Open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday to Saturday; 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Sundays.
Centre s Features
It s Nearlg That Time Again, 16; Garden Shop, 17; 'Program Corner, 18.
The Front Cover Redbud (Cercis canadensis) photographed at the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture. Photo by Sid Morris
Publication Committee for Trellis
Lawrence C. Sherk (Chairman), Gilbert A. Milne, Er- nie Pope, Flavia Redelmeier and Lois Wilson.
Editor Sid Morris
Trellis is published in the months ofMarch, April, May, June, September and November and distributed on or about the 15th of the month previous by the Civic Garden Centre, 777 Lawrence Avenue East, Don Mills, Ontario M3C 1P2. The Centre is located in Edwards Gardens, at Leslie Street and Lawrence Avenue East, the geographical centre of Metropolitan Toronto. It is a non-profit gardening and floral arts information or- ganization with open membership. Subscriptions to 7rellis are only available through Centre membership ($10 per year). Opinions expressed within do not necessarily reflect those of the Centre. This is Volume 3, Number 2.
Trellis / 3
You are Invited To Join Telephone
What it is
e A non-profit gardening and floral arts centre for the dissemination of information to amateur gardeners and flower-arrangers
e An open membership body with over 3,000 keen gardener-members (from rank amateurs to advanced professionals)
e Home of six gardening clubs or groups with specific gardening interests
e Meeting place for specialized plant societies from Bonsai to Roses
e 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
e Operates Canada s most complete public horticultural library
e Responds to over 3,000 gardening questions annually
e Organizes expertise garden talks and demonstrations on a variety of subjects and at different levels
e Teaches non-commercial flower arranging at various levels and encourages competition amongst members
e Carries on an extensive flower-drying programme to extend garden beauty economically into the winter months
e Operates a Speakers Panel Bureau which brings panels of experts on various subjects to groups desirous of an informative programme
e Publishes booklets on various subjects; e.g. Preserving Beautiful Flowers
e Stages two flower shows each year and hosts numerous others
What members receive
e Six issues per year of Trellis
e Free borrowing privileges from the 3,000-volume library
e Ten per cent discount off all purchases of books and gardening and floral arts supplies bought from the Centre
e The opportunity to join one or more specialized member groups or clubs
e Discounts off all courses offered at the Centre
e Free admission to Members Nights held at least twice per year
ADDRESS
John Bradshaw s Perfect Lawn Program with the new, S.C.U. based fertilizers
e more economical
e more efficient
For the Perfect Lawn Program apply 10 Ibs./1000 W sq. ft. of special CIL plant foods four times a year (40 Ibs./1000 sq. ft. per season), and eliminate weeds, insects and lawn diseases. Choose the four applications which fit your needs from these quality products and apply at 10 Ibs./1000 sqg. ft.
e CIL Golfgreen 18-6-9
Apply as soon as snow melts. Repeat feeding during season as required.
e CIL Crab Grass Doctor M. 18-6-9
For crab grass infested lawns apply as soon as snow melts instead of Golfgreen. Repeat application in August to kill Poa Annua.
e CIL Lawn Insect DoctorT-M.18-6-9
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® CIL Lawn Weed Doctor 18-6-9 Kills broadleaved weeds. Apply May-June or August.
e CIL Winierizer®s-12-24
Conditions lawns, trees and shrubs against overwintering problems. Apply September-October.
e CIL Winterizer /Weeder 6-12-24
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Lawn & Garden Products
NOTICE TO MEMBERS
As of April 1st, 1976, annual members fees for the Civic Garden Centre are $10.00 with each additional family fee of $2.50. Affiliate (Club) fee, sustaining and life membership remaining the same for the time being.
Your Board of Directors, faced with rising operating expenses, has voted to increase membership_fees as above effective April 1st, 1976. This is the first rise in general membership fees since 1967, and membership _is still A Good Buy with 6 issues of Trellis, shop purchaser s discount and free membership privileges as detailed in Trellis.
Your President Flavia Redelmeier
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Go Native!
Lawrence C. Sherk
Most Canadian gardeners would not expect to find Spanish bayonet, Yucca glauca growing wild in Canada. Yet it can be found growing wild in southern Alberta. Oregon grape, Mahonia aquifolium another popular garden subject, grows wild in the forests of British Columbia. In fact, a large number of plants that are widely cultivated in our gardens are native to Canada. Trees such as sugar maple, Acer saccharum; white ash, Fraxinus americana; and white pine, Pinus strobus, have long been used in our gardens. Others, such as the unusual tulip tree, Liriodendron tulipifera, and the pagoda dogwood, Cornus alternifolia, are occasionally found in Canadian nurseries and gardens.
These are just a few of the plants native to Canada which can be used to landscape and decorate our homes. We should remember however, that many native Canadian plants are of no practical use to gardeners. Some, like the interesting sassafras, Sassafras albidum, are difficult to transplant or propagate. Others are too aggressive and weedy; others can be too difficult to propagate.
Ifyou are fortunate enough to have a natural area on your property leave as much ofit as possible in its native state. Nothing is more disconcerting or labour intensifying than the attempt to cultivate a well groomed lawn in a heavily shaded woodlot. A better alternative is to maintain as many native shrubs and wild flowers as you can.
If you do wish to use some of the more interesting and attractive native trees and shrubs in your gardens; you
can, by searching your nursery catalogues, find a good selection of species readily available. Most will establish readily in urban or rural gardens with only a few needing special soils. Some of these plants, however, are quite specific with regard to requirements for sun or shade.
Evergreens
These include white spruce, Picea glauca, (60 ), an excellent conifer for screening unsightly objects or areas; ponderosa pine, Pinus ponderosa, (70 ), a massive tree of use only where space permits; white pine, Pinus strobus, (80), popular because ofthe soft textured appearance of its needles; white cedar, Thuja occidentalis (60 ), an important screening plant that does well in most gardens as long as it has a good supply of moisture; and Canadian hemlock, Tsuga canadensis (60"), which does not grow well in exposed locations but does well in shaded locations where it can be used to make a dense hedge.
Broadleaf Evergreens
Few native broadleaf evergreens are hardy enough for use in Canadian gardens. Those that are, however, are of particular note: bearberry, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, native across Canada s north, is an excellent low-growing ground cover that does particularly well in lighter soils. The small boxwood-like leaves turn a brilliant crimson in late winter.
Oregon grape, Mahonia aquifolium, (5), is a well known evergreen which is quite hardy. The leaflettes of this plant resemble holly and are often mistaken for it. Small cuttings can be taken off
plants in December and used in Christmas arrangements. Leaves tend to burn in winter if not covered by snow but these are soon replaced as the new growth begins. Few plants have as pleasantly scented flowers as does the Oregon grape. Use in foundation planting, shrub grouping or as an informal hedge, preferably in shaded areas.
Spanish bayonet, Yuccaglauca, has to be one of Canada s most exotic looking native plants. It looks best in a deserttype surrounding. This plant has found an important place in the modern landscape where its tall spikes of creamy white flowers and sword-shaped leaves really stand out. Spanish bayonet must be planted in well drained soil in an area that receives full sunlight.
Deciduous Trees
Some of our native trees are already in wide use in Canadian gardens. These include silver maple, Acer saccharinum (80), is a fast-growing, inexpensive, large tree which is often troublesome because of its weak branches. Sugar maple, Acer saccharum (70'), Canada s most famous tree, is noted for the brilliant yellow-orange to red fall colour of its leaves and for the production of maplesyrup. Paper birch, Betulapapyrifera (50 ), because of its showy white bark is often planted in multi-stemmed clumps. White ash, Fraxinus americana (70), and green ash, Fraxinus pennsylvanica lanceolate (50 ), are both noted for their ability to grow satisfac-torily on a wide range ofsoils, including clay.
Some other native trees are not so . wellknownbutdeservespecificmention: red maples, Acer rubrum, which adapt to a wide range of soils, make excellent street trees. Numerous selections in growth habit, and extent and period of the normal red fall colour are available. The mountain maple, Acer spicatum (20) is a small, shrubby tree with a picturesque, rather irregular branching habit and red or yellow autumn colour. The serviceberry, Amelanchier canadensis (25'), a small native tree, is most colourful with its fleeting, but welcome, small white flowers in early spring. In summer it bears a small purple fruit, a
favourite food ofbirds, while in autumn its leaves turn to yellow and orange. The serviceberry can be obtained as a shrubby plant or as a single stem tree type.
The common hackberry, Celtis occidentalis (50 ), has been promoted as a replacement for the American elm, Ulmus americana, as the hackberry has a similar spreading, rounded head. It does not grow to anywhere near the size of the elm. The native American beech, Fagus grandifolia (60") never fails to attract attention with its distinctive, smooth, light bluish-gray, thin bark, and dark green leaves. This is a truly majestic tree that should be more widely planted where space permits. The black ash, Fraxinus nigra, (50" is relatively unknown but starting to attract attention as a hardy, strong growing tree that does well on a wide range of soils including wetter ones. The crown is oval, the branching open. The foliage is a good dark green that turns a very dark red in fall. The Kentucky coffee tree, Gymnocladus dioicus (50 , is one of our native trees growing wild only in extreme southwestern Ontario. This species is most picturesque in winter with its open branching habit and distinctly stubby twigs. The large, open leaves cast only a very light shade. The black walnut, Juglans nigra (70'), never fails to arouse interest because of its delicious, meaty nuts. Trees are unfortunately very slow growing and take years to reach matu-rity. The tulip tree, Liriodendron tulipifera (70") grows wild in scattered locations in southern Ontario. It is a magnificent specimen tree well worth planting where it can be given sufficient room to develop. The large, greenishyellow flowers appear after the leaves and are conspicuous only from closeup. In the sour-gum, Nyssa sylvatica (40", we now have available a very desirable ornamental tree that is native to a few scattered locales in southern Ontario. The black-gum, as it is also known, has a dense pyramidal growth habit with somewhat pendulous branches and lustrous leathery leaves that turn a brilliant scarlet or orange in fall.
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
If someone wants a small tree, or one that will grow in heavy shade, i.e. of buildings or other trees, the ironwood, Ostrya virginiana (30 ) should be considered. In contrast, the native buttonwood, Platanus occidentalis (60/), is a very wide-spreading tree and needs considerable space to develop properly. Its mottled bark is especially attractive during the winter.
The trembling aspen, Populus tremuloides (40"), is one of Canada s most widely distributed trees, and one ideal for use on poorer soils, especially around cottages and other rural properties. The bright green leaves turn a colourful yellow in fall. The white oak, Quercus palustris (40') grows faster but often suffers from iron chlorosis from the heavy soils, so prevalent in much of Ontario. The red oak, Quercus rubra
(50", is the best oak to consider as it is the fastest growing of all oaks, withstands transplanting more easily than some and makes one of the best street trees we have. Foliage is a glossy green, autumn colour a brilliant red.
Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
Basswood, Tilia americana (70 ), is a good fast growing tree which is occasionally planted now.
Deciduous Shrubs
Native shrubs available from nurseries include a colourful array of large and small foliage and flowering types, some already widely known. Not many Canadians realize that the flowering Jogwood, Cornusflorida (20'), is native from Niagara to Sarnia region. Unfortunately, it will not flower well outside this area and specimens growing in Toronto only infrequently produce their showy bracts.
The redbud, Cercis canadensis (12'), has only once been recorded as growing wild in Canada when a tree was seen on Pelee Island before the turn of the century. The rosy pink, pea-like flowers are a welcome sight in early May.
Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus)
Blue-beech, Carpinus caroliniana (30"), is a shrubby tree that is very shade tolerant and excellent for use as a dense screen in the 8-12 foot height range. The tree is decidedly distinct with its muscled slate gray, smooth bark.
The pagoda dogwood, Cornus alternifolia (15) a small tree or large shrub, is architecturally attractive with its branches arranged in horizontal tiers. The bark on older trees is very colourfully striped and particularly distinctive in winter. The gray dogwood, Cornus racemosa (6') is a valued shrub for naturalizing or for use where dense screening is needed. The grey bark stands out in winter; the purplish fall colour of the bark is also attractive. The red osier dogwood, Cornus stolonifera (7) is a colonizing shrub that spreads by underground stolons, making an ideal shrub for holding stream banks in place. The dark red bark is particularly colourful in winter.
Many hawthorns grow wild in Canada, but the cockspur hawthorns, Crataegus crus-galli (20 ) is one offew to be cultivated. It is a tall shrub with interesting, wide-spreading horizontal branches and shiny leathery leaves that turn orange to scarlet in fall. The white flowers are followed by bright red fruit.
Two native shrubs have silver foliage of note: silverberry, Elaeagnus commutata (10 ) and silver buffaloberry, Shepherdia argentea (12'). The silverberry spreads aggressively by underground stolons and can be used for naturalizing and holding slopes. As it can get out of bounds, it should not be used in cultivated areas. The silver buffaloberry has colourful bright red fruit on female plants only, so must be planted in masses to ensure fruit.
Witch-hazel, Hamamelis virginiana (15%), always the last shrub to bloom each year, never fails to attract attention as its unusual yellow flowers appear in September-October when the leaves fall.
Canada s only native holly, the winterberry, Ilex verticillata (6'), is deciduous, losing its leaves each fall and leaving a colourful display of bright red berries on the female plants. The display lasts well into winter and the plant
itself is excellent for use in winter bouquets. This colourful shrub is good for naturalizing on wet or dry sites, especially where it can be seen in winter.
Bayberry, Myricapensylvanica (6'), is also colourful through the winter because of its masses of gray fruit which hold on well into spring. The foliage and fruit are highly aromatic, the fruit being widely used for making bayberry candles. This plant can be naturalized readily on poor sandy soils where it grows easily.
Choke cherry, Prunus virginiana, (25 ), produces small, tart, but edible black fruit of particular interest in attracting wildlife. Choke Cherry grows best in open sites, along fence lines or streams, or bordering wooded areas.
Fragrant Sumac, Rhus aromatica, (3'), is a very refined, native shrub that could be more widely used in foundation plantings in front of larger evergreens. It spreads slowly and can also be used as a ground cover on slopes. Its early scarlet fruit and scarlet to orange fall colour also attract attention. The staghorn sumac, Rhus typhina, (20 ), needs very little introduction. Single specimens are being widely used in modern landscape, especially in contained areas where there is little danger of suckering. It is also useful for massing in larger plantings. The fruits are crimson, the fall colour a good orange to red.
Snowberry, Symphoricarpos albus, (3"), occurs in small areas across Canada and has long been available primarily because of its large clusters of snowwhite soft berries and graceful foliage.
Three viburnums are also to be noted; arrowwood, Viburnum dentatum, (12", thrives on moist soils and has flat heads of white flowers in June, and shiny red foliage in fall. It can be used formassing. Nannyberry, Viburnum lentago, (18 ), forms a large shrub or small tree with clusters of creamy-white flowers in June, followed by edible blueblack fruit. The glossy green leaves turn a very effective purple in fall. The high bush-cranberry, Viburnum trilobum, (10, is especially well known on the Prairieswhere the red fruits are collected to make excellent preserves. The flat clusters ofwhite flowers in late May are
10 / April 1976
distinctive, as is the red fall colour ofits . leaves.
Vines
Four native vines of note: American bittersweet, Celastrus scandens, is a most ornamental vine with its masses of bright orange-red berries in terminal clusters. The berries are excellent for use in dried winter bouquets. Bittersweet can be used to ramble along a hedge row, or a fence, or over an old stump. Virgin s bower, Clematis virginiana, is an ideal vine for naturalizing in woodlands, thickets or other shaded .areas. The small white flowers which appear in late summer are followed by feathery seed pods. Virginia creeper, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, is already being widely used as a vine for sun or shade, and as a ground cover. The fox grape, Vitis labrusca, is excellent for providing cover and food for wildlife.
Lawrence Sherk is Chief Horticulturist with Sheridan Nurseries Ltd. and co-author of Ornamental Shrubsfor Canada. He is a member of the Board ofDirectors of the Civic Garden Centre, and Chairman ofthis publication s Committee.
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House Plants of the Month
Bouganinvillea, (Bougainvillea buttiana)
Bougainvilleas are rather fast growing tropical vines grown for their colourful clusters of papery 2.5 cm (1 in.) petal-like bracts. Their colour range is bright purple through shades ofred and pink to white. A fair number of varieties of bougainvilleas if given ample sun and high temperatures will blossom most of the year. But in less than ideal conditions they will blossom from early spring to late summer with a rest period in fall and early winter. They like at least four hours of direct sun a day with night temperatures of 16° to 18°C (60° to 65°F) and day temperatures of 21°C (70°F) or higher. Don t overwater, but allow the soil to become moderately dry between waterings. Fertilize every two weeks during their active growing season. Omit fertilizing and reduce watering when the plant is resting. Do not disturb their roots when repotting in early spring. You can grow them as a bush or as a vine trained on a support. Propagation is by stem cuttings in the spring.
Coleus, (Coleus blumei)
You will prize this plant for its usefulness as an indoor as well as a shadeloving outdoor plant. The colourful foliage has a colour range of greens, yellows, pinks and reds, as well as combinations of these colours. Some varieties ofcoleus will reach a height of .8m (2% 1§
In the home, coleus do best when they receive sunlight for at least four hours each day. Outdoors they will grow in shady locations. They prefer a night temperature of 18° to 21°C (65° to 70°F.) and day temperatures of 24°
Bouganinvillea (Bougainvillea buttiana)
Coleus (Coleus blumei)
t0 29°C (75° to 85°F). You shouldn t allow the soil to dry out. Drying out only encourages flower formation, which should be discouraged as the plant seems to deteriorate after it has flowered. To keep the symmetry and bushiness ofa coleus the growing tips should be pinched. These tips can be propagated (if large enough) at anytime during the year.
False aralia, (Dizygotheca elegantissima)
You will find this plant a little touchy, especially when you first bring it into your home or when you change its location. The false aralia has an upright growing habit. Its coppery coloured new leaves turn almost a leathery black as it reaches maturity.
German vy, (Senecio mikanioides)
You will find German ivy to be an easy-to-grow plant which looks very much like the English ivy (Hedera helix), except that the leaves seem to be fleshier.
German ivy does best in bright indirect or filtered sunlight. It enjoys night temperatures of 10° to 16°C (50° to 60°F.) and day temperatures of 18° to 21° C (65° to 75°F.). Keep the soil moist but not wet. Fertilize established plants approximately every three weeks. To keep the plant bushy, pinch off the tips. These tips can be propagated to form ne
False aralia (Dizygotheca elegan ssfma)
The false aralia requires bright indirect or filtered sunlight. The ideal night temperature is 18° to 21°C (65° to 70° F.) with a day temperature of 24° to 29°C (75° to 85°F.). Keep the soil moist but not wet. In the spring and summer months one might start new plants from stem cuttings.
WONDERLAND OF BULBS
A perusal through our illustrated Spring bulb catalogue will prove to be a revelation. A multitude of rare and interesting bulbs now available exotic jewels for your Summer garden.
German ivy (Senecio mikanioid
About Those Seed Catalogues You're Using
Marilynne Miles-Herman
A catalogue is just a catalogue not true! To the gardening enthusiast a seed catalogue is a special gift ofbeauty and joy. To those of you uninitiated in the art of appreciating fine seed catalogues I would like to offer some suggestions on the distinctive characteristics of a good seed book. But first, the story of my collection of books:
In 1971, quite by accident, I started to collect gardening catalogues which now fill four drawers of a large, metal filing cabinet. By now, this assemblage covers a wide range of countries, languages, seasons and specialties. How did I unearth all these marvels? It was easy. I checked my local newspaper s gardening column which at this time ofyear has usually printed a good list of Canadian or North American seed companies. Major gardening and how-to books generally have an excellent bibliography of seed companies. Publications such as Organic Gardening and Homes and Gardens contain advertisements from dozens of companies, most of which offer free or inexpensive catalogues. Overseas seed companies were not too hard to locate either through monthly gardening books bought from a bookstore.
That s pretty well how I started my collection.
Priorities of a good seed
catalogue
Let me clarify what ought to be your priorities when selecting a good seed catalogue:
1. No catalogue is totally unworthy, if only because each has at least one good aspect; clear photographs, excellent prices, etc.
2. A good catalogue is not one that gives the reader species, name, ultimate size, price and glowing plant description only.
3. Very often what one needs to know is plant hardiness, when to plant, when and if to transplant, methods for germinating seeds, length oftime to germination, plant peculiarities, time to maturity, and an honest description of the plant and its uses.
It is not impossible for a seed catalogue to provide all this information. Furthermore, this information is necessary for the optimistic gardener to have. Take an all-too-common example: Enthusiast buys grape plants for the summer cottage. After careful planting and diligent watering of these precious plants, she sits back to await the appearance of the first tiny sprigs of green. After weeks of patient waiting she discovers that her cottage will never be clothed in vines ofgrape: the area is too cool to permit significant growth. Don t laugh this happened to me! When 1 purchased the plants I didn t know that they required specific climate conditions, and the catalogue didn t warn me. Many home gardeners make similar mistakes with the seeds they buy because there is no hardiness chart to guide them.
I cite as a second instance my purchase (some years ago) of rare seeds that to my great frustration never grew. Later, I discovered that they were particularly difficult to grow. This brings me to a fourth criterion for a good seed catalogue.
4. A really good catalogue should have For Experts Only pages, or warnings to that effect.
5. Look for quality catalogues that are matched by seed packaging for protection and quality. Park s, for instance, has space age envelopes for super fresh seeds. Seed companies that merely list plant names and prices in their catalogues and that cut corners on packaging are not necessarily sacrificing quality but be prepared for headaches when dealing with some of these companies.
6. Finally, a warning: avoid catalogues that have no index, lack alphabetical listing, are chopped up and crowded in appearance, contain small, blurredor off-colour photos.
Just what will you find in close-toideal seed publications? Flowers listed by hardiness, as in the Harris Seeds (of Rochester) charts; geographical and climatic descriptions, as in the De Giorgi (of Council Bluffs) book; cultural and historical descriptions of plants, as with those sold by White Flower Farms (Hartford).
When planting time finally does come you will, if you are like me, order twice as many seeds as you can realistically manage. Those catalogue pictures are so enticing! Besides, you always wanted 23 kinds ofeucalyptus seeds . . .
Just remember that a garden catalogue is a useful tool. If you have a good, informative catalogue that is realistic in its descriptions, then you are well on your way to becoming a successful and satisfied home gardener.
Sample List of Seed Catalogues
W. Atlee Burpee Co. P.O. Box 6929 Philadelphia Pa. 19132
DeGiorgi Company, Inc. Council Bluffs lowa 51501
Samuel Dobie and Son Ltd. Upper Dee Mills Llangollen Denbighshire LL20 8SD, UK
Geo. W. Park Seed Co., Inc. Greenwood SC. 29647
The Garden Book: White Flower Farm Litchfield Ct. 06759 (not free catalogue)
Marilynne Miles-Herman an interested member ofthe Civic Garden Centre
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The lawn and garden problem solvers.
it's Nearly That Time
Again
Eileen Brooks
A; vith so many other crafts and fashions, the art of flower and foliage preserving has undergone several revivals during the past. It has brought pleasure and revealed unsuspected skills to each new era of devotees and practitioners. There has been a modicum of success with air-drying, waxing, sand drying, pressing, culminating in contemporary times with the silica-gel preserving method that brings a wider range of flowers into practical usage. When using the best of air-dried and glycerined plant material, arrangers find plenty of substance and scope for their talents.
Complete success always? No invariably there are some failures, attributable to one or several causes, some of which are poor growing conditions, unco-operative weather, wrong picking times, under- or over-drying and careless handling.
In 1962, the then current director of the CGC, Jim Boyd, with the dedicated assistance of the late Roberta Bell and other volunteers, set up plant preserving headquarters in the old house that used to be located in Edward s Gardens. They expanded into the barn next door, and remained there after fire gutted the house. Limitations of space motivated Mr. Boyd to search for better facilities, and with the patronage of Sunnybrook Hospital authorities, use of the expropriated McLean House was offered for a season. This house was then used by the Donwood Institute for their expansion program. Again through the courtesy of Sunnybrook Hospital management, another vacant property was made available to the CGC. Thus the Vaughan Estate became home for the Dried Plant Program during the past three years. It had an added advantage in that ve were able to discriminately glean scme good material from the ad-
jacent spacious grounds.
In the 76 season, headquarters for the Dried Plant Program are again tenuous because permanent residents may take over the Vaughan property and the facilities in our new building might not be ready for early occupancy. However, we are assured some area will be found for us until we move into a permanent home.
Many volunteer members in the Dried Plagt Program have become most proficient in all phases ofthe work from plant processing to arranging. For those ofyou who would like to volunteer your services but are unable to spare the weekday summer to fall volunteer time, watch for the special demonstrations being held later in April. Plant preserving is a most engrossing and rewarding hobby for participants especially for those to whom one can impart such knowledge children, handicapped, elderly, shut-ins providing they can be supplied with the necessary materials and have reasonable hand adeptness. (This craft is sometimes hard and messy on the fingers!)
Each year s collection of processed plant life, variously bunched, boxed, made into complete arrangements, sold as single pieces, or crafted into wallhangings and shadow boxes, is sold through the Centre to supplement finances. Many innovative uses for preserved plants are often supplied by our volunteers. One service not widely known is that we custom arrange bouquets. A call to the CGC office in late summer or early fall (when we have the best selection available) is all that is required.
For the future, our goals are predictably much the same as those of the past, with the hopeful expansion of services as our new home becomes functional. The art of plant preserving may undergo revolutionary changes because ofa recently announced discovery from Queen s University. This new preserving technique is now under application for a Canada patent.
While we await the disclosure of this new information, there is still plenty of work to be done. If you would like to volunteer your help but the weekend is your only available time, let us know.
Continued on page 19
Garden Shop
Betty Billes
W ith the nicer weather coming, more and more people are now thinking about their gardens. We now have the seed racks in, so you can enjoy browsing through the different types of seeds, deciding upon which plant or vegetable will be the best for you. Also in the gardening division you ll find the jiffy pots as well as gardening gloves (many different types), fertilizers, small garden tools, potting earth, vermiculite and perlite. Do come in and see what we have. If we haven t got what you want, please ask and we will try to do our best.
For those of you who are only interested in a gift for that special friend, come in and have a look around the shop itself. New lines of stationery and hasti-notes have now arrived, as well as a new array of pretty napkins, gift wrap and an assortment of nature-animal place mats, which are reversible, so are of multi use for home or cottage.
Our china from England now includes a lovely new line of Shakespeares Flowers in cups and saucers. They would be nice for that shower gift, or as just a thank you to a friend, Maybe you could tuck even a small plant into the cup. That would make a lovely gift to someone ill in the hospital and would be very useful afterwards! Beautiful Flowers ofthe Month china ornaments make ideal gifts; many months are still available. A cake plate (with its server) is another beautiful item.
L&S
Flower arrangers take note: from' Germany we have beautiful new, stark white vases that would be useful in any room ofyour house. Please take time to come in and browse. We look forward to seeing you.
Betty Billes is Chairwoman ofthe Shop Comrr;ittee, and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Civic Garden Centre.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
oALL TYPES OF RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN CALL AFTER FIVE PAUL OR JOHN 266-7883 233-8438
STUDENTS OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
Water Lilies Aquatic Plants Everything for the Water Garden Free Catalog on request
MOORE WATER GARDENS PORT STANLEY, ONT. NOL 2A0 Phone 519-782-4052
PEFFERLAW PEAT COMPOSTED MANURE/ PEAT MIX
The ideal soil mix correctly balanced to fill the needs of all growing plants indoors or out.
G. T. STRAIN & SON
Cannington, Ont. Phone (Toronto) 364-6068
Greenhouse & Contracting
We can help you select the proper residential GREENHOUSE and accessories to suit your needs and property . . . Specializing in SALES-CONSTRUCTION and REPAIRS ready to provide on-going advice to get the ultimate benefits.
59 Boem Avenue Scarborough, M1R 3T4
ON LOOKING BACKWARD AND FORWARD
Eleanor Weckman
Charles Dickens in 4 Tale of Two Cities wrote It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. I am sure that in looking back we can all say the same applies to 1975. We suffered through a year of escalating costs and high unemployment but most of us made adequate adjustments as we will continue to do to survive in 1976. On looking back on 1975 each of us probably has a few nostalgic moments of regret, but many happy memories; and we are well launched on a new year ofendeavours.
I see evidence of much progress at The Civic Garden Centre the longedfor and much-needed addition is well under way.
As for personal endeavours, my contribution to 1976 began with a retrenching. I abandoned to the compost heap all sickly plants, and drew the healthier ones back in to the light and warmth of more conscientious care. A thorough cleaning and reorganization of my workshop gave me more space. The walls are more colourful with hanging planters and the light is brighter because I removed the plants from window ledges. As I am in a retrenching and reorganizing mood I ll carry on and rout out excess pots, etc.
The centre-fold of the December issue of Trellis holds tremendous potential for the gardening community there will be something for everyone of us in the coming events at The Civic Garden Centre. One thing that should excite us all is the planned Planterama, May 14 and 15 at The Civic Garden Centre. One thing Ihave been doing is taking the tops from all my discarded spray cans and yogurt containers and planting them with baby tears (Helxine soleirolii). It thrives on a good watering
anda little tender loving care. Everyone enjoys the gift ofa well-established cutting. Might I suggest that we all snip and root a few cuttings and mark them for the Planterama.
Now that the seed catalogues have arrived and the packets of seeds have appeared in the supermarkets and nurseries let s do our planning. Lets get a good selection of annuals started inside, ready for the cold frames of early spring. You might even think ofsharing a few extras with Planterama. If each one of us contributesa little, there won t be a lot of work for just a few.
When I started writing these articles for Trellis, mainly as a column for Milne House Garden Club, I made the statement that much satisfaction can be achieved in the home by doing a few extra things like gardening, flower arranging or crafts. Your membership to The Civic Garden Centre is the key that can open many doors. By your active participation in classes offered at The Centre you contribute to its expansion and you benefit by what you learn and the friends you make.
Program Corner
Audrey R. M. Allman
Wi Spring around the corner, one s thoughts turn to the garden once again. We ve looked at the gardening catalogues with their glorious photos, and these have strengthened our resolve to have the most beautiful roses, the loveliest flowers, the reddest tomatoes, the juiciest carrots, the freshest lettuce, and a grand assortment of all the other plants both edible and decorative. Alas! living in an apartment could dash these lovely winter dreams; but have you not read Trellis? Are you not a member of the Civic Garden Centre? We are aware of your problems, and on 26th. April have arranged for Al Higgs, General Superintendent of the Etobicoke Parks and Recreation to speak to you on
18 / April 1976
Eleanor Wechman is an active member of the Milne House * Garden Club and regular contributor to Trellis.
How to Get the Most out of Your Allotment , and undoubtedly, will tell you also, how to get an allotment. This type of garden is comparatively new in Metropolitan Toronto, and was introduced to Etobicoke by George Sinclair, Horticulturalist, when he was in charge there. This gentleman, will speak on 3rd. May on The Golfer s Garden , but I feel the title could easily be transposed to The Busy Woman s Garden ; and seems to be a subject that should be included in one s itinerary.
Doulton of Canada is very graciously bringing to the Centre, a beautiful selection of their fine china, and we have arranged for six of the most outstanding flower arrangers to create designs to complement the lovely patterns. The artistry ofMary Baillie, Margaret Dove, Audrey Meiklejohn, Genevieve Robertson, Marea Lyle and Betty Ewens, will leave us thrilled with delight.
Date: 28th. April 1976. Time: 1.30.p.m. & 8.00.p.m.
Tickets: $3.00. non-members; $2.50. members.
May is also the month for the Civic Garden Centre Planterama, which is a major fund-raising event supported by all members of the Centre. Donations of plant material, cuttings, seeds or any other useful gardening items will be gratefully received. If you cannot find something to donate, then consider donating your time, before or during the sale. Then come and buy. It is your Civic Garden Centre. Help and support 1it.
Friday May 14th. 4.00.p.m. to 9.00.p.m.
Saturday May 15th. 10.00.a.m. to 5.00.p.m.
See you at the Centre!
It s Nearly from page 16
With sufficient volunteers, a few Saturday or Sunday work periods could be arranged. A pair ofsnips, garden gloves and work clothes are your tools. The work itself is therapeutic satisfaction!
Eileen Brooks is co-ordinator of the dried plant program.
NEHAVEN NURSERIES LTD.
FRIESIA (Kordes
74) Sunlight Yellow describes this beauty with its frilled and ruffled petals and high perfume. The hush grows upright, is bushy, compact and hardy.
Pinehaven Nurseries Ltd.
Other outstanding varieties: FIREMAGIC, ORIANA, FIRST PRIZE.
Use our Dial-a-rose phone service. Order now for Spring planting. Ask for free full colour rose catalogue. Also our complete catalogue of nursery stock.
475 Queensway West, Mississauga, Ont. 277-2713
Canada s Foremost Garden Centre.
Audrey R. M. Allman member of the Board of Directors of the Civic Garden Centre, and Past President ofMilne House Garden Club.
NEW PLANT CARETAKER
GREENHOUSES
Here's a very neat and highly efficient system of watering pot plants and one which will be welcomed especially by those who grow many plants indoors. It uses the capillary system of damp. Plants placed on the mat are kept automatically watered. The Caretaker provides the essential humidity where plants are grown in the home in the dry winter atmosphere,
® All-Aluminum structure and double strength glass. .built to last!
watering which keeps a fibre mat continuously |.
Rolls of capillary mat can be purchased for extensive layouts. Commercial growers have proved the efficiency of this matting and very large areas are covered by it to keep the vast quantities of pot plants watered with minimum labour. Available postpaid by mail for only $4.60 per kit, which includes Ontario Retail Sales Tax in Ontario.
So-Green has developed an easy-to-follow, four step program that will guarantee you a beautiful lawn. Each step will be outlined in this publication during the coming months.
STEP1:MARCH/APRIL.
To get your lawn off to a fast Premium is available in 50, 25 healthy start, apply So-Green and 12% Ib. bags. Apply at the rate Premium 21-7-7. This formula ~ of 5 Ibs. per 1000 sq. ft. contains all the nutrients a lawn Crabgrass Killer is available in 40 and 20 Ib. bags and 5 Ib. boxes. needs after the long Canadian Apply at the rate of 8 Ibs. per 1000 winter. : sq. ft
If you were troubled with For a free copy of the complete crabgrass last year, apply S0- so-Green Four Step Program write Green Crabgrass Killer plus to the address below. 10-5-10 fertilizer now. It will kill your crabgrass and feed your lawn at the same time.
P& EIE . So-Green Division, F. Manley (QD-UrBBIY Corporation, 25Lesmill Road, Don Mills, o Ontario.
Notice of Annual Meeting
Please take notice that an Annual Meeting of the Members of the Civic Garden Centre will be held at 8.00 p.m. on April 27, 1976, at the Civic Garden Centre, 777 Lawrence Avenue East, Don Mills, Ontario, for the purpose of (1) Considering and approving the annual accounts of the Centre (which are available for inspection at the Centre s office); (2) The election of Directors; (3) The appointment of an auditor; and (4) Such other business as may come before the meeting.
By Order of the Board of Directors Mrs. J. W. Clarke, Executive Secretary
Coming Events of notable Gardening and Floral Arts Interest
May 26-28, 1976
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 own halls. Contact: the Civic Garden Centre for information.
SEE US AT THE HIONH
COLISEUM, EXHIBITION PLACE, TORONTO APRIL 9 -17
CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE BOOK & GIFT SHOP
SPRING IN THE GARDEN
STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR . .. THE SPRING GARDEN TOUR TO WILMINGTON AND PHILADELPHIA, SPONSORED BY THE CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE will be from 20th-23rd April, 1976 Limited number 45 FURTHER INFORMATION Mrs, A. Allman, 444-2892 Mrs. F. Rothschild, 366-1138
June 5-6, 1976
Rhodedendron Society of Canada, Annual Meeting and Flower Show, at The Montreal Botanic Gardens, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Contact: Ken Duncan at (416) 447-8046.
June 16-17-18, 1976
Ontario Horticultural Association Convention, at Sir Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario. Contact: Russell F. Gomme (416) 965-1091.
June 27, 1976
Tournament of Roses, sponsored by Canadian Rose Society, in the ballroom of the Harbour Castle Hotel, from 1:00 p-m. to 7:00 p.m. Auction of the show s roses at closing time.
For success with cuttings you need
SERADIX
The hormone powder that helps form roots and promotes rapid vigorous growth. Your local supplier has it.
BEGIN YOUR SUMMER GARDEN NOW
Why wait for Spring?
By owning your very own EDEN greenhouse available in 7 popular models with the right size to fit your needs you can not only start your vegetables and flowers and enjoy them earlier but you could save money.
EDEN greenhouses, winner of the BRITISH DESIGN AWARD, are made of non-rusting, durable sturdy aluminum. The double strength glass is pre-cut. Easy do-it-yourself assembly. See a display model at our showroom.
Phone or write for more details and colour brochure.
or ask your
e New for 1976
e Full colour throughout ¢ 136 pages
e over 1200 trees and other plants
e plus valuable gardening information
Obtain yours now at any Sheridan Garden Centre for $1.00 or free with any purchase
