Superstars of the mid-summer garden!
by Gordon D. Wick, Exec. Dir.
What was your outstanding feature annual this summer?
Normally, each spring, I plant seeds of some of the unusual cultivars of annuals which are not readily available as box plants. This year, I grew several kinds of spider type asters which, as I write this, are starting to show colour. I find the more delicate, open form of the spider aster makes it more useful for flower arranging or even just to add variety to a vase of cut flowers.
I have already enjoyed the fruits of my labours with the double flowered Shirley Poppies I grew from seed. The ones | started indoors, under lights, have been truly outstanding. Although they don t want root disturbance, you can grow direct in peat pots or in good size divided cells without set back, provided you transplant seedlings before they are too large (at the first pair of true leaves stage). If you
plant directly in the garden, you must spread the seed very thinly because the plants don t do nearly as well with root competition. The seeds we sold from our shop this spring produced a wide colour range with a high percentage of fully double flowers and the blooms are excellent as cut flowers (they drew raves at the non-competitive exhibit in our Sweet Pea Show). The plant height of about 45 cm (18 ) gives nice long stems for cutting. Seed heads must be removed promptly to keep plants in bloom.
Whenever we choose our plants, we must second guess Mother Nature in deciding if we will have a cool wet or a hot dry season. The Nierembergia Blue Robe I grew as an unusual border edging plant likes it hot and sunny and withstands dryness. It is smothered with cup shaped blooms in medium to quite deep purplish blue. My hot dry garden by the driveway has been a real joy. Verbena and annual phlox have both performed with great vigour as have the seedling geraniums.
One of the best ways to choose potential new cultivars to try at home is to visit the trial gardens in our climatic zone and make notes nowthen patiently wait for catalogues to add these cultivars a few years later. Excellent trials are open to the public -RBG Burlington; Ottawa Exp. Gdns.; Montreal Bot.Gdns; Vineland Exp. Station; Stokes Seeds, St.Catharines; & Dominion Seed House, Georgetown.
MESSAGE TO MEMBERS
Congratulations to all 32 exhibitors who made our 1st Sweet Pea Show such a success. We enjoyed perfectly lovely days and a large number of visitors were duly impressed and interested to know that such outstanding sweet peas could be grown in Southern Ontario. We could not have held this first show without the enthusiastic help of Lilian and Neville Holmes Neville generously provided the majority of the bloom spikes for the decorative designs which allowed us to show the public the many, many types of designs to which these blooms are suited.
A non-competitive display of annuals and perennials was mounted with all plants clearly marked, creating a small educational exhibit of plants for mid-summer bloom. Cut from your Executive Director s garden, and supplemented especially on Sunday by flowers from the Holmes garden and from Hal Price s garden, we exhibited 30 specimens in individual vases as they might be shown in competitive classes. This exhibit encouraged many general garden questions which were ably handled by Hal Price.
A special note of congratulations to Mary French who entered the Best Design and to Shirley Binns whose entry was selected as the Judges Choice in the non - competitive class.
Our thanks to Pearl Wilby and Claire Finch who judged the designs and to Neville Holmes who judged specimens.
My thanks to the many volunteers who helped us to- publicize, take entries, clerk, judge, man and dismantle the show.
So much interest was shown in the idea of an expanded summer show that I would like to issue a call to our members to form a flower show committee to organize for next year.
As we look forward to fall courses, members programs and special events this fall I look forward to the opportunity to introduce our new full time horticulturist at CGC. Our current part-time horticulturist (Hal Price) will change from 2 hours per day 5 days a week to two - 5 hour days allowing us the continuity of a horticulturist on duty 7 days a week.
A number of our new committees are well under way and some are looking for extra manpower to carry out the day to day operation entrusted to that committee.
Rae Fowler is heading up a new membership group and she hopes the committee can review expiring memberships with a view to retaining the maximum possible percentage of former members. Rae is also starting us off on outreach exhibits in Libraries and shopping malls to promote sales of new memberships.
Our- members program committee, chaired by Brian Bixley is in need of additional volunteers to actually attend to the planning of layouts, and set up of the meeting hall; refreshments; decor; extra personal; advance publicity; welcoming members and guests speaker s reception.
Relative to all evening meetings, we are still in need of volunteers who are willing to learn the operating procedures for the store and/or the library so these facilities can be made available to more of our evening groups without tying up further staff time.
If you feel you would like to help in any of the volunteer areas please contact our volunteer co-ordinator, Dorothy Whiteman at 445-1552.
Mini Rose Nursery
Collector of Miniature Roses For list and map Write Florence Gahagan P.O. Box 873, Guelph, Ont. NIH 6M6
The CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE
Mens Garden Club meeting 8 p.m - the Successes and Failures of the Summer of 85.
Toronto Gesneriad Society meeting 2 - 4 pm A slide programme on the Spring Shows
Toronto Bonsai Society meeting 7 p.m. guest speaker will be a wellknown Bonsai person, Marion Gyllenswan from Nanuet, New York
North Toronto Horticultural Society meeting 8 p.m. - a demonstration by Shirley Irvine Planting a Terrarium
Green Thumbs (Junior Garden Club) 9:30 a.m. - noon making
Terrariums for the fall Cornucopia
Geranium & Pelargonium Society of Ontario meeting at 2 p.m.
A panel of experts on Care and Winterizing Geraniums
ROSE SHOW - York Rose & Garden Club Show 12 noon to 5 p.m.
Admission $1.00
Sogetsu Flower Arranging - 8 week course starts at 10 a.m.
Garden Therapy Group meeting 1:00 pm for handicapped people
MEMBERS NIGHT - 7:30 p.m. A Perennial Garden - a slide presentation by David Tomlinson
Landscape Design 2 week course at 7:30 p.m.
Basic Indoor Plant Growing 5 week course Sat. morning 10 a.m.
CHRYSANTHEMUM & DAHLIA EARLY SHOW - Canadian Chrysanthemum & Dahlia Society - Sat. 1:30 - 5 & Sun. 10 am - 5 pm
Canadian Rose Society meeting at 2 p.m. Looking back on the Rosecapades 85 convention held in June
FUNGI SHOW by the Mycological Society of Toronto
Open to the public 12 noon - 10 p.m.
Intermediate Flower Arranging - 3 week course starts at 1:30 and 8 pm
Hobby Greenhouse meeting 8 p.m.
Rug Hooking - 8 week course starts from 10 am to 2 pm
Bulbs (Selection and planting) a one day only from 2 to 5 pm
Chinese Brush Painting - 10 week course starts - Beginners at 10 a.m. and Intermediates at 1:30 p.m.
Mens Garden Club meeting at 8 p.m.
Botanical Drawing and Painting - 8 week course starts at 9:30 for the Advanced students and the Beginners at 1 p.m.
Green Thumbs (Junior Garden Club) 9:30 am - pine cone animals
Toronto Gesneriad Society 2 - 4 pm Open House and a plant sale
S. Ontario Orchid Society meeting 1 - 5 pm Programme by Ted Sues on Photography of Orchids
North Toronto Horticultural Society meeting 8 p.m.
Garden Therapy Group meeting 1:00 p.m. for handicapped people
Ikebana International meeting 7 - 9:30 p.m.
Bridal Bouquet workshop - a one day for students who have taken at least a basic and an intermediate corsage workshop 10 am - 3 pm
EDWARDS MEMORIAL LECTURE - 7:30 p.m. Speaker will be
Roy Lancaster The famous plant explorer
Toronto Bonsai Society meeting 7 p.m.
Beginners Ikenobo Ikebana Flower Arranging - 3 week course 10 - 3 pm
COMING EVENTS AT THE CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE
Art at the Centre
In the Link Gallery:
Aug. 14 - Aug. 28 - Lisa Figueroa & Ed Ritchie watercolours, florals & landscapes
Aug. 29 - Sept. 10 - York Artists Guild mixed media
Sept. 11 - Sept. 23 - Lynda Bryden & Barbara Pinkham watercolours, florals & landscapes
Sept. 24 - Oct. 7 - Judith Rabin photographic artist (Edwards Gardens)
Oct. 8 - Oct. 29 - Mary Anne Miller watercolours & pen and ink florals & landscapes
SUMMER HOURS
To Sept. 3 - Trellis Shop & Library
Open 7 days a week noon to 5 p.m.
FALL HOURS
from Sept. 3rd to Nov. 11th Trellis Shop and Library Mon. to Fri. 9:30 - 5 pm Sat.Sun 12-5
General Information
Volume 12, No. 7 ISSN 0380-1470
Editor: Gordon D. Wick, Exec. Dir.
Assistant Editor: Grace Tughan
Advertising Inform. (416) 445-1552
Trellis is published ten times per year as a member s newsletter, by the Civic Garden Centre, 777 Lawrence Ave. East, Don Mills, Ontario M3C 1P2 Telephone (416)445-1552
The Centre is located in Edwards Gardens, at Leslie St. and Lawrence Avenue East, at the geographical centre of Metropolitan Toronto. It is a non-profit, volunteer based, gardening and floral arts information organization with open membership. Opinions expressed within do not necessarily reflect those of the Centre. Printed by Munns Press Ltd., Whitby, Ont.
COURSES STARTING
SOON
Please note registration deadline date in course list
Sept. 16 Sogetsu Ikebana Flower Arr. 8 week course at 10 am
Sept. 18 Landscape Design - 2 week course at 7:30 pm
Sept. 21 Basic Indoor Plant Growing 5 week course at 10 am
Sept. 25 Intermediate Flower Arr. 3 week course 1:30 or 8 pm
Sept. 27 Rug Hooking - 8 week course 10 am to 2 pm
Sept. 29 Bulbs (Selection & planting) one day only from 2 - 5 pm
Sept. 30 Chinese Brush Painting10 week course - Beginners 10 am - Intermediates 1:30
JUST PERENNIALS
GARDENS BY KAY
OLD GARDENS REVIVED
NEW GARDENS DESIGNED AND PLANTED
COLOUR PLAN WITH BLOOMING TIMES
OVER 10 YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH PERENNIALS
ROCK & ALPINE...... SHADE & WILDFLOWER
SMALL OR LARGE PERENNIAL GARDENS
IF INTERESTED, PLEASE CALL (705) 743-7099
°Book Review
THE YEARBOOK OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
Private Spaces In The Landscape
Edited by Richard L. Austin, Thomas R. Dunbar, Lane L. Marshall, Albert Rutledge & Frederick R.Steiner
This new addition to the Yearbook series explores private landscape spaces areas that provide solitude within natural settings. It goes beyond secluded gardens and country estates to analyze the very concept of a private space and its interpretation by prospective users. Does a space have to be totally secluded to be private? Must it be completely protected from the hustle of daily traffic? These are some of the issues considered in chapters on gardens, pedestrian spaces, neighbourhoods and private spaces without walls. Examples of designs from top landscape architecture firms are included. cloth $43.50
R sNorthenov ~ACniature
& Orihids.
MINIATURE
ORCHIDS
Rebecca Tyson Northen
Now in paperback the only guide devoted entirely to raising miniature orchids. Based on the author s forty years of experience in collecting and growing orchids, this unique manual provides careful instructions on care, maintenance and cultural practices, along with a discussion of how orchids grow in the wild. Rebecca Tyson Northen describes hundreds of species and explains the particular needs of each. Over 250 photographs, many of them in colour, illustrate the orchid s special appeal. paperback $ 28.95
VOLUNTEER NOTICEBOARD
DEAR VOLUNTEER,
As you know, there s always a project on the go, here at the Centre, but there s one that maybe you re not aware of. Every Wednesday from 9:30 - 2:30 Barbara Burns heads a group of people making the most fabulous crafts imaginable, with Christmas in mind.
All this is in preparation for our fund raiser, Autumn Cornucopia when these crafts will be snatched up by our members and visitors to the Centre.
Now I know what you re thinking, Oh Dorothy, you know I have two left hands , but you truly don t have to have experience, Barbara and the regulars from the group will teach you everything, step by step.
Just think, after you ve helped to fill every available inch of storage here you can go home and make your own wreath for Christmas or a door swag for every door.
Give it some thought every extra pair of hands we have means more crafts to sell which means more money raised for our Centre.
Come on over, you ll have a great time. See you Wednesday, Dorothy
VOLUNTEERS WELCOMED
Many members may not realize that the helpful people who staff the Centre s sales areas, workshop, library and the reception desk are mainly volunteers. If you would like to join our able group of volunteers, work in pleasant surroundings with people of similar interests, please call the Centre at 445-1552.
Recollections of a
by David Tomlinson
Recently I joined the newly-formed Ontario Chapter of the American Rock Garden Society and at the monthly meeting at the Civic Garden Centre I saw some excellent slides of British rock gardens which reminded me of the enjoyable time I spent working as a student gardener in the Alpine Department of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
I arrived at Kew, along with ten other prospective student gardeners, one beautiful October morning in 1957. On arrival we were directed to the store room, a low poorly lit shed which smelt of oil, tarred rope and other less recognizable substances. Here the storekeeper, who looked as if he had been at Kew since 1066, grudgingly issued each of us with a bone handled budding knife, a long navy blue apron with a large pocket in the front and a pair of wooden clogs
Student Gardener
with leather uppers which were the most comfortable gardening footwear I 've ever worn. Then fully equipped we were directed to various departments where we would spend the next six months. I, together with five other students, duly reported to Mr. Preston, the curator of the Alpine Department.
The next six weeks we spent in the time-honoured way, hand weeding the extensive rock garden, a never ending task. Armed with a wooden trug basket & a hand fork we were each turned loose on a section. Now you can imagine how tentatively I approached the task having never worked on a rock garden in my life. At my feet were several hundred new and valuable plants, most of which to my untutored eyes looked remarkably like weeds. So I started by pulling up a few easily recognized weeds such as chickweed, groundsel and the ubiquitous dandellion. I was beginning to feel quite
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proud of my efforts, when along came Alan Cooke, the foreman, who promptly pointed out that I was only doing half a job, directing my attention to several clumps of Allium neapolitanum which I, recognizing as a garden plant had carefully weeded around, Get rid of them he told me, don t leave any behind . An instruction which I quickly learned was easier said than done. I don t know if you have ever tried to eradicate this quite beautiful plant but it s
Allium neapolitanum
very nearly impossible. You have to carefully dig them up with a hand fork making sure that you do not shake the soil round them, as the least movement and the bulbs promptly disintegrate into several small bulbuls, which fall onto the gritty, sandy soil and immediately become invisible. If you don t persevere and search out every one they quickly form new clumps. So the first really valuable lesson I learned about rock gardening was not to put in plants which once established are difficult to erradicate.
Each year a section of the rock garden was rebuilt, the intention being to gradually replace the smooth rounded unnatural looking limestone rocks which were laid in Victorian times with more natural looking roughly rectangular blocks of sandstone. So as soon as the weather became too cold for the weeds to grow we were moved off weeding onto rock garden construction. To move the rocks we were given a little mobile crane which if attached to a rock which weighed over a ton would slowly tilt down until the top of the jib was resting on the top of
the rock and the counter weight, a large block of concrete, and the back wheels were stuck up in the air. This was the signal for every student to jump onto the back of the crane until our combined weight succeeded in raising the rock and putting the back wheels on the ground. We would then move slowly away from the heap with the crane swinging wildly up and down like a ship in a tempest.
During the coldest part of the year we gradually constructed a long deep gulley, which was about five foot deep at the lowest end. All the rocks were carefully placed to emulate natural rock formations. Sometimes it would take several hours of manoeuvring or several rocks would be tried and rejected before we were all satisfied with the location and relationship of the rocks. Each rock was tilted back slightly to catch the rain and direct it to the roots of the alpine plants which would be planted in the crevices. The rocks were carefully backfilled with a gravelly soil mixture which was worked under and between the rocks, then firmly compacted. We must have done quite a good job as in my last visit to Kew the section which I helped to build was still standing and the plants were growing well.
If it rained we were allowed to work under cover either in the Alpine House sorting seeds or the more dreaded pastime of mixing the soil for the rock garden which eventually consisted of a a pile of gravel, sand, peat and topsoil, which to me looked as big as a small house. This had to be turned three times by hand using a shovel. Kew at that time was better known for the muscle power of it s students, than for it s use of modern soil shredding and mixing equipment.
Alternatively we would work in the potting shed potting up alpine plants, or more frequently before Christmas, we would all work on cleaning and sorting the seed which would eventcont.
Recollections of a Student Gardener
ually be distributed all over the world as part of the seed exchange programe.
It is amazing how quickly you learned to distinguish one seed from another and to select the generas which were easiest to clean. Species with large seed, or with seed in easily broken capsules, or seed which separates easily were quickly dealt with. Seeds which had little parachutes attached like dandelions were avoided as these had to be emptied into a paper and then be carefully rubbed to separate the parachute from the seed, then you had to blow gently over them to clear the parachutes from the seed. If you have not rubbed the seed enough or were not paying sufficient attention, then the results could be disastrous and there would be a mad scramble to catch the seed before it floated out of the ventilators.
After Christmas the Alpine House was cleaned and prepared ready for the alpine plants. These were grown in pots and pans through the summer in
cold frames and in early January they were moved in batches into the Alpine House. It was amazing how quickly the lifeless looking pots of shrivelled vegetation became covered with the most exquisite, delicate and often sweetly scented little flowers. Tiny specie Cyclamen with flowers no larger than a fingernail, miniature Crocus and Narcissus, Saxifrages, Anemones, Primulas, Fritillaria, Snowdrops (Galanthus), Alliums, Dogstooth Violets (Erythrorium), Ramonda, Sempervivum, Shortia to name a few.
I cannot understand why alpine houses are not more popular with the greenhouse hobbyist as many alpines are comparatively easy to grow. They require cool growing conditions so only the minimum heat is required to keep the house temperatures above freezing, a good saving in fuel costs, and providing you grow a good variety of plants they give a splendid succession of flower from January to April.
To be continued in October Trellis.
The CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE FALL 1985
WORKSHOPS AND COURSES
4053 LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Registration deadline Sept. 7
2 week course on WEDNESDAYS, SEPT. 18th and 25th, 1985
TIME: 7:30 pm. Instructor: George Cumming
FEE: $10.00 mem. $15.00 non-mem.
First week An overview of the basic principles of landscape design directed toward the homeowner. A discussion (with slides) on using plant materials indigenous to the local area and proper use of paving, walls, steps, fences, etc. as complements to the landscape.
Second week An illustrated lecture outlining the elements of design (including form, colour and texture) using various plants to create year-long interest in the garden.
4050 BASIC INDOOR PLANT GROWING
Registration deadline Sept. 14
5 week course on SATURDAYS, SEPT. 21,28, OCT. 5, (skip 12), 19,26, 1985
TIME: 10 a.m.to 12 noon
FEE: $25.00 mem. $30.00 non-mem.
Instructor: Hal Price
SEPT. 21 - Growing Conditions
> 28 - Ten easily grown houseplants
Oct. 5 - African Violets and their relatives
» 19 - Gardening Under Lights and forcing bulbs
» 26 - Terrariums and Propagation
4056
GROWING SPRING FLOWERING BULBS
Registration deadline Sept. 21
One day course on SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1985
TIME: 2 p.m.to5 p.m. Instructor: Gordon Wick
FEE: $6.00 members $10.00 non-mem.
The lecture will cover Minor Bulbs to welcome an early spring as well as Planting bulbs for longer seasonal bloom
4044
TREE & BUSH FRUIT FOR THE GARDEN
Registration deadline Oct. 5
3 week course on THURS. OCT. 17, 24, (skip 31 Cornucopia), & NOV. 7,1985
TIME: 7:30 p.m.
Instructor: Wes Porter
FEE: $15.00 mem. $20.00 non-mem.
The course will cover Suitable Cultivars for Metro Toronto and vicinity along -vith the planting, pruning, fertilizing, pest and disease control and harvesting of apples, pears, plums, cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, nuts, currants, gooseberries, raspberries, strawberries and blueberries.
Since modern selections take up a space of less than 10 feet in diameter, almost any garden can have at least two fruit trees, plus bush fruit. )
Name (Print) Membership & Phone No.
PLEASE REGISTER ME FOR THE FOLLOWING EVENTS CLASS NO. COURSE OR WORKSHOP TIME FEE
I would like to take advantage of reduced rates offered members and enclose $10. for my annual fee (add $2.50 for each additional family member $.................c.c..
Credit Card Users Only Fees are not refundable after the registration deadline.
As classes are limited - Bookings are made as received with fee and are > subject to cancellation if not sufficient registration by deadline.
4045 BASIC FLOWER ARRANGING
Registration deadline Oct. 5
5 week course on THURSDAYS, OCT. 17,24 (skip 31), NOV. 7,14,21,1985
TIME: 9:45 morning, 1:30 afternoon and R o.m. evening
FEE: $30.00 members $35.00 non-mem. NOTE; Geared to Xmas designs.
Particulars: Please Bring to the First Class
. Small low container about 10" in diameter (oblong or round)
2. Small pincup or holder
3. 5 or 7 blooms (some to be in bud) also a few leaves of foliage 4. 2 or 3 slender branches, beauty of line NO SHORTER THAN 18" 5 F . Sharp knife or garden snips & carton to carry home finished arrangement lower Arranging Equipment Available for Purchase at the Civic Garden Centre
4047 INTERMEDIATE FLOWER ARRANGING
Registration deadline Sept. 14
3 week course on WEDNESDAYS, SEPT. 25, OCT. 2 & 9th, 1985
TIME: 1:30 p.m. afternoons or 8:00 evening
FEE: $20.00 mem. $25.00 non-mem.
The first week will be on bases & accessories, Oct. 2 on candles and Oct. 9th on fruits and vegetables in time for a Thanksgiving arrangement.
Particulars: Please bring to the First Class
Container of your choice with a suitable base and accessories as well as Items No. 2,3,4 and 5 above.
4059 BASIC SOGETSU IKEBANA FLOWER ARRANGING
Registration deadline Sept. 7
8 week course on MON. - SEPT. 16,23,30,0ct.7,(skip 14),21,28,Nov.4, & 11th
TIME: 10a.m. Instructor: Ada Smith
FEE: $40.00 mem. $45.00 non-mem. Bring notebook and pencil
FIRST DAY - A lecture & demonstration & what to bring for the second week
FLOWER ARRANGING COURSES
4046 BEGINNERS IKENOBO IKEBANA FLOWER ARRANGING / Registration deadline Oct. 5
3 week workshop on WEDNESDAYS OCT. 16, 23 and 30th, 1985
TIME: 10 a.m.to 3 p.m.
Instructor: Mrs. Kadoguchi & Ella Irving
FEE: $30.00 members $35.00 non-mem. Please bring a lunch
First Day - Moribana and Nageire
Please Bring
1. Cylinder type container - Not Glass - as well as a flat typeavailable at the Trellis Shop
2. Pinholder, heavy
3. Clippers
Flowers & branches for this course will be provided at approx. $2.50 per day
4043 INTERMEDIATE III IKENOBO IKEBANA FLOWER ARRANGING
Registration deadline Oct. 26
3 week workshop on WEDNESDAYS NOV. 6, 13 and 20th, 1985
TIME: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Instructors: Mrs. Kadoguchi & Ella Irving
FEE: $30.00 mem. $35.00 non-mem.
First Day - Shoka Style - Morning Nishu-ike (2 species shoka) Afternoon - Sanshu-ike (3 species Shoka)
Please Bring -
1. Two containers of your choice (Japanese style & flat dish) Not a Cylinder
2. Two heavy pin holders
3. Clippers
4. Notebook and pencil.
NOTE: No.1,2,& 3 will be available at the Trellis Shop
Flowers & Branches for this course will be provided at approx. $2.50 per day
4041 DRIFTWOOD WORKSHOP
Registration deadline Oct. 12
Two day workshops on MONDAY OCT. 21st - Finishing driftwood pieces and TUESDAY OCT. 22nd - Making an arrangement in your driftwood
TIME: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Instructor: Joan Creighton
FEE: $20.00 mem. $25.00 non-mem. Please bring a lunch
PLEASE BRING:
FIRST DAY - smock or apron or wear old clothes and bring newspapers
Fine and medium sandpaper - plus assorted rasps and paint scrapers
Your own Driftwood - if you wish to purchase call the office 445-1552
SECOND DAY - Dried flowers, treated leaves, etc. to make an arrangment in your driftwood.
4042 BRIDAL BOUQUET CORSAGE WORKSHOP
Registration deadline Sept. 28
One day workshop on THURSDAY, OCT. 10th, 1985
TIME: 10 a.m.to 3 p.m. Instructor: Anne Wilson
FEE: $10.00 mem. $15.00 non-mem. Please bring a lunch
This course is for students who have had both BASIC & INTERMEDIATE workshops in Corsage with Anne Wilson
Please Bring:
1. Sharp knife (pen or paring, wire cutters, eye brow pluckers, notebook
2. Garden snips and Flora tape (available at Centre)
3. Kits including required number of corsage pins, bags, wire and ribbon have been prepared and are available to applicants at the Class.
4. Flowers and foliage to be used also available. Please purchase at class
m/ THE CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE
777 Lawrence Ave. East, (At Leslie), Don Mills, Ont. M3C 1P2
Telephone (416) 445-1552
4048 DRIED MATERIAL IN FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS
Registration deadline Oct. 19
One day workshop on MONDAY, OCT. 28, 1985
TIME: 10a.m.to 3 p.m. Instructor: Betty Ewens
FEE: $10.00 members $15.00 non-mem. Please bring a lunch
Please Bring:
1. Cylinder type container plus any container you might like to use Also containers to do miniature arrangements in
2. Pin holder for flat containers, sand & oasis for cylinder type
3. Your dried material both flowers and leaves that you have prepared over the summer.
4055
RUG HOOKING
Registration deadline Sept. 14
8 week course on FRIDAYS, SEPT. 27, OCT. 4, 11, 18, 25, (skip Nov. 1 for Cornucopia) NOV. 8, 15 and 22, 1985
TIME: 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. Instructor: Clarke Sherbo
FEE: $40.00 members $45.00 non-mem. Please bring a lunch Advanced students please call Mrs. Sherbo 782-3178 regarding patterns.
4057
CHINESE BRUSH PAINTING
Registration deadline Sept. 21
10 week course on MONDAYS, SEPT. 30, OCT. 7 (skip 14), 21, 28, (skip Nov. 4 Cornucopia), 11,18,25, DEC. 2,9 and 16, 1985
TIME: 10 a.m. for BEGINNERS and 1:30 p.m. for INTERMEDIATES
FEE: $60.00 me. $65.non-mem. Instructors: Moira Mudie & Pattie Snell
This course is for beginners and for those wishing to improve their watercolour brush technique. PLEASE BRING
Students please come prepared with a large newsprint pad, two containers for water and some paper towels. Basic supplies available for purchase at the first class and a list of sources where supplies can be found will be handed out.
4052
BOTANICAL DRAWING & PAINTING
Registration deadline Sept. 21
8 week course on TUESDAYS, OCT. 1,8,15,22,29, NOV. 5,12,19, 1985
TIME: ADVANCED STUDENTS 9:30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.
BEGINNER i Lpmiiiic4-pm.
FEE: $65.00 mem. $70 non-mem. Instructor: Homer Moelchert
Instruction in the elements of drawing and watercolour painting are covered in this course. Focusing on living plant materials, the course is structured around particular exercises and media much as in a figure drawing class. Because there is an emphasis on individual instruction students will be able to work at their own level.
PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR COURSES & WORKSHOPS
Please use the form provided and mail proper remittance or register in person
Please Note: Fees are not refundable after registration deadline date.
The Trellis Shop
by Jackie Brisby, Shop Manager
The Trellis Shop is located on the lower floor of the Civic Garden Centre and is really four shops in one. The book shop houses one of the most comprehensive selections of horticultural books in the country and our staff are always willing to order books not on the shelves. New Flower Arranging books, as well, are ordered in as soon as they are available.
The Gift Shop sells good quality distinctive products which compliment the tastes of our members, gardeners, flower arrangers and nature lovers.
Included among our merchandise is one of our specialty gift items, the lovely Pimpernal place mats from England. These mats and coasters have a unique acrylic coating that is extremely resistant to food stains and come in a vast range of designs to fit every taste and. decor. Mats are available in two styles, rectangular and round, and in a selection of sizes.
These mats are also available with a melamine coating that can resist heat up to 150 deg. We stock a full range of these mats at competitive prices and supply a one day service for special orders. New, is Pimpernal s series of round place mats in seven different floral patterns.
Included, also, in the shop is a wide selection of jardinieres, plain and :%
Specializes in dried and silk flower arrangements.
Arrangements for sale in The Trellis Shop
patterned pots, baskets and other planters for indoor and outdoor gardening.
Our floral department has every item required by flower arrangers including heavy lead pinholders from the U.S. and England, Ikebana shears from Japan, oasis, bases and mosses for covering mechanics.
The garden section is well stocked with soils, fertilizers and pesticides for garden and house plants, as well as a few select small tools. Included among these are the Ratchet Cut Mini-Lopper at $49.50 and the Ratchet-Cut Hand Pruning Shear (the very popular sell-out item at the Spring Flower Show) at $17.95.
Arriving mid-September will be a large selection of Spring Flowering Bulbs. including the full range of minor bulbs described in our article on page 19 and many other types.
We urge our members to come early for the best selection.
-RATCHET-CUT® PRUNING - SHEAR With Sheath
REVOLUTIONARY SPACE AGE DESIGN
Featherweight Nylon Fiberglass Handles. Longest wearing martempered carbon steel knife edge blade. Cuts with ease up to %~ branches. Teflon S coated blade. No rust from sap or weather. Warm comfortable blister proof grip.
REPLACEMENT GUARANTEE
Return Pruner anytime with $6.50. Includes postage and handling.
Hindle s Hardware Box 8, Clarksbury
Volunteer Profile
Happy Birthday! Mr. Sweet Pea
This month, our friend Neville Holmes is celebrating his 75th birthday. Now, I don t usually make a point of talking ages, but Neville and Lilian Holmes took up the challenge of initiating the Centre s first ever sweet pea show in the true spirit of volunteerism. They both put in many advance hours contacting potential exhibitors, distributing publicity posters, preparing non-competitive display materials and in Neville s case growing the approximately 300 stems of sweet peas he donated for the design class entries plus at least that many more stems which were sold to raise money to offset the Centre s costs in sponsoring the show.
As our part-time horticulturist, Hal Price, put it: this first show was such a success because Lilian and Neville were able to call in some markers from people who are members of many organizations who had been recipients of the Holmes generous sharing of their talents. Several of the novice entrants were recruited from the CGC s recent basic flower arranging classes taught by Lilian .
As you may know, we had been publicizing the upcoming show at the Centre for about 6 weeks and using Neville s exquisite blooms, Lilian made up at least two large bowls of sweet peas for our front reception desk every week.
Lilian has been a regular contributor of floral designs for our front lobby; whenever she has been exhibiting at shows, teaching classes or just because flowers were plentiful. We also had a magnificent bowl for our exhibit at the Gesneriad Society convention and Lilian and Neville mounted & manned an outstanding educational exhibit at the 3 day Milne House Show.
The Holmes also had their garden on the Scarborough Horticultural Society Garden tour the week before the Centre s show. Neville is the author of our Growing and Creating folder on Sweet Peas and he always takes a small supply of folders when he and/or Lilian are asked to speak at outlying clubs. The donations given for the folders at such events have enabled us to keep reprinting this very popular booklet. Neville spends the time to answer individual questions personally and has truly been the driving force in making gardeners in Southern Ontario realize that the sweet pea can be grown exceptionally well here. The publicity Neville has given this flower at previous events such as the Garden Festival have gone a long way to spread the word about this favorite flower but Lilian and Neville are just as enthusiastic in their promotion of the Civic Garden Centre and we salute them both for their dedication in promoting gardening and the floral arts.
WONDERLAND OF BULBS
Send $1.00 for our new catalogues, refundable on first order.
The multitude of rare and interesting bulbs listed, over 700 varieties, many difficult to obtain elsewhere, will prove to be a revelation. By far the most complete bulb catalogue in Canada.
C. A. CRUICKSHANK LTD.
Since 1925
Canada' s Leading Bulb Specialists
1015 Mount Pleasant Road Toronto M4P 2M1 488-8292
You are invited to join us for the following Civic Garden Centre Members Program Meetings
A PERENNIAL GARDEN
a slide presentation by David Tomlinson
wepNespAY SEPT. 18 7:30pm.
in the Dunington Grubb Floral Hall
The Civic Garden Centre is pleased to announce the 3rd Annual R. E. Edwards Memorial
ROY LANCASTER - Famous plant collector and gardening writer
tHURSDAY QOCT. 10 7:30pm.
GREAT GARDENING CONFERENCE
NOVEMBER 15, 16, 17, 1985
Trellis readers had first chance to sign up for this once in a lifetime occasion; but there is still room so HURRY HURRY HURRY
Send you cheque to CGC now. Members $75. Non-members $85. for the 2 days Saturday 9:30 to 4:30 and Sunday 9:30 to 4:30. If you would like to attend one or both dinners Friday at the Bayview Country Club, Saturday at the Toronto Cricket, Skating & Curling Club please enclose a further $25. for each dinner.
One programme change will bring John Brookes from U.K. to be the speaker at the dinner on Saturday evening November 16th.
The speakers from England, the United States and Canada are sure to be provocative and stimulating.
Pine Ridge Nurseries
Home ofall yourgardening needs SPECIALIZING in:
e Geraniums over 200 varieties (zonal, novelties, regals, ivies, scented, fancy leaved)
e Herbs
® Perennials
® Annuals
®Tropicals
® Trees and Shrubs
® Roses
® Evergreens
We care about yourgardening problems. Come andsee us at our unique Garden Centre and Greenhouses. =4
GARDENING NOTEBOOK
By Ruta Stancikas
SEPTEMBER
The menth of September brings with it cooler weather and visibly shorter days. It s time to give thought to the inevitable closing down of the garden and the winter months to come. Work to be done this month includes cleaning up the rock gardens; dividing and transplanting plants, shrubs and trees and towards the end of the month planting early flowering spring bulbs such as snowdrops and daffodils.
GARDEN FLOWERS
Although most annuals are on their gradual way out, there is still plenty of garden colour to enjoy from dahlias, autumn flowering asters & chrysanthemums to name but a few. Remember to remove deadheads from dahlias to keep them in bloom.
Towards the end of the month when the foliage of gladioli begins to yellow, dig the corms, clean and store.
Daylilies require division every five years. If all you got this summer was a mass of foliage and few blooms you can be certain it s time to divide, and this is the month to do so.
Any new beds and borders planned for next summer should be dug and prepared this month. Bulbs of the narcissus family should be planted the end of this month and by the end of September tulip planting time begins, running through to mid October.
The
"
You ll find there s thousands of varieties to choose from different heights, colours and blooming times. If you re a smart gardener you ll buy your bulbs as soon as they re available if you want to take advantage of the vast choice.
VEGETABLES AND FRUIT
The harvesting of fruits and vegetables continues this month. Carrots left in the ground much past the middle of the month will split if not dug up. Wait until the frost has killed the vines of pumpkins and squash before picking. The last of the tomatoes should be picked by mid-month to avoid damage by an early snap frost. Planting of any new strawberry beds should be completed by the end of this month.
TREES AND SHRUBS
Any planned evergreen transplanting should be done this month to give them a chance to settle their roots in frost-free ground.
LAWN
Keep mowing that lawn! It s still growing and should be given its fall feeding the beginning of the month as well. This is a good month to seed bare patches or sow new lawns with the cooler weather and more frequent rains seedlings will be up in a snap.
@ountry Squires Garden
PERENNIAL PLANT SPECIALISTS
Steeles Ave. W. (2 miles west of Highway 10) R.R. 10 Brampton L6V 3N2
Knowledgeable staff
Open 7 days a week from April 13 Oct. 19
Over 2000 different hardy plants, alpines, dwarf conifers and shrubs, Hardy ferns, vines, groundcovers and native wildflowers
Send $1. for a plant list by mail to above address
INDOORS
Start bringing your houseplants back indoors, but first check for spider mites and mealy bugs. If you discover these pests then spray and keep the plants isolated for a few days to be sure you ve gotten rid of them all.
For a splash of colour throughout the winter start forcing bulbs of paperwhites and Soleil d Or narcissus bulbs at intervals between now & December.
IN THE LIBRARY
BOOK REVIEWS
by Pamela MacKenzie, Librarian
Home Ground: a Gardener s Miscellany. Allen Lacy. Farrar Strolus Giroux, 1984.
Allen Lacy writes a gardening column in the Wall Street Journal and is a frequent contributer to Horticulture. Many of his articles are reprinted here. He is an enthusiastic and knowledgeable amateur gardener, and is always entertaining, whether about his successes or failures, likes or dislikes.
The Language of the Garden: a Personal Anthology. Anne Scott-James. Viking, 1984.
This is a delight. Anne Scott-James has chosen, with her own witty introductions, quotations from a great variety of writers. She begins with Tennyson s Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal and gives the last word to Voltaire s Candide; We must cultivate our garden . In between, there are more than two hundred pages of all kinds of quotations from all kinds of writers. Look at page 86 for a novel solution to the earwig problem, or at Nancy Mitford s catty description of the garden of a wealthy parvenu.
These bulbs are usually available by the end of the month.
Pot up a supply of basil, parsley and chives and keep them on a sunny windowsill for a continuous fresh supply.
Cut some babysbreath that are in full bloom and dry for indoor winter decoration.
Ruta Stancikas is a Toronto journalist.
GREAT GARDENING CONFERENCE
NOVEMBER 15, 16,17, 1985
All Floral Societies and User Groups of the Centre who have been asked to place an exhibit in the Conference please contact Hazel Lyonde (445-0942) as soon as possible.
X
PERSONAL GARDENS S
o Creative Garden Design Construction & Consultation
o Balcony & Small Space Specialist
o Waterfalls, Paths & Decks in Natural Garden Settings
o Pruning and Garden Maintenance
For Photographic Portfolio and estimate call423-7900
CONFESSIONS OF A CATALOGUE ADDICT
by J. Punnett
I live for horticultural catalogues. Bulb catalogues, seed catalogues, nursery catalogues, plain or illustrated, I 'm hooked every time. There s the thrill of anticipation on finding in my mail-box a bulky envelope bearing the name of a grower, followed by the pleasure of browsing through the booklet and finding new, untried delights. Winter is the best season for reading catalogues. Wonderful gardens, complete with tree-shaded lawns and overflowing flowerbeds are created effortlessly in the imagination after a few hours of catalogue ingestion.
Knowing that the garden in reality will never match the mental picture does not deter me. I spend days making plant lists, consulting gardening encyclopaedias and drawing hopelessly out-of-scale plans before filling-in order forms with painstaking clarity or embarking on thorough searches in neighbourhood garden centres.
Usually, by the time the plants, bulbs and seeds have materialized I have mislaid my plans and forgotten the color scheme.
Especially deserving of attention are catalogues with not too many pictures and lots of botanical names. More difficult to unravel, they nevertheless hold many rarities. Entreated by one catalogue to try the hardy Gladiolus byzantinus, 1 was rewarded with a patch of charmingly dainty, reddishpurple flowers from Fall-planted bulbs. Intrigued by another s description of Muscari Plumosum , the Feather Hyacinth, 1 gained a clump of purple frothiness that was curious to behold and drew neighbours to investigate.
Over the years I have come to the conclusion that the color of the catalogue illustration is almost never
true to life. I 'm sure that this is not the fault of the catalogue senders, whose interests are not served by deception. They are at the mercy of the photographic and printing processes, while the picture may be of a greenhouse-grown bloom never exposed to sun and wind. At times, the varience in color is so severe as to lead me to suspect that I have purchased the wrong variety. An accurate written description is invaluable.
There are some catalogues, from wellknown Canadian companies, that get me foaming with indignation. My gripe is that they totally ignore botanical plant names and assume the reader knows the North American name of the plant. There must be millions of people in Ontario who do not know what Canadian Holly is, but if they were given the botanical name, which turns out to be Mahonia, they could
look the plant up in a gardening book printed anywhere in the world. A slightly lesser complaint is aimed at nurserymen who insist on using old botanical names that were revised and corrected years ago. I urge them to update their catalogues before they give their age away.
Despite their shortcomings, most catalogues make wonderful reading. I would like to thank the people who spend considerable portions of their lives compiling catalogues and making them into the interesting and often instructive booklets we receive. Anyone wishing to indulge in catalogue reading should visit the Civic Garden Centre s library and ask to see their extensive collection.
MINOR BULBS Make a major difference
by Gordon D. Wick
The so-called Minor Bulbs are the harbinger s of an early spring. Best planted in medium size clusters (say 10 to 20 bulbs ea.) the effect of the small bulbs is best appreciated close up; so plant near walkways, or at frequently used entrances. Since they bloom very early, the minor bulbs should also be planted earlier in the fall (as soon as they become available for sale) to allow time for a full root system to be established.
One of the earliest flowers is the Winter Aconite or Eranthis. A hardy little plant grown from tubers, it sports a bright yellow bloom just 5 to 8 cm (2-3 ) above ground level above a distinctive dark green foliage rosette. Eranthis are followed in rapid succession by the species crocus, which are actually corms, available in a diverse
flowered Iris reticulata will often be caught by a late spring snowfall as will the aptly named Snowdrops Galanthus announce the rewakening of the growing season in many a garden. Also available in a double flwd. cultivar.
Other minor bulbs to look for include the upfacing Chionodoxa, the more common Scilla Siberica and a whole new range of miniature and species narcissus and tulips. Interest is climbing also in the range of Alliums now available; including early, mid-season and late blooming types.
Other mid-season minor bulbs include the bluebell family or Scilla Campanulata which are now available in solid colours of blue, pink or white as well as the traditional mix.
The grape hyacinths or Muscari are available in several types including an extra large blue, a small delicate colour mix. The yellow and blue white and a frilly dbl. flowered type.
CRAFTAND W NURSERIES
Growers and distributors of quality garden plants and craft products NOW 10 beautiful garden stores to serve you
Bulk Ennombre third troisieme class classe
S 12139 TORONTO
CIVIC " % President Mrs. Camilla Dalglish
% 1st Vice - President Mr. Donald McLaren GARDEN
CENTRE
Board of Directors:
% 2nd Vice - President Mr. Brian Bixley
* Secretary - Mr. Gordon D. Wick
* Treasurer v Mr. Charles Coffey
* Executive Committee
For 1985: Mr. Brian Bixley, Mr. Charles Coffey, Mrs. Rae Fowler, # Mr. Peter Hand, Mrs. Hazel Lyonde, Mr. Howard Stensson, Mr. Monte Watler.
For 1985, & 1986: Mr. Art Drysdale, Mr. Albert Fisher, Mrs. Sue Macaulay, Mrs. Katie May McCarthy, Mr. Donald G. McLaren, Mr. David Tomlinson, Mr. Harold Wakefield.
For 1985, 1986, & 1987: Mr. Wm. R. Aimers, Mrs. Camilla Dalglish, Mrs. Margaret Elliott, Mr. Andrew Osyany, Mrs. June Punnett, Mr. Robert Saunders, Mr. Peter Thomas, Mr. Robert G. Bundy.
Receipts issued for'tax deductions for all but the basic annual ! At the Civic Garde $10. members fee (Charitable Registration No.0228114-56-13) | Centre you ll i)e axonz _________________________ friends, people who THE CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE, : share the ;mg interests 777 LAWRENCE AVENUE EAST (at Leslie), ' you do in gardening Don Mills, Ontario M3C 1P2 | & horticultural things. I | As a member, you enBasic Annual membership $10.00 i joy free borrowing privileges from our Hort. Additional family member 2.50 o e stelibrary s 5,000 bookss
Name t On regular priced mer| chandise over $2. you Other Categories by annual subscription: | save 10% in our Shop.
Sustaining Member
$35.00 or more ST Lt i I You earn a (}iscoun cd Contributing Member $50.00 or more o | registration fee when Supporting Member SO0 60 biris S5 B enrolling in our classes.
Donation to the Civic Garden Centre e bzrergfuege letytg wfg ; times per year.
I wish to become a member of the Civic Garden Centre in | the category marked. Renewal[ ] | The Basic membership 7 fee alone cannot meet Enclosed is my cheque for $..................made out to the | our total operating Civic Garden Centre. | costs. If you share our Please send my Trellis Newsletter to the following: | commitment to promoting horticulture, we Names baniiaR R O SleIR I ask you to consider | other membership cate-
Address.<.lDAY L e S N T ST AR B Rt | gories, which include tax deductible donatBostalid CodeilPHONE L S s L i oni I ions.