John Bradshaw s Perfect Lawn Program features S.C.U.-basedfertilizers
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e CIL Golfgreen 18-6-9
Applyassoon as snow melts. Repeatfeeding during season as required.
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Forcrabgrassinfested lawns apply as soon as snow melts instead of Golfgreen. Repeat application in August to kill Poa Annua.
e CIL Lawn Insect Doctor® 18-6-9
Kills Chinch Bug and White Grub. Apply in May-June orJuly-August.
e CIL Lawn Weed Doctor"18-6-9
Kills broadleaved weeds. Apply May-June or August.
e CIL Winterizer 6-12-24
Conditions lawns, treesand shrubs againstoverwintering problems. Apply September-October.
e CIL Winterizer/Weeder 6-12-24
Conditions lawnsagainstoverwintering problems and kills broadleaved weeds. Apply September or early October.
Lawn & Garden Products
CiL Lawn Insect Doctor
This Month s Articles
Peonies /6
House Plant of the Month /9
Petunias /11
Dahlia /15
Coming Events of Interest /22
The Front Cover
Aesculus carnea Briotti
Ruby Red Horse-chestnut
Photo by Sid Morris
Publication Committee for Trellis
Lawrence C. Sherk (Chairman), Audrey Allman, Jerry Maccabe, Gilbert Milne, Flavia Redelmeier.
Editor Sid Morris
Graphics and Printing Drewmark Graphics, Toronto
General Information
Trellis is publishedin themonths ofJanuary,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 organization with open membership. Subscriptions to Trellis are only available through Centre membership ($10 per year). Opinions expressed within do not necessarily reflect those of the Centre. This is Volume 4, Number 3.
For ideas . . . inspiration . . . information . . join
The CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE
How to keep houseplants happy? Gardens glowing? Shrubs scintillating? Lawns luxurious? Join us and find out all this and more. At The Civic Garden Centre you ll be among friends, people who share the same interests you do in gardening and horticultural things.
As a Civic Garden Centre member, you enjoy free borrowing privileges in the new Horticultural Library s over 3,000 gardeningbooks. You save 10% on purchases in the new Garden and Book Shops, over $2. You enroll in members only special horticultural and flower arrangingclasses. You receivesix issuesof Trellis magazine mailed to your home each year.
Care for more details? Call 445-1552 now.
JOIN NOW
3
0
O Corporation...... upon request
Please make cheques payable to THE CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE 777 Lawrence Avenue East DON MILLS, Ontario M3C 1P2
[ wish to become a member as indicated above and enclose my cheque for $ _____. O Please accept the additional amount as a donation to the work of The Civic Garden Centre which you will acknowledge with an official receipt for income tax purposes (Reg. No. 0228114-56-13). (5)
4
Editorial
[ hope you have your garden cleanup almost finished and that the garden has not suffered too much winter damage. Now that we are in the throes ofspring let us look at this year s garden. Keep an eye on likely problem areas, lack of moisture or too much moisture. With too much rain and cool nights, watch for mildews and black spots (especially in August and September) and take remedial steps before the problem is entirely out ofhand. If you are trying some new annuals or vegetables for the first time, see if they are performing as well or better than your old true and tried varieties.
As you probably noticed with the April issue of Trellis the format of the magazine has changed. | hope that you like the new look. (It is now being printed by Drewmark Graphics.) As | mentioned in the January editorial, am keeping an open door policy and am receptive to all ideas. By doing so I hope Trellis will satisfy the greatest number of members of the Civic Garden Centre*. [ have tried to serialize
long articles and hope that this will not cause undue harm to any of your projects. [ hope the fern article in the January and April issues will help some of the members who call in frequently wanting to know what to do with their ferns. Specialty subjects (like the fern article) will be introduced once in a while, but it won t be on a set basis.
I would like to mention that the September issue of Trellis will be devoted to dahlias and chrysanthemums. As the Canadian Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society will be hosting the International Seventyseven from September 17-18, 1977, it is hoped that this will be a guide for anyone interested in these plants.
Editor
*If there are any complaints or suggestions about the content, etc., mention this to me. It is very difficult to correct or modify a situation if I don t hear about it for two or three months, and then through the proverbial grapevine , which can change the message as it is passed along. Ifyou cannot talk to me personally pass it on in writing.
Notice
Mr. Gordon Brackett, who has been the Executive Director for the past two years during which period he was most helpful in organizingandcarryingout the move totheNewGardenCentre,
left the Centre March 31st.
With the expansion of the Centre it became obvious that the Centre requires a full time Horticulturist. A search committee has beenset upto findaqualifiedhorticulturisttoguideanddirect theprogramofThe Civic Garden Centreaswellasanadministrative assistant-accountant to co-ordinate the operations at The Centre. Any suggestions from members will be appreciated.
New Trends in Peopies
by J. M. Cooper
A flowering shrub that does not needto be pruned, staked, burried, sprayed or pampered in any way! Does that interest you? Are you tiredofthe usual assortment of herbaceous peonies offered for sale at garden outlets? Have you yearned for a pure pink peony? Or apeony with some of the coral and peach colours that are now bred into some ofthe new roses? Or how about awhite that shades into lemon yellow at the heart ofthe bloom? If all these colours intrigue you, then Wisteria Purple and the exquisite blends of colour that the Saunders hybrids flaunt in May are for you.
The new hybrid peonies, both the tree and the herbaceous forms, are usually taller, stronger plants and the blooms are at the end of long tough branches or stems. Instead ofhanging their heads under their leaves as so many ofthe European tree peonies do, these new plants carry their full share ofbloom proudly, making a graceful contribution to the garden picture. Nor do the new plant s blooms droop down, unlike the older varieties whose necks could not even sustain the weight ofdisbudded blooms. Also, the new singles, like Sea Shell or Westerner, have a simple structure and pure saturation of colour which, in a bloom ofover 8 , is stunning.
The breeders ofthe new race of herbaceous peonies have worked hard to eliminate the worst faults ofthe older varieties. If you do not
try the new peonies you will continue to need huge baskets and vases to enjoy your cut blooms. The old doubles need a larger container, and you have to give them a bit of distance to realize their beauty. On the other hand, many of the semi-double and Japanese types of the newer hybrids can be used in very simple arrangements or in groups ofthree tofive blooms. There are several varieties which have the same effect as Oriental poppies, and they will last for days in an arrangement or vase. Laura Magnuson or Pink Dawn have petals which look like silk, but last and last. Sea Shell resembles a lovely sculpture.
The doubles have changedtoo. They arenow morecompact anda little lessfulsome. The colours have become more subtle and more pleasing, with softer, purer colours. But by and large the most important change is in the plant structure it has a more compact strong cane that does not droop under the weight of water received from overhead watering or moderate storms.
The tree peony, not perhaps as well known as the herbaceous peony, offers a royal selection as befits the King of Flowers . For this shrub there are names such as Laughter of Court Ladies, Small Dragon Brocade and Flowers in Wine. These are old names which go back into history.
From these old species (and others) Professor Saunders began
one of the most important breeding experiments in the recent history of the tree peony. He took a shrub which had no pests, only one disease, and the ability to withstand drought and cold and modified the only drawback possessed by this answer to a gardener s prayer this shrub takes several years to reach flowering size. The new Saunders hybrids bloom on threeyear-old plants, an advance of four years over the older species. Saunders also added many new blends of colour to the magnificent colours already existing. His aim was to breed a yellow peony. And so we see many colours that are tawny or washed with a unique golden quality. His Mystery Group contains flowers that are almost surrealistic in their swirling clouds of darkand light colours, some edged
CHRIS CATERING
or flared with a sharp contrasting hue.
The tree peony starts to bloom the third week of May and carries over into the traditional peony season. All the hybrids help to extend the season as some bloom ahead of the older varieties, thus filling the gap between the tree peonies and the herbaceous peonies loved by earlier Canadian gardeners. All peonies are valuable to the garden designer, but the new hybrids offer a new feel, a new colour and a new grace to the border and they remain in bloom longer. Try one or two this fall; you will not regret it.
A garden where the best ofthe new hybrids can be seen are those of Walter Gilbert (Gilbert s Peony andIris Gardens, Elora).
GARDENALLYEAR
A hobby without peer for leisure, home beauty and livability a garden that blooms all yearwith only afew hours care each week.
Qur catalogue contains dozens of full colour photos of prefabricated greenhouses in lifetime aluminum. With it you can choose a greenhouse that is sure to harmonize with your home.
Write for your copy today!
LORD & BURNHAM CO.
LIMITED
Dept. T, 325 Welland Ave., St. Catharines, Ontario
THE CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE
SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1975 AND 1976 1976
Revenue: Membership (esi... .....s resiss snvssvnrss sn sreusaiun
Auditorium and meeting facilities...................
DIONALONS fees vues sssssssirnsuesssngvnetn. Sones
Iitarest ir di ide bs en wn dna es Gr Activities ~~ nel... rads rssh ies
Garden SHOP ch. vuis ivi rs wanes sinvansnuis nave isiens
Book Shop... vii iuices sinnniunsingale iin nnseivis
Expenditures: General and administrative salaries ................
Trellis netic. coins ii. ei diese ys doeina
LIDBTN iiss eins st ean nsmsvhios sii nois triste sie nwaiy
on a ais san ash Hsa nev avaings
Excess of expenditures over revenue................. (16,288)
excess at beginning of year ............
Civic Garden Centre Bookshop
Visit Us In Our New Location See Our Excellent Selection of e Horticultural Books for all e Bird Study Books e Gift Book Suggestions Interests and Ages e Nature Craft Books
Hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 9:30 - 4:00 Wed. 9:30 - 9:00 Sat. 10:00 - 4:00 Sun. & Holidays 1:00 - 4:00 We Fill Mail and Phone Orders Promptly
COMMENTS ON FINANCIAL POSITION
The Centre showed an operating loss of $16,288 for 1976 as compared with a loss of $8,741 in 1975. Hopefully the operations in the new Centre will correct this situation.
Subsequent to the year-end the Dunington Grubb Foundation made a capital contribution of$20,000 which has been applied against the bank indebtedness.
The addition to the premises leased by The Centre from The Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto in Edwards Gardens was opened during the year. The cost is to be borne as follows:
Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto..........cc.evvvvunn.. $ 550,000
Dunington Grubb Foundation ...........o ini bi 350,000
Garden Clubof Toronto... (0. ul or aisha, 50,000
Wintarlo Grant. ov a Se Ra 400,000
$1,350,000
The Dunington Grubb Foundation has provided $300,000 for the establishment ofa Civic Garden Centre Foundation Fund, thus making their total contribution $650,000.
The operating position must be improved so members are urged to renew their membership, invite new memberships, encourage donations ($14,665 was donated in 1976 for furnishings and equipment) patronize the shops and most of all Participate.
Copies of the audited financial statements are available on request.
House plant of the month
Burro s Tail (Sedum morganianum)
No burro you ever saw had a tail that looked like burro s tail . This succulent plant from Mexico grows in drooping chains of waxy, pale blue-green, bean-shaped Pot in a sandy soil mixture made leaves. The stems may reach three of two parts and one part each loam feet in length. It is very attractive and peat. Let the soil dry between in a hanging basket or creeping over waterings, and fertilize once a the edge of a lower planter on a month when the plant is actively greenhouse shelf. For best results growing. with burro s tail give it full sun or bright light and temperatures on the cool side. Average temperatures of 10° to 19°C (50°-68°F) at night are fine, though the plants will tolerate temperatures into the 5°C (40°F).
Propagate burro s tail by cuttings or division. The easiest method is to simply break offa few leaves and drop them on the soil surface. They quickly root and form new plants.
From Under Glass Lord and Burnham
STITCHERY CLASSES
MONDAY, 30 May, 1977 At the Civic Garden Centre
All day workshop from 10a.m. to3 p.m.
Bargello (Previous experience in stitchery necessary)
Fee: $10.00 Members
$12.00 Non-members
Approx. $15.00 for kits including canvas, wool, needle, diagrams, etc.
Call 445-1552 for application form. Class limited to 14
MONDAY, 13 June, 1977 At the Civic Garden Centre
All day workshop from 10 a.m. to3 p.m.
Pulled Thread (Basic needlepoint is a requirement)
Fee: $10.00 Members
$12.00 Non-members
Approx. $15.00 for kits
Call 445-1552 for application form. Class limited to 14
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OSMUBA, TREE FERN, FIRBARK ETC.
OPEN WED.-SUN. 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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NOW UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
Come in and get acquainted. Tropical Plants from our own Greenhouse.Tues-Fri. 11-7, Sat. 10-6 Tel: 465-4732 1602 Queen St. East at Coxwell
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EDWARDS GARDENS CLOSED FOR THE SEASON REOPENING APRIL 7 After 140 years, still
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Petupias
Lois Wilson
For as long as most of us can remember, petunias have been Canada s favourite summer flower. Pink and fire red, white and cerise, with occasionally a purple or blue, they have woven a gay and colourful flower border in gardens from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and even farup into thenorth country. They don t seem to care whether the summer is chill andwet, or whether it s hot and a drought is over the land. They don t mind whether the soil they grow in has had the best ofcare or none at all. From early spring until the snow flies, petuniasjust go right on bloomingin window boxes and baskets, in perennial borders and over rockywalls, and in new gardens andold ones. They thrive almost anywhere at all and always with bounteous abandon.
It s goodnewstohear, then, that some ofthe most spectacular work in the development of new varieties of garden flowers has been done with petunias. There are new strains foryou to grow in your garden this year that have greater vigour of growth, more intense colour, bigger flowers and more ofthem.
Anyone who has tried these new petunias knows they are adelight to grow and ajoy to see all summer long.
Youwill find thesevondertil new varieties listed as seedin your catalogues, or, if it is planting-out time where you live, you can buy them as boxedplants at your greenhouse or florist. They will be labelled as F, hybrids. F; means that they are the first filial generation, that is, that they are seeds or plants of
petunias which have been deliberately pollinated by hand to produce acontrolled hybrid flower. Anyone who has seen the brilliant, fire-engine red Red Devil in bloom, or the lovely candy-cane pink Sugar Pink, both F s, will already know what a wonderful improvement this new strain is over the old varieties. Ifyou have never grown them in your garden, then this is the year to have some.
A whole Indian tribe of these F, s has come from the hybridizers to follow Comanche. Apache is a bright rose red, Snow Cloud pure white, Cherokee deep rose pink with awhite throat.
Then there is agroup ofcrisp, dainty dancers to keep Linda company. Ballerinahasaruffled flower andis aglowingsalmon colour. La Paloma is a fringed white with a yellow throat, PrimaDonna a bright rose pinkwith very large flowers, and Tango another rich red like Comanche, but has ruffled petals where Comancheis plain.
Although many gardeners find it ~ an advantage to be able to buy their seeds or plants in asingle colour, there are many more wholike a mixture of colours in one packet of seeds or one box of plants. It is for these gardeners that hybridizers have gone one step further and developed the F; hybrids Crown Jewels and Carnival. Crown Jewels arebright, glistening shades of red, salmon, purply blue and a thick, clotted-cream colour that is edging on yellow. The flowers are plainpetalled and strong and very freeflowering. A bed of Crown Jewel would make a striking planting
against white a house or a picket fence, or planted to tumble out of white tubs on a sun terrace.
Carnival has flowers of the type called grandiflors. Some 80% of them are wavy, ruffled or frilly, the other 20% are plain. Instead ofthe usual four or five colours in the usual petunia mixture, there are at least 20 in this one. Creamy pink, rose, salmon, lavender, blue, white, crimson, scarlet and all the shades in between. Some are a solid colour, some starred, striped or edged with another colour. All are giddy and gay andfullofbloom all summer long.
Ideasfor using anyofthese new petunias in your garden will buzz through your brain like beesin the apple blossoms. Ifyou have a gray stone wall, or a rock garden that goes barren as a desert after the firstsurge ofspring, try a mixed planting ofthe scarlet Comanche and the candy-cane pink Sugar Pink.
~Apetunia planting we shall always remember wasone that bordered 8... blue slatesunterraceofa neighbour in fact, we talked her into it and it was a terrific success. Paleface, theplain-petalled crispy white;and La Paloma, the fringy floppy white with a yellow throat, were mixedin afour-foot border all aroundthe terraceand double portulaca was seeded throughit.The ~portulaca bloomed in agiddy splen~ dour ofred, pink, whiteandgold untilmid-afternoon, they then closed up andthe petunias took over. After dark, theylookedlike big, white moths.
Romantic and quaint,with very fluffy ruffles are the Giants of California petunias. The flowers are white, pinkish and rose red and very ruffled. The throats of most are veined with a deep purple as though you had drawn in them with pen
and ink. Because they are so fluffy and full, they tend to be floppy as well, and are really more practical for accent places in your garden or window boxes than for solid plantings down on the ground.
For the star spot inyour garden schemes are the F, hybrid alldoubles. These all-doubles are a little harder to grow than the single varieties, and most gardeners buy their plants grown in individual pots by a greenhouseman or florist. Many ofthem are sold in pots for the Easter trade or for Mother s Day. These plants canbe cutback when summertime comes and planted out in thegarden. They will thengo on bloomingoutdoors all summer long.
Since, more often than not, flower heads of these doublepetunias get so heavy that they fall over and get splashed with sand or mudfrom the garden bed, it is wise to brace them up with small twiggy bits of brush. Be sure to put thisbrush around the plants when you first plant them in the garden. They will then grow through it and be supported byit. It is almost impossible to tie them up attractivelyafter the plants have started to bloom.
You should be able to buy your all-doubles by name. Allegro is salmonand not only double but fringed too.Blushing Maid is a lovely pink. Caprice is brightrose-pinkand Lyric light salmon pink. Circusis salmon-redmixed with white and looksfor allthe world like a dishof : strawberries and cream. Blue | Crown is deep violet blue and Sonatais very large and snow white. Evenwith all these improved new ~ petunias to choose from, there will be gardeners who willstill like to grow some ofthe tried and true, older varieties like the dwarf Rosy Morn. This is a compact and sturdy little plant with flowers in clear rose-
pink. So far, there is no new purple more velvety or luxurious than Elk s Pride with its four-inch flowers. When you plant your petunias in their permanent location in the garden give them afeeding ofa regular, commercial garden fertilizer according to the directions on the bag. And go on feeding them once every two weeks all summer, watering your fertilizer in after each application. Also, when you first put in your plants, nip off the top with your thumbnail. This will make them branch out andbecome much more compact: Ifyou do not do this they can get long and leggy and thoroughly ugly. As your plants get to full size, cut off a few of the longest stems each week. The stubs will then branch again and flower more freely until frost finally cuts them down for good.
Send today for McConnell s latest, all-color Garden Catalogue, featuring top-quality Nursery Stock, Seeds and Supplies. McConnell s serving Canadian gardeners for 66 years.
THE McCONNELL NURSERY CO. LTD. PORT BURWELL, ONTARIO N0J 1T0 Phone 519-874-4405
PINEHAVEN NURSERIES LTD.
Growers of Hardy Roses ® Evergreens Shrubs ® Trees ® Perennials Greenhouse Plants
See our exhibit at The Annual Rose Show 475 Queensway W., Mississauga 277-2713
Nilsmon s Auto Watering Flower Box will beautify your balcony all summerwithout the chore of everyday watering.
The Flower Box will water your flowers for that long weekend or holiday. Simply fill the tray withwater before you leave.
If you plan to stay away for a longer period of time, hook up to one of Nilsmon s Reservoirs. It is an automatic system that will last for weeks without refill.
By connecting to the city water supply, you have an automatic watering system that will last the entire season. Nilsmon s Master Control Unit will regulate the water level in the flower box when using the resrvoir or when you're connected to the city water supply.
To fully enjoy your balcony garden, ask your dealer for Nilsmon s Balcony Brackets adaptable to any iron railing.
Because of a constant supply of moisture, the plants will grow bigger and more lush.
Extend your living room and enjoy outdoor living in an atmosphere of colour and fragrance. AVAILABLE FROM CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE
Shop Talk
ByBettyBilles
Everyone is in a spring-like mood, and fingers are getting itchy to start digging.
First on the agenda are seeds, of all kinds, just waiting for you to come in and buy. We have a full range ofvegetables as well as flowers and, of course, we have seed tapes for those who would like to try gardening, but don t quite know how. Propagators are back in stock. We have capilliary mats to keep your plants watered when you're away and we've water hoses with over-the-shoulder water bags to carry through your house with no fear of muss. Clay pots of all sizes, all kinds of soil, CIL fertilizer, Ortho sprays, etc., are also now in stock. Just come in and look around.
NEW! On display in our shop window is something special in hanging plants: the innovative Leafy Bower Plant Spacer . We can work out a window display for your home. Also new are the attractive Dandelion Hasti-notes . And for those ofyou who love to do oriental arranging, the oriental containers, in unusual shapes and sizes, have arrived. And coming are new Bonsai dishes.
Housto Gunby
Creators of Bonsai and Miniature Landscapes
Specializing in Interior Landscaping for your home or office
Fast, Efficient, Reliable
Susan Gunby Jim Houston 278-0489
Turn garden and kitchen wastes into rich, fertile compost to improve poor soil and feed our plants. Grow ountiful harvests of vegetables and more flowers.beautifulScientifically designed bins produce valuable i compost in weeks. No turning the heap. Make a ton in one season. Send for FREE catalog: ROTOCROP
CENTRE PLANS SPECIAL COURSE
A SIX WEEK COURSE IN PHOTOGRAPHY WILL BE PRESENTED AT THE CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE by JOHN AND JOAN POWELL COMMENCING ON TUESDAY, MAY 10th, 1977 AT 8.00 p.m. TITLED THE JOY OF PHOTOGRAPHING OUR NATURAL WORLD .
FEE $30.00 MEMBERS $35.00 NON-MEMBERS
HOME MINDERS
Travellers: We visit your home daily to water plants & flowers, care for pets and houses.
425-5588
House & Home Minders Inc.
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 over 700varietieslisted; exotic jewels for your Summer garden.
C.A. CRUICKSHANKLTD.
Since 1925
Canada s Leading Bulb Specialists 1015 MOUNTPLEASANTRD. TORONTO 488-8292
The Dablia:
A Guide to Growing and Showing
In May a few weeks in the cold frame are invaluable to the young dahlia plant. This period allows the tender growth to get used to the move from the warmth ofthe greenhouse to the more rigorous conditions that it will encounter in the open garden.
Plants should be placed in frames with ample space between pots. The hardening-off procedure must be governed by prevailingweather conditions and not by the calendar. It should be gradual and if, after it is completed, the weather changes to cold, windy and heavy rain, one - should have no hesitation in completely closing down the frames and starting all over again.
Before beginning the hardeningoff process, make sure the plants are ready to be hardened-off. Give them at least 10 days ofgrowingon after being potted from the rooting box. Mark tags clearly, give the plants space to spread out so that they won't stretch up as thin and lanky plants. Leave the frame lights on for the first few days to settle the plants into their new surroundings. Make sure that there is snow fencing on top of the glass to give the plants partial shading if the sun is strong. On the fourth day, open the frame about an inch to admit air, but close it down at night. Each day open it further, and so the process continues until the lights are left off all day and gradually all night. At all times, keep a check on weather forecasts. Old carpet on the frames at night will protect the plants from severe frost. Put this on
late at night and take it off as early as possible in the morning so that the plants are not deprived of light. If there is extra heavy rain, keep the lights on until it clears. At all times keep the plants growing, keep them healthy and clean and free from aphids. Water plants when they need it, but never in late afternoon or evening.
Planting
Dahlias prefer a bed all to themselves, and although they will grow quite happily among other summer plants, the well spaced plot that allows a free root run for the vigorous dahliawill pay immense dividends in increased blooms later on.
Mark out your special beds with canes spaced 2 apartfor smaller flowering types, and as much as 3 for giants. Plant your tubers about 5 deep, then fill in halfway, until the shoot comes through. Then fill the hole a little at a time as the shoot grows. If you are troubled by cut worms, put a metal or cardboard collar around the shoot. Three or four slug pellets should also help. Do not be in a hurry to start watering your tubers. Wait and let them develop naturally, unless we have a hot, dry spell right after the plants come through. If so, water themjust enough to stop them drying up.
Ifyou are starting offwith plants, the treatment is different altogether. You make a hole deep enough that when it is filled in it will come up to the second joint of the green plant.
CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE
SPRING AT THE CENTRE PLANT SALE
Saturday, 14 May, 1977
10a.m. to 4 p.m.
This will be your opportunity to get unique and interesting plants grown by members at competitive prices Don t miss the raffle of Patio or balcony sculpture by Hanni Rothschild, and beautiful plants as well Hanni Rothschild will also have recent sculptures, fountains and planters displayed in their natural surroundings.
A major FUND RAISING EVENT supported by Groups and Societies who meet at the Centre. .
PROCEEDS in aid of Centre programs; donations of plant material, cuttings, seeds or other useful gardening items i.e.; pots, vases, tools, etc. are solicited from members.
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
PRUNING SPECIALIST
All Types OfShrubs & TreesPruned Properly Removals
40 EVELYN AVE. BRIAN SINCLAIR TORONTO, ONT. 762-5828 EVNGS.
FLORADA CONSERVATORY GREENHOUSES
Features
® Heavy duty extruded aluminum.
e BRONZE baked enamel finish, to resist oxidizing & pitting.
® One piece aluminum curved frame for greater strength.
e C.P.I double strength glass, Acrylic on curved sections.
e Easily assembled.
® Stainless steel spring clips lock glass into neoprene.
® Hinged door seals air tight, Automatic closer included.
® Roofvent and side louvers standard on most models.
® Curved eaves do not allow snow build up and seal tight for easier year round heating.
SMART in appearance, more head room than most other Greenhouses. . These many features make this series, for sure, the Greenhouse you've been waiting for.
See them now at (indoor showroom)
English Aluminium Greenhouses Ltd. 506 McNicoll Ave., Willowdale, Ont. (416) 493-7773
COMPLETE LANDSCAPING AND DESIGN SERVICE
CALL AFTER FIVE PAUL JOHN 266-7883 960-0160
STUDENTS OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO or
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
Ifthe ground should be dry at planting time, water them in. You must give the plants some water right from the start, so that the roots support the plant. If you let them go dry in the early stages, it will set thewhole plant back. A good feature with growing green plants is that you can start working and cultivating right away. By covering two joints you will be safe if something should take off the top of the plant. It will still throw up shoots on thejoints that are covered.
Whichever method you use, always put your stakes in first and lots then place your plant about 3 away. With plants, you can start fertilizing about two to three weeks after planting. Tuber roots you can start to fertilize when the plants are about 10 to 12 high.
Once the plants are established in the ground, keep a sharp lookout for cut worms and other insects. Roots do not require the same amount of water as green plants, which needa little every day. If we have a heavy rainfall, govern your watering accordingly. Those who grow green plants for the first time will think the plants are standing still, but actually they are making larger roots. Then, when they have enough root they will move right along.
Once they are growing well, you are ready to start a pinchingand disbudding program. On giant and large types, pinch off the growing tip after two sets of leaves, on mediums after three sets, on small after four sets, poms five sets. The expression pinched or stopped is not quite so drastic as it sounds. It means that the main growing point is snipped off and the full energy of the plant is then directed into the leaf axils from where the first floweringstems will emerge. The benefits in strong rapid growth are enormous. Only a week or so after the
pinch, the new laterals that will bear the first flowers are springing strongly upwards.
As the dahlia plants flourish and spread their roots outwards, it is a good practice to mulch the surrounding area with straw, peat or mushroom compost. This has the effect of allowing a cool root run and the fine surface roots that the plant produces revel in these conditions. If you increase your root value then you increase the bloom potential too.
At this time the plants are most susceptible to attack from a host of garden predators and aregular spraying, at least once every 10 days, is called for. The best thing to use is the fine spray. Go under and up the plant early in the evening after the sun has gone down.
The vigorous dahlia will, of course, require strong support. The initial cane that was placed in position at planting out time should be supplemented by additional canes that surround the entire bush. This makes the task oftyingthe further growth an easy matter.
Soon the side branches are formed on the plants and these need to be tied to the stakes. This entails a considerable amount ofwork and even then there is always the danger that branches might break off. This danger can be lessened and much labour saved if three additional stakes are provided for each plant. They do not have to be as sturdy as the centre stake as they will not have to bear so great a strain. They should be driven into the ground at equal distances from one another. Each should be about 8 from the centre stake and should slope so that they are further away from it at the top. Two lengths of string at different heights from the ground, encircling the three stakes, will afford excellent support for the side branches.
e STAFF e DISHES e FURNITURE, ETC.
e WEDDING e BANQUETS
eo CONVENTIONS e BAR B-Q'S
e [UNCHEONS e MEETINGS
e BUFFETS e COCKTAIL PARTIES
CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE
SFE... ENQUIRE... TRY... OUR SPECIAL SERVICES. . .
® Custom made DRIED FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS
® Preserving WEDDING BOUQUETS, CORSAGES or other SPECIAL FLOWER PIECES
VISIT:... CALL. ,. JOINUS ... as a volunteer, apply your skills or learn new ones in the preparation and makingofpresrved floral bouquets and associated crafts.
HANDICRAFTED ITEMS FOR SALE ALL YEAR ROUND
GARDEN ALL YEAR ROUND
Showing
When you grow for exhibition, it is the practice to restrict the number of flowering stems and to allow only one bloom to develop on each stem. It should be explained that when we do this, it does not mean that when these, say six, stems have bloomed that the plant is finished for the season. The lower shoots are allowed to develop, and we have a second crop of excellent dahlias. Generalizing, we may say that large flowered varieties may be heavily disbudded; medium varieties, moderately, and the small flowered types, just enough to make long stems.
There is a right and a wrong time to cut dahlias for the show. Never cut them in bright sunshine, or even on a warm cloudy day. The best time is early in the morning before the sun is up. The stems and leaves are then chock full of sap from the good soaking you gave them the previous night in preparation for the show. When cutting the flower from the plant, take the cut 30 long, leaving a prominent shoot to follow for the next bloom to develop. Make your cut with a sharp knife at an angle of 45° to the main stem. Most dahlia stems are hollow and the angled cut precludes the possibility of the ring of stem settling on the bottom of the container and thus failing to take up water.
Another important point; take your container of water to theplant when cutting. Never carry blooms to the vase. Occasionally dahlias will wilt almost immediately they are put in a vase. If this happens, take out the offending bloom and pierce its hollow stem to break the membranes that divide it into hollow compartments. Place it back in the water and it will soon recover.
An excellent way of transporting dahlias to the show is to secure a
cane to the stem with twist ties. This will ensure that the bloom will not be broken. Take a five-gallon drum, withholes drilled around the top rim, and, as each bloom is added, tie a twist around the dahlia, attach a cane and anchor it to the rim of the drum with another twist tie.
Blooms for staging should have at least one pair of leaves. Place your bloom in the centre of the vase and pack it tightly around. Remember, thejudge will be lifting your vase to inspect the qualities of your exhibit.
To keep your petals fresh a fine spraying is beneficial. This can be done quite often until your bloom isjudged. Cut your dahlias 12 hours before showtime. Your dahlia should stand in the vase enhanced by two sets of leaves, showing at least 6 of stem above the edge of the vase. It should be fully dis_ budded; no small buds should spoil the appearance. Ifyou have any tired, damaged or discoloured petals, carefully pluck them out with tweezers.
In good competition there is often very little to choose between the winner and the also rans, and one can stage very good quality flowers andstill be unplaced but satisfied.
Frost time
When frost blackens the plants, leave them for two or three days, then cut them down to about 6 . Take your fork and dig all around the dahlia before lifting it, then ease the fork upwards making sure you do not break the tubers. It is particularly important that the tubers should not be twisted or strained at their points ofjunction with the stem. After lifting, the roots should be placed upside down for afew hours to allow any moisture to drain away from the hollow stems. Such moisture, if it remained, might cause
the stems to rot at the collar, which would probably destroy the dormant buds from which the next year s growth will spring. The bulk ofthe soil should be removed; again be careful not to damage the tubers. Cut the stem back as close to the neck as possible. Take a cardboard box, line it with newspaper and put in a layer of peat. Place the dahlia tuber neck down, and working up to the top ofthe box, cover over with newspaper. Tie the box with string and store it in acool (40°-50°) airy place (such as afruit cellar).
Another method is to cut the tubers up into fingers, remembering that next year s eyes are on the collar not on the fleshy tubers.
This article has been compiled by the Canadian Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society. Thepublic is invited to come out to the monthly meetings ofthe CCDA on the fourth Thursday ofevery month at the Civic Garden Centre. At this time all thegrowers are available to answer any queries or to help solve any problems you have. Make a date and mark your calendar now.
BUS TOURS
1. BLOSSOM TOUR
TUESDAY 17th MAY, 1977
Leaving 9 a.m. and returning 6 p.m.
Also visit to Niagara Parks School of Horticulture
Cost including lunch $12.00
2. LILAC & IRIS TOUR
TUESDAY 7th JUNE, 1977
Same times as above
To Royal Botanical Gardens
Also tour of Dundurn Castle
$12.00 includes lunch at the Castle
Apply early
LimitedRegistration Call for details
Books at the Briar Patch
By Marilyn M Waugh
Trees and shrubs in our gardens require good planning before planting. There are a number ofexcellent books available to acquaint you with the many varieties of trees and shrubs suitable for gardens and to give you ideas on where and how to plant them. Ornamental Shrubs for Canada, L. C. Sherk and A. R. Buckley ($5.00), is a guide every Canadian gardener should have available. It should serve a ready reference when planning the location and use of ornamental shrubs. A hardiness map is included and individual listings give some idea of the hardiness of each shrub. Instructions on buying, planting, pruning, and caring for your shrubs are given. Diseases that affect shrubs are dealt with and measures to prevent and control them are given.
The Home Gardener s Guide to Trees andShrubs, J. B. Brimer ($17.25), is a practical and comprehensive guide to trees and shrubs for the small homeowner. Each chapter contains a general discussion followed by a question and answer section on specific problems: view-blocking plantings, erosion and how to control it, soil
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L&S needs
types, care after planting watering, feeding, pruning, and winterizing. Complete plans and directions for planting are provided. It lists group trees and shrubs by size and gives information on fragrance, colour, time of bloom, and availability of fruit. Shrubs are also listed by specific types: shrubs for shady spots, shrubs that will survive in the city, shrubs demanding or tolerant or acid soil, and rose shrubs. A special chapter on rejuvenating older gardens is an added feature. The book is profusely illustrated with maps, charts, photographs, and drawings.
TreesforAmerican Gardens, D. Wyman ($12.95), and its companion volume, Shrubs and Vines forAmerican Gardens, D. Wyman ($17.95), give extensive and detailed coverage to the selection and planting of more than 1000 trees, shrubs, and vines. These volumes would be particularly valuable to students of horticulture and to professional landscapers.
If you are unable to come into the Civic Garden Centre and browse in the Briar Patch Bookshop you may order any book by telephone or by mail. We will be pleased to send the invoice with the shipment. We look forward to being of service to you.
Greenhouse Contracting
We can help you select the proper residential GREENHOUSE and accessories to suit your 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 759-6014
Children s Activity Page
Find the Hidden Vegetables & Herbs
Instructions for finding the hidden plants. Below the puzzle you will findthe list of plants hidden in the puzzle. Circle the hidden plants named in the puzzle.
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The following lists of vegetables and herbs are suitable for your vegetable gardens this summer.
Cress
Spinach
Cabbage
Carrot
Celery
Tomato
Melon
Mint
Turnip
Cauliflower
Endive
Okra
Leek
Pumpkin
Salsify
Parsley
Chard
Cucumber
Beets
Celtuce
Pepper Corn
Peas
Squash
Eggplant
Broccoli
Vegetable a herbaceous plant grown for an edible part which is usually eaten with the principal part of the meal.
Herb a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal, savory, or aromatic qualities. YOUR AD can appear here for as little as $168 per year!
DOMINION STORE SALES SLIPS WANTED
Drop (or mail) your Dominion sales slips into the Centre. Your help has provided our first wheelchair for our visitors use keep them coming.
Coming Events of Interest
April 30-May 1, 1977
A Touch of Japan, sponsored by the Toronto Bonsai Society, in conjunction with the Japanese Garden Club at O.I.S.E. Building, 252 Bloor St. West. From 12:00-6:00 p.m. each day.
May 3, 1977
Window Shopping Flower Show sponsored by The Milne House Garden Club at The Civic Garden Centre in the Dunington-Grubb Floral Hall from 1:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Admission $2.50, including refreshments.
May 4, 1977
Rare Plant Sale of the Rhododendron Society.
June 4-5, 1977
Rhododendron Society Flower show and Annual Meeting at The Civic Garden Centre, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. each day.
June 9-10, 1977
Lily Society Show at Royal Botanical Gardens, Hamilton, from 3:00 p.m.
June 11, 1977.
Canadian Iris Society Annual Show, OPEN TO PUBLIC FROM 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. FLORAL HALL, Civic Garden Centre. This will be the finest display of Iris Toronto has ever seen. No admission charge a donation to help defray expenses would be appreciated.
June 12, 1977
BonsaiShow sponsoredbyToronto Bonsai Society at The Civic Garden Centre in The Dunington-Grubb FloralHall from 9:30a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
June 26, 1977
Round the World with Roses sponsored by the Canadian Rose Society at The Civic Garden Centre, from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m.
August 6, 1977
Iris Auction sponsored by the Canadian Iris Society at The Civic Garden Centre from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
August 13, 1977
Gladiolus Show sponsored by the Canadian Gladiolus Society at The Civic Garden Centre
August 13-14, 1977
North Toronto Flower Show at The Civic Garden Centre.
The following Specialty groups meet at the CENTRE for regular meetings: The Toronto Bonsai Society, The Can. Chrysanthemum Society, The Can. Rose Society, Gardening Under Lights Group, The Highrise Gardeners of Toronto, The Men s Garden Club, Greenhouse Gardeners, The Southern Ontario Orchid Society, The Rhododendron Society and The Junior Gardeners ( Green Thumb & Enthusiasts ) of the Civic Garden Centre.
You are welcome to attend any of the Society meetings or other interests Please call for meeting times.
Come see us before vou plant and we'll help you with vour matchmaking.
For Quality, Fair Prices visit a Sheridan Garden Centre
Unionville
LONGACRES GARDEN CENTRE
4077 Hwy. #7, Unionville, L3R 1L5
Phone 297-2253
Herman Loeven, Manager
North Toronto
GLENPARK GARDEN CENTRE 2827 Yonge Street, Toronto, M4N 2J4
Phone 481-6429
Lou Sato, Manager
Etobicoke
SHERWAY GARDEN CENTRE
700 Evans Avenue, Etobicoke, MOC 1A1
Phone 621-9100
Uli Rumpf, Manager Mississauga, L5J 2Y4
Mississauga
SOUTHDOWN GARDEN CENTRE
606 Southdown Rd., Mississauga, L5J 3X9
Phone 822-0251
Manuel Sobrinho, Manager