms in shades of blue, violet or white that grow 30 to 120 centimetres (12 to 48 inches) tall, depending on the cultivar. Hardy in zones 4-10, camas bloom from late May into June, creating a per Camas Bul B
“They’re super easy to grow, espe cially in a sunny spot,” says Dugald Cameron, owner of Gardenimport mail-order nursery (now closed). They prefer full sun to partial shade and moist, humus-rich soil with good drain age. Keep an eye on the moisture levels if you’re planting in dry shade. Dugald suggests amending clay soil with leaves and compost for best results.
leichtliniiCamassia
Dugald’s passion for bulbs means he fits them in wherever he can. In fact, his patch of camas is “incon veniently” situated in part of the vegetable garden where they’ve been blooming happily for years! It was good to learn that “bees love them and squirrels seem to leave themCarolinealone.”de Vries, owner of www. flowerbulbsrus.com (retail) agrees. “This is a low-maintenance plant. You won’t even need to stake the taller flower stalks,” she says by way of example. The foliage can be floppy but, as with most spring bulbs, allow it to die back naturally. Caroline suggests planting camas near sum mer perennials like daylilies or purple coneflowers.
“They’ll hide the yellowing leaves and close the gap left behind once they disappear.” Camas are slow to form clumps and division is seldom required. “They do multiply,” she said, “but very slowly and only if left undisturbed.” It seems the drift of watery-blue flowers I’m imagin ing will require patience!
Being an avid volunteer in the gift shop afforded her the “head of the line” opportunity to visit the many plant sales that took place on site throughout the year and inspired her.
By Sue Hills, Head of Volunteer Services and Tour Guides
In Me M or I a M
O
remembering Margaret buchinger
With six species and several cultivars of the Camassia genus of plants in North America, the biggest problem you’ll encounter is choosing a favourite.
Warning: death camas (Zigadenus venenosus) looks similar but it’s poisonous! consult an expert before cooking camas bulbs. « camas are slow to form clumps but can be lifted when the bulbs are dormant. harvest and replant offsets. if planting seeds, they’ll take three to four years to flower.
Being a natural born “water-baby” even into her 80s, Marg loved getting together with her swim ming buddies at the local pool and – of course – also greatly enjoyed the “after-swim” gettogethers. She also spent many years hiking the city’s many walk ing trails with friends. Marg was a trailblazer back in the 1950s when she got her pilot’s license while still in her late teens. She moved to England in her early 20s to “get out and see the world” and got a job working in council housing evaluation for the city of London, where she met garden shop staff and volunteers who wor ked with her have fond memories of Margaret: “Working with Margaret was the bonus for doing a Sunday shift— she was a truly wise woman, and so kind—we had some wonderful chats about so many things. She had so much zest for life,” said Martha Mckee, former Stock Buyer/ Visual Merchandiser. “Sad news about a most beautiful spirit we have been fortunate to know,” said former TBG Director of Horticulture Paul Zammit. her husband. They lived in Europe for a number of years where Marg become fluent in both German andMargFrench!devoted her retirement years applying to what was impor tant to her. As a member of the Don Watershed Council for many years she worked tirelessly in help ing to build the watershed rejuve nation plan for the Don River. The Port Lands area has incorporated many of the council’s proposals. Marg loved to spend time with family especially during the sum mers up at Awenda Provincial Park on Georgian Bay.
• great camas (C. leichtlinii) is the most popular, floriferous, most cultivated and the tallest, at about 100 cm (40 in) in ideal conditions. Semiplena has semi-double, cream flowers; 80 cm (32 in).
Popular Choices
• s ubspecies , ( C. leichtlinii ) Caerulea Group has blue-purple flowers growing to 80 cm (32 in). You can buy camas from online bulb suppliers, some nurseries and the TBG Garden Shop. I hope this brief introduction has piqued your curiosity about these enchanting springtime bulbs! DiD you know… « you’ll find information about choosing the right native plant for your garden’s conditions and where to buy them in an article written by Veronica Sliva for the Summer 2022 issue of trellis.
n a beautIful day in May we received the profoundly sad news of the passing of Margaret Buchinger (Marg). Marg was in her 87th year, and she was a TBG Garden shop volunteer for over 12 years. The tribute from her daughter captures Marg beautifully. Here is an extract: “Marg loved her garden and while in hospital she and I were sharing ideas for what plant delights she was thinking of adding to her collection.”
• Common camas (C. quamash) are the shorter variety. ‘Blue Melody’ has variegated foliage and violet-blue flowers reaching 65 cm (26 in).
« these edible bulbs were once an essential food source for the indigenous people of the Pacific northwest and remain a culinary delicacy.
These caught my eye:
Through the Garden Gate a Huge Success the tbg’s largest annual fundraiser made a spectacular return after a two-year hiatus. highlighting the private gardens of the midtoronto neighbourhood of wychwood, this annual tbg garden tour, sponsored by cullen’s Foods, is the largest of its kind in the city. “i was so thrilled to experience my first through the garden gate,” said executive director stephanie Jutila. “i was awed by the scale and quality of the tour. i was amazed at how engaged our volunteers were in making the event a success.” next year’s tour will be held on the weekend of June 10 and 11 in the downtown toronto neighbourhood of riverdale.
TBG Author Series Former toronto star gardening columnist sonia day celebrates the amazing flowers of Mexico in a talk about her latest book, The Mexico Lunch Party: A Sisters of the Soil Novel at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, September 13. a fun afternoon with a special treat - capirotada, or Mexican bread Pudding, baked by sonia herself.
october’s speaker lorraine Johnson, co-author with sheila colla, of A Garden For The Rusty-Patched Bumblebee, will present a selection of short readings from several of her books at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 19. books will be available for signing. watch the tbg website at https:// torontobotanicalgarden.ca for more information about this and future author talks at the tbg this fall.
38 Fall 2022 unlohoMola;rthurMusicerttggPhotos::sVPMedia;edwardssuMMseries:anewinthesP:terridPdewer
GoodHappeningAreThings
torontobotanicalgarden.ca
1. set the tone in any room or garden. these floor plant saucers with wheels can be used indoors and out for moving garden pots. available in three colours. 2. whether for holding your bathing suit or various toiletries these bags with straps (or without) are the zero-waste alternative to plastic bags. even the snaps are made from recycled material.
–By Terri Dunlop Dewar 1 2 3
Back with a Bang this summer ’s eight-part edwards summer Music series was a roaring success. back in the garden with live audiences after two years, the series started off with more than 400 attendees the first week for jazz musicians bill King and lou Pomanti and attendance continued to grow each week to more than 700 for tafelmusik. emcee Mike chalut and tbg director of horticulture roger gettig gave away plants every week to help promote pop-up plant sales. Memberships were increased, the shop was busy and cash donations were collected at the end of each concert.
torontobotanicalgarden.ca 39 Fall 2022
Music Series
What’s New in the Shop
3. Modgy LED Luminaries expand with water and include flameless, floating candles. Products are constructed of bPa-free plastic materials, making them expandable, shatterproof and recyclable. and, the designer fabrics are delightful.
torontobotanicalgarden.ca 40 Fall 2022
Mini reviews of challenging yet satisfying to complete Jigsaws
Glow in the Dark Butterflies
This 1,000-piece puzzle depicts a beautiful bouquet of mixed flowers, flowing joyously from a lovely ceramic vase. I thoroughly enjoyed the chal lenge of tracking down and construct ing the complex and beautiful flowers in the painting by Francis Palmer. The bouquet was tough enough, but the real challenge came when constructing the background tap estry. It’s tough fitting together 300 nearly identical pieces, all in similar shades of orange. This jigsaw from Artisan Puzzles was one of the most difficult puzzles I’ve ever worked on, but very satisfying when I was finally able to insert the last piece!
Doors of the World
Reviewed by Lila Yorke
This colourful 1,000-piece Ravens burger puzzle was somewhat easier than many other puzzles of the same size because of the different colours and textures of the 40 different doors featured. It was easy to sort the pieces by colour and thus to see what piece went where. Completing this, starting with the outside edges, took about five hours. Recommended for people look
Reviewed by Walter Sliva
With no border, at first, that seemed to be a problem, but then I realized that the picture itself was easier to construct than a monotonous border! I found when I focused on the indi vidual colours the picture just came together! I started by separating the blues, then built the portion of the puzzle that was blue. Then I did the same with the red, and continued on to the next colour and so on. Before I knew it the puzzle was complete! The vibrant colours in this 500-piece puzzle made it a pleasure to work with. I enjoyed gazing at the images and colours as I put it together. I felt disap pointed to finish it! Garden Bounty
Reviewed by Walter Sliva
Pieces Puzzle
Garden Obelisks Make use of vertical space in your garden with a 4 or 6-foot obelisk. Made in toronto exclusively for the toronto botanical g arden, these obelisks are superb structures for showcasing and supporting vines and vegetables. black, powdercoated steel ensures that these towers remain rust-resistant and durable for many years to come. Available throughout the year at the Garden Shop. Available in two sizes: 4 ft $99.99; 6 ft $124.99.
• classified • Su Stainability i S the focus of the g arden c lub of toronto’s first public symposium Inspiring Change for a Sustainable Future the day-long symposium from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. saturday, october 22 at the toronto botanical garden, 777 lawrence ave. east, toronto, will explore four main themes: the interconnectedness of the web of life, the intrinsic Value of nature, our role as guardians and the health benefits of being connected to nature.
Sales Representative, ABR, SRES H AL L O F FAME AWAR D LI FE TI ME ACHI E VEMEN T AWAR D TOR ON TO M ASTER GA RD ENE R RE/MAX HALLMARK REALTY LTD., BROKERAGE @JoseeCoutureTorontoRealEstate416.564.9450Direct
Keynote speaker Diana Beresford-Kroeger is a renowned author, medical biochemist, botanist and climate change visionary. her understanding of the ancient knowledge of trees has led her to unique scientific discoveries. she will be joined by: Carolyn King, a member of the Mississaugas of the credit First nation, an order of canada recipient and creator of the Moccasin Project, a principal of cross-cultural education; isaac Crosby, teaches indigenous agriculture.at the university of toronto. he is proud of his ojibwa/ black canadian heritage and looks forward to sharing their histories; Sarah Winterton, an environmental consultant with carolinian canada will talk about the many environmental initiatives that allow gardeners to heal the land, promote the spirit of reconciliation and become land stewards; Sundaura Alford-Purvis, society of organic urban land care, horticulturalteachesindustries at algonquin college she will share ways to simplify the steps needed to move towards sustainability and actively re-introduce the right native plant to the right location to create healthy landscapes. tickets are $45 plus service charge and include a box lunch. For more information contact thegardencluboftoronto.cahttps://
Sympo S ium: inspiring change for a sustainable Future
Once the salt is dissolved, blend in the vinegar. Next add the peppercorns, chopped garlic and dill to the top of the pickles in the jar If you’re using more than one jar, divide the spices between them.
Ref R ige R ato R g a R lic & Dill Pickles 1 pint jar) you’ll need dill, large sprigs to 3 garlic cloves medium sized pickling cucumbers, any type can be used but Kirby is a classic choice
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1 Tbsp peppercorns, black (or cayenne if you like your pickles spicy) Tbsp sugar Tbsp sea salt 3 Tbsp apple cider or white distilled vinegar
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1 1/2 cups hot water 1-pint jar How to make them
Pour the pickling brine over the cucumbers, top with the lid, shake gently then refrigerate. note: Make sure the pickles are completely submerged in liquid. Use a pickle pebble to weight them down if you have one. these pickles are ready to eat about an hour after they’re mixed into the brine. they are even better the next day and at their best in about two to three days. they should keep between four to six weeks when stored in jars with tightly fitting lids in the fridge. you can also reuse the pickle brine two to three times to make more pickles. Also, consider adding leftover brine to flavour salad dressings or marinades. Pickles that are no Big diLL to Make
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Using either a mandoline or sharp knife, slice the pickles into pickle chips (or cucumber spears) then add them to the jar(s) leaving a little space at the top. In a separate container (ideally with a pour spout) add the warm water, sugar and salt then whisk to completely dis solve the salt.
Use Up sUmmer cucumbers from your own garden or from the bounty of a farmers market with this delicious refrig erator garlic and dill pickle recipe. I like to snip the dill from my own garden and add an attractive chalkboard label to the jars. There’s no canning needed and they can be ready to top your bbq burgers in as little as one hour.
By Jenny Rhodenizer
The Toronto Botanical Garden (TBG) is a volunteer-based, charitable organization that raises more than 95 per cent of its operating funds through membership, facility rentals, retail operations, program fees and donations. The organization relies on its partnership with the City of Toronto and on the generosity and financial commitment of individuals, foundations and corporations to support the many beneficial services we provide to the community.
The Garden is open daily from dawn until dusk and admission is free. In-person adult classes, guided garden tours, special events and facility rentals have resumed. Our Visitor Centre, including the Garden Shop, Weston Family Library and public washrooms, is now open daily. The TBG Bloom Café is open daily for light bites and sweet treats. Visit Toronto Master Gardeners at toromtmastergardeners.ca Parking: $2.50 per hour. Members & TBG Volunteers, FREE
Our missi O n: Toronto Botanical Garden connects people to plants, inspiring us to live in harmony with nature. Our visi O n: Toronto Botanical Garden will be renowned for its display of nature’s beauty and as a dynamic hub for plant-centred learning, conservation and research. published as Botanical
garden at edwards gardens 777 Lawrence Avenue east, toronto, ontario, M3C 1P2, 416-397-1341 Trellis welcomes queries for story ideas, which should be submitted to the editor for consideration by the trellis Committee at least four months in advance of publication dates. opinions expressed in Trellis do not necessarily reflect those of the tBg submissions may be edited for style and clarity. All rights withoutorReproductionreserved.inwholeinpartisprohibitedwrittenpermission. Charitable registration number 119227486RR0001 Board Chair: Gordon Ashworth. members: Barb Anie, Dianne Azzarello, Michele Chandler, Adeline Cheng, Ben Cullen, Tony DiGiovanni, Lisa Ellis, Margareth Lobo Gault, Sue Grundy, Abdullah Hamidi, Harry Jongerden, Nicole Leaper, Janice Winton. Ex Officiate: Christina Iacovino (City of Toronto), Marg Wilkinson (Garden Club of Toronto), Ingrid Smith (Milne House Garden Club). si G n u P FO r GA r DE n E n EW s ! Receive the latest horticultural news and information on events, workshops, lectures and other horticultural happenings. Free registration at https://torontobotanicalgarden.ca b Oa RD OF DIRECTOR s a b O u T Th E TORO n TO bOTan IC al Ga RDE n GE n ER al h O u R s of a DMI ss IO n
DIRECTORY Find us on... MasT h E a D ExECuTIvE DIRECTOR Stephanie sjutila@torontobotanicalgarden.caJutila EDuCaTIOn programsupport@torontobotanicalgarden.ca DEvElOpMEnT development@torontobotanicalgarden.ca416-397-1372 FaCIlITY REnTals 416 events@torontobotanicalgarden.ca397-1324 GaRDEn shOp retail@torontobotanicalgarden.ca416-397-1357 GaRDEnInG hElp lInE Toronto Master Gardeners torontomastergardeners.ca416-397-1345 GROup TOuRs tourguides@torontobotanicalgarden.ca416-397-4145 hORTICulTuRE horticulture@torontobotanicalgarden.ca416-397-1358 MaRkETInG & COMMunICaTIOns communication@torontobotanicalgarden.ca416-397-1351 MEMbERshIp annualgiving@torontobotanicalgarden.ca416-397-1483 TREllIs MaGazInE editor@torontobotanicalgarden.ca vOlunTEER sERvICEs tourguides@torontobotanicalgarden.ca416-397-4145 WEsTOn FaMIlY lIbRaRY librarydesk@torontobotanicalgarden.ca416-397-1343 777 l awrence avenue East, Toronto Ontario M3C 1P2, Canada • 416-397-1341 fax: 416-397-1354 • torontobotanicalgarden.cainfo@torontobotanicalgarden.ca•@TBG_Canada
EDitoR LoRRAine hUnteR DEsiGn JUne AndeRson tREllis CommittEE LeAnne BURkhoLdeR sUe hiLLs geoRgie kennedy Jenny RhodenizeR VeRoniCA sLiVA PVoluntEERRoofREaDERs JACkie CAMPBeLL Lyn hiCkey JeAn MCCLUskey MARg Anne MoRRison Rose RoBeRts aDVERtisinG 416-397-4145 Trellis is
By TTC: From Eglinton subway station take the 51, 54 or 54A bus to Lawrence Avenue East and Leslie Street. The TBG is on the southwest corner.
a members’ newsletter by the toronto
NOTHING ELSE IS A HARTLEY The only aluminium Glasshouses and Greenhouses endorsed by the RHS ® The Royal Horticultural Society. The Royal Horticultural Society, and its logo, are trade marks of The Royal Horticultural Society (Registered Charity No 222879/SC038262) and used under licence from RHS Enterprises Limited. Discover the secret of Hartley Botanic by calling 781 933 1993 or visit www.hartley-botanic.com Victorian Classic, New Jersey, USA
