Trellis - Summer 2024

Knot Gardens | t he Meadoway |

inside

inside

From an under-used hydro corridor to a multi-use green space for walkers, cyclists and other non-motorized uses. see page 26.

[4] FROM THE GARDEN

Sharing a moment of awe for the strength of nature

[6] WE APPRECIATE YOUR GENEROSITY gifts to the garden tops its goal

[8] CORNERSTONE PARKS

tbg joins program fostering resilience

[10] GARDEN FOR ALL tbg Weston Family library offers 2SlgbtQi+ community resources

[11] TMU STUDENTS

DESIGN

tbg arrival Stations

[12] TRIAL GARDENS

bold colours attract pollinators to annual displays

[16] GUEST CONDUCTOR

Paul Zammit offers tips for designing magical containers

[20] HISTORY OF GARDENING

untying the Knot garden

[22] ODE TO THE HUMMINGBIRD

awe-inspiring friends draw visitors to the garden

[26] THE MEADOWAY

transforming a hydro corridor into a flourishing green space

[32] DO TREES TALK?

Scientists say they communicate, underground through their roots

[35] PLANT PROFILE

Ponytail Palm, a happy solution

[37] BASIL a popular seasoning around the world

[39] VOLUNTEERS

Welcome to new and returning team members

[40] CUBAN OREGANO grow this plant for fragrance, flavour and beauty

[42] COLCHICUM

Plant these fall-blooming beauties mid-summer to

early fall

[45] PRESSED & POUNDED

Practice the art of preserving flowers

[46] CREATURES OF THE NIGHT

Support nocturnal pollinators with lightcoloured native plants

[48] BOOK SHELF

[52] EAU DE JARDIN bouquets in a bottle make scent-sational gifts

[53] PUZZLE PIECES

[54] GOOD THINGS ARE HAPPENING

coVer: tbg’S beryl iVey Knot garden. Photo: June anderSon. See Page 20.

from the Garden

Pausing to share a moment of awe for the strength

While tending to my garden this spring, I was struck by how the emerging new growth had cut right through crunchy autumn leaves to reach for the light. And then in turn the dried pierced leaf from last season, held tightly to the newly emerging growth, as a guide and protector for the new season.

It is these very moments of awe with nature that happen every day at TBG. In a few short weeks our summer campers return, which immediately magnifies the wonder in the Garden. TBGKids Camps are in high demand, and it is not just the parents signing the youth up. We hear time and time again from our returning campers how TBG camps are their first choice, and a must-do for school break. This gives me hope for the future, for humankind and our planet, when even the youngest generations are seeking out connections with nature.

of nature…

Over the past few months TBG has been listening to the stories of those who feel a calling to spend time at the Garden. Whether a visitor, a volunteer, a program attendee, a staff member, or a partner – there is a common thread of a specific plant capturing awe or the experience of feeling at rest and ease at the Garden. It is also where people feel a part of the community and connected to our natural world. At TBG we are continuing to get curious about the important aspects of being a plant-centric landscape, accessible and community focused—a Garden for all!

This spring TBG joined Cornerstone Parks, a national network dedicated to maximizing the impact of Canada’s Largest Urban Parks. TBG joins the network of 10 parks across Canada as the first botanical garden in the program. TBG along with High Park Nature Centre are the two Toronto-based parks partnering with colleagues across the country to drive good data and recognition for the natural and plant centric places our communities need to thrive. Stay tuned for more details as we continue to leverage support and inspiration from Cornerstone Parks.

With summer just around the corner, this issue is full of reasons to frequent TBG, continuing to amplify the spot it fills in your life. We invite you to join the TBG community as we explore the gardens and meet the gardeners of Swansea on the 2024 Through the Garden Gate Tour June 8 to 9.

From May through October, we also invite you to take delight in and be curious about the botanically forward planting schemes at TBG that our very own horticulture team has created with Paul Zammit, in a limited-engagement collaboration as a ‘guest conductor’. Much like a guest conductor joins a symphony to co-create, Paul is collaborating with our Lead Horticulturist Leslie Hockley and our seasonal horticulturists to elevate our annual displays and containers. Read more about this on page 16.

There will be ample opportunity to watch the displays evolve over the season during our 2024 Edwards Summer Music Series July 11 to August 29. See the full line-up on page 55.

No matter when or how frequently you visit the Garden, take a moment to pause and soak in the awe and wonder in this plant-centric place we call TBG.

See you soon!

Stephanie Jutila Executive Director

Photo:

WHAT'S ON SUMMER 2024

J U N E

Through the Garden Gate: Swansea

TBG’s annual walking tour of Toronto’s most beautiful private gardens in the west-end Toronto neighbourhood of Swansea.

Saturday, June 8 & Sunday, June 9 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

One-day Pass: Public $45, Members $40

Two-day Pass: Public $65, Members $60

Pollinator Week

An annual celebration in support of pollinator health managed by Pollinator Partnership. #PollinatorWeek June 17 through 23

Toronto Botanical Garden

Annual General Meeting

Current members are welcome to attend the Garden’s annual meeting to learn more about last year’s achievements and help shape future developments.

Thursday, June 20, 6 p.m.

Tafelmusik at the Garden: Midsummer Follies

Welcome the summer solstice with musical follies, dance music, and songs popular in the cafés, taverns, and fairs.

Sunday, June 30, 2 p.m.

Public $25, TBG Members $23

JULY/AUGUST

BLOOM: A Cirque Garden Masquerade

An immersive dance + circus + garden experience featuring Toronto’s top aerialists.

July 5 to 7, matinee & evening performances

Public $45, Members $40, Children $25

Edwards Summer Music Series

Outdoor concerts showcasing diverse contemporary talent. General seating is available or bring your own chair. Arrive early to shop and dine at the Summer Market (3 to 7 p.m.), sign up for a guided garden tour, drop-in to the library for free family activities or enjoy a sweet treat or BBQ dinner on the TBG Bloom Cafe patio. Thursdays at 7 p.m.

July 11 through August 29 FREE Admission

Generously supported by the Edwards Charitable Foundation.

July 11, Amanda Rheaume

July 18, The Ladies of Soul

July 25, The Fugitives

Aug 1, Trash Panda Brass

Aug 8, Sophie Lukacs

Aug 15, Bowed Arts

Aug 22, Lily Frost

Aug 29, Alexis Baro

tbg gifts to the garden tops its goal

By aleeshia Carman Grant Writer & Development Coordinator

WoW!

We have some great news to share with you. As a non-profit charity, we rely on donors, corporate sponsors and granting organizations to support our important work of creating free and accessible green spaces for Torontonians and others to enjoy, as well as lifelong learning opportunities and events for all ages.

And, guess what? Yet again, our community of plant people rallied together to support the first half of the year. Let’s take a peek at how you supported us so far and what it means to TBG and the greater community.

• Gifts to the Garden

Just as the flowers started blooming, we launched Gifts to the Garden at the beginning of April. Thank you to all the Gifts to the Garden donors who helped us surpass our goal and raise over $5,223 worth of much-needed items for our Horticulture, Events, Retail and Learning teams.

Your gifts help to create more meaningful experiences in connection to our free green spaces and engaging programming. Thank you.

• Grants

Grants, grants, galore! Thank you to Miziwe Biik, the Government of Canada, Park People, Canada Summer Jobs and Young Canada Works for activating the beginning of 2024.

First off, in January, we were awarded funding from Miziwe Biik to hire a full-time Nature Educator from an Indigenous background to help us expand our learning capacity to further introduce authentic collaboration between TBG and Indigenous values and teachings. This is important as we continue to learn more about the land we steward.

Then, in February, we received a grant from the Canadian Apprenticeship Program to support horticulture training and deepen our team’s knowledge about the plants we care for.

March was a big month for us! We partnered with Park People and became a Cornerstone Park. The Cornerstone Parks program is Canada’s only national network dedicated to maximizing the impact and influence of Canada’s large urban parks. The network brings together park-based NGOs working in large urban parks across Canada. Park People will financially support our efforts in connecting people to Toronto Botanical Garden and the ravine system.

In April, we received funding from Canada Summer Jobs and Young Canada Works to manage our busiest event and learning season. The summer staff will help to create meaningful experiences for visitors. In May we received funding from TD Friends of the Environment to support the TBG Teaching Garden.

More Ways to support the Garden you Love

Learn about how to support the Toronto Botanical Garden throughout the year. Find out more at torontobotanicalgarden.ca/development/ donation-opportunities

Personal Donation A personal donation of any amount directly supports TBG’s core operations like providing yearround programming, caring for nature and beautifying the Garden.

Monthly Giving Sustain operations throughout the year, foster a closer connection with nature and create more environmental-based activities with a monthly donation.

Membership  Become a member to support the Toronto Botanical Garden, a one-of-a-kind experience, connecting plants to people.

Gifts of Stock Support our dynamic community hub and donate securities. Receive a tax receipt for the full appreciated value of your gift by donating to support our essential dynamic community hub.

Tributes  Purchase a tree or shrub to show your commitment to the Garden for years to come. Speak to our Membership Coordinator to find out how to make this special gift at membership@torontobotanicalgarden.ca.

Legacy Living Create a lasting impact. Contact us at development@ torontobotanicalgarden.ca

Visit the website at https://torontobotanicalgarden.ca/ donate-today/

CorNerstoNe Parks LearNING

tbg joins program fostering community, nature and resilience

By Natalie Harder TBG Director of Learning

Toronto Botanical Garden has become a Cornerstone Park, thanks to a new partnership with Park People, a nation-wide organization dedicated to leveraging the potential of parks to enhance the quality of urban life. In the landscapes of Canada’s cities, parks serve as vital lungs, providing not only green spaces for recreation but also fostering connections between communities and nature.

Sarah Munro, Senior Project Manager of the Cornerstone Parks program at Park People, sheds light on the critical role these green spaces play in connecting diverse communities, promoting biodiversity and contributing to the well-being of both individuals and the environment.

Nurturing

Urban Green Infrastructure

Cornerstone Parks, a groundbreaking initiative launched by Park People in 2021, aims to revitalize large urban parks across Canada and emphasize their integral role in shaping cityscapes. These parks, lovingly dubbed ‘Cornerstone Parks,’ are defined by their substantial contribution to biodiversity, ecosystem services and overall community well-being. The program envisions every urban Canadian having access to a Cornerstone Park, rich in biodiversity and offering deep connections to nature that enhance mental and physical health.

“Cornerstone Parks are central to our cities,” Munro emphasizes, pointing to their ability to provide significant envi-

ronmental and social benefits. These parks serve as green havens, contributing to climate change resilience, carbon sequestration and the preservation of critical wildlife habitats.

Building Connections

One of the unique aspects of the Cornerstone Parks program lies in its ability to bring together various stakeholders. City staff, local NonGovernmental Organizations (NGOs) and community leaders collaborate to facilitate activities focused on environmental education and stewardship. This collaboration fosters a sense of connection among people from diverse backgrounds, nurturing relationships that extend beyond the parks and into the broader community.

Park People Conference, High Park

Munro notes, “No one park is an island,” emphasizing the importance of information sharing among parkbased NGOs within the Cornerstone Network. By exchanging successes, best practices and lessons learned, these parks collectively address complex challenges such as climate change, reduced biodiversity, and urban densification.

Pandemic Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of urban parks as essential community spaces. Park visitation spiked during the pandemic, with three founding Cornerstone Parks –Mount Royal in Montreal, Stanley Park in Vancouver and High Park in Toronto – experiencing unprecedented numbers of visitors. Park People’s surveys revealed that 70 per cent of Canadians increased their appreciation for parks and green spaces during this time. Post-pandemic, park use continued to rise, indicating a sustained interest in these natural oases. A 2023 Canadian City Parks Report survey found that 51 per cent of Canadians expressed a desire to spend even more time in parks than they already do, demonstrating the long-term benefits of these green sanctuaries.

Lessons Learned

Reflecting on the first two years of the program, Munro highlights the positive impact of park stewardship on individual health and well-being. Surveys showed that participants in stewardship activities reported higher levels of physical health, mental health and overall well-being. The association between nature

connection and health emphasizes the program’s potential to significantly impact people’s lives.

However, Munro acknowledges disparities in engagement, noting that certain communities, particularly those identifying as visible minorities or with disabilities, may feel less connected to nature. In response, Cornerstone Parks prioritized innovative programs to engage equity-deserving communities, resulting in increased participation and representation.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, the program is set to expand its reach, welcoming new partners such as the Edmonton River Valley Conservation Coalition in Edmonton, Ecology Action Centre in Halifax, and of course Toronto Botanical Garden here in Toronto.

The TBG’s inclusion as a Cornerstone Park brings exciting enhancements to our fall programming. The Garden will lead a series of activities aimed at helping the community engage more deeply with their local ravine systems and support ecological and restoration efforts: Family events will include seed collecting and saving activities in collaboration with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, a native bee program contributing to citizen science initiatives and a series of free ravine tours.

These activities will culminate in a fall festival where partners across the GTA will showcase opportunities for community members to support their local environment through a site-wide scavenger hunt.

As cities evolve and grapple with environmental challenges, initiatives like Cornerstone Parks showcase the transformative power of urban green spaces. From biodiversity conservation to community building, the program exemplifies the crucial role parks and associated NGOs play in creating resilient, interconnected cities. As these green oases continue to thrive and adapt, they inspire us to forge a sustainable and inclusive future, one community park at a time.

ravine Days, rowntree Mills

Gardening at High Park

Gar D e N for aLL LIBrary

tbg offers resources for the 2SlgbtQi+ community

By robin rakowsky Manager of Library Services

In continuing to grow and learn in diverse ways, the Garden is pleased to highlight Pride Month, which runs from June 1 to 30, 2024. Learn more about Pride in Canada at https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/ plus/4192-pride-canada.

The Toronto Botanical Garden proudly displays the 2SLGBTQI+ Progress Pride Flag on its front door. As a year-round garden, and not only during Pride Month, the TBG welcomes the 2SLGBTQI+ community.

On June 1st, Gila Münster, a drag story time performance artist, provided a children’s entertainment in the Weston Family Library. Gila’s show was geared for ages 6 months to 10 years. She performed an hour-long

story time that included books related to Pride and self-love, as well as a couple of dance-along songs.

The library has a Progress Pride Flag made up of colourful botanical and horticultural books currently on display. Come in to view it during the month. The library is also proud to present its first book by an 2SLGBTQI+ author on plant life: You Grow, Gurl! - Plant Kween’s lush guide to growing your garden by author, Christopher Griffin (call number: SB 419.Gri 2022).

The library can offer connection to 2SLGBTQI+ organizations including The 519, Pflag Canada and Pride Toronto, which provide programming and resources for the 2SLGBTQI+ community at https://www.the519.org/, https://pflagcanada.ca/, and https:// www.pridetoronto.com/, respectively. For example, The 519 has a program named Active Minds for 2SLGBTQ+ Older Adults. This program offers a variety of outings and field trips such as visits to museums, gardens, art galleries and theatres for 2SLGBTQ+ adults over the age of 50.

Do you know of other resources that the library should collect?

Suggest books or other contributions from the 2SLBGTQI+ community for the library to continue to grow and include.

Look for more Pride events at the Garden on our website at www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca

The TBG is working towards continued efforts to become a garden for all and to amplify voices of diverse communities; find more articles in this section in upcoming editions of Trellis magazine.

You Grow, Gurl! -

Plant kween’s lush guide to growing your garden by author, Christopher Griffin

student designs for interactive tBG arrival station

[ TMU s TU den T s design ]

TBG ArrivAl STATionS

Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) architecture students presented 10 concepts for temporary, interactive Arrival Stations at the TBG designed for wayfinding, to test how visitors interact with the garden and to learn more about creating an intuitive visitor experience in an expanded landscape. The winning design will be installed in the arrival courtyard in late June and will remain onsite in various configurations throughout the year.

Solera Fuchsia

tr ial gardens

Bold colours attract pollinators to tBg annual displays

By Leanne Burkholder

Bold colours and contrasts of all kinds highlight this year’s TBG trial garden annual displays with a preview of new varieties expected to hit the market next year from Ball FloraPlant/Selecta One and PanAmercan Seed.

The entrance, greenhouse, former kitchen garden and main building beds will display colours ranging from deep purples, blues and lavenders to tropical corals, yellows and oranges.

Plant varieties include salvias, angelonia, lantana, sanvitalia, impatiens, geranium, Wave petunias and coleus. Salvia and lantana remain favourites of pollinators, with plenty of sightings of bees, butterflies and hummingbirds anticipated over the summer.

“I am most excited about the incredible garden and container performance of our new Interspecific geranium series Solera and the Monarch Magic Ageratum that will bring hundreds of Monarch butterflies to TBG this summer,” says Tanya Carvalho from Ball FloraPlant.

TBG Lead Horticulturist Leslie Hockley oversees the planning and installation of the beds, with the help of Seasonal Horticulturists Sasan Beni and Megan Blacquiere and about 40 TBG volunteers.

“This year’s display gardens will have more contrasting and bold colours, in mostly warm and cool tones,” says Leslie, who is looking forward to seeing new 2025 introductions Guardian Angel Berry Sparkler Angelonia, a two-toned flower; the bright purple Monarch Magic Ageratum and the fuchsia and lavender Solera geraniums.

Leslie created two entrance bed designs (former carpet beds). One will grow in waves, in shades of blue and purple. The other will follow harder lines in shades of pink. Both patterns will direct the visitor visually to two container displays also filled with annuals.

Leslie notes that while it is exciting to see the gardens grow, she expects challenges from an anticipated hot and dry summer. “Our team will have a monitoring plan in place – we’ll be prepared for more watering!”

new introduCtions – 2025

Garden Beds

• Monarch Magic Ageratum

• Guardian Angel Berry Sparkler Angelonia

• Solera Interspecific Geraniums (Fuchsia, Lavender)

Containers around the Gardens

• E3 Easy Wave Rose Morn – New for 2025

• Caliburst Petchoa

• Osteo Mix – Akila Hawaiian Sunset- New for 2025

• Dichondra Silver Falls

• Alternanthera Purple Prince

Monarch Magic Ageratum

GuestConduCtor

Paul Zammit offers tips for designing magical containers

By Leslie Hockley Lead Horticulturist

Award winning horticulturist Paul Zammit will collaborate with the Garden for a limited engagement, as the inaugural guest conductor for the 2024 season.

The guest conductor position was made possible thanks to a generous donation from long-term donor and visionary Kathy Dembroski and her late husband George, who passed away in February, 2024. Kathy and George have been long-term donors and champions of the Toronto Botanical Garden. Their leadership gift in 2004 led to naming the Visitor Centre the George and Kathy Dembroski Centre for Horticulture. The Summer 2024 displays are truly a celebration of George and Kathy’s vision for the Garden.

Like the role of a conductor in an orchestra, the guest conductor at the Garden will collaborate closely with the staff and volunteers to orchestrate captivating and innovative horticultural displays.

Photo S : Paul Zammit; thi S

a ge, o livia Wang

Paul Zammit and Leslie Hockley work on a spring container.

Add An ornAment to A speciAl displAy.

Paul brings a wealth of experience to this role. His limited engagement is welcomed with great enthusiasm as he partners with the Garden’s horticulture staff, garden volunteers and plant providers Ball FloraPlant and PanAmerican Seeds to create outdoor displays that inspire and educate visitors.

I asked Paul Zammit if he could share some of his insights into container designing, so you can recreate a little of this magic in your garden.

Leslie Hockley Readers are looking for advice on how to make this season’s containers exciting, what tips can you offer them to make designing fun and playful? Paul Zammit Add that personal touch: consider adding ornament(s) both in and outside of the container. I believe that no two seasons or years should be the same. Make each design your own.

Zantedeschia aethiopica ‘African Gold’ 2. Asparagus aethiopicus foxtail fern 3. Hakonechloa macra ‘All Gold’ 4. Begonia 5. Plectranthus ciliates ‘Troy’s Gold’

LH Is there something different you put into your containers that you think the average gardener should consider? Or, an element they often overlook that is key?

PZ Many people focus on planting up spring and summer containers with a combination of annuals. I like to mix it up with annuals, herbs, perennials, smaller trees, shrubs, bulbs (hardy and summer bulbs), vines and as mentioned above, an ornament. I approach a container design with the intention of creating a similar combination to what I enjoy in gardens. Mix it up! I am always on the hunt, looking for new and different plants. I will be regularly checking in to see how the plants are doing at the TBG trial garden this summer.

LH Do you have a favourite plant to include in a design for all season interest?

1.

PZ Evergreens. They can be left in the container for multiple seasons or year-round (shape and size depending on container size and placement). For example: pyramidal boxwood, DeGroot’s spire cedars or hemlocks. There are so many beautiful evergreen specimens. My all time favorite for (spring to fall) in full sun to part shade: curly leaf parsley (Petroselinum crispum). My favorite for part sun to shade: Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra) -species or cultivars - as a specimen or in mixed combinations.

LH What’s one thing you wish everyone stopped doing or changed about container designs?

PZ Planting up containers in pairs like mirrored images of each other (either side of the doors or steps). I recommend creating vignettes made up of grouping pots that provide a variety of heights and can be moved around and changed with the seasons. I even like seeing the

occasional inspiring pot left empty in the garden. Think of the pot itself as artwork or sculpture.

LH Thank you, Paul, for these great tips and for your collaboration on this year’s seasonal displays. Readers, be sure to visit regularly as the displays will change with the seasons.

1. Bergenia cordifolia 2. Acer japonicum ‘Aconitifolium’

3. Begonia x hiemalis 4. Fuchsia ‘Gartenmeister Bonstedt’

5. Selaginella spikemos

Container at the TBG.

History of Ga R denin G

untying the Knot garden

By Lee Robbins

Knot gardens, living tapestries created by weaving contrasting shrubs, have been around for several centuries. They were a hallmark of gardens during the Tudor period. Tudor gardens evolved from a Medieval style dominated by monasteries and manor houses. During the Middle Ages, gardens were used to grow herbs for medicine, and fruits and vegetables were grown as primary food sources. During the Tudor period, from the end of the 15th century through the 16th, art, architecture, trade, exploration and commerce flourished in England and a distinctive English-garden style was developed. An example designed by the British poet Gervase Markham, from 1616, can be seen here.

Knot gardens were first created during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603) and were popular for wealthier mansions and estates. The Tudor period was heavily influenced by new ideas arriving from France and Italy. Elaborate formal gardens signified control over nature as well as displaying a person’s wealth and importance. The Tudor age loved order and structure—the signature of a knot garden.

Knot gardens come in all shapes and sizes as demonstrated in these two photos, the first showing the herb garden at Inniswood Metro Gardens in Ohio and below the knot garden at Barnsley House in Gloucestershire, England.

Original designs for knot gardens were inspired by elaborate Celtic patterns and designs on objects found in the home, such as carpets, cushions, or carvings and engravings in wood, stone or metal. These designs were manifested as plant embroidery, with plants appearing to be woven over and under each other. Symmetrical knot gardens were enclosed by low hedges of clipped evergreens and filled with a variety of other plants sometimes in elaborate patterns or designs. Woody, scented herbs such as lavender, hyssop, marjoram and thyme were often used for edging. Boxwood, with its bright green colour, is still the most popular knot garden plant, unsurpassed for clipping into velvety edgings and knot designs. However, due to infestations of box tree moths, this may change.

In England, knot gardens evolved into the even more formal parterre gardens and the distinction between the two became more apparent as the 17th century progressed. The parterre garden design is a more formal and sophisticated development of the knot garden and tends to be more symmetrical and even in height. Knot gardens and parterres are best viewed from above to fully appreciate their design as shown in the photo of a Tudor era knot garden, above (from Thursd.com).

Toronto Botanical Garden’s own Beryl Ivey Knot Garden is a contemporary twist to the traditional knot garden design of the Tudor era patterns and is continuously evolving, as described on the right by TBG Lead Horticulturist Leslie Hockley.

“At the tBG we Are triAlinG A new plAnt to replAce our Boxwoods, cAlled inkBerry (ilex GlABrA) ‘Gem Box’. nAtive to north AmericA, it hAs similAr foliAGe to Boxwoods.”

Leslie Hockley

TBG’s

Knot Garden trials a new plant to replace boxwood

By Leslie Hockley TBG Lead Horticulturist

in TBG’s beryl ivey Knot garden, staff continue to practice the art of formal hedge pruning. the hedges in this garden space include the classics such as yew (Taxus x  media), boxwood (Buxus) and privet (Ligustrum spp.) which all lend themselves well to geometric forms, lines, curves and frequent trimmings.

However, with increasing pest pressures due to changing climates and international trade, some of these hedges are in jeopardy. boxwoods are now experiencing infestations of box tree moths ( Cydalima perspectalis ) that defoliate the plants and cause dieback. You can try to reduce their population by actively inspecting your plants to remove eggs and larvae during the growing season.

at tbg we are trialing a new plant to replace our boxwoods, inkberry (Ilex glabra) ‘gem box’. this shrub is native to north america and has similar foliage to boxwoods making it a great substitute. our planting, which can be found on the south side of the Knot garden, is still being established and will likely not receive its first proper hedging for a few years. be sure to keep an eye on this area to see how these plants shape up.

From the Library

◗ Knot Gardens and Parterres: A History of the Knot Garden and How to Make One Today by robin Whalley and anne Jennings call number: Sb475.W43 1988

◗ The Story of Gardening by Penelope Hobhouse call number: Sb470.5 Hob 2002

◗ The Gardener’s Labyrinth by thomas Hill call number: Sb453.3.g7 Hil 1987

Beryl ivey Knot Garden, Toronto Botanical Garden

Tudor era knot garden

awe-inspiring ruby-throated friends draw visitors to the garden

Story and photos by

Sasan Beni Seasonal Horticulturist

ode to the e Hummingbird

very summer I spend a great deal of time watching the hummingbirds. I wait for them in the garden on my spare time, my camera lens fixed on their favourite flowers. And while working, I often lay my trowel down in a lighthearted panic when a hummingbird zips past my head … blink and you’ll miss it.

Everything about these birds is awe-inspiring, and I know that I’m not alone in my obsession. In fact, of all the feathered friends that come and go through the garden, of all the animals that make their homes in Wilket Creek, the ruby-throated hummingbird is the only species that

TBG visitors frequently inquire about. Sometimes, we get emails in late winter/early spring, asking us when the hummingbirds will arrive, how many of them usually live on the grounds, and what time of day and location make for ideal viewing… It always makes me happy to know that so many people look forward to these birds, these vibrant ambassadors to the garden, gatekeepers of its most fleeting moments… I’m always happy to share a little about them.

Being eastern North America’s only breeding hummingbird – it is no wonder that our ruby-throated friends are

so popular. Like many other migratory birds, the males return to their breeding grounds before their mates (mid-May to early June) and they don’t stick around long after courtship and mating. By late summer, you’ll be hard pressed to find an adult male hummingbird in the garden, as they’ve all flown back to Central America. The frenzy that flutters into autumn is led by the female hummingbirds and the juveniles who are ever so bold.

Weighing about six grams, with wings that beat over 50 times per second, these birds often look like large insects as they make their rounds between blooms.

Freckles, a Ruby-Throated Hummingbird in a cathedral of Roman Red Salvia at the TBG

Hummingbirds can rotate their wings 180 degrees in all directions

Flying Backwards & Upside Down

Equipped with specialized ‘ball-and-socket’ joints in their shoulders, hummingbirds can rotate their wings 180 degrees in all directions. This makes them the only bird capable of flying backwards, or upside-down.

It is widely known that hummingbirds have a sweet tooth and are easily lured to a colourful feeder of sugar water, but a large part of their diet also consists of insects, which they catch on the wing, or by visiting a spider web for easy pickings.

Last summer, I spent a lot of time watching and photographing a juvenile male hummingbird in the garden. I nicknamed him Freckles, for the little ruby drops on his throat. He proved to be a fun subject to observe, with a diverse palate for nectar sources. I often caught him visiting blooms that the mature hummingbirds had no interest in. He was growing up fast and learning the ropes of his wings and boundaries of his territory…then one day in early October, he was nowhere to be found.

It took me a couple of weeks to get used to his absence, and I pondered his strenuous journey, a trip I would make myself some days later, for the first time in my life.

The author spent a lot of time with a juvenile Ruby-Throated Hummingbird at the TBG last summer.

Over 3,000 Photos

I traveled to Costa Rica, a land of constant green, and enormous biodiversity… As an amateur wildlife photographer, I was overwhelmed with the abundance of jewel-toned birds. Must’ve taken over 3,000 photos in 10 days.

Costa Rica is home to 53 species of hummingbird; the ruby-throated being their only long-distance migrant. While the others live in the tropics year-round, our sole hummingbird will take to the skies, flying over 2,000

kilometers at a time non-stop to join us in the North, as if I needed more reasons to admire them. While I didn’t see any ruby-throated hummingbirds on my trip, I thought a lot about Freckles. I wondered where he had settled down and when he might return to the TBG. I know what it’s like to be so intricately bound between two continents, to leave your home so you can keep on being. Summer is here. Go ask the gardeners what the hummingbirds have been up to.

Purple-Throated Mountain Gem Hummingbird, Costa Rica

Lesser Violetear Hummingbird, Costa Rica

Violet Sabrewing Hummingbird, Costa Rica

The Meadoway

Transforming an under-used hydro corridor into a flourishing urban green space

By Lorraine Hunter Trellis Editor

Photos Courtesy of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.

DiD you know that the MeaDoway is the longest linear urban park in CanaDa? What? You’ve never heard of The Meadoway? Or, maybe you’ve heard of it but you don’t really know what it is. Well, you’re not alone. One of the GTA’s best kept secrets is the story of The Meadoway which began in 2012 with the creation of the Scarborough Centre Butterfly Trail (SCBT) on a hydro right-of-way stretching from Thomson Memorial Park for 3.25 kilometres to Scarborough Golf Club Road. Prior to 2011, this 40-hectare site was mowed up to eight times a year and lacked both habitat and biodiversity.

The Meadoway is bloo M ing in T o a rich M eadow wi T h bu TT erflies, bees, birds and wildflowers.

The idea was to rethink the under-utilized space beneath a hydro corridor and repurpose the turf grass into a thriving meadow. The success of the butterfly trail spurred action on making it part of a larger project which would become a 16-kilometre multi-use stretch of urban green space extending from the new East Don Trail in downtown Toronto to Rouge National Park. And now The Meadoway is blooming into a rich meadow with butterflies, bees, birds and wildflowers.

I first discovered The Meadoway last fall when as a Toronto Master Gardener, I attended a TMG outing starting at one of the entrances to the meadow, just 6 k from my house in Agincourt.

I was delighted to discover that The Meadoway is indeed transforming the Gatineau hydro corridor in Scarborough into a flourishing city green space for

When completed, The Meadoway will contain a 16 kilometre trail.

Monarch butterfly lands on a sunflower.

Concept Plan for The Meadoway Entrance Garden, which is being designed in partnership with the Garden Club of Toronto.

walkers, cyclists and other non-motorized uses. When completed, it will link 16 kilometres of trails, seven river systems, 15 parks, 13 neighbourhoods, 200 hectares of meadows and more than 1,000 species of flora and fauna.

The province of Ontario owns the land which is managed by Hydro One Networks Inc and the city. The City of Toronto had developed a trail in sections but not all were connected. Now, the city and the Toronto Region Conservation Area (TRCA) are working together to restore and maintain the land. The entire restoration will take several years to take hold and establish roots.

During presentations to Toronto Master Gardeners, TRCA’s Environmental Technologist Sarah Kotsopolous explained the process for clearing and preparing the soil, removing invasive seeds by planting and harvesting oats and then drilling in specific seed mixes of different native plants. (Oats are used because they are cheap, grow quickly and put nutrients back into the soil.) Plantings are done in sections.

Nesting and migrating birds can now be sited in The Meadoway and some 38 butterfly species have been identified there such as the Star-spangled Skipper and the Baltimore Checkerspot, she said.

Community meetings and educational programs have been on-going since the project began. “People ask,

‘Why are you planting weeds?” said Project Manager Chris Cormack. “We take the time to talk to visitors about what’s going on.” Asked if it is safe to walk through hydro corridors, he said that the City of Toronto has conducted studies focused on human health impacts of hydro corridors with results indicating that they are safe.

Many students walk through The Meadoway going to or from school. “The kids take information home to their parents,” said Kotsopolous. “We spend a lot of time talking to the neighbours and they become ambassadors and watch dogs.”

Estimated cost for the completed project is approximately $38 million including:

• completing the 16-kilometre multi-use trail;

• installing wayfinding and signage;

• building bridges over Highland Creek and Ellesmere Ravine;

• planting and maintaining 115 hectares of meadow habitat;

• running annual community engagement and education programs.

The Weston Family Foundation has pledged up to $25 million in support for the project. The City of Toronto and Federal Government (Parks Canada) have also contributed funds towards advancing work.

One of the projects under construction this past spring is The Meadoway Entrance Garden, done in partnership with the Garden Club of Toronto (with headquarters at the TBG). Expected to open this June when wildflower and shrub plantings are scheduled, it is located north of Eglinton Avenue and just west of Pharmacy Avenue in Scarborough. This pollinator garden will consist of five beds planted with native shrubs, grasses and wildflowers to support various types of pollinators. A trail will be installed among the gardens to optimize access for users. The garden will increase biodiversity by creating habitat for native insects and wildlife, improving overall ecosystem health within the corridor.

Construction is ongoing and new areas of the trail are being opened as completed. I plan to explore the entire trail this summer, likely in several walks, from one end to the other.

For more information on The Meadoway visit https://themeadoway.ca

Pedestrian bridge spans Highland Creek.

LDo Trees Talk

?

ast summer, one of our less delightful neighbours hacked away at the bottom of his spruce tree, leaving it looking like an awkward leafy lollipop on a stick. I walk by that tree every day with my dog, and, on the first day, the damage left me feeling sick. I wanted to run over to the tree and hug it, but I was afraid that the men in white coats would take me away. Bentley, my dog, and I continued on our route for a few days after, and, every time we did, I could feel the sadness and desperation of that tree. To avoid the emotions, we finally changed our route. I asked myself – was I really channeling the tree’s reaction, or was I ascribing my own feelings to the tree? Was I a wee bit crazy? The jury’s still out on that, but it got me interested enough to do a dive into plant communication theories. Here’s what I found:

It all began with Charles Darwin (as so many things do) – the British naturalist and biologist known for his book On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection. A lesser-known

Scientists say they do communicate, underground through their roots

By Carol Gardner

book, The Power of Movement in Plants – written by Darwin and his son, Francis (a botanist) was published in 1880. That book was about phototropism – the directional growth of plants as influenced by light. Although Darwin’s ideas were not immediately accepted by his peers, his root-brain theory (that plant roots function similarly to brains in humans) has been the building block for scientists investigating plantto-plant communication from then on. Communication wasn’t something Darwin dealt with; his belief was that plants were ‘lone rangers’ who competed with other plants for light, space and nutrients.

Since then, many scientists have come to the conclusion, through experimentation, that plants do indeed communicate with one another underground, through their roots, by an interconnected network of mycorrhizal fungi that grow both within or outside plant roots. Plants help each other by sharing water and nutrition, and by sending chemical warning signals about disease,

By Charles Darwin

environmental threats or insect attacks. In response, other plants produce defense enzymes to protect themselves from the threat. This is all beautifully explained in a 2018 BBC documentary with Dame Judi Dench: My Passion for Trees. The documentary is still available on YouTube.

In 2015, Peter Wohlleben, a German forester and author, wrote The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate. He believes that trees of the same species are communal, and will often form alliances with trees of other species. He says that woodland trees live in a sentient, interactive community. They maintain relationships supported by communication and a collective intelligence similar to an insect colony.

The University of British Columbia Professor, Dr. Suzanne Simard, takes this theory one step

further in her book Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest (published in 2022 and soon to be made into a movie starring Amy Adams). Simard believes that certain trees in a forest are ‘hub’, ‘legacy’ or ‘mother trees’ — old-growth matriarchs that act as a hub of nutrients shared by trees of different ages and species. Reinforcing her beliefs was Simard’s personal experience with breast cancer. She discovered that one of her chemotherapy medications - paclitaxel [also called Taxol] is actually a defense chemical produced by the Pacific Yew Tree for its own protection. It doesn’t stop there. Some scientists are experimenting with communications between plants and humans. Dr. Monica Gagliano, an ecologist and research professor at Southern Cross University in Lismore, Australia, is doing research into plant intelligence.

She has collaborated on a book – Thus Spoke the Plant (published in 2018) – with the aforementioned Suzanne Simard. Her experiments, she says, show that plants learn just as animals do, and that plants can have a form of communication with humans. This is in harmony with the beliefs of many Indigenous People that there is connectivity in nature among humans, animals, plants and the land. Gagliano’s critics call her work fanciful and even delusional; her response is that scientists have a hard time letting go of old paradigms.

Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Who knows? I asked my husband what he thought (always a bad move). His reply – “I’ll consult with the azalea and get back to you.” Everyone’s a sceptic, eh?

On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection,

The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate, By Peter Wohlleben

Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest, By Dr. Suzanne Simard

Thus Spoke the Plant, By Dr. Monica Gagliano

Plant Profile

the Cardboard as a candidate for the vacant spot in my sunny Markham kitchen; our home welcomes seven grandchildren and their canine companions.

The elegant Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) fits the safe, low maintenance profile our snowbird lifestyle demands. My plants have a 90 per cent winter survival rate because they are notoriously hardy and can make it through the winter with irregular watering. The light they receive from large east and south facing windows is sufficient to keep them alive.

As a member of the Asparagaceae family, the exotic Ponytail calls itself a palm under false pretenses. The strange bulbous base of this desert succulent, which some call the Elephant Foot Palm, stores water, which is the secret to its survival. Long, narrow leaves that sprout from the top of the bulb resemble wild hair that one might be tempted to braid, but the edges are slightly serrated so be careful.

PonytaiL Pa Lm

a cautionary tale and a happy Solution

By Georgie Kennedy

I’m a folIage freak who recently fell in and out of plant infatuation with the glossy, indestructible Cardboard Plant (Zamia furfuracea), a cycad not a palm, also known as Cardboard Sago, Mexican Sago and Jamaican Sago. I admire toughness, essential for plant survival in the tropics, where intense heat, powerful winds and briny air can leave weaker plants completely dead or in tatters. Fronds emerging from Cardboard’s base hold pairs of bright green oval leaves that never seem to brown or wither. Its slow, steady growth makes it the darling of Caribbean gardeners and landscape designers who can predict and control the plant’s size and spread. With a symmetrical arching shape, it can enhance a driveway border or serve as the background for a flowering bed.

Gentle readers, beware. This seemingly well-behaved beauty is a danger to humans and pets, especially dogs. All parts of all Cycads contain a potentially deadly chemical, Cycasin. Granted, you’re unlikely to be harmed by occasional handling. However, prolonged exposure or ingestion can be fatal. As soon as I learned this, I eliminated

Ponytail Palms are pricey in the Toronto area. I suggest you start with the smallest, least expensive one you can find, from a reliable nursery, of course. In nature, it can be as tall as 244 centimetres (8 feet) and as wide as 122 cm (4 feet), but you can manage yours as if it is a bonsai. Just like the Cardboard, it is a slow grower thriving in tight spaces. Upsize your pot only when you see it is about to topple over or the roots are escaping from the drainage holes. Cutting the roots back by a quarter will ensure the plant will grow only to the size you wish it to be. Offshoots (baby plants) can be gently removed and grown separately, if you wish.

So what are the essentials for a healthy Ponytail Palm?

• Place it in a sunny or part sunny location.

• Provide well drained soil.

• Water thoroughly in the growing season.

• Allow the soil to dry between waterings.

• Never allow it to sit in a puddle or stem rot will occur.

• Water infrequently during the dormancy of winter.

• Fertilize in spring.

• Remove old leaves that naturally die off.

Yes, your tropical plants can be set outdoors during the period when night temperatures are above 12° C. Give them a good shower before reintroducing them to your home.

As a reminder: be a helper. Consider the environment when choosing plants for your outdoor garden. Selecting native plants will support the birds, bees, bugs and beasts that belong here and are struggling to survive.

For further reference:: Complete Guide to Houseplants, Meredith Books, Des Moines, Iowa, 2004.

Basil in containers of water.

a popular seasoning around the world

By Veronica Sliva

Basil (Ocimum basilicum), is a member of the mint or Lamiaceae family and has been around for thousands of years. It is thought to have originated in India where it was used to protect the dead in the afterlife and was later found in the tombs of the Pharaohs indicating that the ancient Egyptians used it in embalming.

We associate basil mostly with Italian and Asian cuisine. There are two main types, Sweet and Thai.

1. sweet basil (italian) has bright green leaves with a mild, peppery taste and is an ingredient in pesto, as well as many Mediterranean-inspired dishes like caprese and Margherita pizza. Genovese is a popular variety for these classics.

2. Thai basil is important in Vietnamese and Thai dishes. The leaves and stems are a purple hue and have a spicy, liquorice-like flavour that adds pungency to dishes. In Thailand, it is used in salads, stir-fries and curries; in Vietnam, in pho (Vietnamese soup).

A third type, Tulsi or Holy basil (O. tenuiflorum) is a different species often used in ayurvedic (herbal) medicine as well as cooking. It is highly valued in Hindu culture where the leaves are used to scent temple water and it is believed to help the soul ascend to heaven.

There are over 35 different types of basil and more than 160 cultivars. If you want to know more about different varieties a good place to check is online seed catalogues such as Stokes Seeds https://www.stokeseeds.com/ ca/catalogsearch/result/?q=basil.

Basil

Growing Basil Basil is easy to grow. It is a great herb for beginning gardeners whether you plant seeds or buy small transplants. It is an annual that can be grown outdoors in summer or indoors year-round.

Outdoors in the Garden or Containers

• Basil does best in six to eight hours of full sun. It loves heat, so wait a few weeks until after the danger of frost before planting seeds or transplants.

• Grow in fertile, well-drained soil.

• Space plants 30 cm (12 in) apart.

• In containers use a potting mix formulated for container growing. Do not use garden soil. It becomes very compacted and limits the plant’s ability to take up needed oxygen through the roots. The plants will not thrive.

• Basil prefers moist soil, so do not let the plants dry out.

• Pinch back to encourage branching.

Indoors

• Place plants in a spot that receives at least six hours of sun. Alternatively, you can use “grow” or fluorescent shop lights.

• Plant in a potting mix specially formulated for container plants (not garden soil!)

• Be sure your pot has drainage holes to avoid root rot.

• Feed with a weak fertilizer (half strength) solution every couple of weeks.

• Pinch back regularly to encourage more growth.

Aerogardens and Waterbased (Hydroponic) Systems

A very easy way to grow basil indoors is in a small hydroponic unit. There are many brands available in large and small sizes. I use an Aerogarden. Follow the directions that come with the unit. The plants grow directly

in water or a soilless medium, so moisture and nutrients are delivered directly to plant roots, and a built-in grow light provides the necessary light. The results are impressive.

Harvesting and Storing

• Pick leaves/stems from the top of the plant (it encourages new growth).

• Do not refrigerate basil. It does not like the cold and will turn an unappetizing brown. Simply place leaves in a bowl of room-temperature water until you need them.

• Put a few stems in a glass of water (don’t submerge any leaves) and place them on a window sill. In a couple of weeks, roots usually develop. Either leave them to grow in water (change it frequently) and snip away as needed, or you can plant up the rooted cuttings to use as transplants.

• Though you can dry basil, it just doesn’t have the same aromatic quality of fresh leaves.

Freezing

Many smart gardeners preserve their harvest by freezing chopped basil with olive oil and storing it in ice cube containers.

Here is how:

• Wash and dry the leaves. I don’t use the stems.

• Chop up the basil. You can use a food processor, but I find chopping by hand minimizes bruising the leaves and you can control the consistency better.

• Mix the chopped basil with olive oil (about a 2-to-1 ratio of oil to basil).

• Spoon the mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze.

• Once the cubes are solid, store them in an airtight container for up to a year.

Recipes

B ASI l Su GA r

Basil sugar is a great accompaniment sprinkled on soft cheese (e.g. goat’s cheese), peaches or added to a glass of something fizzy.

Here’s How

• Rinse 50 g (2 oz) basil leaves, then dry between paper towels to remove as much water as possible.

• Puree the basil leaves in a coffee/ spice grinder or small electric food chopper.

• Add 50 g (2 oz) sugar and continue processing until a consistent puree forms.

• Keep in a small jar in the fridge for about two weeks.

My Pe S t O r e CIP e

Ingredients

• 120 g (4 oz) basil leaves

• 1 finely chopped garlic clove

• 30 g (1 oz) pine nuts (I have used walnuts) toasted in a dry frying pan over medium heat

• 30 g (1 oz) extra virgin olive oil

• 50 g (2 oz) grated parmesan

• Romano or Pecorino cheese

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method

1. In a food processor (or use a mortar and pestle), add basil, garlic and nuts with a large pinch of salt. Pulse or pound until the mixture forms a rough paste.

2. Gradually add the oil until it is incorporated.

3. Stir in the cheese and adjust the seasoning to your taste. Store in a jar in the refrigerator. If not using immediately place the pesto in a sterilized jar and cover with olive oil, making sure the pesto is submerged. Alternatively, place tablespoons of the mixture in ice cube trays and freeze. Remove the frozen pesto as required. Use in soups and sauces.

Basil Facts and Folklo R e

India

in india, the herb is considered sacred. holy basil is considered to be the manifestation of the goddess tulasi, wife of Krishna (creator god). according to legend, only one leaf of tulsi can outweigh Vishnu’s power. nurturing a tulsi plant ensures that a person’s sins will be forgiven. twentiethcentury herbalist maude grieve said, “every good hindu goes to his rest with a basil leaf on his breast. this is his passport to heaven. it is indeed considered a powerful herb.”

in india, under british rule, hindus were allowed to swear on holy basil instead of the bible in court.

Greece

according to legend, St. helena, emperor constantine’s mother, followed a trail of basil leading to the remains of Jesus’ cross. Since that time, basil has been considered a holy herb in greece and used in the greek orthodox church for sprinkling holy water. Some greeks bring basil to church to be blessed and hang the sprigs in their home for health and prosperity.

Italy

in italy, basil was considered a sign of love. When girls were looking for a lover, they placed a pot of basil on their windowsill. if a potential suitor showed up with a sprig of basil, the girl would love him forever.

France

in days gone by, it was thought if you smelled basil too often, scorpions would enter your brain. these days pots of it are found in outdoor restaurants, not to deter scorpions but to deter mosquitoes.

Volunteers

More than 300 volunteers keep the TBG going in various capacities.

Welcome to neW and returning team members

By Sue Hills Head of Volunteer Services & Tour Guides

iT is “welcome back” or “welcome on board” time in the TBG’s volunteer calendar!

We are delighted (not to mention relieved) to see so many talented members of our seasonal teams returning to their roles, be that helping in the Garden or leading tours. We are also happy to add to their number with some new members we hope to be at the beginning of a long volunteer connection with TBG.

TBGKids March Break program had a wait list of candidates keen to

support. And planning for Summer Camp is well underway with the confidence that so many great volunteers will be there to help.

Behind the scenes, committee members are contributing many hours planning for such things as upcoming events like Through the Garden Gate, making pressed flower cards and producing this magazine.

These seasonal teams join the dedicated teams of volunteers who are active year-round, looking after Adult Education programs, the Garden Shop

and the Weston Family Library. These wonderful folks have been there for us, cheerful and professional through the often-quiet times of the winter months.

And it has been a big welcome to our Reception team members, another key team we will be building to seven-daya-week strength in the coming months.

All TBG volunteers are ready to ensure visitors to TBG have the best possible experience, and with a volunteer population at more than 300 in number, now we are well placed for the busy months ahead.

Cuban Oregano

c u B an oR egano

grow this lesser known plant for fragrance, flavour and beauty

By Rose Roberts

if you’re a plant nerd like I am, you’re likely familiar with that quiet surge of excitement upon encountering a new-to-me plant. That’s what happened while interviewing a homeowner for the TBG’s annual Through the Garden Gate tour of private gardens. As we made our way through her garden, I brushed against a lush, green plant that gracefully spilled out of its container on the edge of the path. A bold scent filled the air. We stopped briefly. Its large, fragrant leaves were velvety to the touch. She told me this herb is often substituted for oregano in Caribbean cuisine and that it goes by many common names. I made a mental note, and we continued our walk. Toward the end of our visit, the homeowner excused herself. She returned with stem cuttings of the herb – an unexpected and generous gesture. I set out to learn more.

What is it?

This versatile plant is Cuban oregano. However, it’s neither native to Cuba, nor is it true oregano (Origanum vulgare). It’s commonly referred to as Mexican mint, Spanish thyme or Indian borage – but, you guessed it, it isn’t mint, thyme or borage.

Originally classified as Plectranthus amboinicus, Cuban oregano is now Coleus amboinicus. Yes! This semi-succulent, aromatic, culinary herb is a type of coleus. A member of the mint family (Lamiacea), its oval-shaped leaves grow up to 8 cm (3 in) wide and long. They’re fleshy, finely haired and have scalloped edges and a tapering tip.

The plant’s origin is thought to be the East Indies or Africa. It’s a perennial in tropical and subtropical regions where it has naturalized. In colder climates like Toronto, it’s treated as an annual or container plant that can be enjoyed outdoors during the summer months and brought indoors for the winter. Unfortunately, its flowers of pink, white and lavender rarely, if ever, bloom in our climate. Cuban oregano has a strong scent of oregano mixed with a dash of mint. When crushed or chopped, the aroma intensifies and is reminiscent of camphor or menthol. As a result of that more pungent scent, Cuban oregano is sometimes erroneously referred to as “Vicks plant”. That’s an entirely different plant — Plectranthus hadiensis var. tomentosus, named after the topical cough ointment for colds, Vicks VapoRub™. Enough said. Don’t let this case of mistaken identity stop you from trying Cuban oregano.

Why grow it?

culinary and medicinal Uses: Prized for its leaves, it can be used fresh or dried in stews, salads, salsas or in a marinade for poultry and meat. If substituting Cuban oregano for true oregano, use it sparingly at first, then let your taste buds be your guide. And if you have a sore throat or a

cold? It makes a soothing cup of tea. Note: Coleus amboinicus is safe for humans to ingest but is toxic to pets.

Double Duty: Cuban oregano is more than a green seasoning. This lovely, low maintenance ornamental can be used in formal and naturalistic gardens alike. Its fleshy stems have a trailing tendency, making it attractive as a single specimen in a container or in a hanging basket. If you love variegated leaves, look for C. amboinicus variegatus, with white-edged leaves. easy to Grow: The cuttings I received rooted quickly in water. Once potted, I placed the plant in a southfacing window where it grew all winter long. Come summer, it will grace the garden where it’s sure to flourish.

TiP: Prune this fast-growing plant at any time. It encourages bushy growth, and you can share the cuttings.

Conditions & Maintenance

• Prefers well-draining soil or potting mix.

• Indoors: bright, sunny window.

• Outdoors: part sun to part shade.

• Drought tolerant. Over-watering can cause root rot.

• Fertilize periodically using slowrelease or all-purpose liquid fertilizer

• Propagate by division or stem cuttings.

• Monitor for spider mites and mealy bugs.

ColChiCum

Plant these fall-blooming beauties from mid-summer to early fall

By Rose Roberts

Wondering hoW to bring bright bursts of colour into your garden when summer plants are fading? Fall-blooming colchicums (one of many common names) might be your answer. these bulb-like corms of the genus Colchicum are easy to grow, provide late-source nectar for pollinators and — they’re

Colchicum ‘The Giant’

beautiful! Plant them from mid-summer to very early fall so they’ll bloom in the same season.

Colchicum’s goblet-shaped flowers appear in shades of pink, white or lavender. Each large corm produces about six flowers which emerge leafless, hence the common name ‘naked lady’. they’ll bloom over several weeks before going dormant. the following spring, clumps of tall, broad leaves appear. like most bulbs, colchicum leaves yellow and wither before going into dormancy. Don’t cut them back – they replenish the corms with necessary nutrients. instead, camouflage that phase by planting them among early summer-flowering perennials or evergreen ground covers.

Clearing the Confusion

Colchicum has some confusing (some would say erroneous) common names – ‘autumn crocus’ and ‘meadow saffron.’ While colchicums and crocuses bear a slight resemblance, they’re two different plants, each belonging to different genera. here’s why confusion between the two could be problematic: the true autumn crocus, also known as ‘saffron crocus’, is Crocus sativus its crimson stigmas are the source of the popular culinary spice saffron.

in direct contrast, all parts of colchicums, including the stigmas, are toxic if ingested and can be fatal. look for these distinguishing features: Colchicums have six stamens and produce broad, solid green leaves. Crocuses have three stamens and narrow leaves with a central white stripe. Colchicums (Colchicaceae family) are large in comparison to the more delicate crocuses (Iridaceae family).

Planting and Maintenance

• Zones: 4 to 9. Cormous perennial. Protect with mulch in cold areas.

• Size: Flowers,13 to 20 cm (5 to 8 in) tall; leaves, 30 cm (12 in) tall.

• Conditions: Sun to part shade; well-drained soil; water in spring and fall; keep dry in summer.

• Planting Time: Late summer to early fall for blooms the same year. Corms must be fresh.

• Depth: 8 to 10 cm deep (3 to 4 in);

Spacing: 10 to 15 cm (6 in).

• Propagation: Divide corm offshoots in summer. They naturalize slowly.

• Native Range: Europe and North Africa.

Popular Cultivars are available at major nurseries and online mail-order services:

C. ‘the Giant’: single, purplish-pink flowers with white throat.

C. ‘Waterlily’: big, pink double flowers.

C. ‘lilac Wonder’: lilac flowers with thin white strip down centre of petals.

C. ‘Album’: pure white flowers.

TIP: colchicums may look like super-sized crocuses but they belong to a different genus.

TIP: Since colchicums go through two periods of dormancy, mark their site to avoid digging them up accidentally.

TIP: companion plants camouflage the fading colchicum leaves in spring and support the naked flower stems in the fall.

ResouRCes: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/autumncrocus-colchicum-spp https://ipm.missouri.edu/meg/2016/9/autumn_crocus/ https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/colchicum/ Colchicum

Pressed & Pounded

Practice the art of preserving flowers

By Aleeshia Carman

Do you love fresh-cut flowers? i do, too. there’s something about their sweet fragrance and vibrant colours that instantly makes me happy. But, let’s be honest, it’s a disappointing sight when they start to wither away in just a few days. Don’t worry. i’m here to remind you of an age-old tradition (with a new twist), along with another popularized trend to help preserve your flowers’ beauty.

have you tried pressing flowers? it’s not a new technique, but a timeless one. While this art form is beautiful, it can take some time. So, if you’re in a rush, i’ll cut to the chase and spill the beans on how you can use a microwave (or air fryer) to achieve similar results.

Before we begin, i’ll share a warning with you: pressing flowers this way will result in a product that is not quite as nice as the traditional method. however, sometimes quick and dirty techniques beat slow and steady. Start by laying a flower on the microwave plate or flat surface if you’re using an air fryer. then place a barrier, like wax paper, followed by a heavier glass container (you can also use flower pressing kits, but a glass container does the job just as well).

Next, you’ll want to microwave your flowers in bursts of 10 to 15 seconds. it might take a little experimentation to figure out the perfect timing for each type of flower.

Tip: the air fryer takes a little longer—i set the timer for about one minute. After carefully removing the flowers, you can start using them in your crafts.

Want to learn more about microwave flower pressing? hop to hGtV handmade page for a step-by-step video breakdown. https://hgtv.com

Pounding Flowers

if you can’t get enough of the flowerpreserving process, then why not dye some old natural fibre clothes or tote bags? it’s a bit of a tedious process but the result is quite cool. All you need are some natural fibre clothes, wax paper, a rubber or metal hammer, and of course, the flowers of your choice.

oh, and don’t forget to pre-wash your item in mordant (a substance used to set dye in fabric) to help the colours stay clear and vibrant.

Now, let’s start. First, arrange the flowers on your item, place the wax paper over them and start hammering away slowly and consistently. the colours will transfer onto the fabric, creating a unique and beautiful design. it’s a complete surprise every time, as you never know the full range of colours until you pound them into the fibres. this short guide is just the start. Reach out to the TBG Pressed Flower Group or check out the Weston Family library for a wealth of resources on natural dying and flower pressing.

In The lIbrary

1. Forever flowers: a flower lover’s guide to selecting, pressing, and designing By Bernice Peitzer

2. Flower Pressing By Joanna Sheen

3. The Country Diary Book of Flowers: Drying, Pressing and Potpourri By Carol Petelin

Creatures Ni Gh T of the

Support nocturnal pollinators with light-coloured native plants

By Liberté Reilly Membership and Database Coordinator

PollInaTors ThaT work at night are one of most overlooked groups of pollinators. others include mice, beetles, wasps, who often pale in comparison to colourful butterflies and hardworking bumblebees. t heir importance is only in the early stages of being studied according to Richard E Walton in his 2020 article “Nocturnal pollinators strongly contribute to pollen transport of wild flowers in an agricultural landscape”. there are still questions about which nighttime visitors are doing much of the pollinating. these pollinators go to work starting around dusk and keep going till dawn. they are most often attracted by scents, but white flowers are also a favourite.

moths, bats, flies and more use the cool evenings to visit night blooming flowers and plants. in Canada, we do not have any bat populations who pollinate but you can find them around the world specifically in South America. Nocturnal pollinators complement the work of diurnal (aka daytime) pollinators like bees and butterflies. together both sets of pollinators support our ecosystem. We can support both types in our own gardens by selecting certain plants that are especially attractive to local moths. here in ontario, you can plant and grow native plants to attract these moths. Plants like the showy Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis), hairy Beardtongue (Penstemon hirsutus) and Evening primrose (Oenothera

Wild Plum (Prunus americana)

biennis) are great starts. in fact, moths are the key pollinators of the evening primrose. other beautiful options include the Narrow leaved Vervain (Verbena simplex) beloved by the sand-verbena moth or Wild Plum (Prunus americana). these plants have white or light flowers or create scents that entice moths to their flowers. For a more colourful option (to our eyes) the wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) or the fall stunner Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) are excellent selections. it is in our best interest to help these pollinators thrive. We are seeing research finding that they can be just as important for plant pollination as their diurnal compatriots (most recently according to a Dutch study by thijs P.M. Fijen on strawberry plants). After enjoying a warm summer evening in your garden be sure to dim your lights. You might just see the pollinator party in the moonlight.

Pollinator Week is June 17 to 23.

SouRCES: Native Pollinators and Agriculture in Canada: https:// publications.gc.ca/collections/ collection_2014/aac-aafc/ A59-12-2014-eng.pdf

Nocturnal pollination is equally important as, and complementary to, diurnal pollination for strawberry fruit production By Thijs P.M. Fijen: https://edepot.wur.nl/590970

Selecting Plants for Pollinators: https://www.pollinator.org/ pollinator.org/assets/generalFiles/ LakeErieLowlands.2017.pdf

Native Plants for Pollinators by Credit Valley Conservation: https:// files.cvc.ca/cvc/uploads/2017/04/ 17-uo-nativeplantsforpollinatorsbooklet-v8-web.pdf

Witch Hazel

Hairy Beardtongue

Verbena-surplex

Evening Primrose

Foxglove’

Book Shelf

Garden: Exploring the Horticultural World

Reviewed by Veronica Sliva

Garden: Exploring the Horticultural World by the editors of Phaiden Press with an introduction by Matthew Biggs, brings together gardeners, landscape designers, artists, architects and photographers whose work in pictures fills nearly 350 pages. It is an eclectic compendium highlighting a wide range of art and ephemera that includes plans for history’s most famous gardens, images from the world of fine art, graphic design, textiles, photography, sculpture, film and pop culture.

The editors of Phaidon have included more than 300 full-colour images that reflect our global relationship with the garden. It spans more than four millennia of horticultural heritage and how geography, periods in history and purpose influence art forms, landscape designs and gardening culture. At the back of the book there is a timeline I found fascinating.

One of my favourite images is a page from the book The Wild Garden by Alfred Parsons and garden writer William Robinson (circa 1870). It’s not because I find the image particularly beautiful, but, at the time, The Wild Garden challenged the garden style of the day and promoted a naturalistic design of hardy plants, both native and exotic, planted to mimic wild landscapes. Today, the message to naturalize our gardens is still front and centre.

This is a large ‘coffee table’ book that you can easily pick up to enjoy page by page. Every page tells a story and each image includes a description of its meaning.

Garden: Exploring the Horticultural World will appeal to anyone who enjoys nature, gardening and the arts, and would make a great gift! (Publisher Phaidon Press Limited)

Phaidon

Pre SS and aPP etite

Adam and eve

The Side Gardener recipes & notes from my garden

Reviewed by Maureen Donnan

Rosie Daykin is an award-winning cookbook author who also gardens on the side. Like many of us, she has a small side garden patch at her home that she wanted to reorganize. In her book, The Side Gardener, she invites us to come along with her on a very informative journey into some of the things she encountered.

The Side Gardener is divided into four main sections, which include the basics of gardening, recipes, flowers and even the prospect of raising chickens. The photography by Andrew Montgomery, exemplifies her accomplishments as a superb gardener and her warm and friendly dialogue entices and teaches us to try some of her techniques.

My side garden was put in over 30 years ago, and there’s no question that it has undergone some changes, but Rosie has inspired me to try a few new methods such as raised planters. The section ‘A Good Foundation’ reminds us that before we even think about plants and soil, we should consider “the overall structure and design of the space.”

The bonus in this book is the recipe sections, which include snacks and appetizers, salads, mains, sides and sweets. Since I have a sweet tooth and also some vegetarians in my family, there are several recipes I want to try. For example, Roasted Red Pepper & Cannellini Bean Salad or Kale Salad with Pecorino, Cranberries, Apples & Almonds might tempt the

palates of my vegetarians. Rhubarb Panna Cotta and Rhubarb Banana Bread with Crumble sound delicious to me.

If all this is not enough to whet your appetite for gardening and cooking, perhaps you would like to try raising your own chickens! Although Rosie is somewhat encouraging about this endeavour, she does warn us that “owning chickens is not for the faint of heart.” Her warnings and advice are humorous as she comments on “all those happy urban chicken owners on Instagram…who buy a little coop the size of a large dollhouse and plunk it in the backyard.”

She doesn’t think the “nice people have actually ever met a full-grown chicken, let alone three or four.”

The Side Gardener has a very comprehensive Source Guide where you can check out many of Rosie’s personal sources for such things as Fence & Planter Construction, Greenhouse Supply, Vintage Planters and Pots, various nurseries, gardening tools, seed suppliers and the latest on raising chickens.

here is one of rosie daykin’s Side garden recipes:

Rhuba R b Panna Cotta

This recipe is all about textures: silky panna cotta, chunky jammy rhubarb, and the slight crunch of the sugary graham crumbs make every mouthful perfect. If you aren’t a fan of the rhubarb or graham, you can simply omit them as the panna cotta is just as lovely topped with fresh berries. Makes 6 servings

RhubaRb

2 cups/200 g chopped rhubarb stems

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Panna Cotta

1 envelope/2.5 teaspoons/7 g unflavored gelatin

¼ cup/60 ml water

3 cups/750 ml whipping cream

½ cup/100 g sugar

1½ teaspoons vanilla paste

½ teaspoon salt

GRaham toPPinG

¼ cup/25 g graham crumbs

1 tablespoon sugar

Place six glass compotes (ideally ¾ cup/180 ml size) or ramekins (see Note) on a small baking sheet or tray and set aside.

to make the rhubarb: In a small saucepan, combine the rhubarb, sugar, and lemon juice over medium-high heat and stir to combine. Continue to stir for another 5 to 8 minutes, until the sugar starts to melt. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook until the rhubarb has broken down and become quite mushy, like a chunky jam. Divide the rhubarb evenly between the six compotes and set aside.

Rhubarb Panna Cotta

to mak e the panna cotta: In a small saucepan, warm the gelatin and water over medium heat until the gelatin has dissolved. Remove from the heat.

In another saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the cream, sugar, vanilla paste, and salt. Adjust the heat to bring it to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the gelatin mixture until combined.

Divide the panna cotta mixture among the compotes, carefully pouring it atop the rhubarb in each one. Place the panna cotta tray in the refrigerator until they just start to set, about 1 hour.

to mak e the graham topping: In a small bowl, stir to combine the graham crumbs and sugar. Remove the tray of compotes from the refrigerator and sprinkle the top of each one with approximately ¾ tablespoon of graham crumbs. Return the tray to the refrigerator until the panna cotta has fully set, at least 3 hours or overnight.

notE: If you have chosen to use ramekins, you will need to release each panna cotta onto a plate to fully appreciate the layers when serving. To do this, simply set the ramekins in a shallow bowl of hot water for a few seconds, making sure the water only rises halfway up the side of the ramekin. Run a small knife around the edge of the panna cotta and then invert it over a small dessert plate. Gently lift the ramekin to release it.

Excerpted from The Side Gardener by Rosie Daykin. Copyright © 2024 Rosie Daykin. Photographs by Andrew Montgomery. Published by Appetite an imprint of Random House®, a division of Penguin Random House Canada Limited. Reproduced by arrangement with the Publisher. All rights reserved.

Taste Buds

a field guide to cooking and baking with flowers

Reviewed by lorraine hunter

Dedicated to the “dandelion blowers and the daisy chain weavers, for those who love flowers and enjoy good food,” Taste Buds by Nikki Fotheringham offers over 90 recipes featuring flowers.

When this Ontario gardener, cook and author is not in the garden, she’s in her kitchen, brewing up new recipes made from foraged local ingredients and (of course) flowers. Taste Buds profiles 15 flower varieties ranging from such well-known blooms as lavender, roses, nasturtiums and peonies to more unexpected choices like cattails, sumac and marigolds. Each section describes the flower, tells you how

to grow it and presents a handful of recipes using it. Recipes have enticing names like Almond Cattail Hedgehog Cookies, Rose Turkish Delight and Hibiscus Poached Pears.

Photography by Laura Berman and illustrations by Dana Harrison make the book a pleasure to look through. And, here’s one of the intriguing recipes for a special occasion cake.

Salted h oney Chamomile Cake

Makes one double-layer 9-inch (23 cm) cake

FoR thE CaKE

1½ cups (375 ml) whole milk

40 crushed, dried chamomile flowers or 4 chamomile tea bags

3 cups (900 ml) all-purpose flour

1 tsp (5 ml) fine kosher salt

2 tsp (10 ml) baking powder

¾ tsp (4 ml) baking soda

1½ cups (375 ml) unsalted butter, at room temperature

2 cups (500 ml) granulated sugar

3 large eggs + 2 large egg whites, at room temperature

1 Tbsp (15 ml) pure vanilla extract

FoR thE FRoStinG

¼ cup (60 ml) salted butter, at room temperature

1 cup (250 ml) icing sugar

¼ tsp (1 ml) sea salt

2 Tbsp (30 ml) honey

1 Tbsp (15 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice

to make the cake, place the milk in a small pot and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Do not let it come to a boil. Turn off the heat and add the chamomile. Leave to steep until the milk is room temperature. Strain out the chamomile, but do not squeeze it or the milk might taste bitter. Discard the chamomile. Set the milk aside.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans.

Sift the flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda into a large bowl.

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter with the sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add the eggs, egg whites and vanilla and mix well to combine, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the bottom and sides of the bowl as needed.

Alternate adding the flour mixture and the milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. You want everything to be just mixed in for this batter. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Once the batter is combined, pour it into the prepared cake pans.

Bake until a skewer inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean, 25–30 minutes. Place the cake pans on wire racks and let the cakes cool completely in the pans.

to mak e the frosting, using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter with the icing sugar, salt, honey and lemon juice on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.

Once the cakes are cool, remove them from the pans. Place one cake layer on a cake stand and top it with about one-third of the buttercream. Sandwich the second layer on top. Now use the remaining frosting to cover the outside of your cake.

You can decorate it as you wish, but if you have fresh, edible flowers, they add a splash of colour and pizzazz.

You can use chamomile flowers or whatever you have on hand. Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Excerpted from Taste Buds by Nikki Fotheringham. Copyright © 2024 Nikki Fotheringham. Photographs by Laura Berman. Published by Appetite an imprint of Random House®, a division of Penguin Random House Canada Limited. Reproduced by arrangement with the Publisher. All rights reserved.

Salted honey Chamomile Cake

Eau dE JaRdin diy

bouquets in a bottle make scent-sational gifts

By Jenny Rhodenizer Director of Marketing and Audience Engagement

EssEntial oils can lighten your mood and give relief to many ailments. These personalized bouquets in a bottle will preserve a small piece of your garden while delivering beautiful fragrance you can enjoy throughout the day.

Discover the fragrances you are most drawn to, research their medicinal properties and experiment with combinations to make them your own. I used lavender and sweet orange for my first try.

What you’ll need

• Carrier oil, (e.g. grape seed, sweet almond oil, or jojoba oil) used to suspend and deliver essential oils

• 10 drops of essential oil (available in health stores or online)

• Fresh or dried flowers, petals or herbs from your garden

• 10 millilitre glass roll-on bottle (I purchased mine on Amazon)

ingredients needed

How to make them

1. Remove the roller ball from the top of the bottle.

2. Fill the bottle with the carrier oil.

3. Add 10 drops of your essential oil blend to the bottle.

4. Add small flowers, leaves or petals into the oil.

5. Pop the roller ball lid onto the glass vial. Shake well to combine the oils.

6. Leave the blend for 24 to 48 hours to develop.

Photo

Bouquet in a bottle

Lavender and Sweet Orange

e S Puz zle

Piec

Spring Gathering

a pleasure to assemble for a dedicated birder

Reviewed by Walter Sliva

This is a beautiful puzzle that depicts a larger-than-life collection of birds, made by MasterPieces Inc, an American puzzle and games manufacturer that partners with several famous brand partners like Hersheys, Norman Rockwell and, of course, Audubon.

Spring Gathering is one of 10 Audubon-sponsored puzzles listed on MasterPieces’ website. Most of the subject birds are summer residents

in Ontario, so constructing the scene is a particular pleasure for a Toronto birder — especially in the dead of winter when we think longingly of our missing friends. It’s become one of my favourite puzzles of all time!

MasterPieces uses brilliantly coloured soy-based inks applied to thick, recycled cardboard, and coated with fine linen. Each of their puzzles is uniquely cut, so pieces from one are not interchangeable with another. The puzzle is large enough 69.9 cm x 49 cm (26.75 x 19.25 inches) to

display exquisite detail of the birds, butterflies, background gardens and flowers. The included large poster is a very close replica of the finished puzzle, so is a great guide to locating each piece. The finished puzzle is lovely. They say that working on a puzzle can help improve short-term memory by forcing us to focus and exercise our minds. So, not only is it a relaxing and pleasant pastime but it can have longterm health benefits, as well.

Good Things Are Happening

Music in the Garden

Don’t Miss Through the Garden Gate: Swansea Toronto’s largest annual tour of the most beautiful private gardens. This walkable, self-guided tour will showcase over 20 residential gardens in the west-end neighbourhood of Swansea, known for its historic properties, vibrant shopping and dining in Bloor West Village, and some pretty amazing gardeners. In addition to exclusive garden entry, ticket holders will have access to ‘hop on/hop off’ shuttle buses circling the garden route, live music in select gardens and a chance to chat with knowledgeable Toronto Master Gardeners in each garden. All proceeds support the Toronto Botanical Garden.

Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

One-Day Pass, Public $45, TBG Member $40

Two-Day Pass, Public $70, TBG Member $65

Student/Child Pass, $25

Buy your tickets online today at: https://torontobotanicalgarden.ca/ event/through-the-garden-gate-swansea/

the edwards Summer music Series includes eight free outdoor concerts showcasing diverse, contemporary talent, within the beauty of the toronto botanical garden, hosted by awardwinning canadian broadcaster and environmentalist anwar Knight. the concerts take place on Thursday nights at 7 p.m. in July and August in the courtyard adjacent to the historic barn in edwards gardens.  general seating is available on a first-come basis. guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs. Concerts are held rain or shine. if they are moved indoors due to extreme weather, capacity is limited to 300 guests. access to the hall will be controlled for the safety of all guests. guests with accessibility needs are advised to arrive early and will be provided with early access. no external chairs will be permitted in the hall.

Arrive early for greater enjoyment. Shop or dine at our Summer Market (3 to 7 p.m.).

The TBG Bloom Cafe, which has a patio overlooking the concert venue, will be open for light bites, sweet treats and hot food from the bbQ. drop into the Visitor centre to browse our  Garden Shop for a curated selection of plants, garden goodies, and nature-inspired home decor. the edwards Summer music Series is generously supported by the edwards charitable Foundation. Amanda Rheaume, July 11

EnTErTAinErS inCludE:

• July 11: Amanda Rheaume, a citizen of the métis nation is an active and proud member of the 2SlgbtQ+ community. rheaume’s rootsy, guitar-driven ballads introduce crucial dimensions to the world of Heartland rock.

• July 18: Step back in time and indulge in the nostalgia of classic r&b soul with The ladies of Soul including Quisha Wint, Selena evangeline and Jeliz, who will transport you to the golden era when smooth grooves, heartfelt lyrics, and soulful melodies reign supreme.

• July 25: The Fugitives are an acoustic folk-roots group headed by songwriters adrian glynn and

brendan mcleod. they’re joined by banjo player chris Suen (Viper central) and violinist carly Frey (the coal Porters).

• August 1: Trash Panda Brass is an exciting, new voice in the toronto brass band scene. With arrangements by members of the band, trash Panda is known for upbeat and funloving tunes, paying homage to quintessential queer hits and icons.

• August 8: Hailing from montreal by way of budapest, Sophie lukacs is a kora player, singer-songwriter and one of the few women in the world to play the 21-string mandingue instrument.

• August 15: Bowed Arts is a collective of like-minded female musicians who have joined forces to

free outdoor concerts showcasing diverse, contemporary talent, within the beauty of the t oronto b otanical g arden

TafelMuSik

aT The GarDen

Welcome the summer solstice with musical follies, dance music and songs popular at cafes, taverns and fairs from the british isles to northern europe, and from France to new France. the concert takes place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 30.

Public: $25. tbg members and tafelmusik

Subscribers: $23.

contribute to the evolution of string performance and education.

• August 22: Lily Frost is among canada’s critically acclaimed songwriters, known for her score and theme song for gemini nominated hit tV series being erica.

• August 29: Alexis Baro was born into a musical family in Havana, cuba. classically trained, he took up the trumpet at age 8. While in school he became a member of the buena Vista Social club superstar omara Portuondo’s band, and later at 19 played lead trumpet for the national radio and television orchestra.

Alex Baro, Aug. 29

Save the Date

The Toronto Botanical Garden Annual General Meeting takes place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 20. Current members are welcome to attend to learn more about last year’s achievements and help shape the TBG’s future.

Happy Hellebores thanks to everyone who purchased Hellebores from the tbg g arden Shop this spring. Pre-orders totalled 851 and an additional 465 sold on the actual sale date made a total of 1,316 orders. there were still a few left in the shop at this writing. based on this success the g arden Shop will be doing Hydrangea and Peony pre-orders.

Cactus & Succulent Sale June 16 the toronto cactus and Succulent club (tcSc) will host its annual Show and Sale on Sunday, June 16 in the Floral Hall at the tbg from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. admission is free. there will be displays of rare cacti and succulent plants from all over the world. tcSc members will showcase their prized specimen plants and answer questions. there will be many varieties of rare cacti and succulents for sale.

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 garden, these obelisks are superb structures for showcasing and supporting vines and vegetables. black, powder-coated 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.

BOAR d OF di RECTORS

Gordon Ashworth, b oard Chair

Barb Anie, Dianne Azzarello, Adeline Cheng, Doris Chee, Michele Chandler, Ben Cullen,  Tony DiGiovanni, Lisa Ellis, Susan Grundy, Abdullah Hamidi, Margareth Lobo Gault, Haig Seferian, Martin Ship, Janice Winton

e x o fficios: Derryn Gill (Garden Club of Toronto), Christina Iacovino (City of Toronto)

TORO n TO BOTA ni CAL GAR d E n i S A GAR d E n FOR ALL

Your support and engagement are essential in developing an inspired plant place, an engaging learning environment, and a dynamic community hub. We invite you to grow with us.

mission

Toronto Botanical Garden connects people and plants, fostering sustainable communities and developing reciprocal relationships with nature through lifelong learning.

V ision

Toronto Botanical Garden is a garden for all; a diverse community that recognizes the life-giving role of nature, working together for a more sustainable world.

si G n U p F or G arden ene W s !

Receive the latest horticultural news and information on events, workshops, lectures and other horticultural happenings. Free registration at https://torontobotanicalgarden.ca

REG u LAR h O u RS OF OPERAT i O n

Visitor Centre:  Open daily, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Garden shop: Open daily, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Weston Family library: Weekdays, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Weekends, 12 to 4 p.m.

tbG bloom CaFe: (located in the historic barn)

Open Weekdays: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Weekends: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

parkinG: $4.00 per hour. TBG Members FREE

ExECuTIvE DIRECTOR Stephanie Jutila sjutila@torontobotanicalgarden.ca

EDuCATIOn 416-397-1355 education@torontobotanicalgarden.ca

DEvELOpmEnT 416-397-1372 development@torontobotanicalgarden.ca

FACiLiTy REnTALS 416 397-1324 events@torontobotanicalgarden.ca

GARdEn ShOP 416-397-1357 retail@torontobotanicalgarden.ca

GARdEninG hELP LinE Toronto Master Gardeners 416-397-1345 torontomastergardeners.ca

GROuP TOuRS 416-397-4145 tourguides@torontobotanicalgarden.ca

hORTiCuLTuRE 416-397-1358 horticulture@torontobotanicalgarden.ca

AudiEnCE EnGAGEMEnT marketing@torontobotanicalgarden.ca

MEMBERShiP 416-397-1483 membership@torontobotanicalgarden.ca

TRELLiS MAGAzinE editor@torontobotanicalgarden.ca

VOLunTEER SERViCES 416-397-4145 tourguides@torontobotanicalgarden.ca

WESTOn FAMiLy LiBRARy 416-397-1343 librarydesk@torontobotanicalgarden.ca

EdiTOr

lorraine Hunter

dESiGn

June anderSon

TrElliS COMMiTTEE

leanne burKHolder

Sue HillS

georgie KennedY

JennY rHodeniZer

lee robbinS

Veronica SliVa

VOlunTEEr

PRooFReAdeRs

JacKie camPbell

lYn HicKeY

Jean mccluSKeY

marg anne morriSon roSe robertS libertÉ reillY

AdVErTiSinG marketing@toronto botanicalgarden.ca

Trellis is published as a members’ newsletter by the toronto 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.

©2024 all rights reserved. reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the toronto botanical garden.

Charitable registration number 119227486RR0001

777 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto Ontario M3C 1P2, Canada • 416-397-1341 fax: 416-397-1354 • info@torontobotanicalgarden.ca torontobotanicalgarden.ca • @TBG_Canada

By TTC

From Eglinton subway station take the 51, 54, 54A or 162 bus from Lawrence Subway Station to Lawrence Avenue East and Leslie Street. The TBG is on the southwest corner.

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