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March 15-23. 1975
New England Spring Garden and Flower Show, sponsored by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. at Commonwealth Armory. Boston. Contact: the society at (617) 536-9280.
April 5-13. 1975
Chicago Flower and Garden Show, sponsored by the Chicago Horticultural Society and Botanic Garden. at McCormick Place. Chicago. Contact: Robert Wintz (312) 332-2868.
April 6-12. 1975
The Garden Symposium, sponsored by Colonial Williamsburg, at Williamsburg, Virginia. Contact: Mrs. J. S. Moyles (804) 229-1000.
April 18-October 19, 1975
Bundesgartenschau, the bi-annual German federal garden show, staged this year in two parks in Mannheim (just south of Frankfurt), Germany. Several indoor shows throughout the period. Contact: the Civic Garden Centre for information.
April 26-30, 1975
La Floralies de Ghent, the Belgian Floralies held in Ghent, Belgium. Contact: the Civic Garden Centre for information.
May 20-23. 1975
Chelsea Flower Show, sponsored by the Royal Horticultural Society. at Chelsea Royal Hospital Grounds. London. England. And other shows held throughout the year at the society s halls. Contact: the Civic Garden Centre for information.
May 16-17. 1974
International Lilac Society Convention,
Coming Events of International Gardening and Floral Arts Interest
Morton Arboretum. Lisle. Illinois. Contact: the arboretum at (312) 968-0074.
June 8. 1975
Canadian Iris Society Show, sponsored by the society at Royal Botanical Gardens. Headquarters. Burlington. Contact: the gardens at (416) 527-1158.
June 20-22. 1975
Ontario Horticultural Association Convention, at Barrie, Ontario. Contact: Russell F. Gomme (416) 965-1091.
October 8-13. 1975
American Horticultural Congress, sponsored by the American Horticultural Society at Honolulu, Hawaii, with tours to other islands. Contact: O. Keister Evans (703) 768-5700.
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Trellis / 3
This Month s Articles
Editorial About the Lack ofa Toronto Garden Show this Spring
Regular Features
Coming Events of International Interest, 3; School of Floral Decoration, 14; Gardening Events Calendar, 16: Shop, 26; and Bookshop, 27.
Other
ltems
of Interest This Month
The Windfields Gardener talks about various types of Layering, for plant propagation, 15.
The Front Cover
Civic Garden Centre flower arranging instructor, Dorothy Ross first-prize-winning arrangement in the Crown Jewels class at last year s Toronto Spring Flower Show featured yellow roses, freesias and variegated Peperomia. Photo by A. C. Drysdale.
Civic Garden Centre Board of Directors
Mrs. K. G.(Audrey) Allman: R. H. (Roy) Bainard; Mrs. J. H. (Betty) Billes; J. (Jack) Blair; J. E. (John) Bradshaw; Mrs. D. P. (Elizabeth) Bryce; G. P. (Geoff) Clarkson: E. A. (Ed) Endersbz; Mrs. J. A. (Edna) Gardner; R. A. (Reg) Mackenzie; G. A. (Gib) Milne; Mrs. M. A. (Chris) Okawara: !5 R. (Ernie) Pope; Mrs. E. (Flavia) Redelmeier (Chairman); Mrs. F. W. (Genevieve) Rob- ertson; W. (Wilf) Sanders; L. C. (Larry) Sherk; Mrs. R. (Helen) Skinner; T. W. (Tom) Thompson; D. H. (Dave) Yerex: W. A. (Bill) Young.
Staff for Civic Garden Centre and Trellis
George Sinclair, Executive Director; A. C. (Art) Drysdale, Associate Director and Editor; Mrs. J. W. (Awdrey) Clarke, Executive Secretary.
General Information
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 lo- cated in Edwards Gardens, at Leslie Street and Law- rence Avenue East, the geographical centre of Metro- politan 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 2, Number 2. 4 / February 1975
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 3.000 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
o Meeting place for specialized plant societies from Bonsai to Roses
o Home of some of the best flower arrangers in North America (quoted from U.S.A. author and editor, Helen Van Pelt Wilson)
What it does
o 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
o Operates a Speakers Panel Bureau which brings panels of experts on various subjects to groups desirous of an 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 per year of Trellis
o Free borrowing privileges from the 3,000-volume library
o Ten per cent discount off all purchases of books and gardening and floral arts supplies bought from the Centre
o 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 least twice per year
177 Lawrence Ave. East (in Edwards Gardens), Don Mills, Ontario M3C 1P2
It the biggest single boom of the 1974 gardening season was the increase in home-growing of vegetables, then the boom of the 1975 season is bound to be an even greater turn to home vegetable gardening. Seed companies, as early as November of last year, announced there would be shortages particularly of onions, and perhaps of carrot seed. Catalogues were issued at least a month sooner than normal, and early placement of orders was urged by all seed companies. At this writing in mid-January, Canadian seed houses report a great increase in demand for catalogues, though they anticipate being able to keep up with requests; and they are hopeful that, with a few exceptions on specific varieties, supplies of seeds will be sufficient to satisfy the thousands of new vegetable gardeners.
The vegetable which is subject to the most publicity of the new introductions this year is the edible soybean, or vegetable bean. Up until this year, the soybean in North America had been relegated to livestock feed and industrial use such as an additive to some experimental formulations of supermarket hamburg . Now, several tasty new varieties have been introduced and are available from at least two seed companies in Canada.
Bred by a Swedish gentleman. Sven Holmberg, now 81 years of age. the vegetable bean Fiskeby V' from Thompson and Morgan is not being called a soya bean or soybean because of the animal-feed, and wartime/austerity connotations. Fiskeby V* is said to be absolutely delicious though a taste-test panel was unsure how to classify the flavour. Some said it hada fullness, rich yet mellow that lingered on, while others said it was a new meaty taste.
Two other varieties are also available this year: Early Green Bush and Kan6 / February 1975
Now, Vegetables provide ideal substitute for Meat and particularly protein
Art C. Drysdale, Editor
rich from StoKes seeds. Both of these originated in Japan and are likewise tasty, and suited to growth in our cooler climate cooler than that where the large crops of soybeans are grown in China, Manchuria, etc.
Home growing ofvegetables has. until the advent of the new soybeans or vegetable bean, provided an economical supply of what might be termed by most (except vegetarians) as the secondary components of our meals. Now. with the all-new soya beans, we have a tasty home-grown substitute for beef and other meats!. The soybeans now available have a protein content ranging up to 40 per cent: compared with beef steak which has only 25 per cent. Fortunately too. they have no bad side effects such as increased cholesterol levels common with meat. Fat content ranges from 14 to 24 per cent, but there is total lack of starch content.
About the present use of soybeans. it is interesting to note that for bodybuilders powdered soya and powdered pineapple are the two principal ingredients of their carefully controlled bodydevelopment diets. Also, in a US.A. test, children from a deprived urban area where 1.Q.s were. on average. quite low, were fed on a steady diet (for protein, fat and the high vitamin content) of soybeans. In subsequent tests it was
Photos on adjacent page: at left, from top to bottom, 'Early Green Bush' soybean photographed at Cornell University vegetable trials; Ultra Girl' tomato, a disease resistant early variety; and Ambrosia Hybrid' cantaloupe with serving suggestions. At right, top to bottom: Sweet Slice' hybrid cucumber a new burpless Americanstyle variety; Early Niagara Giant peppers shown growing in early September; and the unusual celeriac a turnip-rooted celery which is easy to grow and has a delicious flavour both fresh and cooked. Cantaloupe photo courtesy Burpee Seeds, all others courtesy Stokes Seeds.
found that the average 1.Q.s were considerably higher: the improvement was attributed solely to the improved diet leading to greater ability to think . And, the diet was primarily from soybeans!
A cauliflower that does not need to be tied
Soybeans may be started indoors, in small peat pots or similar, about 30 days prior to the time they may be set outside when the danger offrost has passed. Or. they may be seeded right in the ground. again, after all danger of frost. Since the plants grow more erect than other bush beans, the small plants or seeds may be placed closer than bush beans. Five to six inches apart in rows that are 9 to 12 inches apart is the recommendation.
Though the variety Kanrich tdkes about 103 days to mature. FiskebyV and Early Green Bush mature considerably faster in about 85 days. This means that in southern Ontario. and similar climate areas, gardeners should make a second outdoor sowing as late as June 20.
In a subsequent issue, I'll have a short
FOUR STEPS TO
feature on preparing the new soybean varieties for table use, and for storage. There s a bit of a trick to it. but homemakers will master it easily.
Other new vegetables too will be in demand by home gardeners. The always popular tomato plants are certain to be in short supply once mid-May is here so gardeners are advised to purchase a couple of packets ofseed now, and start their own plants in April (not earlier). In addition to assuring a supply of the hard-to-get tomato plants. by starting one s own, gardeners are able to choose varieties to suit their particular conditions. Ifyou have had problems with rot or cracking on your tomatoes in previous years, and if you are not able to grow your plants this year in a different location, the new variety Ultra Girl is recommended as a new resistant variety that provides built-in protection against the most destructive diseases and pests. Though like most varieties, Ultra Girl grows best if staked. it is not essential that the plants be staked. You may wish to grow your tomatoes in round wire cages as suggested by John Bradshaw in last month s Trellis (page 10). The fruits
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of this early-ripening variety average seven to nine ounces and the common blotchy ripening which many persons dislike is absent.
Have you tried home-grown cauliflower? Many first-time gardeners are scared off from growing this delight because they read in the seed catalogues that the outer leaves of the plants must be tied up over the head prior to harvesting. This seems like a lot of work, and consequently, cauliflower is not too popular with home gardeners. Now, there is a new variety, Chartreuse with bright green heads averaging 8'2 inches across, which does not have to be tied up . The heads are available for cutting about 80 days after the young plants are transplanted into the garden. They turn a light green colour when they are cooked. and I am advised the variety is an excellent one for freezing.
More on burpless cucumbers
Having spent so much space on the new soyabeans, I am reluctant to dwell on other bean types. However, Thompson and Morgan s catalogue features a new early bush bean. Limelight . Described as a heavy cropper, and earlier by two weeks than other varieties, Limelight has thick, fleshy. fibreless broad (instead of round) pods. Also in T. & L s catalogue is a carrot with double the vitamin A content of previous varieties. Juwerot apparently contains 249 mg. per kilo of vitamin A, compared to 120 mg. for other varieties. Its sweet. crunchy variety you may want to try.
From Burpee seeds this year is a new mouthwatering cantaloupe, Ambrosia Hybrid . According to vegetable breeder Ted Torrey, Ambrosia has to be tasted to be believed. Smooth, juicy. light salmon flesh dripping with extra-sweet. slightly musky flavour, Ambrosia begins producing medium sized melons 86 days after the seeds are planted. The fruits are 6'% by 6 inches, with a finely netted skin. and they average 42 to 5 pounds. The seed cavities are extremely small, and the flesh quite thick and edible right to the ring. According to Burpee officials, it scoops perfectly for melon balls. Ifyou happen to be one ofthose who, like me. get the burps ifyou as much
as look at a cucumber there now is an American slicer variety that is not bitter, and is burpless. Its name is Sweet Slice . and if you cannot eat ordinary cucumbers, you should try this one. You may even eat it without peeling! This is the first large American-style cucumber that is burpless the previous varieties boasting this quality having been the slender Japanese types. Sweet Slice produces 10- to 12-inch-long cucumbers 62 days after planting.
Have you tried growing peppers? From seed started indoors around April 1. you'll have good-size plants to set out by June 15 (peppers don t like to be in cold soil, nor do the aforementioned cucumbers), and you should have a good crop of 4'%-inch square green peppers by the end of August. Early Niagara Giant is a good variety from Stokes Seeds for you to try.
Thompson & Morgan boast that their new sweet corn Polar Vee is probably the earliest sweet corn to harvest in existence . They recommend planting it in four by four ft. blocks to assist fertility. They also feature a culinary dandelion! According to their catalogue, the thick fleshy leaves are higher than all other fruits and vegetables in iron content, and it is an excellent plant. They also suggest mounding up along the rows with earth to eight inches to produce white leaves which are deliciously creamy. And, the root may be used as a substitute for coffee, and the flowers for the famous dandelion wine. Versatile!
Finally, just one ofthe more unusual vegetables available if you spend a bit of time carefully reading through your seed catalogues. Celeriac is an unappetizing (in appearance) turnip-like vegetable that is sown outdoors around the first of May. It matures in 110 days, at which time the roots are harvested. They will be about two inches in diameter and are used fresh in salads, where a unique parsley-celery flavour is imparted, or they are cubed for boiling in soups and stews for a pleasant nut-like flavour.
Don t fail to plant some of the more unusual vegetables this year. After all, you've been eating peas and carrots in restaurants for as long as you can remember.
I you are having trouble growing window plants because your house is too dry, why not try plants that will thrive under this condition? Since in wintertime so many houses have less humidity than Death Valley, California, you should consider growing plants that are at home in this very region. These plants are extremely fascinating and at times produce spectacular and showy flowers.
Collecting and growing cacti for their odd forms and exquisite blooms has been a hobby in Europe for more than a century, but in North America, particularly here in Canada. it has been in strong vogue for only about 20 years.
It is interesting for Canadians to note, that the largest grower of cacti in the world, Ben Veldhuis Ltd., is located right here in Ontario.
Desert cacti require a drier atmosphere than most plants and they like periods of complete drought, conditions most house plants are expected to endure when we go on vacation. Many species will actually go all winter without watering, although they will shrivel slightly and look grayish in color. When they are watered in early spring they become dark green and in no time produce, in the oddést places, buds that very quickly grow into luxurious flowers.
No gardener can truthfully say he dis-
A varying collection of typical desert cactuses. Photo by Agriculture Canada.
Desert and Orchid Cactuses are ideal for dry Home atmospheres
Arthur R. Buckley*
likes all cacti for there are so many diverse types that at least one is sure to please. If you dislike those with spines you can get the sand dollar cactus (A4strophytum asterias) that has a flattened spineless body, an inch high and three inches wide, divided by ribs into pielike sections. This species produces jewel-like yellow flowers an inch long. The other extremes for those who find beauty in spines are the hedgehog cacti (Echinocactus spp.) and the prickly pears (Opuntia spp.). Enthusiasts will often rave about the velvety beauty of the gold plush prickly pear (Opuntia microdasys), which, at the slightest touch, will unload a quiver of microscopic spines into your hands. These will irritate for a long time until the last of the spines gradually works out ofyour skin.
Re-pot cacti every two years
Among the small cacti most suitable for growing in the home are the peanut cactus (Chamaecereus silvestris) that forms clumps made from a number of peanut-like joints, the popular old-man cactus (Cephalocereus senilis), cylindrical type covered with shaggy white hairs, and its counterpart the old-lady cactus (Mammillaria hahniana) that produces a globular stem. which too, is covered with snow white hairs when it is a few years old. Others are the powder pufl cactus (Mammillaria bocasana), which forms globes one and a half inches across with slender green tubercules set on a pink body and topped with tufts of silky hairs, and the bird s nest cactus (Mammillaria campotricha), which has a shape rather like a bird s nest. There are many more, some noted for their shapes and some for their stu-
*Mr. Buckley retired as ornamental plant specialist with The Plant R h Insti now Or als Research Service, Agriculture Canada, Ottawa, over a year ago. He continues to write gardening infe i I for across Canada.
pendous flowers, such as the nightblooming cereus (Hylocereus undatus) that produces in summer large 14-inch white flowers with golden sepals that emit a scent strong enough to attract (as it does in the desert) large winged nightflying moths for, its fertilization.
Growing these desert plants takes so little effort and attention that amateurs usually kill them with too much pampering. Through thousands of years the true cacti have gradually become accustomed to long periods of drought and they are able to store sufficient moisture in their tissue for use in dry periods. Unless they are allowed to use some of this stored-up moisture they will eventually decay. The barrel types and prickly-pear types must not be watered too often. Preferably, allow them to remain dry from December to March and remove them to a cooler place in the home, such as near a basement window.
When you begin to water again soak the plants thoroughly and then wait until they are dry before the next watering. At this time they will gradually change their gray-green appearance to dark green and start to produce buds.
This period when strong signs of growth appear is a good time to re-pot plants. Re-potting should be done every two years to ensure good growth.
Put them outside for the summer
Plants left too long in the same soil tend to go into a period of dormancy that might last for several years, causing them, not to die, but to shrivel in size and become too weak to flower. It is not necessary to re-pot into a larger size pot unless the plant is young and the pots are very small.
A good soil mixture for desert cacti is four parts ofgood garden soil, a little on the heavy side, one part leaf mold, onehalf part sand, one-half part crushed limestone and one-half part crushed brick.
In June the cacti may be planted outside on the patio where they can be kept watered. or they may be plunged in a specially prepared place in the garden. They can be placed so as to form a rock garden with a few well-placed rocks or can be part of the garden itself.
Trellis / 11
In any event, the soil where the plants are to be placed should be dug out to a depth of the largest pot and two inches of sand placed at the bottom. Then fill the excavation up with sand or sandy soil and plunge the pots to the rim in this or stand them on the base and fill in around them with sand.
For about a week after they are planted outside they will need shading during the hottest part of the day. however, a sunny position in the garden is absolutely necessary.
The Orchid cacti
One of the mysteries of plant life is how the unpretentious branches of some cacti can suddenly form huge buds that burst open into special blooms at twilight. Many ofthese nightblooming plants, together with even more spectacular day-blooming types. belong to a group ofhybrids and species collectively known as epiphyllums.
The hybrid epiphyllums are greenhouse and window garden succulents popularly known as orchid cacti because of the shape and beauty of their flowers, although this is not their only claim to distinction.
The parents of modern hybrids are from Brazil, Mexico and Central America and from altitudes from 3,000 to 5,000 feet, not from the steamy tropical regions as might be expected. In these habitats they grow in the crotches of
Deutusche Kaiserin is an epiphyllum cactus that produces small pink and white flowers in abundance. Photo by Agriculture Canada.
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trees, where debris has collected. like epiphytic orchids.
Epiphyllums have short woody stems and long flat, strap-shaped fleshy. usually pendulous branches that look and serve as leaves. The name epiphyllum is derived from epi- upon , and phyllona leaf, and refers to the apparent location of the flowers. Some have triangular branches while others have both flat and triangular branches on the same plant.
The individual species are larger plants and not too easy to bring into flower. Many have been interbred to give to-day s free flowering brightly coloured hybrids. The culture of the hybrids is fairly simple. They should be placed in a room where the minimum temperature is 50 degrees F. This temperature may be allowed to rise 10-20 degrees F. during the day. Higher temperatures may be harmful.
During the winter they should be placed in a sunny exposure, but if placed outside in summer they should be shaded.
Christmas cactus is but one popular example
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The plants are usually obtained from nurseries as small specimens growing in 2'5-inch pots. Upon arrival they are best planted in five-inch pots in a porous yet fairly rich organic soil. A formula tested by the Ornamentals Research Service that seems to be adequate is one containing four parts decayed leaves, two parts peat moss, three parts dried cow or sheep manure, two parts gravel and two parts sharp sand with a few lumps of charcoal added. The plants will not thrive in a compacted soil so when potting do not pack the soil as you would for some house plants.
Repotting old plants should be done in late winter, just when the new growth begins, or three or four weeks after flowering. The soil should be the same as for potting new plants. Most hybrids flower and thrive well in five-inch pots and ifalready in such a pot are best left until the plants are potbound and then repotted into the same pot for a few years by shaking out the old soil and replacing with fresh.
Once the plants are growing they
GREEN { CROSS D
must be watered. at first sparingly, and then gradually increasing the amounts until summer when growth is more rapid. After the buds have set the plants require plenty of water so that the flowers mature properly. After flowering which is normally during April. May and June do not force by excessive watering. At this time rest for a few weeks until the main growth begins.
While the plants are growing. a twice weekly misting with lukewarm water is extremely beneficial. During this period. too, some fertilizers should be applied. A complete fertilizer such as that usually sold for African violets should be given once every two weeks until the plants have flowered.
The propagation ofepiphyllums from cuttings may be carried out at any time of the year, but is best done in spring when the growth is more vigorous. Take cuttings, preferably from non-flowering shoots, and dip the ends in Flowers of Sulphur. Then store them on a dry shelf for a week or two before inserting in a pot of sand. They will usually take four to six weeks to produce roots but may be left in the sand for a long period with no harmful results.
Temperature affects many plants in the epiphyllum group in extraordinary ways. The Christmas cactus (Zygocactus truncatus) for example will flower regardless ofdaylight at 55 degrees F. but if given 65 degrees F. it will respond in the same way as a short day plant. This means that if you grow a Christmas Cactus in the house at normal temperatures of 65-70 degrees F. you should cover it with a dark cloth to reduce daylight hours. If you grow at temperatures higher than 70 the plants will not bloom at any time.
Many people that grow these Christmas cacti successfully either put them in a dark corner for six to eight weeks during August and September to produce buds, or cover plants from five pm until seven am with a black cloth each night for the same period.
There are many striking epiphyllum hybrids that flower extremely well. Some of these are Conway s Giant , a vigorous large flowered red: Empress of Deutsche Kaiserin . a smaller flow-
ered pink with abundant blooms; Professor Ebert , a strong magenta; Flor del Sol. with scarlet or brownish vermilion flowers; Sun Goddess , with eleven-inch flowers of orange to nasturtium red: Nimbus , an outstanding pink and Eden with white flowers.
There are over 3,000 hybrids available in this colourful group of plants. A society the Epiphyllum Society of America, is devoted to the study of cultivation and breeding of new cultivars.
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Browsing Daily & Sunday ARTHUR FITZSIMMONS GARDEN CENTRE
No. 6 Highway, off No. 403, Hamilton Telephone: (416) 529-1946
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D, you wish you knew some way of using that still flowering Poinsettia? It was so gorgeous at Christmas but will be so tiresome at Easter!
Do you wish you could fix those sweet anniversary flowers to show how much you appreciated that loving gift?
Do you wish you could arrange a basket of summer flowers prettily enough to give away?
Do you wish you were able to make a nosegay for the bride and a corsage for her motherwhen you give that shower?
Stop wishing come and find some answers to these questions in our flower arranging classes at the Civic Garden Centre.
This is Woman s Year you know, and so if your husband says to friends
* Have a look folks, it took Mary two hours and cost two dollars to learn where to place that one flower! , of course they will all laugh, but probably decide that you have something. So come and join even if it is just to create a conversation piece. It s lots of fun.
In the photo accompanying, all of the bride s and bridesmaids bouquets and corsages, along with the groom s and attendants buttonaires, were made by Grace Wade and Roumaine Shultz of the Centre s Milne House Garden Club. You too may become as proficient in
All of the flowers for the wedding of Miss Susan Crawford, and Mr. Peter Short, held in Willowdale, June 1, 1974, were created by two members of the Civic Garden Centre 's Milne House Garden Club.
Flower Arranging Courses at Three Levels
Genevieve Robertson
the floral arts simply by starting with a basic course here at the Centre. Classes began in January but most people were still putting away tree ornaments so now in March we are starting another series for newcomers and also some more sophisticated classes for others. New instructors will add variations and a change for arrangers interested in continuing. Before taking the intermediate, or Course 2, we suggest that the basic course be taken twice but with different instructors.
The basic course, course 1, will operate for six consecutive weeks on Wednesdays beginning March 12. There will be a course both at 1:30 pm, with Doris Spafford instructing, and one at 8 pm with Beth Frost as instructor. Course 2, or the intermediate level, will operate on Thursdays, also for six consecutive weeks, beginning on March 13. The instructor for the afternoon classes (at 1:30 pm) will be Miss Margaret Dove, while in the evening at 8 pm, Kathy Cantlon will instruct.
In addition to these two levels, three special workshop days are being arranged for advanced flower arrangers. While no specific qualifications are required, basic techniques and flower arranging concepts are necessary for these advanced workshops. The workshops will be held on April 23, April 30 and May 7. and will extend from 10 am to 3 pm, so participants are asked to bring a lunch! The subjects and instructors on the three days are as follows: April 23
The Oriental Manner , with Ella Irving: April 30 Still Life , with Vera Holdsworth; and May 7 Free form and Abstract , with Dorothy Ross.
For any one of the courses at any level, call the Civic Garden Centre, and ask for a registration form. Classes fill on a first come, first served basis, and the low fees are payable in advance. Call today 445-1552.
14 / February 1975
For those plants that do not come true from seed, do not form shoots, or do not propagate easily from cuttings, a useful and common form of propagation called layering (from the French term marcottage ) is often suitable.
Common layering is performed by bending a branch or stem of a plant to the ground, five to ten inches below the tip, and covering it with soil. Raspberries, blackberries, many roses, rhododendrons, currants are examples ofplants that may be propagated in this manner.
Another form of layering, compound layering, is performed by the alternate covering and exposing of a branch in the ground. Clematis, and grape vines as well as ivies are all easily reproduced in this way.
Another form, trench layering, is accomplished by covering a branch for its entire length so that roots and leaves eventually emerge from each node (point on branch from which leaves sprout). The branch is buried between two and five inches. Some cherry and apple varieties may be propagated by this method.
Mound layering, still another variation, is useful on plants such as gooseberries, Japanese quince, hydrangea, hardy chrysanthemums and currants. With this method, the plant is cut back severely (almost to the ground in most cases) during the dormant season. The next growing season, new shoots are allowed to grow, and in the next dormant season (a year later) the shoots are again cut back. The next summer, when new-shoots are again growing, moist soil in mounded halfway up the shoots. Roots will form during the latter part of the season, and the following spring, the new plants may be separated and planted out individually.
Air layering is the final type of lay-
Use of various Layering Techniques simplifies Reproduction of Plants
The Windfields Gardener
ering, but perhaps the most useful to indoor gardeners, especially those with plants such as diefenbachia and various dracaenas. This method is also useful outside when branches are too big or stiff to bend, or if the plant does not sucker easily. The stem of the plant is wounded, or cut at the point where it is desired to have roots form. If it is a rapid-growing plant, a small toothpick is often inserted in the stem where a wedge-shaped section has been removed with a sharp knife. This prevents the wound simply healing up without forming roots. Rooting hormones may also be placed on the cut, and it is then wrapped in damp sphagnum moss which is held to the stem by tying a piece of plastic tightly at both ends with twistems. After a period of several weeks to months, depending on the plant, roots will form within the plastic sac, and the old stem may be cut just below the roots, and the new plant potted up.
With air layering, often times the old base of the layered plantis a cast-away, but with some plants it can be retained and grown on as well.
Next month I'll be talking about cuttings.
ts in blue held atCivic Garden Centre; more data the Centre (445-1552) unless a specific phone nber given. All other events (in black) held elsee; for data call phone number given. All events be-
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Mon
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sthern Ontario Orchid S. at 1 (759-1439)
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This is a momentous day. It is the first day of the millenium, January 1, 2000.
I dictate these notes while on a brief holiday at White River, Ontario, our newest and most flourishing resort town, whose normal population of around 1,000,000 triples for the winter season. It seems appropriate at this time to review briefly a few of the ecological and horticultural highlights of the past quarter century. By far the most startling, and literally earth shaking event, was the decision of the Pentagon, in spite of a torrent of scientific advice to the contrary, to set off for peaceful purposes , the most powerful atomic blast so far at Amchitka Island, Alaska.
As predicted by several scientists, this blast tilted our planet some 224 degrees offaxis with profound effects on the climate and environment of many countries of the world. Mankind, however, has adapted with remarkable speed to the change. Indeed, what might have been an event of catastrophic proportion, ushered in several decades ofgreat prosperity. Northern Canada became a tropical paradise with White River, Ontario, which formerly enjoyed the dubious distinction as the coldest spot in the province, becoming the Miami of the north. Here we have a tropical spa with hot springs, and mineral waters unequalled anywhwere else in the world. On the other hand, Miami, not to be outdone and with typical Yankee ingenuity, in just a few years became the St. Moritz of North America. The city fathers had the foresight to engage a prominent Canadian firm of landscape architects, Foothill, Mound and Mountain, whose plans called for encircling the city with a series ofhills, valleys and lagoons which, as the higher elevations were blessed with permanent snow, provided a mecca for ski and other winter sports enthusiasts the year round. It seems all the more amazing that 18 / February 1975
The Year 2000 and a light-hearted look at future planting trends
J. V. (Bill) Stensson*
the creation of new towns, and the transformation ofold, has been accomplished in less than two decades.in spite of the four day work year, replacing the laborious four day work week of the late seventies. Except for a few old timers, who actually seem to enjoy work, life is one great leisurely holiday, and vast facilities have been created for sport and amusement activities. The whole of British Columbia together with the foothills of Alberta is being transformed into one gigantic golf course. According to the general contractor, it will be possible, when the course is completed in 2020, for an ardent golfer to commence playing at age 14 and not have to repeat the same hole before reaching his ten score years. By reason of the change in climatic conditions, the Prairie provinces no longer are suitable for growing wheat. The topography. however, seems especially adapted for the playing of tennis, and batteries of astro courts are to-day, scattered throughout the Prairies.
New food supply
Processed algae has long since replaced wheat flour as the bread of life . The discovery of its nutritional value came about more or less by accident. No sooner had the federal government completed the bridgejoining Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia than the Northumberland Straits filled solid with algae, and the bridge for transportation was no longer a necessity. Two young university science students, researching ways and means to dissolve the troublesome weed, discovered a simple process of transforming the algae to a palpable food. This new source of material was
*The late Bill Stensson, a trained landscape architect who was instrumental in the design of such projects as the Oakes and Rainbow gardens in Niagara Falls, and the University Avenue median, was the first managing director of Sheridan Nurseries Ltd., and the company s president from February 1965 to his death in March 1972,
estimated at least sufficient to feed the world for a century.
Many plant nurseries underwent drastic changes. not only by reason of climatic and ecological changes. but also by reason of the all-powerful influence of the landscape architects. Foundation evergreen plants for instance, a stable outlet for much nursery production, were outlawed some 12 years ago. Away with the spinach , cried one prominent Ottawa landscape architect. Indeed. since 1988, any permanent planting, in spite of strong opposition from members of garden clubs, has required the stamp of approval of landscape architects. The home gardener has been confined to annuals and herbaceous material for his plantings.
A cure for cancer
Over the years. the palette of plant material used by the professional has been gradually refined and now consists of three varieties of trees, three of evergreens, three of shrubs, one vine and no flowers. This trend dealt a particularly hard blow to one promient nursery called Sheridan who carried a superb list of plant material. Fortunately. in a
The late J. V. (Bill) Stensson nick of time for the nursery, scientists discovered a mysterious substance called CC (cancer cure) in the humble purslane (Portulaca oleracea) weed. Since Sheridan, in spite of numerous trials and chemical weed killers, was still the most efficient producer of purslane, the whole nursery was promptly expropriated by federal authorities and production entirely turned over to the propagation and production of the life saving weed. Six crops a year were not uncommon.
McConnell Nursery Company, with an infusion of American capital. has become the world s largest horticultural mail order house, sending out
ADVANCED GARDENING COURSE
Six more popular garden talks are offered by The Civic Garden Centre following the six-week course which ends March 10. These six, on different topics, are available to members and non-members alike.
The course begins on Monday, March 17, and runs for six weeks at 1:30 and 8:00 pm at the Centre in Edwards Gardens, Don Mills (Lawrence and Leslie). No talk will be offered on Easter Monday, March 31.
March 17 Plants Under Lights Indoors Some New ldeas by Mrs. Leni Forsdike, The Plant Room, Hornby, Ontario
March 24 Home Greenhouses Getting More from Your Space by George W. Dalby, Superintendent of Parks, The Niagara Parks Commission
April 7 Pruning Fruit and Flowering Shrubs by Knox Henry, General Manager, Brookdale-Kingsway Nurseries Ltd.
April 14 Landscaping the Suburban Garden by W. E. (Bill) Hartnoll, Garden Broadcaster and writer.
April 21 Shade Trees Their Choice, Care and Maintenance by Lawrence C. Sherk, Chief Horticulturist, Sheridan Nurseries Ltd.
April 28 Annual Flowers A Quick Way to Colour Your Garden by Denis McQuestion, Etobicoke Parks and Recreation Services Dept.
Cost: $3 for each talk for non-members of the Centre; $2.50 for members. Members may register for all six talks at a fee of only $11. Call and Register NOW, 445-1552! Trellis
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50.000.000 catalogues a year. White Rose Nurseries. at the dictate of the landscape profession. are confined to growing 1,000 acres of honey locusts and 1,000 acres ofgreenpfitzer junipers. Weall and Cullen recently opened their 100th garden centre. It is on Great Slave {. Lake. renamed Born Free just this year, by our socialist Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau II. Even the Eskimos could not resist the melodious voice of Len Cullen, heard six times daily. when it comes to gardening in the fall Weall and Cullen has it all .
Lindy to the moon
Although this is undoubtedly an age of speed. a highlight of the past decade has been the discovery of the beneficial and healthful effect of slow motion on mankind s well being, and in particular on our senior citizens. This breakthrough led to the construction of numerous Pinehaven Tower Greenhouses dotting the countryside. Towers have become a necessary element of all senlor citizens homes. As little as one soothing, relaxing three-hour round trip, produces complete rejuvenation. For some years during the mid-1970s, the original tower sat unused!
Pinehaven Towers have become a serious competitor of Vic Tannys. Even the promoter. Keith Laver, a man of boundless energy, takes the trip once a month. Keith, of course. will always be remembered for his epic flight to the moon, the first solo flight in history.
Lindy Laver took off one morning, without June s knowledge. in his single engine plane filled up with special home-made jets and an oxygen chamber, and was safely back the next weekend at his Georgian Bay retreat.
Spray it weekly with pollutants
Mention should be made of a few unique plant introductions the past quarter century. The late Sheridan Nurseries developed, in the mid-80s, an evergreen oak with shiny foliage, flowers as large as the peace rose, and the ability to grow downtown under the most adverse circumstances. Fortunately, for mankind. but unfortuantely for the oak, the air of our cities is now so pure that the tree could not thrive under such unusual conditions, and the sole surviving specimen at the National Ar-
boretum, Ottawa. is kept in fair shape by weekly spraying with carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulphur ~ dioxide.
In Montreal a French Canadian plant hybridist created a new crabapple which has been christened Malus Quiche Alsacienne . This magnificent tree boasted bright blue and white flowers, and scarlet fruits shaped like tadpoles. Unfortunately, it proved sensitive, failing to grow outside of the Province of Quebec, and even in Quebec, in order to thrive, it had to be planted by a French Canadian, whose ancestors landed at Quebec before 1763.
Answer to an arborist s dream
Occasionally the creative ability of the landscape architect was applied to *horticultural products. Jim Floyd and Associates, who took over his father, Austin s firm in the mid-1970s, patented, much to the chagrin of his father, several types of precast concrete trees, the most popular of which was the Castonia austenia. This type, consisting of 12 vertical shafts of concrete, doubled as a lighting standard. The enterprising young Floyd managed to sell this idea to the then park commissioner of Metro Toronto, as a fool-proof tree for University Avenue.
This tree has everything. stated Mr. Thompson when interviewed. It is the answer to an arborist s dream. no watering, no fertilizing, no spraying, no pruning. My only regret is that the young lads have not yet found a way to carve their initials in the trunk.
Since 1990, University Avenue in Toronto has been affectionately known as Austin s Allee. Pedestrians of course have not been observed on the avenue for some years. Indeed, in 1995, when Mrs. J. V. (Janina) Stensson was noticed taking a stroll down the central boulevard, Art Drysdale, while passing overhead in his flyby, deemed it sufficient reason to turn in a national alert, in fear that the pavement might collapse! This review would not be complete without a word on our landscape schools. The plant material course can now be adequately covered in one half hour per year, except for the one student in 100 interested in landscape history. These individuals are required to
spend a good deal oftime at the various botanical gardens such as the Royal Botanical Gardens, Hamilton, Montreal Botanic Gardens, University of British Columbia, and University of Guelph and at one or two of the garden and park projects created by the late Howard Dunington-Grubb, who frequently made use of a unique range of plant material. At the schools it seems no longer necessary to put pencil to paper. Students must learn the knack of punching the right buttons, and out will come the solution to any problem, complete with working drawings and specifications.
The profession is now top dog in the design field; only on rare occasions employing architects. It has come a long way since Howard Grubb, whose bust occupies a prominent position in the Gardening Hall of Fame, in a capsule comment described himself as a problem child, who at the turn of the century was shipped out to the colonies where, after many years, mostly submerged. he stumbled by accident without qualifications, into society s worst paid profession.
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Outdoor furnishings and accessories of all kinds will be displayed in the Civic Garden Centre auditorium March 11 at an evening mini-exhibition designed to whet appetites for summer. Highrise Gardeners of Toronto has scheduled the show with the theme Plan Now Plant Later in lieu of the three-yearold Club s regular second-Tuesday 8 p-m. lecture format. An Everybody s welcome policy applies. with all admission fees waived for the occasion because the contents of the exhibit are of interest to residents of any kind of accommodation which offers even a patch of outdoor space for container gardening and relaxation.
The show is intended to inspire ideas and provide where-to-buy information
YEAR ROUND GARDENING aluminium greenhouses
Open Meeting of Highrise Gardeners
Evva J. Yellowley
for gardeners who want to combine beauty with practicality on patios, porches and balconies. As of this writing, Highrise programme chairman Mary Mahood, has confirmed display areas for: 1) Harding carpets outdoor floor coverings; 2) Sheridan Nurseries a Japanese medley of sculpture and Bonsai; 3) National Garden Supply planters, tools, trellises, etc.; 4) Joybern Sales paints for exterior surfaces; 5) Pots and Woodleafe original custom furnishings of wood; 6) W. H. Kilby & Co. bamboo and rattan goods; 7) Patio and Fireside Shop furniture and accessories; and 8) Weall & Cullen Nurseries various polyethylene planters.
Mrs. Mahood has set a whirlwind pace thus far in assembling the exhibit single-handed and isn t likely to slow down now. so we can expect to see even more firms participating on March 11.
HIONH
~ The other day a plant-lover friend suggested that I write about the apparently irrational behaviour of plants their propensity to do their thing in their own good time and place. Also, he was interested in the fact that they seemed to require a certain period to reach real ma- turity and that we do not always know when that is. The subject is tied in with a whole lot of factors which are never discussed in plant books. Being a lawyer, my friend has been a bit horrified that plants should seem to disobey ordinances and statutes, if such exist at all. And, he is fascinated by the thought that if you just bumble along with a plant for a long enough time it usually rewards you by performing. The little prayer must have done it!
Of course, plants do have their laws . A commercial grower of chrysanthemums knows every move in the game he has to. Our problem is that wedeal with a multiplicity ofplants and each kind has its own law. When one thinks of humans living together for a lifetime without completely understanding each other s reactions, is it then surprising that we are ignorant of the laws governing the behaviour of the many plants which are relatively new to horticulture? On the contrary, it is rather more astonishing that we are as successful as we are with quite a large repertory ofhousehold plants. Since environments and care differ so widely, we must assume that our better plants are quite adaptable.
I do not belong to the tender loving care school. So many people see fit to emote about plants and are, indeed, far more interested in the refinement of their own emotions and their exhibition, to show everybody how artistic and poetic they are, than in the plants themselves. Most often there is a great - deal of fuss, very little knowledge, and insignificant results. Currently, there is a
with Problem Plants will reward you
Sooner
or Later
George A. Elbert*
fluttering around for novelties, a cooing about each cute, dear thing, and a total disregard of what makes these plants click. If a plant does not grow properly, and then suddenly bursts into bloom, the wrong conclusions are invariably drawn. Whatever was the last remembered cultural act before the sudden change in the behaviour of the plant is credited with causing it. It might be a change in fertilizer, temperature, repotting, the use of some new product, or just a little prayer. That did it!
And, some horticultural magazines are crammed full with such nonsense! What is really needed to grow plants well is interest, knowledge, common sense and patience. These are requirements for doing almost anything worthwhile. Plants are not different. They are not some special sort of creature, but normal parts of the natural world of which we are a component. When you learn about plants you learn not a little about human beings. There seemed to be no answer to the problem with these orchids
There is much to be said about what constitutes horticultural knowledge what is useful and what is superfluous. We can discuss interest by asking, in the first place, what is real interest and what is just an emotional binge. Or, we can delve into the large subject of treating plants to the same common sense that we use in business, in managing a household or, in fact, doing almost anything practical and useful. But here I'll discuss patience, because my friend mentioned that too, and because it is so important. I have had innumerable proofs of the value of patience with plants. And the situations have been so varied, that it would be impossible to give you anything but a sample of how
*Mr.Elbert isauthorof TheIndoorLight GardeningBook,andco-authorwithhiswife,Virginie,ofFun With Terrarium Gardening: House Plants That Really Bloom Indoors; and Fun With Growing Herbs Indoors. They live in New York City.
@ BN
George A. Elbert it works. Sometimes,justwaiting has revealed in the end, some principle in growing a plant. More often I have had to be satisfied with results rather than enlightenment. I begin with a recent example.
About two years ago I received two plants of Oncidium ornithorhynchum as a gift. This is an orchid which, together with its pseudobulbs, grows about eight inches high maybe up to a foot. Generally it can be kept in a 3% pot for quite a while and blooms quite easily under fluorescent lights once, sometimes, twice a year. It produces sprays from a bract at the base of the pseudobulb, one on each side, covered with complex pink and yellow flowers about a half inch in size and violently perfumed in the mornings. The flowers are long lasting six to eight weeks not being unusual. If there are several pseudobulbs producing bloom the show may go on for three months or more.
Both plants came with spikes and promptly bloomed. When the bloom was over | reduced watering somewhat and waited. New growths appeared promptly. But, all of a sudden, both plants developed brown spots on the leaves. It was summer and the heat in the room may have done this. The infection was not a true rot, involving sudden collapse, but was progressive. | sprayed with the fungicide Benlate. Since I am not an orchid specialist I do not keep a complete medicine cabinet for these plants. They have to be satisfied with what the country doctor prescribes!
The new pseudobulbs started to develop, but not normally. A couple of the leaves were crimped indicating insufficient watering. The pseudobulbs grew in two stages with an uncharacteristic waist in between. The plants were
a mess. | tried repotting in gravel to at least avoid the danger of overwatering. All was to no avail. The leaves did not collapse completely, but the pseudobulbs were small and permanently damaged. One started to rot at the top Just as a weak attempt at a flowering spike developed on the side. I had no further ideas so I put one plant in the back of the garden and watered it occasionally. The other plant I split into two.
Never abandon a sick plant take cuttings and start again
A few months later, new growths had started from the distorted pseudobulbs. These developed normally. One of the sections of the split plant put out three nice little bulbs and promised to grow into a good plant. In the larger plant, only one pseudobulb developed. This one reached mature size. It was the largest I had ever seen on an ornithorhynchum and- had perfect leaves. Flower spikes eventually appeared. That pseudobulb was and is a thing of beauty fat, perfectly unmarked and green. a champion of its kind. Hopefully these orchids will continue to grow normally and produce flowers in profusion.
I stuck with these two plants because I wanted to see if time would overcome the difficulty. It did. I cannot be sure that the next growths will not be attacked by fungus. And, it will be another while before 1 will have the answer to a number of questions. The answers will be partly unique having to do with my particular home environment and treatment. Some may have reference to general principles. For instance, if the fungus returns this summer it could be an indication that the particular orchid just will not put up with the kind of temperatures achieved most summers in a New York City apartment. In that case it is not an orchid for me. I will discard the plants and look for others which will adapt better. But I am hopeful that part of the difficulty simply was a matter of adjustment and that now the initial trauma has been overcome, the plant will live happily in my fluorescent light garden. Negative or positive, patience with this plant will be rewarding.
When a plant we like is supposed to be easy to grow, gets a sulking fit, we often have no means of knowing whatis -
/ February 1975
bothering it. Recently this happened to a pot of Plectranthus oertendahlii which was doing just fine and then got the megrims. Itjust stopped growing, leaves hung down and the colour went out of them. It was a mess. I still do not know what was the matter with it but, obviously. it was my fault. What | did guess was that the difficulty had to do with the roots. The stems and leaves were not rotten but merely impoverished or choked it was impossible to say which. I suspect the latter.
Plants in such a condition can be saved in only one way. Take cuttings and start over again. I took a number of cuttings. In addition, I broke up the root providing a piece of stem for each piece of root and potted these up separately. but together in one container. The cuttings have now rooted and are healthy. The stems with root are beginning to put out growth. I am sure that all will develop into healthy plants. Never abandon a good plant.
Not all our plants are everblooming. In fact, most houseplants only bloom seasonally. Many indoor gardeners, spoiled by a surfeit of those plants which are everblooming, expect instant
results with everything. The greatest complaints are about plants which just won t bloom. And. the greatest astonishment and satisfaction is expressed when they suddenly burst into flower. These latter reports usually come in the spring. Such performances are attributed to all kinds of influences when usually all that is involved is a normal new season blooming. We would not be so ignorant and so surprised if the hybridizers or the nurseries would tell us when to expect the plant to flower. But plant sellers don t want to limit sales to one time of the year and say nothing.
Most plants will bloom when they feel like it. They have a time or seasonal urge built into their genes which makes them set buds. for example, in March and not in November. These are not our ideal plants. because they are not everblooming. but many are well worth the trouble and waiting. Just don t be misled and do make note of the blooming period. Often these plants can be simply put aside in a less favourable place under your fluorescent lights until their bloom time is near thus permitting you to use the most obvious parts of the indoor light garden for other plants.
"My wife joined the Highrise Gardeners club last year. You can see that it's had quite an effect. That's her working up there!' Reprinted with permission from the Toronto Star.
Our cover this issue shows one of the many beautiful flower arrangements designed by one of the instructors in our School of Floral Decoration. The one shown was a first prize winner for Dorothy Ross at last year s Garden Club of Toronto flower show. As usual, she used mechanics from our shop to do the all important task of holding the arrangement together.
Our photo here shows a selection of the mechanics, which are available at all times from our shop, for flower arrangers, and would-be arrangers. They range from Floratape in three colours to various forms of Oasis, floral clay. numerous forms of wire, the many pin holders as illustrated last month, and specialty items such as Mayfair cups. For out-of-town flower arrangers, all of these items, and more, are available by mail for our usual low prices (less 10 per cent for members) plus a small amount for packing and postage. If interested in a specific item, just drop us a line and we will advise by return on its availability. If you know precisely what you want, a note requesting the price and packing/postage charge will be acknowledged by return and the item shipped immediately, if you so instruct us.
Flower arranging materials are not
Work on your shade trees done by competent, professional men with years of experience. Call us early for an estimate.
Now available in the Centre s Shop Carter s famous Tested Seeds
Doris Weir, Shop Director
the only items carried by our newly located shop in the Civic Garden Centre s foyer. If you are a resident of southern Ontario, why not plan to visit our new shop when next you are in Toronto. Hours are 9 am to 4:30 pm weekdays, and 1 to 5 pm on Saturdays. After Easter, we shall again be open on Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm: and noon to 5 pm on Sundays. Toronto residents are encouraged to visit us often as new items of interest are arriving regularly. Those starting their seeds in the next two months, for use in the garden in late May, will likely want one of our Stewart plant propagotors. We have at least three sizes one to suit your situation. And, we've the perlite and vermiculite seed-starting mediums as well. Everything you ll need to start those seeds for a beautiful garden or balcony this summer including the seeds! Yes, we have a good supply of the famous English Carter s Tested Seeds. Now you ll be able to plant some of the famous English varieties ofboth flowers and vegetables that formerly were only available by writing overseas. Come in soon and make your selection.
Just some of the selection of flower arranging mechanics always available at our Shop. For out-of-Toronto residents, these may be ordered by mail. Photo by A. C. Drysdale.
Books for Planning Your Garden whatever type are featured by Centre s Bookshop
Marilyn Waugh, Director
This is the ideal time ofyear to do some fireside reading and planning for your summer garden. There are many books from which to choose all available for loan in our library, or for sale in our bookshop. Come in and glance through some of these: Helen Van Pelt Wilson s Own Garden and Landscape Book. Helen Van Pelt Wilson, $9.25: Your First Garden, and Gardening and Home Landscaping. both by Jack Kramer, both $4.50; Landscaping andthe Small Garden. Marjory Dietz. $9.25; Landscape Gardening, Time-Life Series. $8.95: and Sunset Ideasfor Landscaping, $1.95.
To help you plan a specialty garden. we have stock of Small Gardens are More Fun, R. Tarentino, $10; Rock Gardens, W. Kolaga, $2.69: Rock Gardening. L. Foster, : $8.50; Betty Crocker s Kitchen Gardens, M. Campbell, $4.95. Water Gardening. B. J Heritage, $4.95; The Fragrant Garden. L. Wilder. $4: and Herb Gardens ofDelight. s Adelma Simmons, $8.95.
that will interest apartment dwellers, with another on balcony gardening, Gardening Ne i ! For many, apartment living has become a new way of life. We have five books iz Offthe Ground by our own Art Drysdale ($3.95) expected soon. Here are the five: ! Hanging Plants for Home, Terrace and Garden, John Phillip Baumgardt, $9.25 or b $3.50; Hanging Gardens, Jack Kramer, $4.50; Container Gardening Indoors and Out. A Jack Kramer, $8.50; Window Box Gardening, Henry Teucher, $5.95: and Sunset 31 Ideasfor Hanging Gardens. $1.95. "1
The increasing interest in gardening indoors under lights has prompted many more gardeners to start their own plants from seed. These two books should be ofas- B sistance: The Complete Book of Growing Plants From Seed, E. Haring, $9.95; and o Grow Your Own Plants, Jack Kramer. $4.50. A popular little book last year, The Gar- ik dener s Diary, J. Faust, $2.95 is available again and your own copy will enable you to- keep a record of the growth, successes and (hopefully not too many) failures in your pcy garden. '
To keep you up to date on recent introductions, the following are some of the 1 new gardening books which have arrived in the last few months: House Plants That . Really Bloom Indoors, George and Virginie Elbert, $9.25; Fun With Growing Herbs Indoors, by the same authors, $5.25: A Sampler of Wayside Herbs, B. Pond, $21.50; e and House Plants Indoors/ Qutdoors, $3.95. This latter is by the editors ofthe popular i Ortho book, All About Vegetables at the same price. ];
Our member, Mrs. Catherine Schell, has kindly provided us with a review of 4! Nothing Growsfor You?, a brown-thumb guide to house plants by F. Tenenbaum, iy which sells for $7.95. 7 E g
For those who have already read House Plantsfor the Purple Thumb, one can but assume that a brown thumb is-even less successful. The author describes it as a book for people who are no good with houseplants and then convinces them that with care in the selection of the plants (lists and descriptions of easy-care plants are given) and by following a few basic rules re: water. light, feeding and pruning, even they can succeed. She does this by drawing on her personal experience as a novice
~and leavens her advice with humour. It is an entertaining and informative book.
Ir you were one of the thousands planning to attend North America s best indoor flower show this spring, I am sorry to tell you that you are going to have to wait 12 more months! That s right the Garden Club of Toronto s Spring Flower and Garden Show, traditionally held in March, and usually in Toronto s O Keefe Centre for the past ten years, is not being held in 1975.
Why? A reasonable question: but a difficult one to answer. Before looking at the wonderful plans for 1976, or some of the foreign shows you may want to visit this spring, a short rundown on the Toronto situation this year is in order.
Sponsors of the show. the hard-working(450+ members of the Garden Club of Toronto sight a host of factors that lead to a complete re-evaluation oftheir
And, may the Editor have the Last Word this month on Garden Shows for Spring
annual flower show policy. It would appear the two most prominent factors in the decision not to hold a show in 1975 were: 1) the crowds attending the 1974 show (a near record attendance of 48.000: in 5 days, or a total of 56 hours) and the resultant inability of people to see the show they paid to see: and 2) the unavailability of a suitable building in which to hold a larger show this year, that would accommodate the larger crowds. At first it appeared that the O Keefe Centre would be in the midst of construction of expanded facilities (since shelved). and then suitable dates were not available at the O Keefe. or other possible sites.
At my urging, several members of the Garden Club travelled to Chicago to look into all of the aspects of the large show staged there by the Chicago Horti-
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cultural Society. What they saw was the world s largest indoor flower show with 50 or more gardens. The Chicago show is a nine-day affair staged on the 280.000 sq. ft. main exhibition hall of McCormick Place. That size compares to the 42,000 sq. ft. of the O Keefe Centre not including the auditorium seating area. The ladies were impressed with the organization béhind the show and they liked the sheer length and breadth of the show. But. they came back convinced that there was no one element in Chicago s show that they themselves had not done at least equally as well (in some cases on a smaller scale) at former Toronto shows.
Thus was the decision made to proceed with a really big show , but since dates were not available for 1975, and being a volunteer organization. they concluded that additional time was needed for planning, and that the next show would be in March 1976.
It is unfortunate that there will be a lapse of one year with no Toronto flower show. Bus loads of visitors from points as far as 200 miles away in both the U.S.A. and Canada have developed a pattern, and by missing a year, it could well take considerable extra effort to re-develop the pattern. Let s hope the publicity for the 1976 show will not only draw the groups back that have attended previous shows, but also many. many more. so that attendance will justify the considerably expanded area.
Once it was decided to hold a big show in 1976, a site had to be chosen. The two final contenders were the Toronto International Centre near Toronto International Airport in Mississauga site of many trade shows and some consumer shows such as that for autos in February this year: and the Automotive Building at the Canadian National Exhibition. Both offered a large display area and good parking. with the C.N.E. Automotive Building winning out because of its proximity to puhln. transportation (street cars and GO train).
So. from March 10 to 14 next year, the Garden Club of Toronto will stage an extravaganza. The show will occupy 180.000 sq. ft.. roughly four times the area of the shows at O Keefe Centre. The upper floor area, with its permaTrellis / 29
nent restaurant will be available for viewing the gardens from above at many angles and will provide the ideal site for a feature on landscaped balconies. This upper level is something
Flower shows to attend this year. Above, noted horticulturist Carlton Lees, now vice president, New York Botanical Garden, examines greenhouse display at previous New England Spring Garden and Flower Show. Below, Bruce Krasberg (left), chairman of the Chicago Flower and Garden Show, and Chicago mayor, Richard C. Daley (right) stand in garden of W. Atlee Burpee Co. at last year's show with one of the show's judges Trellis editor, Art Drysdale. The Burpee garden received the Toronto Flower Show Award for the garden which best displayed the use of annual plants.
This ardent flower show visitor (who, according to the baggage tag attached to his equipment, had visited Montreal) is taking a close-up movie of blooms at the 1973 New England Spring Garden and Flower Show.
even the Chicago show does not have. With no large auditorium, there will be several mini-theatres something similar to the one on the O Keefe east mezzanine in 1973 and 1974. The show s artistic designer is Mr. Ralph Neal who has consistently outdone himself at O Keefe Centre for many years. Rather than having a general chair-
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The hobby house incorporates many quality features found in the Vary commercial greenhouses. It's completely modular in construction and the frame can be assembled using only a few hand tools. The frame is strong galvanized steel tube and all the hardware supplied is galvanized to prevent rust a must in greenhouses where humidity is_high. It is clad in weather-resistant corrugated fiberglas panels held in place with cedar purlins, and can be easily erected by the homeowner at no cost. The unit comes complete with self-storing aluminum door and the standard size is 10 by 12 ft. with additional sections in multiples of 4 ft. lengths. All the necessary options, such as ventilation and heating, can be supplied. The basic house retails for $500. For further information, please write or call: G. W. Mann, Canadian Greenhouses, Inc.. Box 500, Beamsville, Ontario. (416) 945-4745.
man for the show, the Garden Club has formed a flower show board. which is automatically chaired by the first vicepresident. Present chairman is Mrs. D. P. (Elizabeth) Bryce who chaired the show in the club s 25th anniversary year 1972. In May of this year, Mrs. Bryce will move up to the club s presidency and Mrs. W. A. (Lois) Young will chair the flower show board.
The board is made up of the club s president, two vice-presidents, secretary, treasurer and eight members who will head various divisions of the show such as gardens, commercial, administration, etc.
So that s what s in store for 1976, but what about this year?
Ontarians who enjoy a good flower show should decide now which of those listed on page 3 they would like to see. Much will depend on each individual s available time and money! Closest to home, the three best shows are held in Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia. Return airfares to these cities are similar all just over $100 but Philadelphia is slightly cheaper. Group and weekend discounts are applicable in most cases. Check with your travel agent.
For those interested in shows further afield, I am able to attest to the general high quality of the German federal garden shows such as that being staged at Mannheim this year. I have details of the several indoor shows during the sixmonth s run of the expansive outdoor show. If you are going to Europe this spring and cannot coincide with the dates for Chelsea, be sure to try and include the Belgian Floralies and/or the opening indoor show at Mannheim April 18-21.
And, for those unable to venture out of beautiful southern Ontario (is there any place you'd rather be?), you ll just have to wait until March 10 next year it will no doubt be worth the wait. Art C. Drysdale, Editor.
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30 / February 1975
John Bradshaw s Perfect Lawn Program
March-April
e As soon as snow melts, spread 2 Ib./100 sq.ft.
CIL Golfgreen 12-4-8.
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June-late August
® |f tough weeds are still showing, use CIL Weed & Feed 12-4-8.
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e If no weeds are showing /. use CIL Golfgreen 12-4-8 again.
Garden Tips
CIL Flower&Vegetable
Food 5-10-15
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e As soon 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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Canada s Most Comprehensive Gardening Catalogue
The Sheridan Nurseries Garden Catalogue for 1975 contains 136 pages, alive with ideas for your garden.
Over a Thousand Listings
The new '75 Catalogue describes more than 1200 hardy plants and trees that can bring your home and neighbourhood to life this year. Listed page by page . . . picture by picture . . Evergreens . .. Trees .. . Vines . .. Roses . .. Hedges. . Fruit ... Ferns and Flowers. In addition to all the common varieties of nursery stock, there are at least a dozen new and unique Sheridan developments, released only this year.
Also, for the first time herbs are being featured!
More than 300 Colour lllustrations
* @ year as
So beautiful to look at . . so practical to use. Your new '75 Sheridan Garden Catalogue not only describes hundreds of vibrant selections for your home, but shows exactly how they can enhance your gawn @r garden with more than 300 - full colour photographs. You'll want t0 keep his Catalogue on hand all a constant reference on vewy aspect of gardening.
Hints for Gardening, Landscaping
* In the new Sheridan Garden Cata+ * logue you'll find many useful sug-
gestions from the experts to help improve your garden this year. Suggestions about planting, pruning and pesticides. Maintenance hints for hedges and shrubs. Gardening tips on soils, fertilizers and garden accessories. There are 6 pages of landscape sketches and plans as well as a hardiness zone map to show you which ideas would be best for your home or cottage. You'll find a garden calendar, information on soil conditioners, lawn care and growing with fluorescent lights along with some great ideas for patio decoration. There are quite a few addresses included, too, so you can write away to join interesting clubs or to get free booklets and detailed information on specific plants and trees. The 1975 Sheridan Garden Catalogue, now, more than ever before, is a gardening information book you won't want to be without this spring.
To obtain your 1975 Sheridan Nurseries Garden Catalogue write enclosing $1.00 deposit or visit your closest Sheridan Garden Centre. Your new Catalogue will contain a $1.00 coupon redeemable on your first purchase from Sheridan.
