White Rose
CRAFTS AND NURSERIES
HARDY NORTHERN GROWN ROSES
All Canadian Selection
Northern Lights J. A. MacDonald Jacques Cartier and exclusive Exhibition Roses.
Uxbridge Rose Farm open to the public from July 15th to September 15th.
FREE CATALOGUE on request
All the new All American varieties plus proven favourites from famous hybridizers.
FREE- CATALOGUE on request
CREATIVE CRAFT
The widest Canadian selection of all favourite creative crafts. Florist supplies Candlemaking Decoupage Macrame etc.
FREE CATALOGUE on request
NEW ETOBICOKE LOCATION
Under construction now located on north side of Queensway just east of 427. Planned opening
April 18 to late October, 1974
Vienna International Garden Show, six miles from centre of Vienna, Austria. Contact: the Civic Garden Centre.
May 21-24, 1974
Chelsea Flower Show, sponsored by the Royal Horticultural Society, at Chelsea Royal Hospital Grounds, London, England. Contact: the Civic Garden Centre.
May 25-26, 1974
International Lilac Society Convention, at Royal Botanical Gardens, Hamilton, Ontario. Contact: the gardens at (416) 527-1158.
June 12-14, 1974
Ontario Horticultural Association Convention, at Sheraton Brock Hotel, Niagara Falls, Ontario. Contact: Mr. R. F. Gomme (416) 965-1091.
June 14-16, 1974
American Peony Society Exhibition, at Royal Botanical Gardens, Hamilton, Ontario. Contact: the gardens at (416) 527-1158.
June 23, 1974
Canadian Rose Show, sponsored by the Canadian Rose Society, at the Inn on the Park, Eglinton Avenue East and Leslie. Don Mills, Ontario. Contact: Jack Blair (416) 444-9126.
July 9-17, 1974
Danish Gardens Seminar, at various sites in Denmark, including Funen, the garden of Denmark. Contact: the Civic Garden Centre.
July 13-17, 1974
American Association of Nurserymen Convention, at Four Seasons Sheraton Hotel, Toronto. Contact: Mr. H. H. Stensson (416) 822-4841.
Coming Events of notable Gardening and Floral Arts Interest
September 7-8, 1974
District Five Flower Show, sponsored by the 22 horticultural societies of district five, Ontario Horticultural Association, at Stouffville Arena, Stoufiville, Ontario. Contact: (416) 282-8728.
FLORICULTURAL TOUR
BANFF,VICTORIAV:NCOUVER,
Including Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Quarry Garden and World Famous Butchart Gardens near Victoria.
Eight days and Seven nights
Three departures: May 11 May 18 and May 25
All inclusive cost from Toronto, only $339 includes option to extend stay on west coast at no extra cost, For full details write or
Coming International Events, 3; School of Floral Decoration, 10; Gardening Events Calendar, 12; Library, 14; Shop, 15; and Milne House Garden Club, 19.
Other Notes of Interest This Month
Get Ahead of Insects by applying Dormant Spray, 11; and Finally, a Cure for the ravaging Dutch Elm Disease, 19.
The Front
Cover
Metropolitan Toronto Parks Commissioner Tommy Thompson leads a group during 1972 Gardeners Weekend. Story on page 21. Photo by Art C. Drysdale.
Civic
Garden Centre Board of Directors
Mrs. K. G. (Audrey) Allman; R. H. (Roy) Bainard; I. A. (Irv) Bailey; Mrs. J. H. (Betty) Billes; J. (Jack) Blair; G. R. (George) Blais; J. E. (John) Bradshaw; Mrs. D. P. (Elizabeth) Bryce; G. P. (Geoff) Clarkson (Chairman); E. A. (Ed) Endersby; G. A. (Gib) Milne; E. R. (Ernie) Pope; Mrs. E. (Flavia) Redelmeier; Mrs. F. W. (Genevieve) Robertson; L. C. (Larry) Sherk; T. W. (Tom) Thompson; Mrs. J. R. M. (Lois) Wilson; D. H. (Dave) Yerex.
Staff for Civic Garden Centre and Trellis
J. C. (Jim) Boyd, Executive Director; A. C. (Art) Drysdale, Associate Director and Editor; Mrs. J. W. (Awdrey) Clarke, Executive Secretary.
General Information
N Trellis is published monthly (except July and August) by the Civic Garden Centre, 777 Lawrence Avenue East, Don Mills, Ontario, M3C 1P2. The Centre is located in Edwards Gardens, at Leslie Street and Lawrence Avenue East, the geographical centre of Metropolitan Toronto. It is a non-profit gardening and floral arts information organization with open membership. Subscriptions to Trellis are only available through Centre membership ($5 for 12 months). Opinions expressed within do not necessarily reflect those of the Centre. This is Volume 1, Number 3.
£ Garden Centre
THE CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE Telephone 445-1552
What it is
« A non-profit gardening and floral arts centre for the dissemination of information to amateur gardeners and flower-arrangers
An open membership body with over 2,000 keen gardener-members (from rank amateurs to advanced professionals) who pay only $5 for 12 months
« Home of six gardening clubs or groups with specific gardening interests
« Meeting place for specialized plant societies from Bonsai to Roses
» Home of some of the best flower arrangers in North America (quoted from U.S.A. author and editor, Helen Van PeltWilson)
What it does
« Operates Canada s most complete public horticultural library
« Responds to over3,000gardening questions annually
o Organizes, in both spring and autumn, garden talks and demonstrations on a wide variety of subjects and atdifferent levels
» Teaches non-commercial flower arranging at various levels to over 300 persons annually and encourages their competition
« Carries on an extensive flower-drying program to extend garden beauty through into the winter months economically
» Operates a Speakers Panel Bureau which brings panels of experts on various subjects to groups desirous ofan informative program
o Publishes information booklets on various subjects; e.g. Preserving Beautiful Flowers
« Stages two flower shows each year and hosts numerous others
What members receive ($5 annual fee)
o Ten issues peryear of Trellis
« Free borrowing privileges from the 3,000-volume library
« Ten per cent discount off all purchases of books and gardening and floral arts supplies bought from the Centre
« Opportunity to join one or more specialized member groups or clubs
« Discounts off all courses offered at the Centre
« Free admission to Members Nights held at leasttwice peryear
T77 Lawrence Ave. East (in Edwards Gardens), Don Mills, Ontario M3C 1P2
Trellis / 5
SATURDAYS beginning at 10 a.m.
SUNDAYS beginning at 8:10 a.m.
CFRBS 1010
FOUR STEPS TO BEAUTIFUL LAWN.
So-Green has developed an easy-to-follow, four step program that will guarantee you a beautiful lawn. Each step will be outlined in this publication during the coming months
STEP1:MARCH APRIL.
To get your lawn off fast Premium is available in 50, 25 healthy start, apply So- Grcon and 12'% Ib. bags. Apply at the rate Premium 21-7-7. This formula of 5 Ibs. per 1000 sq. ft contains all the nutrients a lawn 2 C'g%@é?SSbK' ef 'Sdagalgag'e in needs after the long Canadian an ags an OXes. winter 1% e Apply at the rate of 8 Ibs. per 1000 ; sq. ft
If you were troubled with For a free copy of the complete crabgrass last year, apply So- go.Green Four Step Program write Green Crabgrass Killer plus to the address below 10-5-10 fertilizer now. It will kill your crabgrass and feed your lawn at the same time.
So-Green Division, F. Manley Corporation,25LesmillRoad, DonMills, Ontario
/ March 1974
Variety is not the spice of life in many modern home gardens filled to the bursting point each summer with too liberal use of petunias, marigolds and zinnias. This is a shame when there are so many unusual and delightful flowers which are seldom grown.
An excellent example is the lovely bulb known variously as the zephyr lily. flower of the west wind. or rain lily. In botanical circles it goes by the rather imposing name of Zephyranthes. It is not a true lily, despite the attractive names, but rather a dainty amaryllis found growing wild from the southern United States down through Mexico and Guatemala to Peru. Argentina and Uruguay.
The trumpet-like flowers are borne in great profusion throughout the summer on slender graceful stems six to 12 inches tall. As with the larger amaryllis bulbs we force in the winter time, the leaves of the zephyr lily usually appear
Summer Bulbs will add Variety to a 1974 Garden
John Bradshaw*
after the blooms. The long-necked bulbs can be set in the ground in late April or early May and then lifted in the autumn before severe frost. They should be stored over winter in a dry cellar just as you would dahlias or gladiolus.
Plant in sunny locations at the front of the mixed flower border, foundation planting or in pockets in the rock garden. Zephyr lilies are also excellent for growing in six-inch clay or plastic pots placing six bulbs per pot. Using the pot method, the bulbs can be grown indoors, on the apartment balcony or patio, as well as out in the garden. Indoors they need to be located in the sunniest and lightest window or under fluorescent lights. For the apartment balcony or patio, the bulbs can be potted up as late as the second week of
Notice of Annual Meeting
Please take notice that an Annual Meeting of the members of the Civic Garden Centre will be held at 8:00 p.m. on April 16, 1974, at the Civic Garden Centre, 777 Lawrence Avenue East, Don Mills, Ontario, for the purpose of: 1) Considering and approving the annual accounts of the Centre (which are available for inspection at the Centre's office); 2) The election of Directors; 3) The appointment of an auditor; and 4) Such other business as may come before the
*Mr. Bradshaw is Canada' s best-known garden writer and broadcaster. His column appears weekly in the Toronto Sun, and his broadcast is heard each Saturday morning at 10:07 am over radio CFRB. meeting.
By Order of the Board of Directors Mrs. J. W. Clarke, Executive Secretary
May. For garden planting, bury the pots with the rims just below the surface of the soil in late April or early May.
In the fall. the pots may be easily moved to a dry cellar without disturbing the bulbs roots. Withhold water at this time. Once the leaves have turned yellow give the bulbs the required ten weeks rest period and they may then be started again indoors in your sunniest location or under fluorescent lights.
The grandiflora or carinata species was originally found growing in the Antilles, Mexico and Guatemala. Large and beautiful pink blooms three to four inches in length are borne on top of eight inch stems. Bulbs are almost as inexpensive as daffodils selling for less than $3 per dozen and this means they may be used freely.
Another fine fairy lily is citrina with delightful pale yellow blooms. Indoors, citrina will flower several times a year if given the ten weeks of dry rest period between flowerings. Still another one, candida, has pure white crocus-shaped blooms, bulrush-like foliage. and is a
IMPORTED HOLLAND BULBS FOR SPRING PLANTING
Tuberous Begonias, Dahlias, Gladiolus, Achimenes and many rare and unusual bulbs
C. A. CRUICKSHANK LTD.
Since 1925
Canada s Leading Bulb Specialists
prolific fall bloomer. Andersonni is rare, and more expensive than the others but results in the garden, on the patio or balcony. or indoors, are certainly worth the extra money. Copper coloured flowers are produced in profusion.
Last year in Holland I saw a new amaryllis for pot growing that I particularly liked. It is called the Scarborough or vallota lily. Large, brilliant red blooms four inches in diameter in clusters of six or seven appear in the early fall. The plants increase in size and will last for many years.
Montbretias are very much like gladiolus in the way they grow but they are much more slender and not nearly as stiff. Very exciting and decorative spikes of bloom in the most gorgeous reds, oranges and bronzes imaginable appear in August. They make out-of-the-ordinary flower arrangements.
The Earlham hybrids developed in England have blooms twice the size of the older kinds. Newest of these is Emily McKenzie , by far the best Montbretia so far introduced. Spikes carry large, flat blooms. These are a fine orange with reddish-brown flakes forming a ring around the orange-yellow centre. Lady Oxford is distinct and unusual with pale yellow blooms shaded peach-pink. His Majesty is a large redorange with a yellow centre. Marjorie has beautiful orange-yellow flowers carried on spikes growing three feet high.
Freesias are usually associated with England, and used for forcing winter blooms. I am happy to see that the new paradise freesias were developed for planting in the spring to provide summer blooms. Plant in May when the soil has reached 60 degrees and in a few short weeks you will be enjoying the unique beauty of these singularly effective bulbs so well-known for the unparalleled fragrance they bring to cutflower bouquets.
All of these bulbs should be ordered now from a specialist bulb dealer, since supply ofmany varieties will be short as usual.
Ifyou planned well ahead last fall, you might have the first crocus, iris or snowdrops blooming on the south side of your home by the time this bulletin reaches you.
If you are planning to grow all your own annual flowers from seed this year, you should by now have the slowergrowing ones started. Examples are: ageratum, petunia, impatiens, snapdragon, browallia and coleus. If you have not yet started, you should not delay with these. However, there is still plenty of time for the faster growing types such as marigold and zinnia, and for vegetables such as tomato and pepper. Use any container with drain holes and a depth of at least three inches. A 2:1:1 mixture of loam, peat moss and perlite provides a good germination bed; or you may leave out the soil, and use equal parts ofpeat moss and perlite, well mixed. In the latter case, a weekly feeding of a 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer is a must as soon as germination has taken place.
The Civic Garden Centre has a fine selection of plant propagators if you wish to purchase a unit that will last for many, many years and look attractive in your home for not too great an expenditure.
In sowing seeds, you may use either the row or broadcast systems. But, remember, fine seeds (such as petunia) need no covering, and the larger seeds should not be covered with any more of the medium than their diameter. Syringe the medium well, and keep at a temperature of 70 to 75 degrees, covering with plastic until germination. At this time remove the plastic, and protect from strong sun for three days.
Seeds, Cuttings and Tubers should be started Now
Deiter Maier*
Ifyou should happen to use vermiculite for your starting medium, be very careful with watering. Also keep in mind that seedlings tend to damp off easily if they are kept too moist and warm. Though most seeds do not require light to germinate, they must have good light once germination has occurred.
After the second set of leaves has appeared on the seedlings (the first set of true leaves) they should be transplanted into a 2:1:1 mixture as mentioned earlier. Again, protect from strong direct sun for three days. The plants may soon be exposed, on a gradual basis to cooler temperatures known as the hardening process. Plenty of sun at 60 to 65 degrees is just fine.
If you cannot obtain sterilized soil, and do not wish to sterilize some in your oven (at 180 degrees for 30 minutes), you may wish to obtain a fungicide to prevent damping-offdisease that kills young seedlings. Some of these are: captan, ferbam (both wettable powders) and No-damp (a liquid).
Cuttings may also be taken now with great success. In perlite, or peat and perlite, they will root in two or three weeks. Each three- or four-inch cutting should be taken just below a node (bump from which leaves emerge) on the stem. The rooting medium should be moist, and the cuttings inserted one inch deep. Before covering with plastic. the cuttings should be misted with a fine spray of water. In order to prevent rot and disease, it is best to dust the end of each cutting with captan fungicide. Leave the plastic on the cuttings for the (concluded on page 10)
*Mr. Maier is foreman in charge of Edwards Gardens, part of the regional parks system operated by the Metropolitan Toronto Parks Department.
The Garden Club of Toronto s annual Spring Flower and Garden Show always brings renewed interest in the floral arts particularly in flower arranging courses that are aimed specifically at the housewife who just wishes to be able to do good flower arrangements for her own home. Here, the Civic Garden Centre s school of floral decoration excels with its three levels of non-commercial flower arranging classes.
At present, two series of course number one (for beginners) are operating at the Centre (one in the afternoon and one in the evening), and one series of course number two (intermediate) is in progress. The next series of these two levels begin on April 24 (course one) and April 25 (course two) and will run for six successive Wednesdays and Thursdays (respectively). Cost for the beginners course isjust $12 plus a membership in the Centre (85, which includes ten issues of Trellis), and for the intermediate course $14.50 plus membership. Applications are accepted at the Centre (with fee) on a first come, first served basis, so if you wish to get up your flower arranging skills, now is the time to telephone 445-1552 and make a reservation.
Centre s School of Floral Decoration courses ideal for Amateurs
If you are unable to fit into the courses in April, both levels will be operated again beginning May 14 and May I5. Reservations for these are also being accepted now. In May as well, course three will also be operated for those who wish to go even further than the intermediate instruction given in course two. Course three, of four weeks duration, will be given in the afternoons, at 1:30 pm beginning May 14. Telephone your interest now.
Instructors for these courses are all experienced arrangers and teachers of non-commercial flower arranging. and persons whose names are always evident in Garden Club of Toronto Spring Flower Show classes. Included are Mrs. A. B. Meiklejohn for course three: Mrs. T. J. F. Ross for course two; and Mrs. F. W. Robertson and Mrs. H. L. Cantlon for course one.
Seeds, Cuttings and Tubers
(concludedfrom page 9)
rooting period, and little if any watering should be required. Keep the cuttings out of full sun.
Tuberous begonias should also be started now in flats or shallow pots of the peat-perlite mix. Be sure to place the tubers in the mix concave side up and only slightly (one-half inch) below the surface. Roots form from the surface as well as the base of the tubers. Keep the tubers warm and moist, but not wet. When the plants reach three inches in height, transplant them to individual five-inch pots using a coarse mixture of two parts leaf-mould, one part peat moss and one part perlite or sharp sand. They are heavy feeders and seem to like fish emulsion fertilizer.
Naturally, tuberous begonias prefer a semi-shaded area of the garden or balcony, and may be planted out pot and all. Remember to plant them with the points of the leaves in the direction you wish the flowers to face!
Get Ahead of Insects by applyingDormant Spray
Dormant spraying (before leaves appear) is the best way to stop many insects and diseases before they can do their damage. People who wait until the growing season is well underway before they begin to spray have missed the first opportunity to give a garden the protection program it needs for a healthy life. By spraying a non-toxic oil-based solution on trunks, stems and branches. you can stop spider mites, scale insects, aphids. powdery mildew and scab before they start a new reproductive cycle. The spray material acts as a smothering agent on the insect eggs. and its controlled use will not hurt the environment.
Early dormant spraying should be done in April when the temperature is above 40 degrees and there is little chance of a freeze soon after spraying. Most garden experts suggest a dormant spray for all plants including evergreens; however, be sure to consult your local garden centre for the type ofspray used on evergreens. They require special attention.
A high-pressure slide-type sprayer is ideal for dormant spray protection of trees as it will provide a long-range spray to reach to the tops of 20-foot trees. It forces the oil-based dormant spray into the crevices of the bark where insect eggs are located. In order to provide effective pest control. be sure to spray thoroughly the limbs and the trunk until the tree begins to drip.
For lower growing shrubs and bushes, a compressed air sprayer with a tank capacity ranging from 1% to four gallonsis suggested. And. for gardeners seeking the most versatile equipmenl. a small power sprayer. either gasoline or electrically driven, provides high pressure spraying with little effort and the same control as manual models.
Your local garden centre can answer questions you may have concerning the type of equipment to use, spray materials needed, and the identification of troublesome insects.
A little early planning and protection will bring rewards in the warmer months ahead as you enjoy pest-free plants, trees and shrubs around your home.
This slide-type sprayer has a range of 2025 feet and enables a homeowner to reach the tops of most trees easily with a nontoxic dormant oil spray before foliage appears.
Events in blue held at Civic Garden Centre; more data from the Centre (445-1552) unless a specific phone number given. All other events (in black) held elsewhere; for data call phone number given. All events begin at 8:00 pm unless otherwise stated.
Sun Mon Tues Wed
Garden talk Trees and ] Men s Garden Club regular 2
Abbreviations used as follows: H. = Horticultural; S. = Society; and G.C. = Garden Club. Note: Civic Garder Centre Shop and Library open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday, plus additional hours listed below.
Library open 7 to 9:00 pm Library open 7 to 9:00 pm
Garden talk F Shrubs are the Major monthly meeting Small Fruits frc Ingredient of all Gardenwill sa\ Landscaping Mr. Larry Sherk. Money Mr. 1:30 and 8:00 pm Khatamian. 1:3
Etobicoke H.S,
Library open 7
Southern OntarioOrchid S. 7 Garden talk How to 8 Highrise Gardeners of 9 Unionville H.S. at 1:00 pm (759-1439) Preservethe Beautyof Your Toronto Mr. George
Libraryopen 1 to 5:00 pm Flower Garden all Next Summer Mrs. Kathy Cantlon. 8:00 pm only Toronto Bonsai S. (782-2403)
14
Libraryopen 1 to 5:00 pm
Gardeners Weekend 2 ] 2:00 pm
Agincourt G.C. (294-1701)
Library open 7 to 9:00 pm
East Toronto H. & Dahlia S. ] 5 (691-7127)
Kingsway-Sunnylea H.S. (239-9316)
Mount Albert H.S. (473-2120)
Newmarket H.S. (895-5865)
Nobleton H.S. (859-0808)
Scarborough H.S. (282-8728) Westway H.S. (241-9868)
Woodbridge H.S. (851-0300)
Markham H.S. (294-3267) 22
North York H.S. (884-1105)
Roseland (Weston) H.S. (893-1g88)
Library open 1 to 5:00 pm
Alumni of Kappa Gamma 28 Craft Fair
Libraryopen 1 to 5:00 pm
Sinclair speaking on Allotment Gardening
Gardeners and Florists Association of Ontario regular monthly meeting (222-1275)
North Toronto H.S. (488-4749)
Library open 7 to 9:00 pm
Civic Garden Centre Annual ] 6 Members Meeting
Aurora H.S. (727-6232)
Leaside G.C. (481-0192)
Thornhill H.S. (889-0231)
Library open 7 to 9:00 pm
Brampton H.S. (459-0119) 23
Lakeshore H.S. (278-2517)
Schomberg H.S. (939-2146)
Richmond Hill H.S. (884-1407)
Light Gardenin Seedling Work
Library open 7
Cloverleaf(Mis G.C. (278-1590
Library open 7
Swansea H.S.
Library open 7
Etobicoke H.S
Gardeners, experienced and beginners alike, are truly getting down to business at this time of year. Changes are so much easier to make on paper that it pays to work with pad and pencil before tackling soil and spade. If you feel a garden consultant could help you with your plans, come into the library, we have several thousand available at any time!
Peter Cox has written a book of particular interest to the rhododendron specialist, Dwarf Rhododendrons, $13.95, published in association with the Royal Horticultural Society. It has many black and white illustrations and fine line drawings. Gardeners who thought their gardens were too small for rhododendrons may wish to look at this book and reconsider.
If a large expanse of lawn, surrounded by colourful plant borders and spotted with plantings ofspecimen trees is only a far away dream, The Complete Book of Patio Gardening by Jack Kramer, $8.25, is perhaps more your style at present. Aside from patio plants and their care, this book discusses patio screens, paving, lighting and furniture.
Someone with even less space to devote to gardening may wish to pursue the popular hobby of bonsai rearing. Bonsai may be categorized into several classes by size and Zeko Nakamura s Bonsai Miniatures, Quick and Easy is dedicated to the smallest of these intriguing plants.
Many gardeners are thinking more and more seriously about vegetables in their gardens. A/l About Vegetables by Doty, $3.50, is only one of the new books in the library about vegetable growing. Think of vegetables in flower pots or window boxes. interspersed amongst your flowers, or as attractive 14 / March 1974
Centre s Bookshop and Library welcome New Staff Member
Mrs. Wendy Hillier, Librarian
border plants. Your imagination sets the limits.
All these books are available in the Civic Garden Centre bookshop as well as in the library. We anticipate that browsing and shopping in the Civic Garden Centre bookstore will become more rewarding now that we have hired Mrs. Marilyn Waugh to look after booksales exclusively. At the same time, in an attempt to be more businesslike in the bookstore, we will be issuing receipts for books purchased. Although this may be cumbersome at the beginning, we hope you will bear with us. We expect several benefits from this procedure one being a closer control of titles in stock.
Member, Joan McMullen, has supplied us with the following review of Natural Collage by Sally Miles, distributed by G. R. Welch Co. Ltd., and sold at a price of $13.95.
The reader of Natural Collage feels that he orshe is making a new discovery with the author. Sally Miles does an excellent job of transmitting her personal enthusiasm to the reader. She has a new approach in the use of natural materials. She manipulates {eaves and seeds in the same way that stones are employed in mosaics. or stitches are used in embroidery. Her work ranges from miniatures to panels eight feet high, even colourful autumn leaves are used to paper a wall. The lovely line drawings and the horticultural descriptions of the most useful materials are complete. Mrs. Miles is generous with her personal secrets helping readers avoid the proverbial pitfalls of this craft. A special chapter for children is an additional feature. Natural Collage is a book with something for everyone interested in drying or prescribing natural materials.
With gardening and flower arranging courses in full swing at the Civic Garden Centre, the Centre s shop is now well stocked with items in demand by participants in both types of courses. Too, with nicer weekends coming on, we have a good stock of gift items that weekend visitors to Edwards Gardens like to take home while browsing through the Centre.
Our collection ofhand-painted Canadian wildflowers (on real leather) by Daphne is always popular. These brooches, and brooch and earring combinations, were heavy sellers at the Garden Club of Toronto s spring flower show at O Keefe Centre last month. New items are constantly being added. so be sure to see them next time you are at the Centre.
An interested group within the Milne House Garden Club has been working hard at making delightful little dried flower arrangements that sell in the shop for $3.50 and up. Headed by Betty Ewens, the group is experimenting with various types ofarrangements, and new ones appear almost weekly! These arrangements are ideal for decorating your home, and their colourful flowers will last for one full year or more. They are exclusively available from the Centre s shop, and if you wish to see the beautiful work these ladies are doing, and to take advantage and have one or several in your home, you should make a point of looking at the different arrangements on view each time you visit the Centre.
Ifyou are a gardener looking for that unusual clip with which to attach a delicate plant to a stake, or if you are in need of plant labels and pencil that will not wash off in the rain, take a look at the shop s thing-a-me-jig stand with
Centre s Shop has exdusive line of Miniature Dried Flower Arrangements
Mrs. Doris Weir, Shop Director
numerous items that may be just what you need.
And, as the various articles in this issue tell you, it is time to start seeds. Vegetable seeds in particular are scarce this year. The Centre s supply is in now, so make your selection early. We still have a number of quality tuberous begonias as well, but for the unusual bulbs that many of our members desire, we suggest they visit a specializing bulb dealer preferably one who advertises within these pages!
Please do not forget our line of selfwatering containers no need to water for four weeks or longer. They are suitable for indoor planting or outdoor on patio or balcony. They range in size from about seven inches square to two feet square. See them soon.
One of the Shop's exclusive miniature dried flower arrangements by members of the Milne House Garden Club.
Growing tomatoes on one s balcony is not new; both the dwarf tomatoes (such as Tiny Tim ) and the larger staking types have been grown in containers for many years by some balcony gardeners. But now, with little effort, it is possible to grow not only the complete makings for all of the summer s salads, but also a wide variety of other vegetables.
Starting seeds is easy if you follow a few simple rules. Choose a sterile starting medium, and clean container. Water well and cover the container with clear plastic until the first signs of germination are noted then discard plastic. If you have fluorescent lights, start your seed under them within a few inches of the fixture. Once seedlings are up, thin out, and when the second pair of
Tiny Tim' tomatoes mature in just 45 days when planted in small balcony containers. Full sun is needed.
Vegetable Garden on a Balcony can lower Living Cost
Art C. Drysdale, Editor
true leaves develop, transplant to larger containers. Fertilizer will be the next important item after good light the liquid 20-20-20 is fine apply after the transplanting.
Be careful not to start all types at the same time. Some vegetables started from seed too early will be a loss. Cucumbers, for instance, need not be started indoors until May 1. Tomatoes may be started right now. The seed catalogue from which you order will contain detailed timing and planting instructions.
Now, just what vegetables may you reasonably expect to grow on your sunny balcony? Tomatoes are first on the list, either the dwarf type which grow only to a height of eight inches (such as Tiny Tim or Early Salad Hybrid ) or the larger types. Choose varieties such as Stakeless (red) or Dwarf Champion (pink) which grow to a height of two feet. If you are late starting your plants choose a variety such as Early Girl or Tiny Tim which produce their first ripe tomatoes only 45 days after the plants are set out.
Lettuce is one vegetable you should not start indoors. Sow the seed sparsely directly in your containers outdoors as soon in the spring as the soil remains workable (after April 15). Successive seedings should be made every two to three weeks until July for a supply of plants all summer. Choose a variety such as Butter King or Buttercrunch which will provide you with the besttasting head-type lettuce you have ever sampled.
Another salad ingredient, the radish, is also sown directly outdoors. Almost any variety Cherry Belle , or Saxa will grow rapidly particularly if your
balcony gets plenty ofsun. It will not be unusual if you are eating fresh Saxa radishes, for instance, in less than three weeks after planting the seed. As with lettuce, make successive sowings for a continuous crop.
For that salad onion, try sets of Yellow Ebenezer or White Ebenezer . Sets are small onion bulbs that are planted two or three inches apart as early in the spring as possible. These varieties will supply tender green onions in the spring; largercooking onions later in the summer.
Since root crop vegetables (such as beets) do not generally compete with leaf crops (lettuce, etc.) you may interplant some ofeach to save space. However, it is not advisable to intermix two root crops in one container. With carrots, try the tiny fingerling, gourmet types such as Sucram or Baby Finger . Sow seed thinly, and thin out just as the roots begin to develop. You will love the sweet tenderness ofthe thinnings .
Beets may be grown too. Look for Baby Beet only one-inch in diameter, or Golden Beet the leaves ofwhich are better than spinach and the root does not discolour other salad ingredients.
Finally, cucumbers (try Victory or Triumph for slicing purposes), should be grown. Both for tomatoes and cucumbers, you need a container at least ten inches deep with an inside top diameter of one foot. The other vegetables may be grown even in standard window boxes, though the depth should exceed seven inches. Remember, the larger the volume of soil the less often you will have to water when the hot weather arrives.
The best way to grow cucumbers is to place three thin bamboo stakes equidistant in the outer edge of the pot and make a cone by tying them together at the top.
Want to try and grow other vegetables and kitchen herbs than those listed here? Try your luck particularly with: bush beans, eggplant, endive. escarole, sweet marjoram, mint (wonder-
fully fresh in your summer gin n tonics), parsley. thyme and summer savoury.
Remember, you will need fresh soil (ideally the bagged type from garden supply centres) each year, and for most vegetables, it s wise to add. one part clean sand to each four parts commercial soil mix. There are new lightweight soil mixes available most based on a formula referred to as Cornell Mix. These are excellent clean and easy to handle, and need no other additives.
If you happen to face east or north, try putting your containers as close to the railing as possible for maximum light. And, ifyou have a few extra dollars to spend, investigate the brand new self-watering containers available in various sizes. Many of these come on casters thus facilitating their movement. You may see them at the Civic Garden Centre.
Insects may be a problem on your balcony particularly the persistent white fly. One important method of control is use ofa dormant spray, as described on page 11 of this issue. Thoroughly drench your balcony containers and nearby surfaces where eggs may be overwintering. This will go a long way to keeping down the populations of insects later this summer. Then, during the growing season, you will have to rely on the standard chemical sprays about which you will read in later issues of Trellis.
And, one last hint, if you want larger tomatoes faster, use a blossom-set spray, obtainable from your local garden centre. It will work on cucumbers to0o.
For those readers of this issue who plan a balcony garden. and who are not members of the Highrise Gardeners Club of Toronto, your attention is drawn to this club whose members share similar problems and have worked out sometimes unique solutions to balcony gardening difficulties. Meetings are held monthly on the second Tuesday at the Civic Garden Centre, and are indicated in the Gardening Events Calendar on pages 12-13.
Trellis / 17
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@ 2241 Dunwin Dr., Mississauga, Ont. L5L 1A3 Phone 828-5925
Milne House Garden Club wishes to congratulate the Civic Garden Centre on the publication ofthe first two issues of Trellis. It is a welcome expansion ofa worthwhile community service to the gardening and floral art enthusiasts of the Metropolitan Toronto area.
We are a group of 150 friends with a mutual admiration of flowers, plants and their environment. We meet the third Tuesday morning of each month at the Civic Garden Centre not to study ways to guild the lily but ways and means of enhancing its environment, albeit in vase, garden or pot.
The Milne House Garden Club was first formed in February, 1967 with six members who had been taking classes at the Centre to enhance their knowledge of, and interest in floral arts. Thus began an association that has continued to grow through the past seven years. We have enjoyed our association with
The daily media have recently given much coverage to the fact that a cure has finally been found for the curse of most graceful elm trees Dutch Elm Disease. While research for a cure has been going on in several countries where the disease has been ravaging millions of beautiful trees, it is interesting that this new chemical was isolated here at the University ofToronto.
The technicalities of the newly discovered chemical, officially known as CFS 1020, were reported in the December issue of the Canadian Journal of
Brief History of Milne House Garden Club and Planned Events
the staff at the Centre and enjoy our meetings there.
Our gardening calendar for April contains two interesting events: Tuesday, April 9, at 9:30 am, our bonus workshop on flower arranging will be held in the auditorium at the centre; and on Tuesday April 16, Mrs. J. McMullen will speak to our regular monthly meeting on the subject of Contrived Flowers .
The theme of our monthly flower show on the 16th is Past, Present and Future with such timely classes as Time Remembered , Easter Theme , Spring Awakens , Taurus , Your Future Is , and Income Tax Deadline (will it be in black or red, girls?).
And, do not forget our horticulture section with its 15 classes. Nurture those plants with water, fertilizer and plenty of T.L.C. (tender, loving care). The rewards are gratifying and awards are exciting. See you at the Centre.
Finally, a Cure for the ravaging Dutch Elm Disease
Forestry Research, in a paper jointly authored by Messrs. Kondo, Roy and Jorgenson.
The rights to the chemical are held by a crown corporation, Canadian Patent and Development Limited, because the discovery was a joint one between the University of Toronto, Faculty of Forestry, and the Canadian Forestry Service of Environment Canada.
Further details, particularly of the chemical s application to homeowners, will appear in future issues of Trellis.
As soon as spring appears to be just around the corner , gardeners get anxious to do some of the things they should hold off doing until the good weather really does arrive. Pruning rose bushes is a prime example.
Many gardeners insist on pruning in the fall, which is not only not recommended, but can prove a detriment to the bushes. The only pruning that should be done in the fall is shortening of some of the longer growths in order that you may, without risk, get in between the bushes with sufficient soil to mound each bush adequately for winter protection. If rose bushes are pruned down to within 12 inches or less of the ground in the fall, this is simply an invitation for the frost to get deep into the canes, and likely kill the bushes.
Spring pruning in southern Ontario should not be undertaken at least until mid-April, and later in the month is usually better. In pruning roses, keep in mind that weak, thin growth from last year will only produce similar growths this year. Therefore, leave only the thickest, healthy canes. Take each ofthe healthy canes individually, and on a vigorous bush (such as the variety Peace ) cutjust above thefifth (from the ground up) outward facing growth sprout. Ifthe growth sprouts are not yet visible, then you are too early and pruning should be delayed another week.
and Easy
Pruning Roses this month is Simple
Ifthe particular bush was not too vigorous the previous year, cut back each cane to the rhird-up-from-the-ground growth sprout. Be sure to try to cut straight across each cane, just above an outward-facing sprout. This will mean a better shaped rose bush this year.
All cut pieces of rose cane should be put into the garbage, rather than placed on a compost pile, as the stems may well be harbouring dormant insect pCSlS.
In general, the foregoing guidelines for rose pruning apply to all hybrid tea varieties, but the floribunda types, usually more vigorous growing, need not be pruned quite so severely. If you are in doubt as to the type of bush, prune as described for hybrid teas. Climbing types of roses are actually divided into several different classes, but generally, only the dead wood should be pruned away in the spring. The accompanying photo, courtesy ofthe United States Department of Agriculture, shows a rose bush before and after pruning.
Gardeners Weekend set for April 20-21
Bring your Problems
What is Gardeners Weekend at the Civic Garden Centre? Those new to gardening, or long-time gardeners just interested in keeping up on newer techniques, will want to come and see for themselves. It happens twice on Saturday, April 20, and once again on Sunday, April 21; and it s all free! Times on Saturday are 1:00 and 3:30 pm, and on Sunday at 2:00 pm.
In the past two years, Gardeners
Weekend has proven a popular and successful educational event of the Centre, with groups of up to 50 persons walking around the grounds of Edwards Gardens learning different gardening techniques from Metropolitan Toronto parks commissioner Tommy Thompson (see front cover) and Centre associate director, Art Drysdale. This year, as Mr. Thompson takes a rest, Art Drysdale will lead the three different tours making more than half a dozen stops to demonstrate techniques, and numerous other stops to point out interesting gardening oddities not immediately noticeable.
The only requirement for participa-
tion is a good pair of shoes and presence at the Civic Garden Centre at one of the times indicated above. You ll see the correct method of pruning roses demonstrated, hear about the proper fertilization oflawns, learn how to plant a balled and burlapped evergreen, and observe first-hand the proper pruning techniques for flowering and foliage shrubs. Attendance is open to members and non-members of the Centre.
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It is always a pleasure to see one firm lead its competitors in the beautifying and landscaping of its properties. One hopes that the competitors will eventually follow suit. An excellent example of such leadership is the McDonald s restaurant chain, whose properties are all well-landscaped and maintained. They truly set the pace.
Last spring, as the Loblaws food chain was in the midst of establishing a new image for its stores, it became apparent they too wished to set a landscaping precedent for chain food stores one sorely awaited in many Canadian neighborhoods. Though other stores may also have been involved as pilot projects, I first noted the changeover at Loblaws store on the corner of Bayview and Moore Avenues in East York.
In addition to drastic changes to the interior and exterior ofthe building, the parking lot too was affected. New parks
And, may | now have the third Last Word?
Art C. Drysdale,
Editor
ing place striping was painted broader, bright orange lines instead of the usual narrow white dividing lines. And, more important, fairly large areas (equivalent to the parking space taken up by two cars) had been excavated, and permanent plantings (evergreens and trees) were installed. These planting areas, within the otherwise drab parking areas, were a welcome relief and a credit to Loblaws.
As the summer season advanced, the trees and shrubs grew well. But, so too did other things! Weeds, weeds and more weeds. As my photos at the bottom of this page graphically show, the weeds became a not-too-attractive groundcover!
The fact that this weedy mess was allowed to develop is really inexcusable. Loblaws could have, for little more money, hired a reputable garden maintenance contractor to visit the sites regularly and remove weeds and otherwise tidy up the plantings. Or, a weed control chemical could have been applied that would have kept down all but the most persistent perennial types. A further alternative, perhaps in conjunction with a weed control chemical, would have been application ofan attractive mulch.
Landscape maintenance is an excellent investment, or to look at it another way, the ideal protection for an investment. By gosh, with any luck, the price will be right this year, and Loblaws parking lot oases will be beautiful a// season.
* * *
As promised in our first issue, next month the first episode of our gardening fable, The Adventures of Herblock Loames will appear. Plan to be among the first to read author I. B. Lucas creation, as the great plant detective solves a horticultural mystery to do with earwigs. Look for us about April 22.
John Bradshaw s Perfect Lawn Program
March-April
CILGolfgreen 12-4-8
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e It's balanced the way grass likes it.
April-May
CIL Lawn Doctor®12-4-8
e Assoon as weeds begin to show but before lilac buds open, spread four-way action CIL Lawn Doctor® 12-4-8 at 2 Ib./100 sq.ft.
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June-late August
CILWeed & Feed 12-4-8
September-October
CIL Winterizer®3-6-12
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e It kills all upright and and bark-split, spread on creeping weeds and 21b./100 sq.ft. CIL feedg thge grass. n Winterizer®3-6-12.
e |f no weeds are showing use CIL Golfgreen 12-4-8 again.
D
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