The newsletter of the Civic Garden Centre in Metropolitan Toronto March, 1995 Volume 22, Number 3
March 31, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. April 1 and 2, noon to 5: 00 p.m.
Details on page 8 %gg Sale of A
April 7,10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. April 8 and 9, noon to 5:00 p.m. ) % % Details on page 9
The Civic Garden related arts. Itisa \ ire and the rity number 0228114-56.
Located in Edv York, the Centre se
The Civic Garde and shows. Please
Hours:
Winter (Novembe holidays noon to 4 p-m.; weekends ai
Telephone: Area
Main number: 39; Rentals: 397-1349
Library: 397-1340
Gardening hotline
st in North ss Ontario. ns, exhibits kends and a.m. to 5:00
Civic Garden Cz..oc Board of directors:
Chair: Robin Wilson
Members: Cicely Bell
Mary Anne Brinckman
Bayla Gross
John Howard
Louise Kappus
Nancy Laurie
Peter Lewis
Mary Mingie
David Money
Maureen Naylor
Anthea O'Reagan
Lynne Robbins
Helen Shaw
Roger Silverthorne
Honorary counsel: Aird and Berlis
Staff members:
Accounts: Janie Brentnall
Trellis Editor: Iris Hossé Phillips
Horticulturists:
Anne Marie Van Nest
Helen Craig
Librarian: Pamela MacKenzie
Maintenance supervisor: Walter Morassutti
Rental agent: Betsy Chubb
Secretary: Shirley Lyons
Trellis Shop assistant manager:
Barbara Stevenson
Volunteer co-ordinator and publicity: Carolyn Dalgarno
Volume 22, Number 3
Editor: Iris Hossé Phillips
Editorial co-ordinator: Leslie Lynch
Adpvertising information: (416) 397-1340
Printed by Raised Image, Etobicoke, on recycled paper
Trellis is published ten times a year as a members newsletter by the Civic Garden Centre, 777 Lawrence Avenue East, North York, Ontario M3C 1P2. Telephone number: (416) 397-1340.
Manuscripts submitted on a voluntary basis are gratefully received. No remuneration is possible.
Articles, manuscripts and advertising material must be received by the 15th of the month to insure publication six weeks later. For example, material received by April 15 will be included in the June issue of Trellis.
Opinions expressed within Trellis do not necessarily reflect those of the Centre. Submissions may be edited for style and clarity.
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without written permission.
By Iris Phillips
Every year I experiment with starting different seeds indoors and have been fortunate with the germination and survival rate. However, I have not tackled difficult seedsasIdon thaveartificiallightsor controlled temperature.
Myreadinghasmademehesitanttotry somevarietiesas amnotsureoftheneeds oftheseed. The gardenermustimitate the conditions in nature to ensure successful germination.Someseedsneedcold,others need heat/fire, some need darkness, others need light and some need soaking or rubbingwithsandpaperinordertosprout. I also learned that some seeds sprout irregularly sothattherewillbeplantstotake their place if the first set is killed through weather or insects.
Anna Leggattstates inherarticlein this issue that one of her Scottish thistle seeds (Onopordum acanthium) was in the ground for ten years before germinating.
My plant list has increased from my winterreadingand Iamsentsearchingfor a number of must-have seeds. They are not available in my collection ofseed catalogues and I am not a member of a seed exchange society. I am looking for seeds for:purplemullein(Verbascum phoeniceum), woodlandsalvia (Salviaforskaohlei),yellow columbine (Aquilegia chrysantha) and the Chinese forget-me-not (Cynogglossum amabile). Do any members have suggestions about sources for these seeds?
In this issue Nancy Laurie initiates a series of articles about the sixth Great CanadianGardeningConferencetobeheldat theCentre from October 26 to29. Articles will be written by conference committee members onthespeakersand theirtopics. Plan to attend!
Look over our selection of new pansies on page 6.
Wednesday, March 22, 7:30 p.m.
Members: no charge
Non-members: $4
Haveyoueverbeenthrownbyaplantshoppingexpeditionwhereyouhaveencountered botanical names? Let MarionJarvie demystify them. Botanically Speaking willbe a witty lookat the world ofbotanicalnames theiruses and abuses explained inMarion s own special way. Her superb slide presentation will show exciting plant combinations and families of plants that work well together.
Marion Jarvie is no stranger to the Civic Garden Centre. She is respected for her extensive plant knowledge, and loved for herwrysense ofhumourand the vitality with which she approaches all aspects of gardening. This program will appeal to both the experienced and the new gardener.
Marjorie Harris organizes the Edwards Foundation Garden Evenings, which arefunded by The Edwards Charitable Foundation.
When you're atworkon the garden you love, remember Sheridan Nurseries. At Sheridan, we have expert staffto help you, and the
finestselection ofnursery stock in Canada, includingover 750 types
Need anyadvice to help make your garden even lovelier? Gardens - .ofplants and trees grown on ourown farms. And all ofour nursery
By Sheridan landscape designers offer everything from peerless consultation and planning to complete construction and mainte-
stock is guaranteed for two full years. nance services. All forthe love ofgardens, atSheridanNurseries.
eDuring March Break, just for children
Thursday, March 16 10:00 a.m. to noon or 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
The Centre presents a handson workshop for children ages six through ten. Our students will learn about gardening by starting their own seeds, taking plant cuttings and creating a seed craft picture.
Full details in the February issue of Trellis.
Call to register. Costis $10 per child (GST included).
Helen Craig or Anne Marie Van Nest will gladly answer your questions.
Call (416) 397-1355.
PamelaMacKenzie,theCentre slibrarian, has recently finished hertermas president of the Council of Botanical Libraries. This international organization has over 200 memberbotanical libraries in 20 countries.
Anne Marie Van Nest, the Centre s horticulturist, hasbeen elected a national director of the Garden Writers Association of America. The professional organization has over 1,500 members.
Welcome to the newest Master Gardeners in Training:
Wendy Barrett, Toronto
Gail Chang, Scarborough
Chris Duffy, Toronto
Mary Goeldner, Scarborough
Roxanne Hill, Toronto
Judy Hernandez, Toronto
Stephanie Hutcheson, Etobicoke
Sonia Leslie, North York
Sue Payne, Toronto
Marjorie Shu, Toronto and FelicityLukacewho hastransferredfrom the Perth Master Gardeners.
Designingyourgarden? Letmehelpwith smallimprovementsormajorredesigning. Specialexpertisewithbulbs andflowering shrubs. Services range from consultation tofull implementation. IsabelleRobinson, (416) 487-7233.
Container gardening ¢ Climbing plants
e Trellis construction ¢ with
e Marjorie Mason-Hogue °
e Marion Jarvie ¢ Steve Longworth ¢
Members: $35 Non-members: $45
In a smallgarden, makingfull use ofperpendicular surfaces enables us to composea picture or series ofpicturesthatentirely fillsourviewandcreateasense ofseclusion allonarelativelysmall scale Vertical gardening offers more than a solution to limited space. It also provides excellent possibilities to those who have a passionate interest in individual plants ofall types and love the challenge ofcoaxing the bestfrom them by patient observation and care.
Caroline Boisset, Vertical Gardening
10:00 a.m.
Marjorie Mason-Hogue wasraisedona marketgarden farm. She worked at Pine Ridge Garden Gallery for 20 years as greenhouse managerand was hostofLet's Get Growing, on CKOT-FM foreightyears. In 1993, Marjorie andherson Jeff began a mail ordernursery forunusualplants called MasonHogue Gardens.
Spectacular effects can be achieved by using pots, hanging baskets, and window boxes as an extension of the garden. Marjorie will show us how to prepare containers properly for planting, to select interesting and different plant combinations and to use containers as accents for maximum effect in the garden. She will include plants for both sun and shade.
11200 1o 120
Coffee Break
11:20 to 12:20 Marion Jarvie spent 11 years as a nursery horticulturist, then started her own landscape consultancy nine years ago. She has taught at George Brown College and the Civic Garden Centre and lectured throughout North America. Marion travels extensively to discoverandcollectnew plants. Marionhasbeenprogramchairman ofthe Ontario Rock Garden Society foreightyears.
Marion will show usslides ofherown selection ofannualsand perennialsthataresuitable forvertical gardening whether for sun or shade. These plants and vines can be used to hide an unsightly wall ortrained to adorn screens, pergolas, arbors ortrellis Learn how to create maximum beauty from minimum space by extending upwards.
12:20 to 1:20 Lunch
Please bring your own lunch. Coffee, tea and apple cider will be available.
1:20 to 3:00 Steve Longworth has been involved in cabinet making, antique restorationsandtrim carpentryforalmost 20 years. Heandhis wife Maggie own Wicker Works, a company that specializes in rustic willow furniture and garden ornamentation including arbors and trellis. Steve teaches at Sir Sanford Fleming College and holds workshops out ofhis home.
Stevewilldemonstratehoweasyitis toconstruct your own pieceofgardenornamentation. Use decorative bent willow and natural twig to create an arbor, trellis or free standing structure. Many samples of garden decor will be on display. See how you can create a flexible and practical garden ornament to enhance your garden without great cost.
Registration is limited. Cancellation deadline is Monday, April 24.
REGISTRATION FORM: Send or fax (397-1354) this form to the Centre. To register by phone call 397-1340.
Sunday, April 30 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
$35 Members $45 Non-members
Name: Phone:( ) Area Code
Address: City: Postal code:
CGC membership number: Expiry Date:
Total Amount:
Cheque enclosed ] Please make cheques payable to The Civic Garden Centre
I prefer to use my VISA L] MasterCard B
Card number: Expiry Date:
Signature:
By Anna Leggatt
Several plants in our gardens are thugs. They are large and tough and rudely push other plants aside, heedlessly suffocating their weaker neighbours. Like people, we tolerate them or even welcome them for their redeeming features.
PicturesoftheScottishthistle,Onopordum acanthium,donotrevealanythuggishtraits. Itisabiennial(i.e. usuallylivingtwoyears, then flowering and dying), forming a wonderful, bright silvery rosette of spiny, lobed leaves. These are shaped like the acanthus of classical architectural motifs, hence the second name. The first name comes from the Greek: Onos, an ass; porde, fart; supposedly referring to its effect on donkeys (from Stearn s Dictionary of Plant Namesfor Gardeners).
The rosettes grow the first year, lasting well over winter, as long as they are not exposed to extreme cold. Unfortunately, theyareaboutametreacross,sounlessyou have left space, the leaves completely smother nearby plants.
Thenextspring,theleavesdie,leavinga bare space. The inflorescence grows up, branching, with grey, spiny ridges on the stems. Growing in good soil, it will reach well over two metres in height, making it useful architecturally in the garden. This givesyouanotherproblem doyouplace itatthebackofthebordertogiveheight,or where you can see the first year rosettes? Now, in mid-January, it is an important plant,givingcolourand textureinmywinter garden.
The flowers are large, good purple thistles. Imaginebranched,silvery,spinystems, withpurpleheads6cm across. Thenadd a flock of goldfinches the males in their summer gold with touches of black and white, and the young and the females in
olivegreen allpickingattheseeds from theearlierflowers. Once seen,itis impossible to deadhead.
Nextthugcharacteristic: theseedswill not all be eaten, they germinate well, but not all at once. My plants came from a packetofmixedperennialsnearly20years ago. Iknowsomehavebeeninthesoilten years before germinating.
It is easy to grow from seed outside. It seems to be happy in poor soil in my garden,whichisfairlyalkaline. Ihavenotgot enough space to let it grow to full size. I often let some rosettes grow for a few months, thenremovethem. Ifyou wishto transplant one, do so when the plant is very small, during the first year. They havealongtap root, whichresentsdisturbance. Sometimes transplanting delays flowering to a third year.
Plantsareoccasionallyavailablelocally. I thinkmany growing in Toronto gardens camefromdescendantsofmyplant. Years ago, I gave one to David Tomlinson, so if you got one from his plant sale ...
Youmaydecidetheplantisathug;you mayloveitandyourneighbourshateit. At the moment, legally, in many, if not all, municipalities,thistlesarenoxiousweeds. You canbe compelled to dig them up!
Anna Leggatt isaMasterGardenerandeditor of the Journal of the Ontario Rock Garden Society.
The deadline for the May issue of Trellis is March 15. Trellis, March 1995
You'reinvi:ed tdthe 2ndannual
4 days now! Expanded show! March 30 -April 2, 1995
The International Centre 6900 Airport Road,Mississauga ners and plant-lovers paradise! at Canada s largest gardeningand over200 exhibitorsareshowingand ants, tools, garden denfurniture,
It s agarde Forfourdays houseplantevent, sellingbulbs,seeds,hard-to-findpl machinery, plantcare products, gar lighting, decor, gifts, booksandmore.
DON 'TMISS: » Themed GardenDisplays e Ontario Horticultura|Associationplantand floral designcompetitionsponsoredbyWhite Rose eTorontoStarChildren s Gardeningareafeaturing activities, give-aways&ideasforparents&kids « Seminars anddemonstrationsonawide rangeof topics fornoviceto advanced gardeners
GRANDPRIZEDRAW:Winatripfor2totheWorld Flower ShowinWellington, NewZealand (April 1996) includingair and 7 nightsaccommodation, courtesyof Travelbest,Air New Zealand and Toronto Star.
Admission: Adults $8, Seniors & Youths $6 Children (6-12) $4 (5 &under free)
For more informationon v Hours: seminartimesandadvance Thursday-Saturday groupticket specials, 9:30am- 7pm:; call(416)661-2056 . Pl orfax » : Sunday (416)661-2904 9:30am-6pm
Members day: Friday, March 31
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sale continues April 1 and 2 from noon until 5:00 p.m.
New this year.
Mini-Pansies Sorbet series, Lemon Chiffon and Blueberry Cream, viola types, very heat and cold tolerant.
Order before March 27 plants will be reserved for you
Pansies are $1.49 per box. Each box hasfour plants. Readyto plant immediately.
Number ofboxes Plant type
Universal True Pale Blue
Universal White
Universal Apricot/Orange
Roc Pure Golden
Maxim Marina (Blue)
Majestic Giant Mixed
Maxim Yellow (with a face)
Maxim Rose
Imperial Pink Shades (Pink and white with a deeper pink face)
Imperial Beaconsfield (Deep purple with lighter purple top)
Imperial Antique Shades (Each is a blend of apricot, orange or white)
Fill out the order form an our address is on the ba 397-1354. By phone: (
informa
s plant s
All varieties are sul Each plant will be easy care instructic GST is not includec Tenpercentdiscout plants on the memt with valid members Civic Garden Cent provide assistance
Imperial Frosty Rose (Light rose to deep rose on the lower petals) e Missed the sale? availability after the
Bingo Mixed (Enormous, bright flowers facing upward, strong colour ) NEW
Viola Princess Cream (Creamy white)
Viola Princess Bicolour (Purple with mini white faces)
Viola Sorbet Lemon Chiffon (Lemon cap, golden face, yellow centre) NEW
Viola Sorbet Blueberry Cream (Sky-blue cap, cream/yellow face, yellow centre) NEW ()
Name Phone
Address City Postal Code
CGC membership number Expiry Date
Trellis, March 1995
d return ittothe Centre. By mail: k cover of Trellis. By fax: (416) }16) 397-1355.
ion about the les
ject to grower availability. attractively wrapped and have ns for gift giving. in the price. tisgiventomemberspurchasing ers day and throughout the sale nip cards. e volunteers will be on hand to and plant care information. Call (416) 397-1355 for plant sale has ended.
Members day: Friday, April 7 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sale continues April 8 and 9 from noon until 5:00 p.m.
Hydrangeas Azaleas Calla and Easter Lilies
Order before April 3 plants will be reserved for you
* Hydrangeas with five or more blooms
Number ofplants:
$13.99
* Easter Lilies ¢ Azaleas
$7.99 $16.99
: Thank you for growing : e with the Civic Garden Centre. o
Shopping for plants at the Centre : is easy, fun and very enjoyable. o L] 00000 0Q0OCOGEOGEOEOIOEOEOEOEOEONOOS
CGC membership number Expiry Date
Trellis, March 1995
By Pamela MacKenzie, Civic Garden Centre librarian
New acquisitions:
Here are some recent additions to the Centre s library:
e TreasuresoftheRoyalHorticulturalSociety: 350 years of botanical illustration, by Brent Elliot. Sagapress/Timber Press, © 1994.
e The cultivation of hardy perennials, by Richard Bird. Batsford, © 1994.
e Bark: the formation, characteristics and uses of bark around the world, by Ghillean and Anne Prance. Timber Press, © 1993.
o Theartofbotanicalillustration,rev.ed.,by
Reviewed by Stan Etchells
LANDSCAPE DOCTOR
Wilfred Blunt and William T. Stearn. AntiqueCollectors Club, © 1994. (Reference only.)
e Encyclopadia of alpines; edited by Kenneth Beckett. © 1993. Two volumes. (Reference only.)
e A creative step-by-step guide to container gardening,bySuePhillips. WhitecapBooks, © 1994.
Do-it-yourself remedies for home planting problems
By Sara Jane von Trapp,
$19.95
Thissoft-backedvolumefromChaptersgivesyouthetricksoftheprofessionallandscapers trade. Forinstance, therearetips onconcealing foundations,buildingfences, how to handle slopes, problemfront entries and wet areas. Especiallyusefulare the sections on hiding junction boxes and similar, what to grow in shady areas and how to construct permanent walkways and patios.
The Trellis Bookshop is now carrying a selection of popular gardening magazines.
Garden Design
6 issues per year, $6 each
Thepriceofthismagazinereflectsthequality of the publication. Eye-catching photography accompanies the diverse articles covering everything from landscaping to new blooms. A bi-monthly treat.
Fine Gardening
6 issues per year, $6.50 each
A beautiful magazine which provides a wide range of articles on plants, horticulture, design and trends in gardening.
10 issues per year, $3.25 each
This fine, informative magazine just celebratedits90thyear. Eachissueintroduces several new, timely and seasonal articles andfeaturesanswerstoreaders questions; reviews; and sources of plants, seeds and gardening supplies. An interesting read for any gardener.
Trellis, March 1995
Q. There were a lot ofgreen worms on my white pine last year. How should Ideal with them ifit happens again?
A. These are probably sawfly caterpillars. Use carbaryl, methoxychlor or insecticidal soap on them. If you don t want to spray, try picking them off or use a blast of water from the hose to wash them off.
Sawfly Caterpillars on white pine
Q. How should Isow seeds ofparsley and basil?
A. Parsleyissometimesdifficulttogerminate.Soakthe seeds 24 hours before sowing. Start them eight weeks before the lastfrost (i.e. towards theend ofMarch). Put : the seeds in individual pots, preferably peat pots as the Start parsley in peatorJiffy seedlings do not transplanteasily. Keep the medium at pots, and roots will not be 70°to75°F(21°to24°C)for14to21 days,untilsprouted. disturbed when transplanting. Or, wait until the soil is warm and sow directly into the bed.
Basil can be sown six to eight weeks before the last frost. Itgerminatesinseven to tendays. Keepitat70°F during this time.
Q. How do Iforceforsythia into bloom indoors?
A. Branchesarereadytocutwhenthebudsbegintoswell. Slit or scrape the ends to three inches from the bottom. Submerge thebranches fully for 24 hours in a tub ofwarm water. Then place the stems in a container ofcool water in a semi-shadyplaceat65°to70°F,withsomecharcoalinthe water. After a few days, move them to a warmer spot, but notintobrightsunlight.Changethewateronceaweek,and cut one inch off the stem. Mist daily. When bloom begins, put in a sunnier spot for better colour.
Cut forsythia forforcing when the buds begin to swell
Thanks to Vivien Jenkinsonfor illustrations.
397-1345 daily, noon to 3:00 p.m.
Carolyn Dalgarno, volunteer co-ordinator
It shardtobelievethatwinterisalmostover. Onceagainweneedvolunteersforspring plant sales. Please call us at (416) 397-1351 to volunteer.
The Plant Sale Committee will hold a training session on Wednesday, March 8 at 2:00p.m.andagainat7:00p.m. Allnewplantsalevolunteersareencouraged toattend. Previousplantsalevolunteersarealsowelcometousethesessionsasarefreshercourse. Topics to be discussed include:
Set-up procedure; cash register training (just for cashiers); plant care; wrapping plants; funds raised.
Set-up: Volunteers are needed March 30 at 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Members Sale: March 31. Volunteers required for morning, afternoon and early evening shifts. Volunteers for sales, cash and customer service required.
Public Sale: April 1 and April 2, noon to 4:00 p.m.
Set-up: VolunteersareneededApril6at9:00a.m. Set-upshouldbecompletebynoon.
Members Sale: April 7
Public Sale: April 8 and 9.
By Nancy Laurie, conference chairman
Thenaturalgarden aconceptallgardeners are challenged to at least acknowledge and at most adhere to in their own garden philosophy,designandplantselection is thetopicforoursixthGreatCanadianGardeningConference,titled:GardeningNaturally: art and craft of the natural garden.
The message of sound ecological gardening practices is expounded by gardening gurus in their latest gardening books and journal articles and taught in landscape architecture courses. The natural garden is the landscape of the 90s. Most gardeners will feel out of touch if they don t embrace at least some concepts of this new ideal.
And yet, for different gardeners, the phrase the natural garden will conjure upanynumberofapplications: fromnaturalizing a few narcissus for spring bloom; toweather-resistantplantings;toexclusive use of native plant material; to allowing
nature to reclaim her land, unobstructed by man.
For the professional and amateur gardener, Civic Garden Centre volunteers have organized a concentrated study on theartandcraftofthenaturalgardenatthe sixth Great Canadian Gardening Conference, to be held at the Centre from Friday, October 26 through Monday, October 29.
The speakers, all internationally-renowned experts, will include: Ken Druse, Judy Glattstein, Neil Diboll, Lauren Springer,KenOsborne, RoyLancasterand AnnLovejoy. Theirbooksareontheshelves in the Trellis Shop and in the Centre s library. Most write for American, Canadian and/or British gardening magazines and all hold strong views on the topic of the natural garden; have exciting plant suggestions; and design techniques to help you to garden naturally.
Mark your calendars for this event.
Perennials [over 1000 varieties], en Roses [over 4500 in stock], Annuals [connoisseur varieties], Bog (Water) Plants, Ornamental Grasses
Horticultural Seminars, Saturdays at 1 pm. March - April BrockRoad, North Pickering (1 mile North of401) 683-5952
By AnneMarie Van Nest, Civic Garden Centre horticulturist
Withspringjustaroundthecorner,mostof us are ready to rush outdoors and start digging. After the winter evenings spent reading DavidTarrant sCanadianGardens, manyofuswillbethinkingofgardenrenovationsinspiredbythescenesthatwehave found in his book.
Before your spring enthusiasm causes pain and despair, here are some tips for a safer start to the gardening season.
Afterthelong,relativelysedentarywinter (except for a fewbouts ofsnow shovelling) our muscles have lost strength and arenotreadyforheavystrenuousdigging. Prepare for physical gardening work by visiting your doctor for a check-up and some simple stretches and exercises to loosen up and toughen up.
During your first few gardening activities don t exceed the capabilities of your body. This could be in the amount of weight lifted, time worked or doing a task withtoomanyrepetitions.Itissoeasytodo toomuch too fastduringthe firsteuphoric days of spring.
Try to program your body to use the correct body movements when performing gardening tasks. One of the most importantis tobend yourkneeswhenlifting.
Themostcommonmistakeswhichcause injuries are:
* unaccustomed repetitious movements suchaspruningalargebedofroses. Bynot getting your body toned up and ready, your back and possibly hands and wrists will be susceptible to injury and pain.
* excessive lifting or using force. Take frequentbreaksoraskaneighbourforhelp
and spread out the big jobs. It's always enjoyableto stopand sharegardening stories.
¢ prolonged and repetitious movements. A common problem is repeated raking, hoeing or shovelling.
e staying in one position or posture for too long.
e workingatanawkwardangleorinpostures which strain susceptible body areas.
Here are some rules for safer gardening;:
e Lift close to your body with your back straight. Use your legs to do most of the work by squatting with your knees bent, thenrising. Neverliftwithyourbackorby leaning forward. Keep yourbackupright, erect and balanced. If you must use the upperbodytolift,bendatthehips notat the spine. The older you get, the more vulnerable your spine is to damage.
¢ Liftingandturningatthesametimeisnot recommended and potentially very destructivetoyourback. Alwaysliftandturn your whole body without twisting it. Use your feet or leg muscles to make the turn.
* Kneel down on both knees. This will reduce the strain on your back. An even better posture is to kneel on one knee only and use the other to support your upper bodywhileworkingdirectlyinfrontofyou in the garden. Use a knee pad or rubber kneelingpadtocushionyourknees. There areseveralproductsforkneelingthathave handles to help gardeners rise.
e Bend at the knee and hips, not at the waist. Bending forward at the waist for prolongedperiodswillcausewearandtear on the lower back.
e Avoid reaching; try to work with your elbowsasclose to your sides as possibleto
avoid strain to your back and neck.
* Try squatting once in a while to give your spine a rest and to stretch out yourlegmuscles. However,squattingisan unstable working position to balance for long periods of time (especially to try and dig in the soil). Squattingalso puts a strain on your knee joints.
* Chooseadaywithcomfortableweather andwhenthesoilisnottoowetandheavy. Keep your spade or shovel clean. Why carry around extra weight?
* Divideyourworkintomanageablesections and always stop work before tiredness forces you too stop.
e Pace yourself, try for a steady comfortableworkingpacewitharhythm. Gardening is not a race to see who can reach the . finishfirst. Taketimetostopandsmellthe roses.
* Whenusingarake, cultivator,broomor hoe, stand straight up rather than bent over. Ensurethatyourtoolsarethecorrect length to preventbending. You mayhave to buy his and hers tools. Reverse the positionofyourhandsonthehandleifyou are doingprolonged repetitive action. For example, the natural position is to have yourdominanthandlowerontherakeand the other at the top. Switching sides and hand positions will use and exercise a different setofmuscles. This change, though, does require some practice and a bit ofcoordination. Try it. Adding slip-free paddingtothehandleswillmakethejobeasier, too.
e Opverhead jobs such as pruning require frequentrestsbecauseyourneckandshouldermusclestireeasily. Ifitissafe,tryusing a ladder. Lower your work area so that your hands are below your shoulders.
e When doing repeated gripping or squeezing, such as hand pruning or misting, keepyourwristunbentand restevery half hour.
* In your first week of gardening, wear
glovestopreventblisters. Evenifyouhate gloves,thiswillgraduallytoughenupyour hands for the gardening season and you won't spoil the first few nice gardening days with blisters. Make sure that the gloves fit comfortably snug enough to allow you to grip rose canes, but not so tight that they restrict your movement. Goatskin gloves have been known to convert even the most persistent non-glove wearer.
* Wear sunscreen, long sleeves and a hat. Marchcanhavequitestrongsunraysespecially damaging to long-covered skin.
Take heed to the messages your body sends you, and enjoy the whole season of gardening.
Crafters Wanted: Are you interested in doing creative thingswithnaturalmaterials?Volunteers are needed on Wednesday mornings to help with making crafts for Mistletoe Magic. Last year, only one volunteer worked on this aspect of the show and raised $1,700 all by herself! For the 1995 show,shehasaskedforsomehelp.Please call (416) 397-1351 if you are interested.
By Ada Brzeski, course co-ordinator
It is still the middle of winter and I can t believe I'm already writing for the March issue of Trellis. By the time you read this, someofyouwillalreadyhavestartedthose early gardening chores.
I took Marion Jarvie s course Spring Gardening Calendar so I am well aware that by now, I should have pruned and sprayed my plum trees, seeded my annuals, and bought all my gardening supplies (they are cheaper to buy in the middle of winter).
Pleasemakenoteofafewminorchangesto the Spring calendar:
The Planned Garden (4120-1) will start on April 24 (not 17) and run to May 29.
A Basketry Workshop will be given by Maureen Robbins on Thursday March 23, from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm.
Wicker Tray (4141-3). The weaving for this traybeginsona 12" x 18" woodenbase which maybe painted or stencilled to suit yourdecor. Stakeand Strand and 3rod whaling arethetechniquesusedaswellas a braided border to finish the tray. A choice of colours will be offered forest green, country blue, barn red or rose. Bring plastic bucket, 2 dozen clothes pins, scissorsorgarden snips,awl orsmall pointedscrewdriver,pencil,tapemeasure, towel, spraybottle, and lunch. Course fee for members is $40 and $50 for non-members. There will be an additional material cost of $30 collected by the instructor.
Please don t forget to register for coursesearlyandavoiddisappointment. If a course does not have the minimum number of students by the registration deadline, it must be cancelled.
1-5
* Garden Club of Toronto show: Magic Moments. Their 40th flower show 7
* Men s Garden Club, meeting, 8:00 p.m.
e Watercolour studio, course # 4157
e Watercolour: continuing, course#4121 : 8
* More great garden ideas, course #4135
¢ Jkenobo Ikebana, Japanese flower arranging, course #4115
e Jkebana International, Chapter #208, meeting, 7:30 p.m.
9
e Limestone carving: introductory and continuing, course # 4143
e Acrylics and oils, course # 4105
¢ Seeding for the spring, course # 4125 10
e Lino block printing, course # 4147 11
* OrchidJudging Centre, 1:00 p.m. 12
e SouthernOntarioOrchidSociety, meeting, 1:00 p.m.
¢ Ontario Rock Garden Society, meeting, 1:30p.m. Speaker: TonyReznicek. Topic: Growable alpines for the Great Lakes region.
e WIMMS miniature show 13
e Toronto Bonsai Society, meeting, 7:00 p-m.
® Decorativeartmuralsworkshop,course #4127
e Rhododendrons, azaleas and companion plants, course # 4106
e Japanese flower arranging, basic and continuing, course # 4131 14
* Creative patio planters, course#4144-1
¢ Blue for all seasons, course # 4120-3
e North Toronto Horticultural Society, meeting, 8:00 p.m. Round table discussions: pruning, starting seeds ... 15
* Ahealthygardenthenaturalway,course #4175
16
* Paddy s pots and plants
* Perennials for damp places, course # 4120-2
18
¢ North Toronto Stamp Club, show 19
¢ North Toronto Stamp Club, show
¢ Rhododendron Society, meeting, 2:00 p-m.
20
¢ Southern Ontario Orchid Society, newcomers meeting, 7:30 p.m.
21
e Toronto Cactus and Succulent club, meeting, 7:30 p.m.
22
¢ An Edwards Foundation Garden Evening. 7:30p.m. Speaker:MarionJarvie. Topic: Botanically speaking.
23
¢ Basketry techniques, course #3131-3
¢ Canadian Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society, meeting, 7:00 p.m.
25
* Funwithflowerpainting,course#4130 26
¢ Funwithflowerpainting,course#4130
e Canadian Rose Society annual general meeting,2:00p.m. Speaker:JoyceFleming, Ontario rose hybridizer.
e Jkenobo Ikebana, show 31
¢ CivicGardenCentrespringpansysale, pre-order pick-up
Bulk Ennombre third troisiéme class classe
The Civic Garden Centre warmly welcomes new members. Join us, and meet friends who share an interest in gardening, floral arts and horticulture.
Activities:
The Civic Garden Centre offers:
e workshops, classes and clinics
e flower shows
* Jectures
e The Trellis Shop (garden supplies, plants, gifts and books)
e Trellis newsletter garden tours horticultural library soil testing service gardening hotline Master Gardeners' activities plant sales fund-raising activities
Member discounts apply on many of these activities.
Volunteers:
ThetalentsandenthusiasmofCivicGardenCentrevolunteerspermitofferingavarietyofprograms and special events. Ifyou are able to offer time on a regularor as-needed basis, please contact our volunteerco-ordinator.Volunteerjobsincludetourguides,shopsales,libraryassistants,secretarial, reception, horticulturalassistant, committeememberoravolunteerposition tailored to meetyour particular skills or interest.
Mail to: The Civic Garden Centre, 777 Lawrence Avenue East, North York, Ontario M3C 1P2
New member = Please print:
Renewing member [ ]
Single membership $30
Family membership ~ $40 B Nis/i
Gift membership == Akdraas
Donation, tax deductible
Total Apt.
Method of payment
(] Cheque (payableto theCivic City Garden Centre)
L 1visA [_]MasterCard
Card number
Expiry date
Postal code
Telephone (home)
Signature (business)