TRELLIS
The newsletter of the Civic Garden Centre in Metropolitan Toronto April, 1994 Volume 21, Number 4
Civic Garden Centre General Information
The Civic Garden Centre promotes involvement in gardening, horticulture and the related arts. It is a volunteer, not-for-profit resource centre. Registered charity number 0228114-56.
Located in Edwards Gardens, at Leslie Street and Lawrence Avenue East in North York, the Centre serves members throughout MetropolitanToronto and across Ontario. TheCivicGardenCentreispleased torentfacilitiesformeetings,receptions,exhibits and shows. Please contact our rental agent.
Hours:
Summer(April1 toOctober31):weekdays 9:30a.m. to5:00p.m.; weekendsandholidays noon to 5:00 p.m. Winter (November 1 to March 31): weekdays 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m; weekends and holidays noon to 4:00 p.m.
Telephone: Area code 416.
Main number: 397-1340
Rentals: 397-1349
Trellis Shop: 397-1357
Courseinformation: 397-1340
Fax: 397-1354
Gardening hotline: 397-1345 (hours: noon to 3:00 p.m.)
Executive committee:
President: Robin Wilson Vice-president and treasurer:
Peter J. Lewis
Members: Cicely Bell, Mary Anne Brinckman, Roger Silverthorne
Board of directors:
For1993: CicelyBell,HeatherBrodeur, Peter J. Lewis, Susan Macaulay, Mary Mills, Maureen Naylor, Laura Rapp.
For1993-1994: MarjorieHarris, Louise Kappus, Roger Silverthorne, Robin Wilson.
For1993-1995: MaryAnneBrinckman, Bayla Gross, Nancy Laurie, David Money, Pamela Stagg.
RepresentativeofMetropolitanToronto Parks and Property: John Howard.
Honorary counsel: Aird and Berlis
Civic Garden Centre staff members: Executive director: Sally Sullivan
Accounts: Janie Brentnall
Courses: Ann Warren
Horticulturists: Anne Marie Van Nest
Helen Craig
Librarian: Pamela MacKenzie
Maintenance supervisor: Walter Morassutti
Rental agent: Betsy Chubb
Secretary: Shirley Lyons
Trellis Shop assistant manager: Barbara Stevenson
Volunteer co-ordinator and publicity: Carolyn Dalgarno
Insert:
Our cover illustration by Maggie Dickson
TRELLIS
Volume 21, Number 4
Editor: Iris Hossé Phillips
Editorial co-ordinator: LeslieLynch
Advertising information: (416) 397-1340
Printed byRaised Image, Etobicoke, on recycled paper
Trellis is published ten times a year as a members newsletter by the Civic Garden Centre, 777 Lawrence Avenue East, North York, Ontario M3C 1P2. Telephone number: (416) 397-1340.
Manuscripts submitted on a voluntary basis are gratefully received. No remuneration is possible.
Articles, manuscripts and advertising material must be received by the 15th of the month to insure publication six weeks later. For example, material received by April 15 will be included in the June issue of Trellis.
Opinions expressed within Trellis do not necessarily reflect those of the Centre. Submissions may be edited for style and clarity.
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without written permission.
Editor's note
By Iris Phillips
Good news! As a result ofnotes, faxes and telephone calls from members, I do not needtotakemychildrentoCentralParkin NewYorktoseetheAmericanEIm. Pamela Stagg sent me a fax listing the location of many elms including the rare golden elm, Ulmus hollandica x wredei! Mount Pleasant Cemetery has many elms and has a rigorousprogram to controlDutchelm disease.
An enjoyable part ofgardening is training the eye to see new plants and plant combinations. Iamoftensurprisedtoseea plant for the first time and then see many referencesto itingardenliteratureorsee it in friends gardens. A case in point is Lysimachia clethroides, called goosenecked loosestrife by some gardeners. I saw the plant in a friend s garden last August and she gave me a small clump. The tall plant has long nodding gooseneck-like spikes of small white flowers. Over the winter monthsI 'veseenmanyarticlesdescribethe plant as an old-fashioned favourite that deserves a higher profile in the garden.
Of interest to our members who enjoy flower arranging is Art in Bloom , a new eventattheArtGalleryofOntario,April26 toMay 1. Thirty-fiveflowerarrangements by members of Ontario garden clubs will interpret works of art throughout the galleries. Large floral displays will grace the public areas.
This issue contains plant lists for two upcomingCentresales thesaleofperennials and the sale of annuals. We have redesigned the order form for the annuals andhaveuseddifferentcolouredpaperfor the two sales to help make each one distinct. Take time to look through our excellent selection.
In appreciation
After 10 years, Jackie Brisby is retiring as the Trellis Shop manager.
Jackie smany skills and attributes have been evident over the years. The job has oftenrequiredJackie sattentionsevendays a weekaswellasnumerousevenings. Her pleasantand accommodating manner has built a loyal clientele and endeared her to the volunteers in her department.
In 1983,the gross salesinthe shopwere $104,000. Ten years later in 1993, sales were $395,000 -- a success story for the Centre and a tribute to Jackie.
We'll all miss her.
&
YCLASSIFIED
Designingyourgarden? Let me help you with small improvements or major redesigning. Special expertise with bulbs and antique roses. Estimates. References. Isabelle Robinson, (416) 487-7233.
Spring cleanup, garden projects, pruning, planting or book now for garden maintenance. Willalsocleanwindowsbothinside and out. Reasonable rates. References provided. Call Stephen (416) 362-7434 °
My family wishes to rent a large cottage appropriate for children for a two-week period in August. Please contact Sally Sullivan, (416) 397-1346.
THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE
Tuesday, April 26
7:30 p.m. - Annual meeting 8:15 p.m. - Speaker: Tom Thompson on ORNAMENTAL
GRASSES
Tom Thompson, chief horticulturist at Humber Nurseries and paramount expert onornamentalgrassesinCanada,willspeak immediately following the business segmentoftheannualmeeting. Tomisknowledgeable,funny,informedandinspirational and we know he is going to delight the audience.
Tom became chief horticulturist with Humber Nurseries in Brampton in 1982. He has taught at Humber College and is a busyspeakertogardenclubsand horticulturaltradeassociations. HisworkatHumber Nurseries now deals with the productionoftheirnearly3,000varietiesofperennials with very special interest in theircollection of ornamental grasses which now number close to 300.
Tomhashadalife-longinterestinplants particularly the native flora of the areas where he found himself Scotland, England, Alberta and Ontario. This special interest, hebelieves, hasmade himabetter horticulturistandisnowofparticularvalue as the trend to native plants in our landscapesbecomesecologicallyimportantand popular.
Green Thumb Days -- 1994
Children from seven to 11 years will learn about plants, gardening, the environment, nature and crafts.
Full details in the May issue of Trellis. Call 397-1355 for information.
CANADIAN ROSE SOCIETY ANNUAL ROSE SALE
OVER 120 VARIETIES
Old Favourites *#*¥**
*%* New Introductions
CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE
777 Lawrence Ave E. DON MILLS.
SATURDAY APRIL 30 1994
DOORS OPEN - 12:00noon
Through the Garden Gale
By day: Saturday and Sunday, June 18 and 19
By night: Thursday, June 16
Full details in the May issue of Trellis. Make a note of the dates now! Tickets will be available from the Centre at the end of April.
WedJune15 Thurs. June 16 ,k{ 2j0dpm. 10pm.
TJume17 1o5pm.
in, Perennials [over 1000 varieties], §Y Roses [over4500 in stock], Amnuals [connoisseur varietics], Bog (Water) Plants, Omamental Grasses Horticultural Seminars , Saturdays at 1 pm. March -April ¥ Brock Road, North Pickering (1 mile North of101) 633-5952 R Trellis, April 1994
Members: $37
PERENNIAL PURSUITS
Sunday, April 10
10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Non-members: $47
Join us for a fun-filled day packed with information on perennial gardening. The day starts with a dialogue between Marion Moore and Bill Roff. Marion specializes in designingperennialgardens;Bill,indesignofsmallgardens. Thedaycontinueswith an excursion to Humber Nurseries to view over 2,300 different perennials. Upon arrival at Humber, three of their top experts willbe available to answer questions.
Agenda:
9:30 a.m. Coffee
10:00 - noon Marion Moore and Bill Roff
Adialoguebetweentwogardenersonfindingtherightplaceforperennialsinthegarden. Usingslides,theywilllookattwoexistinggardensfromthepointofviewofredesignand will note the existing features and conditions including shade as well as a look at the owners use of the garden. They will then choose plants that will flourish in these circumstancesanddescribewhatnewperennialplantsareavailableforthe94 gardening season. There will be a 20-minute break during this part of the seminar.
Noon Board buses and leave the Civic Garden Centre. Bring yourown lunch. A cold drinkwillbe served on thebus. The tourwillbeaccompanied by MarionMoore and Bill Roff.
1:00 p.m. Arrive at Humber Nurseries
1:00- 2:30 An introductory tour of Humber Nurseries perennial section. Three experts will be available to help you.
2:30 - 3:30 You'reonyourowntobrowse and lookatthemanychoicesavailablein perennials, roses, annuals, ferns, hostas and ornamental grasses.
3:30 Buses load to return to the Centre.
Note: Thisisnotashoppingtripbutratheraplantdiscoverymission. Youmaybringback only what you can carry on your knee. The purpose is to acquaint you with the plant material that is available in the industry. An extensive list of perennials that will be availableattheCivicGardenCentre sPerennialSalewillbedistributedonthebus. Civic GardenCentrememberswillreceivea10%discountonallplantpurchasesduringthesale April 29 through May 4.
New books to look for in the Trellis book shop
Reviewed by Susan Perenack and Barbara Stevenson
A POTPOURRI OF PANSIES
By Emelie Tolley and Chris Mead, $19.50
A charming book to celebrate the return of spring, and pansy growing weather. Everyone loves pansies,and this book is full of recipes, lore and craft projects. Learn how to make pansy ® candles, lavender pansy balls, a découpaged pansy box, and " howtocookwithpansies. Tryfreezingpansiesinice cubesand molds for spring and summer parties.
CREATE A COTTAGE GARDEN
Recipes for Borders, Beds and Containers
By Kathleen Brown, $24.99
Would you consider a recipe for: Forget-me-notPath,Wall of Fire, Butterflyand BeeBorder, PeonyStepsorScented Porch ? Youwillwhenyouseethelistofingredients, simpleplansand illustrations provided by the author. Most of the 50 schemes and treatments are ideal for town houses and city gardens.
Gardeningwith <Perennials = Month byMonth
¢reale i COTTAGE (GARDEN
GARDENINGWITHPERENNIALS
By Joseph Hudak, $80
Consideredthemostpracticalhardyperennial guideinNorth America. BeginningwithMarch,over700speciesareorganized accordingtobloomingperiod. Usefullistsinclude: perennials blooming six weeks or more, persistent winter foliage, semi-shade, deep shade and moist conditions. Plus a section on hardy ferns.
Trellis book shop offers personal service
The Centre s Trellis book shop has over 2,000 titles in stock; special orders are filled on any book in print. Call 397-1359 or 397-1357 to place your order, orfax us at 397-1354. We will give your request VIP attention and your order will be filled as promptly as possible. As a member, you receive a 10% discount on most book purchases.
Joseph Hudak
In the library
By Pamela MacKenzie, librarian
Wanted: donors
The followingis my wishlistofnewbooks for the library. Ifyou would like to makea donation, please call the library.
® Ogrin, Dusan. The world heritage ofgardens. $50.
Thisbooksummarizes thestudy ofgardens and their history. The historical account and photography is followed by descriptions of surviving examples of gardens that can be visited today. The book, divided into 13 sections, begins with ancientEgyptandproceedsvia theEuropean Middle Ages, Renaissance Italy, France, England,Germany,EasternEuropeto20thcentury America. Parallel chapters treat China, Japan and the Islamic world. e Evans,John. The new indoorplant book. $ 40.
This book covers both new varieties of houseplants that have become popular in thelastfewyearsandnewvarietiesoflonglovedhouseplants. Generalproblemsassociated with each plant are detailed, along withtheeaseordifficultyofcare. Clarificationofexpressions suchas plentyoflight, but not direct sunlight are given in the introduction.
* McHoy, Peter. Containersand basketsfor year round colour. $28.
Let an expert help you achieve success with container gardening. Learn what to plant,butmoreimportantly,followPeter s adviceonhowtoplant,whattoplantinand the care to provide afterwards.
* Buchan,Ursula. Wallplantsandclimbers. $20.
The author writes knowledgeably and inspiringly about the plants which play these background roles. She emphasizes the decorative aspect but never overlooks the practical issues. She distinguishes
beween the more woody climbers and wall shrubs that give framework in winter and summerandthemanyquick-growingseasonal perennials and annuals. She enjoys the exotic rarities but stresses the importanceofreliably hardyold favourites. She givesfirmdirectionsforgrowingandtrainingbut does not deviate from the ultimate gardening goal, the creation ofbeauty.
e Sterbenz, Carol Endler. Decorating with wreaths,garlands,topiariesandbouquets. $35. Morethan50beautifullyphotographed designs are arranged according to season, using dried flowers and foliage. Clear instructions and a source directory make this a useful handbook.
® Sackville-West, Vita. Someflowers. $20. Watercolours by accomplished botanicalillustratorGrahamRustgracethis new editionofVita Sackville-West s 1937essay collection.
Booknotes by Ann Johnson and Mary Lou Watson.
Volunteers
You are invited to learn about the organization of The Civic Garden Centre s plant sales at an orientation or refresher session during the Perennial Sale.
Thursday, April 28 at 3:00 p.m. or Friday, April 29 at 7:00 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to the training session which lasts about one hour.
Call 397-1355 for more details.
Trellis, April 1994
Questions and answers with the Master Gardeners \
Q. Thereisafungusgrowingatthebase of my redcurrantbush. How can I get rid ofit?
A. Thebush is growing on compacted clay soil, so drainage is I poor. It hasbeen mulched with straw, leaving the same mulch g Mgz P 7 3° @ inplaceforseveralyears. Removethemulchand destroyit,and ~ » *e*®. \& ?;oeo cultivate the soil. Use a lime sulphur spray before bud break. o ®¢0a A The improved ventilation will control the fungus.
Aerate the soil around the Red Currant bush
Q. Wil the plastic roof covering over my patio bother my plants?
A. Workouthowmuchlighttheplantswillgetunderthe roof, by using a camera's light meter. The plants are probablybetterofftherethantheywouldbeindoors. You might need to use shade-loving annuals, such as impatiens or begonias.
Measure the light in the shaded patio
Q. Can lilies begrown in pots on a patio?
A. Yes. They should dowell for the first few seasons. Use lots of humus to prevent drying out and keep the compost moist. Fertilize well and make sure they get plenty of light.
Lilies make excellent
Thanks to Vivien Jenkinsonfor illustrations. pot plante
questions?
For catalogue please send $1.50 to: 3 P.O.
VOLUNTEER CORNER
Carolyn Dalgarno and Marilyn King, volunteer co-ordinators
Volunteers will be urgently needed during the following plant sales:
Pansy sale: Perennial sale:
April 7 set up
April 28 set up
April 8 members sale April 29 members sale April 9 and 10 public sale
April 3 to May 4 public sale
Hanging basket sale: Herb sale: May 4 set up and members May 12 set up pre-order pickup May 13 members sale May 14 and 15 public sale
Please keep some time freeMay 18 throughMay 23 to help with theAnnual Plant Sale.
These sales are a service to our members as well as raising funds for the Civic Garden Centre. We hopethatyouwillbeableto giveas muchvolunteertimeasyou can during this period. We really need your help.
Call the volunteer services department at 397-1351. Speak to: Carolyn Dalgarno, Marilyn King, Anthea O Regan or Lynn Robbins.
Course comments
ByAnn Warren, course coordinator
Asidefrom trying to ward offthe manyillnesses endemic to ourexciting winter climate, Iwasabletoattendsomeofthecourses. Ifoundregistrantstobeappreciativeand happy with the high calibre of information they received.
Manyoftheprograms offered in thespring termareby request. Although wedo not concentrate as much time on related arts in this period, the enthusiastic students of calligraphy requested that we continue to offerit. Fortunately, wewere able to find the space and were able to schedule.
Calligraphy: Introduction To Italic 4132
CherrylMoote
The opportunity to learn the elegant and sophisticated italic calligraphic hand. You'll learn how to write both lower and upper case letters and, in addition to the basic letterforms, simple page decoration techniques, greeting and table place cards. *Beginners will be accomodated. Bring Osmiroid pen B4 nib, black fountain pen ink. Beginners also bring ruler, pencil and graph paper. (Dip pens available from instructor.) (Materialsfor beginners approximate cost: $20.)
April 15, 22, 29;May 13, 20, 27 Fridays, 9:30 a.m.- noon Regis. FeeMembers: $75. Non Members: $90. Cancellation Deadline: April 8
Sale of perennial plants
Featuring:
e exciting and unusual perennials
e ornamental grasses and ferns
* the famous Blooms ofBressingham
Shop early; many unusual cultivars are in limited supply. This year's sale will have the best selection ever from more new sources. Additional varieties will be arriving on Monday, May 2 for our new extended sale. All plants subject to grower availability.
The finest quality perennials are only $2.59 for a 9 cm pot. More mature plants are in larger pots and are available at a higher price. Members receive 10% off all plants purchased any dayduring this sale with their C.G.C. membership card.
There's a perennial for any site
Semi-shade perennials Shade-
Ajuga (Bugleweed
AJnc?ror(ned% (Bog F)losemary) Pachysandra (Japan- tOIerant
Astilbe (False Spirea) ~ese Spurge
Aubrieta (False Rock Cress) ~ Paxistima (Cliff Green)
Bergenia (Rockfoil) Phlox
Adiantum (Maidenhair)
Athyrium (Lady Fern)
Asplenium (Spleenwort)
Brunnera (Siberian Bugloss) Platycodon (Balloon Dryopteris (Shield Fern)
Calceolaria (Pocket Book Flower) : Hosta (Plantain Lily) Plant)
Polemonium (Jacob s Lamiastrum (False Lamium)
Digitalis (Foxglove) ~ Ladder)
Dicentra (Bleeding Heart)
Matteuccia (Ostrich Fern)
Primula ; Pachysandra (Japanese Draba Saxifraga (Saxifrage) Spurge)
Echinops (Globe Thistle) Thalictrum (Meadow Polystichum (Sword Fern) Filipendula (Meadowsweet) Rue)
Gentiana (Gentian) Tiarella (Foamflower)
Heuchera (Coralbells) Sunnyspots? See over. Hibiscus (Mallow)
Lamium .
Linum (Flax)
M. When? Publicsaledays:
T : SaturdayandSunday,April30
Lysimachia (Loosestrife)
Monarda (Bergamot)
Myosotis (Forget-Me-Not)
Papaver (Poppy)
Members' day: and May 1, noon to 5:00 p.m.
Friday, April 29
10:00yc1.mp. to Monday, Tuesday and 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 2,3 and 4, s 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sun-loving perennials
Achillea (Yarrow)
Aconitum (Monkshood)
Ajuga (Bugleweed)
Alcea (Hollyhock)
Alchemilla (Lady s Mantle)
Anaphalis (Pearly Everlasting)
Anemone
Antennaria (Cat's Paw)
Anthemis (Marguerite)
Aquilegia (Columbine)
Arabis (Rock Cress/Wall Cress)
Arctostaphylos (Bearberry)
Arenaria (Sandwort)
Armeria (Thrift/Sea Pink)
Artemisia (Wormwood)
Aruncus (Goatsbeard)
Asclepias (Butterfly Flower)
Aster
Astilboides
Aurinia (Basket of Gold Alyssum)
Baptisia (Wild Indigo)
Bergenia (Rockfoil)
Boltonia
Campanula (Bellflower)
Catananche (Cupid s Dart)
Centaurea (Mountain Bluet/ Cornflower)
Centranthus (Red Valerian)
Cerastium (Snow-in-Summer)
Ceratostigma (Plumbago/Blue Leadwort)
Chelone (Turtlehead)
Chrysanthemum
Cimicifuga (Bugbane)
Cirsium
Coreopsis (Tickseed)
Delphinium
Dianthus
Dictamnus (Gas Plant)
Digitalis (Foxglove)
Doronicum (Leopard s Bane)
Draba
Echinacea (Purple Coneflower)
Echinops (Globe Thistle)
Erigeron (Fleabane)
Eriophyllum
Erodium (Storksbill)
Eryngium (Sea Holly)
Euphorbia (Spurge)
Filipendula (Meadowsweet)
Fragaria (Strawberry)
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
Galium (Sweet Woodruff)
Genista (Broom)
Geranium (Crane s Bill)
Gypsophila (Baby s Breath)
Helianthemum (Sun Rose)
Heliopsis (False Sunflower)
Hemerocallis (Daylily)
Hesperis (Sweet Rocket)
Heuchera (Coralbells)
Hibiscus (Rose Mallow)
Houttuynia (Chameleon Plant)
Iberis (Candytuft)
Inula Iris | plants or getting | to your car?
Friendly |
Civic Garden Centre | | volunteers and | Master Gardeners | will be available to |
Kniphofia (Torch Lily/Red Hot Poker)
Lavandula (Lavender)
Liatris (Blazing Star/ Gayfeather)
Ligularia
Limonium (Sea Lavender/ Statice)
Lotus (Golden Bird s Foot)
Lysimachia (Loosestrife)
Macleaya (Plume Poppy)
Miscanthus (Eulalia)
Monarda (Bergamot/BeeBalm)
Nepeta (Catmint)
Oenothera (Evening
Primrose/Sundrop)
Papaver (Poppy)
Penstemon (Beardtongue)
Phlox
Physostegia (Obedient Plant)
Platycodon (Balloon Flower)
Polemonium (Jacob s Ladder)
Potentilla (Cinquefoil)
Pulmonaria (Lungwort)
Pyrethrum (Painted Daisy)
Rodgersia
Rudbeckia (Coneflower/ Gloriosa Daisy)
Sagina (Pearlwort)
Salvia (Sage)
Saponaria (Soapwort)
Scabiosa (Pincushion Flower)
Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sempervivum (Hens and Chickens)
Sidalcea (Prairie Mallow)
Stachys (Lamb s Ear)
Stokesia (Stoke s Aster)
Thalictrum (Meadow Rue)
Tradescantia (Spiderwort)
Trollius (Globeflower)
Tunica (Tunic Flower)
Verbascum (Mullein)
Veronica (Speedwell)
Ornamental grasses
Alopecurus (Meadow Foxtail)
Arrhenatherum (Bulbous Oat Grass)
Carex (Sedge)
Festuca (Fescue)
Imperata (Japanese Blood Grass)
Phalaris (Ribbon Grass)
The Civic Garden Centre's Sale of annual plants 1994
Members pre-order day: Wednesday, May 18
10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Public days: Thursday and Friday, May 19 and 20 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday to Monday, May 21 to 23
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Presenting an excellent selection of old favourites and many exciting new varieties
The Civic Garden Centre s Sale of annual plants -- 1994
Our sale:
Each year the Centre offers high-quality annual plants for Toronto gardens. Especially, watch for the NEW selections in this plant list. At the sale, qualified, knowledgeable volunteers and Master Gardeners will be available to help with plant information, selection and transportation to your car.
All plants listed are subject to availability from our growers. Occasionally, there may be substitutions or deletions. A 10% members discount will apply throughout the sale. After members' day, come back for more, and invite your friends to shop with you from May 19 to 23.
Help the Centre: bring your own plastic flats or children s wagon to use.
Pre-ordering:
You can order your plants in advance of the sale using the order form below. Preordering lets you choose from the best selection of annuals, connoisseur and members donated plants. It also helps us to ensure that we have your selections on hand. When pre-ordering, members receive a 10% discount.
Members pre-order pick-up day is Wednesday, May 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Order form:
Return this form with your selections by mail, fax (397-1354) or telephone (397-1355) by May 2.
NAME ADDRESS
PHONE
MEMBERSHIP NUMBER/EXPIRY DATE
To order: Please indicate the number of boxes in the space under the plant name: Whiteesumndien0{ For example: boxesyouwénd 1o Ageratum Blue Puffs (Ageratum onden vanden e % 3 houstonianum). A warm weather i edging plant to 20 cm in height.
Annual Bedding Plants
® = Shade @= Part sun
O= Full sun
AAgeratum Blue Puffs (Ageratum houstonianum). A warm weather edging plant to 20 cm in height. The clustered lavender blue flowers appear until late fall. O
White Hawaii . A white form of Ageratum to compliment Blue Puffs. It also enjoys growing in full sun to 15 cm in height. O
Alyssum Snowcloth (Lobularia maritima). Sweet Alyssum is a favourite edging plant. The tiny, white, fragrant flowers create a mass of bloom. O
Oriental Night'. This plant with intense violet coloured flowers attains a mound of 20 cm in width. Alyssum grow well in full sun. O
Rosie O 'Day . A low spreading plant reaching 10 cm with medium sized rose coloured flowers. Alyssum blooms from May until the frost. O
Aster Dwarf Queen Mixed (Callistephus chinensis). Dwarf Queen Asters reach a height of 30 cm. Double flowers up to 6 cm across. O
Early Charm Mixed . Asters are good for
(& Prices: (unless otherwise noted)
Boxes: $1.39 (four plants) (no price increase since 1989!)
Flats: $13.99 (one variety, 48 plants)
Please indicate the number of 2 boxes you would like to o preorder to left of name. o
cutting. Early Charm reaches 45 cm and thrives in hot, dry and poor conditions. O
Powderpuff Mixed . A tall, upright Aster reaching 90 cm. Double blooms, excellent for cutting. O
Fibrous Begonias:
Boxes: $1.49 each ( four plants)
Flats: $16.99 (one variety, 48 plants)
Fibrous Rooted Begonia
Bronze
Foliage
Gin has the typical bronze leaf of the Cocktail series and a deep rose coloured flower. Grows to 20 cm in a sun or part shade location. O or®
Rum is a bronze leaved Begonia with 3 cm blooms, white with a red edge. Rum flowers continually throughout the summer. O or Vodka has brilliant red flowers set off by bronze leaves. The Cocktail series is a very reliable and favourite garden plant. O or ®
Whiskey tops off the list of bronze leaved fibrous rooted Begonias. It has bright white flowers and reaches 20 cm. A good compliment to Vodka. O or =
Green Foliage
Linda is the most popular Begonia at the Centre. With rose-pink flowers and medium green leaves, it's an excellent border plant. O or®
Scarletta grows to 20 cm tall. The bright scarlet flowers are excellent companions to Viva, Vodka or Whiskey. Oor® more ...
Fibrous Rooted Begonias (continued)
Viva' has a pure white flower and green leaves. This compact, free flowering plant is ideal for sun or part shade conditions. O or ®
Tuberous Rooted Begonia
Ideal for shady gardens. These spectacular Begonias produce large, vivid 6 cm blooms. ®
Tuberous Begonias:
Pots: $2.59 four-inch (10 cm)
Non-Stop Apricot/Orange
Non-Stop Rose
Non-Stop Scarlet
Non-Stop Yellow
Non-Stop White
Browallia Blue Bells (Browallia speciosa). This shade tolerant plant is ideal for hanging baskets. It has blue flowers and reaches 25 cm in height. ®
Jingle Bells Mixed'. A (30 cm) plant that blooms throughout the summer and into the fall. An ideal plant for shady baskets and planters. The plants are blue, lavender or white flowered. ®
(Celosia Kewpie Yellow'. A dwarf plant growing to 25 cm with bright yellow feathery plumes. The Kewpie series have good tolerance to hot weather. O
Century Red . A tall plant to 70 cm, produces extra large plumes of blazing red with bronze foliage. A very showy cut flower. O
Pink Castles . Very heat and drought tolerant reaching 35 cm tall. An AAS winner with unusual pink blooms. O
Scarlet Castles . Vivid bright red blooms adorn this medium sized 35 cm Celosia. The colourful, central plumes are up to 20 cm long. O
Celosia spicata Flamingo Feather . Also called Wheat Celosia, very attractive for floral arranging with its wheat-like light pink blooms. Grows to 70 cm. NEW O
Cleome Helen Campbell (Cleome spinosa). Spider Flowers grow well in sun or part shade gardens. The white flowers bloom from June until frost. O
Rose Queen . Rose-pink flowers adorn this tall plant. Ultimately, it will reach 90 cm. Cleome are great drought tolerant plants. O
Royal Queen Mixed . This mixture has plants that bloom rose, violet or white. Great planted against a fence. O
Coleus Carefree Mixed (Coleus x hybridus). This dwarf plant reaches 25 cm in height. A semishaded, moist location is best for vivid colours. ®
Festive Dance Mixed A new introduction having fiery orange leaves with a dark bronze background. NEW = Wizard Mixed This compact large leaved Coleus reaches 30 cm in height. =
DDahlia Rigoletto Mixed (Dahlia hybrid). A Dahlia with double flowers that is ideal for low borders. Rigoletto grows to 36 cm in height. O
Dianthus Ideal Cherry Picotee (Dianthus x chinensis). This 1992 AAS winner growing to 23 cm is a new hybrid and a biennial. The _ blooms have a cherry centre with thin white edges. NEW O |deal Violet'. Very tolerant of hot weather. A true biennial hardy to zone 2. O
Dracaena is a striking accent for containers or patio pots. O Available in 3 1/2 inch (9cm) pots for $2.25.
Dusty Miller Silver Dust (Senecio cineraria). The silvery white foliage is an excellent contrast to the bright colours of a sunny garden. O
FFuchsia
An annual that prefers partly shady garden conditions.
C Pots: $2.39 four-inch (10 cm) )
Beacon is an upright growing plant with single, bright deep pink flowers with a mauve pink bell. &
Purple Swingtime is a double-flowered basket type Fuchsia. It has spectacular dark red flowers with purple bells. This plant is ideal for baskets. & Swingtime is the most popular Fuchsia variety listed. It has double flowers that are shiny red with a white bell, ideal for hanging baskets. &
GGazania Daybreak Bright Bronze'. Extra large bright bronze daisy-like flowers with a darker centre. Great for dry sunny gardens. O Daybreak Bright Orange . Dramatic large bright orange daisy-like flowers on 20 cm plants. Great for dry rockeries. O
Zonal Geranium
These plants are great annuals for full sun conditions.
Pots: $2.19 four-inch (10 cm)
Flats: $28.99 (one variety, 15 pots)
Alba is a clear white flowered Fischer Geranium with a compact form. Mix this with any geranium. O Aurora is a deep purple geranium with large blooms and a compact plant. It is excellent for containers or in the garden. O more ...
Zonal Geraniums
(continued)
Blues has large, intense bright pink blooms with a dark pink fleck on each petal. This Fischer- type geranium is ideal for window boxes and planters. O
Disco is a Fischer Geranium that is a dark magenta colour. The rich _______ blooms are an eye-catcher in the garden. O
Jubilee has a double watermelon pink coloured bloom. It is a good garden performer and is vigorous. O
Kim is a traditional scarlet colour, outstanding in the garden. This is the traditional red bedding geranium. O
Laura is a semi-double lavender pink colour with a white eye in the centre of each flower. NEW O
Meri Sweet' is an unusually sweet __ geranium colour. It is apple blossom pink. NEW O
Pink Expectations is a good and reliable salmon-pink geranium to plant in the garden. O
Schéne Helena is a stunning salmonrose colour. It will tolerate any summer weather. O
Tango is a Fischer Geranium with bright crimson semi-double flowers. The leaves are a dark green colour. O
Veronica is a bright magenta coloured geranium. A real eye catcher in the garden. O
Yours Truly has brilliant scarlet coloured flowers ideal for a sunny _ garden. They will produce blooms all summer. O
Seedling Geraniums
Flats: $29.99
(Flats contain 18 3 1/2 inch (9cm) pots.)
Pinto Red is an excellent all-round geranium for the garden. The bright scarlet blooms are held high on sturdy, strong plants. O
Pinto Rose is a rich rose pink colour with a lighter centre. This plant flowers almost continuously throughout the summer. O
Pinto White is an early, uniform seedling geranium. White adds a good contrast and cooling effect in the garden. O
Don'tmiss theplants donatedby Centre members. Watch forour connoisseurannuals, too.
Ivy Geranium
Ideal for sun or part shady window boxes.
C
Pots: $2.49 Four-inch (10 cm) )
Bingo is a semi double red ivy geranium. It has dark green leaves and a good outdoor performance. NEW O
Lulu is a semi-double and has a very unique fuchsia flower colour. It has medium vigorous growth. NEW O
Mexicana has white flowers with a dark scarlet stripe on the petals. Itis semi-double with dark green leaves and a vigorous growth habit. NEW O
Snow Queen is a beautiful white Fischer type of ivy geranium with pink accents to the petals. Big semi-double blooms. @
Sybil Holmes is a C.G.C. favourite. It has double bright pink blooms on trailing branches. @
Cascade Geranium
These are free-flowering like the European balcony geraniums and more heat resistant than lvy Geraniums.
( Pots: $2.49 Four-inch (10 cm) >
Bright Cascade has an overwhelming number of single scarlet coloured blooms. Great for hanging baskets. &
Sofie Cascade is a beautiful profuse, single pink flowered Geranium __ ideally suited for window boxes. %)
Mini Cascades
From Europe, very free flowering and will completely cover the foliage.
Minicascade Pink . Compact single pink flowers ideal for window boxes. NEW O
Minicascade Red . Compact single red flowers. Very floriferous plants. Masses of blooms. NEW @
Gomphrena globosa. This is also called globe amaranth. Very heat and __ drought tolerant. A great cut flower. NEW O
HHypoestes Confetti Red . Called the Polka Dot Plant this has a very interesting red dotted leaf. It grows to 45 cm by August if left untrimmed. NEW O
Confetti White . A Polka Dot plant with a bright white speckled leaf. NEW (%)
IImpatiens
The most popular bedding plant for shady gardens.
Accent Series
The Accent series of Impatiens are free flowering with large blooms and grow approximately 25 cm in height.
Box: $1.49 (four plants)
Flats: $16.99 (one variety, 48 plants)
Accent Bright Eye is a light pink
Impatiens with a darker pink centre (eye). A very attractive Impatiens. ®
Accent Coral is a unique colour. The Accent Impatiens are a medium height reaching 25 cm. ®
Accent Mixed is ideal for shady or partly sunny beds. Mixed colours are best in large areas. ®
Accent Pink is a favourite colour at the Civic Garden Centre. The Accent Impatiens grow to the same width as their height. ®
Accent Red Star gives an unsurpassed show in the garden. Red Star is a bicolour with white bands from the outside to the centre of each petal. ® more ...
Accent
Series (continued)
Accent Rose is a very deep vivid rose colour of Impatiens. A brilliant colour in the garden. »
Accent Scarlet' has deep red-orange blooms throughout the summer in a shady garden. ®
Accent Violet is a rich colour that blends well with rose, white and pink Impatiens. ®
Accent White is a perfect compliment for the other Accent Impatiens. A cool colour in the garden. =
Dazzler Cranberry is a very unique rich deep colour of Impatiens for the garden. It will grow to 25 cmin a part shade location. ®
Super Elfin Blue Pearl is a unique colour in Impatiens offered at the Centre. Itis bluish lilac. NEW ®
Blitz Impatiens
Blitz can tolerate up to a half a day of sunlight and grow taller than Accents. They are well branched with large flowers. Plants grow to about 30 cm.
Box: $1.49 (four plants)
Flats: $16.99 (one variety, 48 plants)
Blitz Light Pink is a welcome new Blitz series member. Masses of large delicate blooms. ®
Blitz Orange has large non-stop blooms. It grows very vigorously in a compact form. ®
Blitz Red is one of the tallest Impatiens at 35 cm. It is one of the traditional favourites at the Centre. ®
Blitz Rose is a tall growing Impatiens of vivid rose colour. Flowers reach 5 cm in diameter. ®
Blitz Salmon is one of the most popular colours of the Blitz series. It can grow to 35 cm in part sun. ®
Blitz White is perfect with any of the other Blitz colours or great by itself. A nice cool colour for the garden. ®
Blitz Violet is an exciting colour in the Blitz series. NEW ®
Sunshine Impatiens
The New Guinea Impatiens are tolerant of almost full sun. The huge 6 cm blooms are very showy with decorative foliage. Series is called 'Lasting Impressions'.
Pots: $1.59 (3 1/2inch/ (9 cm)
Flats: $21.99 (one variety, 15 to 18 plants)
Ambrosia has large fluorescent orange flowers atop dark reddish green foliage. It's ideal for containers. (%)
Blazon is a deep crimson red coloured flower with a dark green foliage. It is a compact grower. @ Illusion is a beautiful light pink blooming plant with a dark reddish green leaf. @
Impulse has a dark pink coloured bloom and a green leaf. ltis ideally suited to containers of all sizes. (%)
Innocence is a true white sunshine impatiens with variegated bright green leaves. &
Rhapsody Purple flowers with dark green non-variegated leaves.
NEW O
Rosetta has rose pink flowers set off by a dark reddish green leaf. ltis perfect for hanging baskets. @
BLavender Lady (Lavandula angustifolia). A 1994 AAS winner which is the first annual lavender that flowers the first yearfrom seed. It is also hardy to zone 5. NEW O
Lobelia Blue Crystal (Lobelia erinus). A compact Lobelia with bright blue flowers ideal for edging in partial shade. Blue Crystal grows to 8 cm. ®
Pendula Sapphire . A profusion of sapphire blue flowers with white eyes accent the cascading foliage. ®
Roseamond . This upright type is perfect for garden borders and window boxes. It has carmine blooms with white eyes and bronze foliage. ®
Snowball . Masses of snow white blooms cover this 15 cm high plant. Snowball should be grown in a semi-shade location. ®
Marigold Disco Yellow' (Tagetes erecta). This is a single dwarf French marigold growing to 25 cm in height. It has darling 6 cm yellow blooms. NEW O
Disco Queen . A 25 cm tall plant with single red and orange bicolour flowers. NEW O
Inca Orange . A medium height African Marigold growing to 30 cm with 7 cm double blooms. O
Inca Yellow'. A reliable Marigold growing to 30 cm for the middle of the _ border. Numerous flowers all summer until frost. O
Janie Bright Yellow . A super, dwarf
French Marigold with double flowers reaching 20 cm. Very popular. O
Janie Flame . The unique flowers of this dwarf plant are red and gold combined. Great for borders, Janie Flame grows to 20 cm. O
Orange Jubilee . A fully double African marigold of brilliant orange. Growing to 56 cm. O
Perfection Yellow . This plant grows to 50 cm with full double flowers on sturdy stems. O
Toreador . AAS Bronze winner with gigantic rich orange blooms which last as a cut flower. An F1 hybrid growing to 75 cm. O
N
Nicotiana Domino Lime Green (Nicotiana alata). Compact ______ plants, basal branching. A very unusual flower colour. NEW O
Domino Pink . An old fashioned bedding plant that is gaining renewed popularity. Great for hot sun or part shade gardens. Pink flowers with a white eye. NEW O
Domino Red . Flowering Tobacco grows to 40 cm and is good in large containers. Can be used as a cut flower. NEW O
Nicotiana (continued)
Domino Salmon Pink is an unusual and exciting colour of Flowering Tobacco. It grows to 30 cm in height and is early flowering.
NEW O
Domino White . This easy to grow plant (no staking or pinching) has pure white flowers. Grows to 40 cm in full sun or part shade. NEW O
Nicotiana sylvestris. This is an old fashioned plant with a candelabra of fragrant white blooms. They are especially sweetly scented in the evening. This is a tall plant growing over 100 cm for the back of the border. NEW O
PPetunia
Single Grandiflora types are the most popular with blooms up to 12 cm. Great for blooms all summer long.
Blue Skies has light blue flowers. The 8 cm blooms are fringed. Early flowering and disease tolerant.
NEW O
Red Flash flowers early and has good tolerance to rainy weather. The blooms are large (to 10 cm). O
White Flash is an excellent Grandiflora Petunia with large pure white flowers with cream coloured throats. O
Cascading Grandiflora Petunia
Outstanding for hanging baskets with super sized blooms to 12 cm.
Blue Cascade is a velvety wine-red shade, early flowering. It trails in hanging baskets. O
Supercascade Pink is one of the most popular colours of Cascading Petunias. They are specially designed for containers. O
Supercascade Red is ideal for window boxes. The brilliant scarlet-red flowers are slightly ruffled. O
Supercascade White is a favourite in planters or window boxes. Its bright white flowers contrast well with hanging plants. O
Multiflora Petunia
Extremely prolific and resistant to the summer weather.
Celebrity Red . Flowers that are 8 cm in width, plants growing to 30 cm. Compact and early. NEW O
Celebrity White . Large and showy pure white flowers. NEW O
Celebrity Hot Pink . A very vivid colour!. NEW O
Celebrity Red Morn . A coral red coloured bloom with a creamy throat. NEW O
Double Petunia
A novelty for patio hanging baskets.
Burgundy Madness . Great for containers and a wonderful flower colour. NEW O
Rose Madness . These new double Madness Petunias have the same superior garden performance as the original Madness Petunias. NEW O
White Madness . Compact floriferous plants have loads of 7 cm flowers all summer. NEW O
Pennisetum ruppelianum. Also known as Fountain Grass. Growing to 120 cm this graceful ornamental grass is a great background plant. It can also be harvested for a dried arrangement. NEW O
Portulaca Sundance Mixed (Portulaca grandiflora). A good annual ground cover for hot, dry, sunny areas. Most of the semi-double flowers stay open all day. O
SSalvia
Bonfire (Salvia splendens). Flowering in late July, this plant is ideal for the back of the border as it grows to 60 cm. A traditional tall Salvia __ blooming in August. NEW (¢}
Red Hot Sally . One of the earliest Salvias to bloom. Deep red blooms reach a height of 25 cm and bloom all summer. O
Sizzler Mixed . A mixture of burgundy, red, white, lavender and salmon coloured blooms. Each plantis a different colour. NEW O
Salvia farinacea Victoria Blue . Intense violet-blue flowers adorn this 45 cm plant. It is heat and drought resistant and excellent for cutting ordrying. O
Snapdragon Little Darling Mixed (Antirrhinum majus). A dwarf plant with butterfly type flowers. Little Darling is an AAS winner growing to30cm. O
Rocket Mixed . A Snapdragon for hot weather tolerance. The sturdy stem makes this tall plant (90 cm) ideal for cutting. O
Sonnet Mixed . The vivid colours of this medium (60 cm) height Snapdragon also make it a popular cut flower. O
Mena Novalis Deep Blue (Verbena x hybrida). This plant is dwarf and very prolific. The blue flowers have a dramatic white eye. O
Peaches & Cream . Pastel flowers are a blend of salmon and apricot colours. A heat tolerant, 1992 AAS winner growing to 20 cm. O
Romance Scarlet . Masses of scarlet flowers cover this heat tolerant plant. It will reach 25 cm and spread to double its width. O
Trinidad . An AAS winner, this Verbena has vibrant rose coloured flowers on 25 cm plants. O
Zinnia
Burpeeana Giant Mixed (Zinnia elegans). This Zinnia produces 15 cm cactus type blooms on bushy 50 cm plants. O
Pulcino Mixed (Zinnia elegans). Double dahlia type flowers adorn this Zinnia. It will reach 35 cm and ___ produces good flowers for cutting. O
Vegetables
Tomato
Box: $1.39 (four plants) : ) : ; (no price increase since 1989!)
Onion
Yellow Sweet Spanish' are mild and sweet tasting. The plants produce very large globe shaped bulbs. O
Parsley is an excellent cooking garnish. It is easily grown in sunny well - drained gardens or containers. Six plants per box. O
Pepper
California Wonder ' is a nonhybrid sweet bell Green Pepper maturing in 69 days. Great for stuffing, the fruit reach 10 cm in length and width. Six plants per box O
Super Shepherd is a sweet Italian red Pepper that matures in 68 days.
The fruits reach 19 cm and have an extra thick skin. Six plants per box. O
Better Boy matures in 70 days and is an indeterminate type. Large 450 gr fruit and disease tolerant. Very popular. O
Big Beef . A 1994 AAS winner maturing in 73 days. Huge fruit (one slice fills a sandwich). 'Big Beef should be staked. Disease and virus tolerant. NEW O
Early Girl is an early slicing Tomato. Maturing in 52 days, it is indeterminate (needs staking) and will produce 170 gr fruit. O
Sweet Million produces millions! of one inch tomatoes which are ideal for salads or garnishes. They mature in 65 days and are disease tolerant. O
Tiny Tim is a dwarf plant in a seven inch (17 cm) pot for $3.59. It will grow to 46 cm and matures in 45 days. ltcanbegrownina container. O
Patio Prize is ideal for small gardens or in containers and planters. Itisin a 10 inch (25 cm) fibre pot for $4.99. It matures in 70 days. O
Some special treasures to look for:
Achillea Summer Pastels . AAS winner, beautiful pastel colours.
Aruncus dioicus Kneiffii . Leaves finely cut like a green Japanese maple with creamy-white blooms to 100 cm.
Astilbe simplicifolia Sprite . 1994 Perennial Plant of the Year. Shell pink flowers and bronze leaves.
Astilbe chinensis Pumila (Dwarf Chinese Astilbe). Lacy foliage, low, hardy perennial to 30 cm.
Bergenia cordifolia Bressingham White . A showstopper at last year s sale! Wonderful snowy white blooms over large glossy leaves.
Brunnera macrophylla (Siberian Bugloss). A perennial with a forget-me-not blue flower. Hardy to zone 2 and a lovely low plant for moist shady locations.
Clematis macropetala Rosy O Grady . Beautiful pink star-shaped blooms adorn this prolific species.
Echinacea purpurea Talent White (Coneflower). Dependable, showy perennial for sunny borders. Cernuous white petals and a greenish brown centre to each flower. Flowers all summer.
Filipendula vulgaris Plena (Double Dropwort). Long lasting white flowers. Tolerant of dry soils.
Fragaria x Pink Panda . An edible strawberry with ornamental pink flowers. Hardy to zone 2.
Geranium sanguineum var. striatum. An alpine-type perennial geranium with light pink flowers with dark crimson veins. One of the best growing, to 15 cm.
Heuchera micrantha Palace Purple . Purplebronze leaves with white flowers.
Hosta sieboldiana Frances Williams . Bluegreen leaves with a wide yellow margin. Lavender flowers.
Hosta August Moon . Large deeply crinkled gold leaves with a near white flower. Mounding to 50 cm.
Ligularia dentata Desdemona . Large purple leaves with bright orange daisy flowers.
Ligularia stenocephala The Rocket . Bottle brush yellow flowers to 180 cm.
Miscanthus sinensis Strictus (Porcupine Grass). An amazing ornamental grass with golden horizontally- banded leaves. Hardy to zone 6, grows to 180 cm.
Physostegia virginiana Variegata . Green leaves heavily blotched with cream.
Pulmonaria saccharata Mrs. Moon (Lungwort). A reliable older variety with beautiful heavily silver-spotted leaves.
Rodgersia sambucifolia. Very bold flowering plants growing to 100 cm flowering in June and July with large inflorescences of white blooms.
Rudbeckia hirta Double Gold . Beautiful double yellow flowers. A true gloriosa daisy.
Sidalcea malvaeflora Party Girl (Prairie Mallow). Elegant spikes of mixed satiny pinks held in an upright clump. Great for cool summers. Grows to 90 cm.
Thalictrum delavayi Hewitt's Double . Absolutely breathtaking in bloom. Light airy clusters of double mauve baby s breathtype blooms. Lacy maidenhair-type leaves. Grows to an amazing height of 150 cm.
Thymus x citriodorus Gold Edge . Delightful lemon fragrance.
Veronica spicata Sunny Border Blue . 1993 Perenial Plant of the Year! Long blooming and easy to grow.
Ask for your copy of the new perennial information sheets on: * No-fail garden perennials
Tough plants for drought conditions
Shady perennials And more.
oJust for members of the Civic Garden Centre:
The Hanging Basket Sale
Wednesday, May 4, noon to 5:00 p.m. in the Floral Hall (with the Perennial Sale)
Exceptional, colourful hanging baskets will be available for all situations -- from sunny balcony to shady patio.
Bring your membership card for a 10% discount on all your purchases.
THYME FOR HERBS
The Civic Garden Centre s herb sale 4
Members day: [ Friday, May 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sale continues: Saturday and Sunday, May 14 and 15 from noon to 5:00p.m. in the lobby
From artemisia to yarrow, we offer an exciting array of herbs for all reasons. Herbs for cooking, drying, planters, dyes, scents, indoors, cosmetics...herbs for all seasons.
Herbs are a delight in any garden. Treat yourself or a friend to a strawberry jar or hanging basket brimming with edible herbs.
Herbs will be available in an assortment of pot sizes, and are subject to availability from our supplier. Bring your Civic Garden Centre membership card to receive a 10% discount any time during the sale. =,
Thank you very much for your support. It helps keep the Centre growing.
Plant of the month: Parsnips, Pastinaca sativa
By Anna Leggatt
These root vegetables are often neglected. Ifindthemwellworthplantingastheyare oftenexpensiveintheshops,soyoucanget a good return, cost-wise, for the space.
As withmany members ofthe parsley family, it is important tosow freshseed,so buyitearlyintheseason and keepitinthe fridge. Sowthe seed as early in the spring as possible in a deeply dug, compost-rich but lightsoil. Heavy, ornotwell dug soils will produce misshapen or short roots. Planttheseedthicklyinrowsabout35to40 cm (14 to 18 inches) apart. The seeds take a long time to germinate, so mark the row byplantingradish seedsaswell. This also preventscrustingofthesurface. Asthesoil needs to remain cool and moist until germination, mulching helps.
As the radishes grow, harvest them and thin the parsnips to about 11 to 15 cm (4.5 to 6 inches) apart. One year, I transplanted the seedlings as they germinated unevenly. AsThad a numberofverysmall roots, I concluded that this is a waste of time sow thickly and discard extras. Even ifyou hatewaste, there is always the compost.
Keep the weeds down and wait patiently. Do not dig, unless desperate, till
Art in The Link
April 5 to 18 Studio Group show
April 19 to May 2 Creative Visions
A show by students of Elaine Clarfield Gitalis
after the first frost; this makes the parnips sweeter as starches in the roots change to sugars. Parsnips can be left in the ground all winter. If covered with bags of leaves, they can be dug for much of the winter. Continueharvesting in theearly springtill theplantsstarttogrownewleaves. Digthe rest immediately and store in a cool place. Astheplantsarebiennial,theyareaboutto start the flowering and seed-producing stage, converting all the goodness in the rootstonewstems,leavesand flowers. The remaining root is tough, limp and uninteresting to eat.
Iftherootsareveryhairy,thesoilchemicalsareoutofbalance. Getyoursoiltested. Ifindthisvegetableisusuallytrouble-free. Hollow Crown is the most common type. English catalogues list many other varieties.
I usually parboil the roots and then roast them with a joint of beef. They also make delicious soup.
Anna Leggatt is a Toronto Master Gardener and editor of the Journal of the Ontario Rock Garden Society.
Cedar Knoll Tree Care Inc.
Fully Insured Tree Arborist for Professional Tree Care and Removal
Management and Consultation ofProperties
Pruning and Shaping ofTrees, Shrubs and Hedges Cabling and Bracing e Removals e Fertilizing
Master Gardeners share their knowledge
TheCentre s56MasterGardenershadlots ofaction on the gardening hotline in 1993. Over 3,330 questions were answered during the354daysofoperation. Thegreatest number of calls were on perennials (607) followed by houseplants (518) and then insects (425).
In addition to the hotline, MasterGardenersattended58clinic-typeeventsandwereat centre stage for 38 speaking engagements.
Soil tests can help solve garden mysteries
For even the most experienced gardeners, unexplained problems canariseinthegarden. That s when a soil test is helpful to determine the steps towards a solution.
The Civic Garden Centre s soil analysis service can come up with fast answers. The analysis measures soil acidity or alkalinity (pH) and conductivity (salt) levels. Unusual readings can be the answer to many gardening problems.
Soil sample results can be obtained in
less than a weekbecause the tests are done at the Centre. The fee for soil testing is $6 plus G.S.T. for members of the Civic Garden Centre, and $8 plus G.S.T. for the public. Computerized results will give recommendations for your soil. The results can be mailed for an additional $1 if total payment is made in advance.
For more information about our soil testing, please call Anne Marie, Helen or Judith at 397-1355.
Tour guides prepare for new season of walks
By Lisa Wood
On a summer morning, in the city, there arefew morepleasantplaces tobethanby thestream sedgeinEdwardsGardens. To betherewithasmallgroupofamiableand like-minded people is one of life s pleasures. And to pass an hour or so chatting about some of the flowering trees in the arboretum or the earlier inhabitants of the area can be more rewarding still.
This is how life can be for a volunteer tour guide at the Civic Garden Centre. There are now more than 45 Adult and Children sTourGuides. Thesepeoplerepresent the Centre and promote it to members of the public who join the guided walks in Edwards Gardens.
Last year, more than 2,300 children andadultsspentamorningorafternoonin this manner. Guided tours begin in the lobbyoftheC.G.C. andramblethroughout the garden in a pattern that changes with the seasons.
In the spring, the rhododendron beds are at their best, so tours naturally linger there. This also affords a good chance to catch sight of the season s first ducklings. Later in the summer, there is plenty to see in the arboretum and a visit to the rose garden is always on someone s list.
Whatevertheseason, tourguides give informed talks about the history, geology andecologyofthepark. Ifit sraining,then there is a slide show that the tour guides haveprepared soasnottodisappointvisitors.
Pre-booked guided tours of Edwards Gardens are often requested by school groups,professionalorganizationsorcommunity services workers. There were 13 pre-booked tours last year. That number isexpectedtoincreasethis year becauseof
promotion efforts by the tour guides and theinterestrecently expressedbylocalhotels. While thereis nochargeforindividuals who participate in tours, pre-booked groups are charged a small fee. The revenuegeneratedinthismanner,andthrough other Children s Tour Guides activities, last year exceeded $1,800.
Tour guides do not take their role lightly. Overthenextfew months, volunteer tour guides will meet often to re-acquaint themselves with all the facts and ideas that they will need when the tours begin. Excursions are planned to other parks and facilities, experts are consulted, plant material is discussed and botanical nomenclatureconfirmed. Undertheguidance of Helen Craig and Anne Marie Van Nest, fledgling tour guides and old hands strengthentheirunderstandingoftheirrole as a tour guide. In May, everyone will be ready to begin again that series of most pleasurableexperiences,awalkinthepark.
Lisa WoodisamemberoftheCentreanda tour guide.
GO TOrs e Edwards Gardens:
Tours take place Tuesday and Thursday at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. from May to September. Tours for large organized groups may be pre-bookedfortheseorother times by contacting Helen Craig at 397-1355.
The lure of garden tours
By HeatherMacKinnon
Why is garden visiting so irresistable to gardeners? Gardeners set off with such hope, longing for surprises and delights. Like most gardeners, I am always interested in seeing other gardens. I am intrigued by how the gardener has used the space, and its location, vis d vis the site and theneighbourhood. And, Iliketo seewhat is growing and where, and how well.
Most of us are impressed with a large landscaped estate, with thick hedges, elegant pools and terraces, and enormous herbaceousborders. We admirebut don t necessarily identify with such a garden. Oftena tinycitybackyard, an oasisofquiet perfection, more easily captures our imagination.
What qualities set a superior garden abovetherest,regardlessofsize? Styleinits overall design is a prerequisite. Style isdifficulttodefine,butrecognizablewhenseen.
We enter the garden, glance around, then gasp, Lookatthis! Wehavenotyettaken asteporseenwhatisgrowing,butweknow at once that this will be different.
Style is the result of careful planning, attention to detail, and flair. So style must be there and, as with fashion, a really good garden is usually innovative. The owner is alert tonewplants,using them in combinationswithotherplantsto achievefreshcolour harmonies, textures and form. In a superior garden you will find plants that you are unfamiliar with or that are at least outoftheordinary. Theowneriswillingto risk failure in order to try something new. (Nothingisquiteasdisappointingasapretty garden that turns out to have only impatiens.)
You will find imaginative solutions to problems that make you blurt out, Now whydidn tIthinkofthat? Agoodgarden conveys something of the owner s dreams
and interests. either.
Quirkiness is not amiss,
Butbreakingdownthecomponentsof a good garden doesn texplain thedriveto visit every other garden we can find, nor the satisfaction bordering on relief when we find one that seems perfect in every way. For the eternal optimists, a garden paradise is just behind the next gate.
Like Chaucer s folk longing to go on pilgrimages, today s gardeners are bound forSissinghurstandGiverney. Ifyoucan t make it to these shrines, you can certainly make it to those nearer at hand. So mark thosegardentourscomingup,and getout yoursunhat,sneakersandnotepads. Once again, it s open season on gardens!
HeatherMacKinnon is amemberoftheCentre. Join Canadian Garden Writer JIM ST. MARIE fora
GARDENER S TOUR OF NEW ZEALAND(INCLUDING F1J1)
BY UPTOWN TRAVEL NOV. 2-30, 1994
Join our spectacular 4 week circle tour of scenic New Zealand including 3 days in Fiji.
Visit 18 private, 8 public and 3 botanic gardens plus 4 varied nurseries and a day at the World Rose Show in Christchurch. Included are 5 free days and a wide variety of cultural sites and events plus a guided tour of Fiji's largest orchid collection, founded by Raymond Burr.
For Details Write to:
UPTOWN TRAVEL, Department TR 104 King Street South, Waterloo, Ontario N2J 1P5 or call: 1-800-667-0803 ONT. REG. #2557469
Trellis,
An invitation: join our garden tours
TheCivicGardenCentreispleasedtooffermembersandtheirfriendstheopportunityto visit a number of outstanding private Canadian gardens. This year s tours have been arranged by Bayla Gross, a member of the Board of Directors, who has conducted our populartoursinthepast,withtheassistanceofmembersPatriciaSingerandJanetDavis. Pleaseorderticketsearlytoavoiddisappointment.Ourcharteredbusesleavefromthe CivicGardenCentreat8:45 a.m. andreturnabout6:00p.m. Toursincludetransportation, lunch and refreshments en route.
+Tour# 1: Unionville, Uxbridge and Newmarket «
Thursday, June 23 Members: $65 Non-members: $75
The garden of Gillian and David Stewart
Overlooking a sweep of pastoral Unionville farm land, this elegant parterre garden was the last design completed by the late landscape architect Murray Haigh. The geometric structure is classic and formal, but the relaxed juxtaposition of herbs and floweringperennialsinmutedcolourslendsanairofabandoninsympathywiththerural setting. The Stewart garden is featured in Marjorie Harris latest book, The Canadian Gardener s Guide to Foliage and Garden Design.
The garden of Marjorie Mason Hogue
Set in the rolling hills of Uxbridge are the outstanding gardens of Marjorie Mason Hogue,well-knownradiohostandlecturer,aswellastheperennialnurserysheoperates with her son Jeff Mason. They grow a remarkable variety of pelargoniums, clematis species, heathers, hardy geraniums, alpine plants, regular border perennials and some unusualannuals. Therewillbesomeextratimetomakesmallplantpurchases,sobesure to bring your wish list and cash or a cheque.
The garden of Victor and Judith Tinkl
Somegardensdefydescription. ThisUxbridgefarmownedbyVictor,oneofCanada s pre-eminent sculptors, and Judith, a well-known quiltmaker, is one of them. With an artistic view that is all his own, Victor Tinkl has made the rolling fields on his property comealivewith fanciful creatures thatgentlyparodyestablished notionsaboutgardens. Be prepared for a whimsical approach to water gardening.
The garden of Grace and Roger Ingles
Asteepslopehasbeenturnedintoaspectaculardesignfeatureonthisprettyfarmnear Lake Scugog in the Uxbridge area. A perennial garden sits on the crest of the hill overloookingaswathofornamentalgrassescutintothebankandavalleyfloorcarpeted in periwinkle. Adjoining the handsome old barn is a neat vegetable garden.
The garden of Ron Windebank
Leaveit to one ofToronto sbest-known antique dealers to conjurea unique feeling of antiquity and mystery in a series of unusual gardens on his wooded property near the town on Sharon. Take a walk down the hosta allée toward the temple; contemplate life from the lover s leap carved out of a forest ofbirches.
The garden of Harry Lumsden
NotonlyisretiredbiologistHarryLumsdenanexpertconservatorofrare,endangered trumpeterswans,hehasrecreatedtheirnaturalpondhabitatonhisNewmarketproperty and landscaped the banks with unique bog gardens also rare in their beauty. These extensive gardens will be a treat for those unfamiliar with the remarkable aesthetic potential ofa bog. Also featured is an acid scree bed, an alkaline rockery, a bed ofseedgrown rhododendrons and a woodland garden.
Additional gardens willbe visited on the tour. A delicious luncheon will be served in a charming restaurant.
No refunds canbe givenforTour# 1 afterJune2. To register, completethe form on page 16.
« Tour # 2: Etobicoke, Port Credit, Mississauga and Bramalea .
Thursday, July 14 Members: $65 Non-members: $75
These diverse gardens are right on our doorstep, but each is superb in its own right and indeed several have been featured on television and in gardening magazines.
The garden of Robert Packham
ThisKingsway-areagarden,ownedbylandscapearchitectRobertPackham,isquintessential English Country, surrounding a house that was designed in 1926 as a Cotswold cottage reproduction. Luytens benches, pretty arbours, a fish pond with a 19th-century terracotta centrepiece, an interesting covered porch, a gazebo, and a swimming pool (complete with wave-riding Cupid) are all set in lush English gardens.
The garden of Patricia Singer
AtalentedgardendesignertransplantedfromBritaintoPortCredit,PatriciaSingerhas usedherskillstotransformherownpropertysetinagroveofblackwalnutsontheshores oftheCreditRiver. Approachedunderapergolawreathedinclimbingrosesandclematis, thetopleveliscomprisedofaseriesofundulatingperennialgardenswhilethelowerlevel attheriver sedgeisasecretgardenofwhite-floweredplantssurroundingacircularpond. This garden and its owner have been featured regularly on Kathy Renwald s television program, Gardener s Journal.
The garden of Wayne Renaud and Gordon Webber
Readers of Canadian Gardening magazine will recall this enchanting walled front courtyard gardenwhich wasfeaturedon the February, 1993, coverand described as an Ontariogardenforallseasons . Highsummerwill show to perfectionthefoliage plants and flowering perennials softening the grid-like pattern of the Pennsylvania bluestone walkwayandpatiowhichparalleltherectangularpondalongthelengthoftheproperty. Thistreasureofagardenismadeevenmorespecialbytheattentionshownbytheowners toarchitecturaldetailing (gates,windows,treillage) and handsomeoutdoorfurnishings.
The garden of Susan Colacott
Rarely is Japanese landscape design as faithfully rendered as it is on this lovely wooded propertyinPortCreditbelonging toartistand teacherSusanColacott. Aperiod oftimespentlivinginKyoto served as inspirationforthisnew,butsurprisinglymaturelooking garden. The quiet courtyard, the bridge over the dry stream, the pond and waterfall, themossmountain, the cherryblossoms, therhododendrons and kalmias all are enhanced by the Japanese motif of rugged black timbers and terracotta-coloured stucco on the exterior of the house.
The garden of Douglas Campbell
This corner property in Mississauga is lovingly tended by plantsman extraordinaire Campbell, who has crammed every inch with the rare and not-so-rare; an extensive collection ofmore than 70 species ofwildflowers and native plants, 40 types of ferns, 65 varieties ofhosta. Besides the impressivebotanical rarities, there are masses ofannuals to create a riot of colour from spring to fall.
The garden of Liz Primeau
Ever wanted to know how a gardening magazine editor spends her precious spare moments? Here sa special peekintotheMississauga garden ofCanadian Gardening s Liz Primeauandherhusband,newspapermanChrisZelkovich. Flagstoneandgritpathways meander through cottage plantings filled with fragrant flowers, many self-sown. A charming deck with an unusual waterfeature, a tiny pond and an aesthetically clever disguise for the compost pile are added features on this stop.
The garden of Rosemary Pauer
VotedGrand PrizewinnerinCanadian Gardeningmagazine s 1992GardenoftheYear competitionis thiswonderfulshade-dappled Bramalea garden, pictured on the coverof themagazine sOctober/November, 1993,issue. Pauer smasterfuluseoffoliageand her wonderful knack forcreatingfocal points (in a garden only40 feet square) made her the judges choice. Here is a garden that can teach even experienced gardeners valuable lessons.
An elegant lunch will be served at Toronto s first golf course (established in 1876), The TorontoGolfClubinPortCredit. EnjoytheperennialborderdesignedbyDorotheaLovat Dickson. (Please note that jeans are not permitted at the Club.)
No refunds can be given for Tour #2 afterJune 23. To register, complete the form on page 16.
Registration form:
The Civic Garden Centre s spring tours
Tour # 1, Unionville, Uxbridge and
June 23
Tour #2, Etobicoke, Port Credit, Newmarket Mississauga and Bramalea
Member $65 Non-member: $75
July 14
Member: $65 Non-member $75
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When you're at workon the garden you love, remember Sheridan Nurseries. At Sheridan, we have expert staffto help you, and the . finest selection ofnursery stock in Canada, includingover750 types ofplants and trees grown on our own farms. And all ofour nursery stock is guaranteed for two full years.
Need any advice to help make your garden even lovelier? Gardens - -By Sheridan landscape designers offer everything from peerless consultation and planning to complete construction and mainte-
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Coming events at the Centre
April 2
® Orchid Judging Centre, 2:00 p.m. 3
* SouthernOntarioOrchidSociety,meeting, 1:00 p.m. -
® Landscape in watercolour, #4165P ; 5
® Men s Garden Club, meeting, 8:00 p.m. 6
® Restructure/rejuvenate, course#4102 7
* Basketry techniques, course #4141 8
* C.G.C. sale of pansies, members day, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 9
* C.G.C. saleofpansies,publicday,noon to 5:00 p.m.
10
* C.G.C. saleofpansies,publicday,noon to 5:00 p.m.
e Perennial Pursuits, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p-m. Members: $37, non-members: $47.
¢ Ontario Rock Garden Society, meeting, 1:30 p.m. Speaker: Barry Yorger; topic: Rock Garden Plants inJapanese Nurseries 11
* Toronto Bonsai Society, meeting, 7:00 .m.
}: Southern Ontario Orchid Society Newcomers meeting, 7:30 p.m. 12
e North Toronto Horticultural Society, meeting, Round Table on Garden Matters 8:00 p.m.
13
e Ikebana International Chapter #208, meeting, 7:30 p.m.
e Intermediate orchids, course #4123-2
e Gardening for absolute beginners, course #4122
14
¢ Landscape in watercolour, #4165E
* Roses for beginners, course #4153-1
15 to 18
e Advancedbotanical illustration, #4130 16
e Society of Ontario Nut Growers, auction sale, 1:00 p.m. 17
* York Rose Society, meeting, 2:00 p.m. 18
* MycologicalSociety, meeting,7:00p.m.
¢ Plantscaping solutions, course #4170 19
e Toronto Cactus and Succulent Club, meeting, 7:30 p.m. 20
* Ponds and damp gardens, #4120-2 21
* Roses, continuing, course #4153-2 24
e SouthernOntarioOrchidSociety,meeting, 1:00 p.m.
® Geranium and Pelargonium Society, meeting, 2:00 p.m.
¢ RhododendronSociety,meeting,2:00p.m. 25
Rhododendron Society, sale, 6:00 p.m. Oriental Art Master Class, #4111-1 26
C.G.C. Annual Meeting, 7:30 p.m. 27
¢ Gardening in cottage country, #4136 8
¢ Canadian Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society, meeting, 7:00 p.m. 29
¢ C.G.C.saleofperennials,members day, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 30
e C.G.C. sale of perennials, public day, noon to 5:00 p.m.
¢ (Canadian Rose Society, sale
¢ Basketry Network, sale, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
May 1
e C.G.C. sale of perennials, noon to 5:00 p-m.
May we invite you to join us?
The Civic GardenCentre warmly welcomes new members. Join us, and meet friends who sharean interest in gardening, floral arts and horticulture.
Activities:
The Civic Garden Centre offers:
e workshops, classes and clinics e flower shows
e lectures
* The Trellis Shop (garden supplies, plants, gifts and books) e Trellis newsletter garden tours horticultural library soil testing service gardening hotline
Master Gardeners' activities plant sales fund-raising activities
Member discounts apply on many of these activities.
Volunteers:
ThetalentsandenthusiasmofCivicGardenCentrevolunteerspermitofferingavarietyofprograms and specialevents. Ifyou are able to offer time ona regularor as-needed basis, please contact our volunteerco-ordinator.Volunteerjobsincludetourguides,shopsales,libraryassistants,secretarial, reception, horticultural assistant, committee member or a volunteer position tailored to meet your particular skills or interest.
CIVIC GARDEN CENTRE APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
Mail to: The Civic Garden Centre, 777 Lawrence Avenue East, North York, Ontario M3C 1P2
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Single membership ~ $30
Family membership ~ $40
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