[27] SERVICEBERRY a true canadian symbol for humanity
[28] HISTORY OF GARDENING herbariums –irreplaceable sources of plant data
[30] CANADIAN ROSES
Queen of Flowers bred for canadian gardens
[38] VERTICAL GARDENS could be the answer to decreasing farmland
[40] A TALE OF TWO HERONS
two species you may encounter in Wilket creek
[42] BOOK SHELF
Four lush reads for garden inspiration
[46] RECIPE CORNER
celebrate summer with two fresh berry favourites
[48] GOOD THINGS ARE HAPPENING
[52] PUZZLE PIECES
coVer Photo: aurora borealiS roSe. See canadian roSeS Page 30
from the Garden
Help us celebrate 70 years as a Garden for a ll
Another summer is before us, and we remain immersed in our original purpose and deepen our renewed focus to become a Garden for All
Seventy years ago, in 1955 when Metro Parks Department was formed, Rupert Edwards sold his estate to Metro Council for $153,000. I would like to consider that the moment the notion of a Garden for All was planted.
In his astute wisdom, Edwards realized that as the City pushed outward, the surrounding land was quickly being subdivided and built out with new homes. Certainly, there was the option for personal gain from selling the land to developers, but Edwards was motivated to include his property in the City’s “Green Belt” program of acquired lands for parks, etc. that make our City so livable today.
In fact, this summer marks the start of a phenomenal anniversary — the one-year period from the moment Edwards made the decision to sell his property, to the day Edwards Gardens opened to the public.
At the opening of Edwards Garden in June, 1956, Edwards shared how he saw the potential of the land when he bought the property in 1944, noting that “walking over the grounds’ so many different vistas, with an entirely different panorama in each direction… I became thoroughly convinced that there were possibilities in abundance of developing a truly lovely spot with the many hills, valleys and a sparkling stream running throughout.”
Edwards, who admittedly knew little about gardening before buying the land, invested immensely in the property and his horticultural knowledge. One of his greatest claims
was creating the largest rockery garden in Canada, moving 425 tons of Credit Valley stone into place along the creek. It is this beauty that generations have come to know and love, and that we continue to celebrate.
Edwards’ vision for the Garden took hold with the support of many community champions and visionaries. Notable among the early champions, Garden Club of Toronto visionaries included Edna Gardner who chaired the project to establish the Civic Garden Centre as a home for the Garden Club of Toronto and a horticultural resource for Metropolitan Toronto, Thomas ‘Tommy’ Thompson, the first Metro Parks Commissioner, and James Boyd, named first Director of the Civic Garden Centre in 1961.
However, it wasn’t just the beauty of the land, the sound of birds and the changes of the seasons that captured Edwards’ aspirations. He, too, had the vision of our community coming together to enjoy music outdoors amidst this beauty. Starting in 1956, Edwards made a personal investment to bring music to the Garden, wiring speakers through the trees to play music selected by notable people in Toronto’s music world for the 10- to-20,000 people visiting every summer weekend to hear music in the garden.
While I often wish I had the opportunity to walk the Garden with Rupert Edwards, to hear his vision and see his joy firsthand, I do enjoy walking the Garden on a summer night, with music from the Edwards Charitable Foundation Summer Music Series playing in the background. My greatest joy is witnessing our community filling the garden with smiles, foot tapping, dancing and clapping to live music—just as Edwards did in his day.
We are most pleased to continue Edwards’ vision with the return of the Edwards Charitable Foundation Summer Music series—see page 49 for the full line-up.
I invite you to join me in celebrating the 70th year of Edwards Gardens, home of the Toronto Botanical Garden, becoming a public garden, furthering the seed of an idea to be a Garden for All, rather than a subdivision of private properties. As you walk the Garden, looking across the vistas, hills, creek and abundant beauty, may you have a new appreciation for how lucky we are to share in this wonderful public space.
Stephanie Jutila TBG CEo
Details on Edwards Gardens History were taken from Rupert Edwards’ June 1956 speech from the Opening of Edwards Gardens and The Civic Garden Centre in Metropolitan Toronto 1958-1997: A History
Photo:
embrace our History. Invest in our future
2025 marks the 70th anniversary of Rupert Edwards’ sale of his property to the City of Toronto with the expectation that it remain a public garden and park, thus planting the seed of what would become Toronto Botanical Garden. Eventually a charity was established to help ensure its future.
The Garden has always had big plans and sees them through successfully. Today is no different. Plans to
maintain and expand the garden in the future remain active; our mission and vision are relevant. Your donations are what make the difference.
Summer Season Gifts to Celebration 70 will benefit the Garden. Every gift matters! Launching in June, our Celebration 70 Campaign will actively raise funds for the Garden through digital and onsite promotion until Sunday,
October 5th. Funds raised by Celebrate 70 will fuel the TBG of today and tomorrow. We cannot do this work alone—we need your help.
A donor has stepped up to match your Celebration 70 donations up to $20,000. Every gift you give blooms twice!
donate today-toronto botanical garden
Onsite PrOmOtiOn throughout the warmer weather months, trained staff and volunteers will build onsite awareness that we are a charity, actively promoting the celebrate 70 campaign and tbg memberships. tbg welcomes our aashish thapaliya, development associate (annual & community giving), the leader of this promotional campaign. call or email him for more info: 416-397-1483 / membership@torontobotanicalgarden.ca.
and son Steve
New CaNadiaN rose Named for Kathy Dembros K i
a new rose named for longtime tbg donor Kathy dembroski will go on sale in the spring of 2026.
NameD to commemorate all the dedication and support she has provided for gardening and horticulture, the Kathy dembroski rose has been described by the grower J.C. Bakker & sons as “a beautiful expression of modern Canadian rose breeding. The continuously blooming rich pink colour complemented by high gloss dark green foliage, strong disease resistance and neat footprint are sure to make this rose a favourite in the garden.”
“meeting Kathy was a highlight of my career and life,” said Toronto Botanical Garden Board Chair Tony diGiovanni, recently retired executive director of Landscape ontario, who was instrumental in naming the rose. “she is a role model, a mentor, a visionary and an encourager. she is caring, driven, energetic and always looking to make a positive difference. she has an infectious enthusiasm for life and she is a lot of fun.
“i will always be thankful for Kathy coming into my office almost 30 years ago with a vision that we should start a world class flower and garden show. The occasion was the 50th anniversary of the Garden Club of Toronto and the 25th anniversary of Landscape ontario. we had no idea what we were doing. our first task was to visit the Philadelphia flower and Garden show. afterwards we met at least once a month in Kathy’s dining room trying to figure it all out.”
The first Canada Blooms attracted over 60,000 people which was record attendance for a first-time show. “it quickly became the second largest flower and garden show in North america and inspired millions of visitors over its 25-year run,” said diGiovanni. “it was able to distribute over $700,000 in support of community related horticultural projects.”
Kathy and her late husband George were also instrumental in the founding and growth of the Toronto Botanical Garden as well as many other community projects.
The Kathy dembroski rose was developed through the ongoing collaboration between the Canadian Nursery and Landscape association (CNLa) and Vineland research and innovation Centre (VriC). The original seedling was the result of a cross in 2016. it has been evaluated and grown at Vineland. in 2020 a small planting of six bushes was established at J.C. Bakker & sons nursery through the Pan Canadian rose trial program. since then, the rose has not been sprayed, had minimal fall pruning and was left to the open elements to evaluate its suitability for Canadian gardens.
The upright shrub is one metre high and wide. Blooming continuously in a rich pink colour, the flowers are 8 centimetres wide with 38 petals.
Kathy Dembroski
Dembroski with a framed photo of the new rose named for her.
UPCOMING Events at the Garden
Thursdays, July 3 through August 21, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Edwards Summer Music Series
Eight outdoor concerts showcasing diverse, contemporary talent. General seating is available - come early as spaces fill up, or you can bring your own chair. Be prepared to get your groove on in the garden.
FREE ADMISSION
Generously supported by the Edwards Charitable Foundation
July 11 through 13, matinee & evening performances BLOOM: Circus in
the Garden
You’re invited to the most magical picnic of the season featuring an all-new original show packed with circus thrills, breakdancing ants, invasive species, and unexpected twists featuring Toronto’s top aerial artists!
TICKETS
$25-$65
October 4 through 18, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
ESSENCE OF THE GARDENS: Plein Air Art Exhibition + Sale
A celebration of 70 years as a Public Garden showcasing site-specific works created in Edwards Gardens, Toronto Botanical Garden and Wilket Creek.
d id Y ou KN ow T haT the joy you fin D in the Gar D en Ca N L as T B e Y o N d Y our L ife T ime
tbG welcomes and celebrates your legacy gift of tomorrow, today! for so many, the Garden is joyful in every season, including every season of our lives. Now, you can share what gives you joy alongside others who have made similar commitments to the future of the Garden.
Your connection to the Garden is timeless when you leave TBG a Legacy Gift, ensuring future generations can experience the incredible beauty and impact the Garden offers.
“The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.” —ralph waldo emerson
Visionaries liKe you have led the way. TBG’s first acorn was planted when businessman and philanthropist rupert edwards ensured that his land was sold affordably, creating a public garden and insisting that access remain free. edwards’ philanthropic investment 70 years ago planted the seed that would become the Toronto Botanical Garden of today. other inspired leaders followed his gesture, including members of the Garden Club of Toron-
to and milne house Garden Club, generous Torontonians, companies, charitable foundations, plus the City of Toronto—all of whom remain key partners today and for tomorrow. Join our special club that honours those who choose to make a legacy gift to TBG.
Legacy Society Members enjoy these benefits:
• Annual Reception with the CEO and other ViP supporters
• Invitations to special events and behind the scenes tours
• Yearly recognition in our Annual report (note: anonymity is an option)
• Recognition as a Legacy Society member on our donor wall (note: anonymity is an option)
• The opportunity to be a part of the Garden’s story in perpetuity
Build Your Own Legacy at TBG Legacy gifts may be larger than other gifts made during your lifetime and need not be complicated. here are a few samples of legacy gifts:
• A bequest to TBG in your will
• Naming TBG as beneficiary of your rrsPs, rrifs or Tfsas
• Naming TBG as beneficiary of your life insurance policy
TBG recommends talking to your family before making a legacy gift, along with seeking legal and financial planning advice. remember to name us using our legal name: Toronto Botanical Garden (Charitable registration #119227486rr0001)
Have YO u a L rea DY M a D e a Le G acY Gif T cOMM i TM en T TO TBG? P L eaS e T e LL u S ! we would be delighted to thank you personally and engage with you in meaningful ways with no added pressure to give. note that anonymity is available. Please email melanie lovering, Director of Development at development@ torontobotanicalgarden.ca or phone 416-397-1372 for more info or just to chat. we look forward to learning more about you and the inspiration behind your gift.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson “ ”
The crea T ion of a T housand fores T s is in one acorn.
Reco R ding ou R Legacy
Preserving Toronto Botanical Garden’s Trellis Magazine
by Lee Robbins TBG Weston Family Library Manager
Last year marked the 50th anniversary of the Toronto Botanical Garden’s Trellis magazine. This inhouse publication for TBG members has documented the history and the legacy of the garden over the years and has evolved from a newsletter to a glossy online magazine.
I started as the Weston Family Library Manager in July 2024. I have also been writing articles for Trellis on the History of Gardening for the last few years. My background in academic libraries involved many projects where we digitized historical documents to ensure their preservation and availability for future generations, so it was natural to consider preserving the legacy of the Garden when I came on board. It also coincided very well with the fact that students from Seneca Polytechnic Library Technician program were coming to the Weston Family Library to do their practicums. This seemed like a perfect project for these students to gain excellent library experience and to provide meaningful and useful results.
Library volunteer, Leslie Groer, spent time investigating the best software and scanner to use for scanning the magazines and then manipulating the final pdf results so that they would look natural on the TBG website/ISSUU.
Seneca student Vincci Ching took on the actual scanning project in October and developed the most efficient methods for scanning and storing the resulting pdf files, including optical character recognition to make these files easier to search and index. She then scanned 265 issues in two months. Quite the feat!
In the meantime, Leslie and I investigated how the final pdf files could be indexed in the library’s online database, Koha. We created a streamlined machine-readable record in Koha to make cataloguing the necessary information simpler.
In February, Irish Bonon, another Seneca student, started uploading the scanned pdfs into TBG’s online publishing platform, ISSUU, which has been used to distribute Trellis electronically to all TBG members over the last few
2025
years. Then Irish started cataloguing the individual issues of Trellis in Koha and added detailed tables of content for each issue, including article titles, author names and page numbers. She also added a link in Koha to the scanned full-text issue from the ISSUU database.
I am most grateful to Vincci and Irish for taking on this project with such enthusiasm, gusto, speed and efficiency . It was a pleasure to work with them both.
Trellis has documented the garden’s development and evolution including a name change from the Civic Garden Centre to the Toronto Botanical Garden in 2004, building expansion and changes, people’s comings and goings, changes in the gardens, shop and library and going from a print magazine to an online publication. A major change was going from decades of a black and white newsletter format to a glossy colour magazine in Spring 2009.
In 2023 Trellis magazine received the 2023 Media Awards Silver and Gold Laurel Medals of Achievement
for Publisher/Producer: Magazine (Consumer Trade) presented by GardenComm Communicators International. This international award recognizes individuals and companies who achieve the highest level of talent and professionalism in garden communications. Many thanks to our editorial team under the direction of Editor Lorraine Hunter, Art Director June Anderson and to the contributors who share their talent and passion for plants with the Garden. Here’s to the next 50 years!
Vincci ching (left) holding the first issue of Trellis from 1974 and irish bonon holding the Spring 2025 issue.
Nature Heals learNING
doctor’s orders: time to touch grass
By Natalie Harder TBG Director of Learning
On January 1, 2025, I made a questionable life choice: I decided to start this cold winter day outside. I had recently heard about horizon gazing—the simple idea that beginning the day by looking at the horizon, before diving into a day filled with screens, could boost mental health and even improve
eyesight. I bundled up. Even my dog was confused as to why we were leaving the house before the sun was up, but nevertheless, we trudged into the frosty air to try it out.
To my surprise, it worked. I felt calmer, more focused—and somehow, I didn’t even mind the cold (note: a very good winter coat is essential).
Was it just a placebo effect? Maybe. But I was curious enough to look deeper into the science. Turns out, I wasn’t imagining the benefits. The Park Prescriptions (PaRx) initiative, launched by the BC Parks Foundation, is backed by a growing body of research showing that time in nature can improve everything
from cardiovascular health to mental well-being. According to PaRx, just two hours a week outdoors—split into at least 20-minute sessions—can lead to measurable improvements in health. The program even provides healthcare professionals with tools to prescribe nature as a legitimate, evidence-based intervention.
And the science is compelling. People who spend at least two hours per week in green spaces report better overall well-being. Kids focus better and develop motor skills faster. Adults experience reduced stress hormones, better sleep and improved mood. From managing anxiety and depression to preventing chronic illness, the evidence points to one clear takeaway: nature heals.
Dr. Subani Selvarajah, featured in a December 2024 CTV interview, emphasized that even brief moments outdoors can significantly impact “mental health, anxiety, and depression.” These moments often blend physical activity, fresh air and time with loved ones—simple, powerful ingredients for well-being.
People who guide outdoor experiences see these effects firsthand. David Leopold, a Tai Chi instructor and longtime volunteer at the Toronto Botanical Garden, describes a memorable class that took an unexpected turn. “It started to rain, and instead of leaving, we moved into a nearby forest. The experience of adapting to nature’s elements made the class even more meaningful. Students arrived stressed and left feeling grounded and at peace.”
That same sense of grounding often appears on birdwatching walks led by TBG Horticulturist Sasan Beni. “Birdwatching encourages people to slow down, become more observant and breathe deeply,” he says. “It’s not just about spotting species—it’s about mindfulness and presence.”
Forest Therapy Guide Laura Bincik believes it’s the stillness that makes these moments powerful. “There’s comfort in pausing and noticing what’s in motion: clouds drifting,
an ant on a stick, birds calling in the distance. People start to feel that they belong to the environment, not separate from it. That sense of belonging can be deeply transformative.”
While nature may be freely available, not everyone has easy access. That’s where PaRx is working to reduce barriers. Eligible patients can receive a free annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass, and other partners like Conservation Halton, the Toronto Zoo, and Lime (a company that provides access, and offers discounts, to green modes of transportation such as e-bikes and scooters) are stepping up to support eco-friendly exploration.
PaRx also offers practical guidance for practitioners. Research shows that writing down a nature prescription— not just suggesting it—makes it more likely patients will follow through. Maybe we can take a page from that ourselves. Try jotting down a few outdoor goals: a weekly park walk,
a regular lunch break outside, or a monthly ‘get lost in nature’ adventure. Writing it down just might help make it stick.
Healthcare professionals are helping lead the way in reconnecting us with something we’ve always known: nature is good for us. The best part? You don’t need a prescription to benefit. So grab your coat, lace up your shoes, and get out there—whether you’re walking, birdwatching, stretching under a tree, or simply touching some grass.
Interested in deepening your connection with nature? the toronto Botanical Garden offers a variety of programs designed to enhance well-being, from guided nature walks and birdwatching tours to outdoor tai Chi and meditation classes. explore our calendar of events and discover the healing power of nature—right in the city.
Kids focus better and develop motor skills faster outside.
aashish Thapaliya
wel come New Team mem bers
◗ Elvin vElasco Volunteer Services Coordinator
elvin Velasco, TbG’s new Volunteer services coordinator brings a wealth of experience in community building, volunteer coordination and event management, having worked extensively in arts and cultural spaces. with a background rooted in leadership, accessibility and community care, elvin is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all volunteers. e lvin’s passion for storytelling, creativity, and genuine relationship-building aligns perfectly with TbG’s mission to inspire and connect people to nature. elvin’s experience as a community guide and co-creator at Gumawa space, along with involvement in various
Elvin vElasco
Emma WorlEy
skills leading donor acquisition efforts for major canadian charities. His experience spans donor engagement, crm platforms and developing compelling giving strategies that turn interest into long term impact.
at TbG, aashish looks forward to cultivating relationships that help the Gardens flourish through meaningful connections.
◗ Emma WorlEy Marketing and Audience Engagement Coordinator emma worley is a dedicated artist and administrator with a broad range of experience in project management across creative disciplines. she has worked in outreach, development, events and marketing at various cultural institutions and on artist management teams.
community initiatives, demonstrates a dedication to nurturing meaningful connections and empowering others.
◗ aashish Thapaliya Development Associate, Annual & Community Giving
aashish Thapaliya is a dynamic fundraising and donor relations professional with a strong background in donor engagement, relationship management and campaign strategy. He brings an enthusiastic energy to the TbG team, shaped by both grassroots and global perspectives on philanthropy. with an undergraduate degree in business administration and a postgraduate degree in Finance, aashish combines analytical acumen with heartfelt communication. He sharpened his
emma brings a wealth of experience in digital marketing and content creation, having led social media strategy, email campaigns and multimedia content development in her role as Project manager at birthday cake records. she also has a talent for storytelling. emma holds a bFa from ocaDU and is alumna of Harbourfront centre’s artist residency program. a visual artist, singer-songwriter and big dreamer, she sees the world through a lens of curiosity. emma believes that public spaces should enrich public life, and is passionate about cultivating community grounded in equality and sustainability.
◗ schUylEr sWarToUT Executive Assistant schuyler swartout is delighted to join the staff of the Toronto botanical Garden as executive assistant. ‘sky’ comes to TbG with a diverse set of experiences including stints as a café manager, travelling salesperson and blackberry farmer.
a lifetime lover of plants and the outdoors, schuyler can be found hiking and cooking on weekends, and at the TbG introducing himself with a smile and a handshake. welcome!
schUylEr sWarToUT
GARden Shop
| Pride in the Garden |
Woods(Wo)man - interview with an artist
By Rosie Agro Assistant Retail Manager
Woods(Wo)man, beyond its clever wordplay, is the creative endeavour of artist Jackie Toner, who draws her inspiration from the woodworking industry.
Jackie’s career path began in the academic sector, where she honed her skills for over a decade in a sciencebased career. what caused the major change was a simple desire to provide her dogs with a larger yard, which prompted her to relocate from Halifax to Pesikitik/windsor, Nova scotia while still pursuing her academic goals. In her new environment, Jackie found herself with an unfinished basement and a student budget, which sparked her creativity. armed with basic tools, she crafted furniture and decorated her home.
The onset of the coVID-19 pandemic further fueled her passion for woodworking, leading her to dedicate more time to the craft. This newfound focus eventually culminated in the launch of her business. after two years, Jackie made the bold decision to transition away from her decade-long career in health and safety, fully committing to her self-established business.
Jackie’s venture into woodworking was only the beginning of a broader, more impactful journey. art is a deeply personal form of expression and, through woodworking, Jackie found a way to share her craft with others. she began teaching classes to individuals who may not have had the opportunity to learn woodworking through traditional avenues. a point of particular passion was her commitment to teaching women the art of woodworking. Historically, woodworking has been a trade primarily taught to boys, while girls have often been excluded from such opportunities.
Jackie is determined to change that narrative, using her unique position to carve out inclusive spaces for women and queer individuals to enter and thrive in the woodworking industry. Her advice for beginners is straightforward yet invaluable: start with the essentials. over time, techniques will develop, and before long, the movements will become second nature, guided by muscle memory and a deeper understanding of the craft. a key element of her work is the collaboration between the artist and the ocean. much of her work revolves around driftwood. “The natural grooves and ripples in the wood tell the story of its journey, from its time as a tree to its eventual fall into the ocean, where
it is shaped by the water.” This process results in one-of-a-kind silhouettes, which Jackie transforms into vases, art pieces, and even kitchenware. a distinctive feature of her driftwood creations is the inclusion of geographical coordinates on the bottom of each piece, indicating the exact location where the wood was found, thereby connecting each piece to the bay of Fundy. You can find examples of Jackie’s work in the TbG Garden shop.
Jackie emphasizes the sustainability of driftwood, describing it as “one of the most eco-friendly materials available.” she sees driftwood as an opportunity to restore life to natural elements, reconnecting them with nature in a meaningful way. Jackie also utilizes natural events, such as the hurricanes in Nova scotia, to create collections of stormfallen trees, finding a silver lining even in difficult circumstances.
sustainability is a core principle in her work, and she practices it not only through the materials she uses but also by engaging in bartering and exchanging with other artists. scraps from one artist become valuable materials for another, creating a cycle that leaves no room for waste. Jackie advocates for supporting the local community by purchasing canadian-made products, trading with fellow artists and shopping locally, all of which contribute to sustaining the regional economy.
Throughout our conversation, Jackie spoke about her deep connection with the rural Nova scotia community, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance in all aspects of life.
Jackie will be at the Toronto Gift & Home market, January 25 to 29, 2026, offering visitors the opportunity to engage with her work in person.
Jackie Toner in her workshop
driftwood vases. Find Jackie’s work in the TBG Garden Shop.
Trial Gardens 2025
1 4 6 2 7 3 5 8
soft colour combos promote a feeling of calm
By Leslie Hockley TBG Lead Horticulturist
Photos:
This year’s trial gardens at TBG are pretty in pink. No matter what garden display you stroll through this season you will be greeted with shades of pink. This exciting partnership with Ball FloraPlant/Selecta One showcases new varieties and some returning fan favourites. Many of the varieties trialed this summer at TBG will be entering the market in 2026, so take note of which one(s) catch your eye.
The plantings located in the Annual Showcase beds feature a mix of purples, blues and pinks, a much softer colour combination compared to last year’s, that will hopefully create a very calm feeling as you stroll through the garden. It is also a favourite spot for pollinators to visit.
The Showcase beds located along the greenhouse will feature many new varieties of dahlias, petunias and lantanas. It will be a hot spot for people, pollinators and photographers alike.
Keep an eye out for the Venti ‘PinkBurst’ Dahlia, located beside the greenhouse. This new introduction won the FleuroStar award in Europe. The dahlia series is known for its vigorous growth. The anemone-like flower pattern is quite eye catching.
2026
1. Angelonia Guardian Angel ‘Pink’
2. Angelonia Archangel ‘Light Pink’
3. Dahlia Venti ‘Pink Burst’
4. Petunia Mainstage ‘Light Blue Vein’
5. Salvia Mystical ‘White’
9 11 10 12 13
6. Lantana Shamrock ‘Lavender’
7. Dahlia ‘Pink Lace’
8. Dahlia City Lights ‘Lavender’
9. Petunia Slingshot ‘Purple Fantasy’
10. Dahlia Venti ‘FireBurst’
11. Dahlia Dalaya ‘Cranberry’
12. New Guinea ColorPower ‘Pink Flame’
2027
13. CitraNova Limone –yellow petchoa
“You can always find me painting in Edwards Gardens with friends in the summer.”
l oui SA lAu
“...when I am
outdoors
on
location,
it is exhilarating—everything is alive and moving as I work quickly to ‘capture the moment’.”
Alex A ndr A Sh A rm A
indoor exhibit of outdoor art to feature
70 Paintings
By Lorraine Hunter Trellis Editor
If you’ve ever strolled through edwards Gardens and been surprised to see someone sitting or standing at an easel, painting the scenery in front of them, you’ve witnessed an en plein air artist at work. You may have even spotted Alexandra (Alex) Sharma perched on a rock down in Wilket Creek ravine painting one of the bridges just visible off the beaten track.
derived from the French ‘en plein air’ the term means painting in the open air. Alex, who spends her winters in hilton head, South Carolina, and summers in Toronto, has been
teaching art and painting en plein air in the uS and Canada for over 25 years.
like many other local en plein air artists she enjoys painting in edwards Gardens. in fact, there are so many such painters that Alex is organizing an indoor show of some of their work at the TBG from oct 3 to 17—70 paintings to mark the TBG’s 70th anniversary. To ensure this first-of-its kind show has top quality artwork, Alex will be inviting various known members from the Toronto Watercolour Society, Willowdale Group of Artists and the northview Group of Artists all of which have members who regularly paint in the garden. “We hope to have 70 paintings from approximately 20 plus artists,” she says.
louisa lau, another dedicated outdoor painter who will be exhibiting in the show, says that, “the discipline of en plein air helps me understand the interactions of forms in nature.
Artist Alexandra (Alex) Sharma
“You can always find me painting in edwards Gardens with friends in the summer. during the pandemic, i stayed home and found myself longing to paint the Gardens in person. i painted landscapes with my photos of the Gardens, and soon the landscapes of edwards Gardens became an obsession.”
edwards Gardens is a favourite location to paint because of the variety of vistas, explains Alex. “imagine one place with picturesque bridges, a river, rocks, banks, hillsides, forests, landscaped flower gardens, beautiful buildings designed by the late famed architect raymond moriyama, exotic plants, flagstone walkways and hidden trails. This is edward Gardens; there is always something new to discover.”
The attraction of en plein air painting for Alex, “is when i am outdoors on location, it is exhilarating—everything is
alive and moving as i work quickly to ‘capture the moment’.”
The main difference between painting outdoors and painting inside, she explains, is that the light is different. “And the scene is more stable: no wind blows. And sounds are different. light from a window or from a standing lamp is used for a light source (inside). outdoors, there is only one source of light: the sun.”
The important thing for Alex, is to paint from life— whether indoors painting a still life or outside, painting a landscape or other scene. “i rarely paint from a photograph: i don’t like the stasis of the photo: nothing is alive.”
When painting outdoors, it is of course most comfortable to work in moderate temperatures. “however, those of us who paint en plein air know to dress for the weather,” says Alex. “And if it starts to rain, we often find shelter and continue on… one winter day in Toronto
with snow on the ground i braved the cold and went to mt. Pleasant Cemetery to paint. i was only able to do a quick watercolour sketch before i noticed that the water for rinsing my brush was starting to freeze! That was the last time i ventured out to paint in sub-zero weather.”
en plein air artists need to be self-contained and pack everything they will need,” says Alex. “i take an easel to paint in oils, but no chair. i paint standing up. When i paint in watercolour, i sit on the ground, on a plastic bag if the ground is damp. i travel very light: paints, brushes, pencil, palette knife, paper or canvas, water or mineral spirits. i want to be able to just grab my backpack with everything in it and head out.”
Watch for more details on the indoor exhibit of outdoor painting and other 70 year celebrations at the TBG in the Fall issue of Trellis
Artist Louisa Lau
GARDen TOURS
Plants galore and so much more
With sunny days and warmer weather, thoughts turn to gardening. The GTA is blessed with a myriad of garden tour opportunities, especially in June. Various garden clubs as well as private organizations arrange garden tours; many as fundraisers. So, pack your water bottle, some healthy snacks and your iPhone or GPS and hit the road. Upon purchasing a ticket, you’ll receive a brochure with a list of addresses of private homes, sometimes a map. Some of these spaces are owner-planted while others are professionally designed and tended. Here are a few of my favourites:
• ToronTo BoTanical Garden’s ThrouGh The Garden GaTe, held in Hoggs Hollow this year, is one of the largest tours of private gardens in Toronto with 14 residential gardens open to the public. Master Gardeners and other experts are situated in each garden to answer your plant questions. Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are Public $45 for one day; Members $40 for one day and
By Gail M. Murray
Public $70; Members $65 for both days. Proceeds support Toronto Botanical Garden. www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca.
• oshawa Peony FesTival. Many varieties of these luscious blooms peak at Oshawa Valley Botanical Garden, 155 Arena St. Oshawa (905-436-3311). There is a charming gazebo amid the rows of peonies. The festival runs Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 with vendors, music and children’s activities. I like to go a few days prior to beat the rush.
• arTisT in The Garden, a perennial favourite of mine in the Durham Region of Oshawa and Whitby on Saturday, June 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., showcases local artists (stained class, wooden bird cages, ceramics) and musicians (swing band, saxophonist etc.) amid a range of beautiful gardens some with water features. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the garden gate. For more information or to secure tickets call 905-579-4833 or go to www.artistinthegarden.com Proceeds support Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre, Oshawa.
• niaGara-on-The-lake horTiculTural socieTy offers a self-guided tour highlighting unique gardens that reflect the passion of the gardeners. Tour date is Saturday, July 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $35. Proceeds support horticulture scholarships for students of niagara College and niagara Parks School of Horticulture.
• lakeshore wesT Garden Tour is free from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 21. Go to www.lakeshorewestgt.ca for more information.
• Marion Jarvie Garden
Plantswoman and TBG lecturer Marion Jarvie, has been sharing her passion for plants for over 40 years. Marion opens her garden in Thornhill on select weekends at no charge for plant aficionados to wander and wonder. Her property covers one-third of an acre. There will be plants on sale (cash only). Marion also teaches small groups in her home; check out her website for details www.marionjarvie.ca. Dates her garden is open on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. include:
• June 7, 8 (Rhododendrons)
• July 26, 27 (high summer blooms)
• September 20, 21 (late summer flowers)
conversations overheard outside inspire writer
By Sasan Beni TBG Seasonal Horticulturist
Growing up, all I ever wanted to do was wrIte—to make up storIes and characters that would somehow InspIre others to pIck up a pen, or allow them to let go of theIr burdens. I learned early on that It was easIer to make people cry, than It was to make them laugh, but It took me years to admIt that I was mostly wrItIng for myself, for my own tears, my own smIle—and there’s nothIng wrong wIth that!
Gardene rs HeareverytH
Photo: Cedri C e llias
Words planted on a piece of paper, sentences sewn together with purpose and feeling can have a profound impact on the world, but first, they connect us to ourselves. writing is the practice of listening to yourself. I’m still putting pen to paper these days, still listening, but I’m less concerned with changing the world with my words, or even making a living off the art. I work as a gardener. I guess you can say that horticulture is my (work) life partner now. does that make literature my mistress? anton chekhov, the great russian
playwright, once said something similar about his dual passions in life, and how when he got bored of one, he would spend the night with the other. nature has taught me not to draw such lines. nature tells me all the time that I should bridge the gap somehow. working as a horticulturist in a public garden means that I am privy to so many things. It’s not just the earth that stains my hands, my knees; the earth that I carry home underneath my fingernails and all the stories it tells. and it’s not so much the seasons and how they pass, how I
watch them lean into each other and relieve each other: how they collide on those ever-curious days that are at once spring and winter, summer and spring. It is the people I see, the conversations I hear, that stick with me and inspire me most; that make me want to visit my notebook on the bus ride home.
One day, I was working in the knot garden, in the circle hedge to be exact, kneeling before the carpinus. not far from me, a young couple were in the midst of a heated argument, sitting on the bench. I crouched lower to give them some privacy. I couldn’t really hear them, but there was tension in the air and trouble in paradise that day. even though we made eye contact a few times, as I bopped up and down behind the yew hedge, it became clear that they were somehow oblivious of me. It was as if they were looking through me, and their argument intensified. It wasn’t just me. I don’t think they noticed the family that walked past them into the knot garden, or heard the excitement of the children screaming: “look at this bumble bee!” nor did they see the handful of photographers chasing a little hummingbird from flower to flower, or the vole that scurried out from under their bench. It was their bench after all.
“surely, they must be in love to not notice anyone,” I thought to myself out loud. and in that moment, I wanted to trade my trowel for a pen, to jot something down about this young couple in the garden and my invisibility, kneeling before the carpinus.
If writing has been my way of listening to myself, then gardening has been my bridge to the world. a garden bed, like a book, is to be explored. like a poem, it is a little different each time you visit it. the greatest part of my job is getting to see the readers in our community interact with the stories that we tell on this land. some people bring their grief, some their boredom, some their art. as a gardener, I’m curious about them all.
Plant Profile
Serviceberry
a true canadian symbol for humanity By Georgie Kennedy
“SaSkatoon, Juneberry, shadbush, shadblow, sugarplum, sarvis, serviceberry—these are among the many names for Amelanchier. ethnobotanists know that the more names a plant has, the greater its cultural importance.” robin wall kimmerer, The Serviceberry. In may of 2012, my friend and I drove north along the shoreline of lake superior to our hometown of wawa. we were on a mission to visit my aunt, who was close to the end of her life. It was an emotional journey; my senses were bombarded with the wild, rugged beauty of this part of the canadian shield. rockfaces, waterfalls, lakes and forests felt both awe-inspiring and comfortingly familiar. on that trip, I was amazed to see an abundance of slender shrubs along the sideroads, all bursting with
white blossoms. how could I have never noticed them before? since then, I’ve learned that the serviceberry flower is a traditional Indigenous signal of the earth’s annual thaw.
are you looking for a gorgeous small tree that’s showy three seasons of the year? the serviceberry is smothered in creamy spring flowers, tasty red berries in summer and pinky red leaves in fall, making it perfect for any ontario yard. tree bark enthusiasts will even appreciate its distinctive smooth grey bark in winter. It will thrive as a specimen single-trunk tree or as an understory multi-stemmed shrub pruned to an elegant vase shape. pollinators flock to the blossoms; birds and humans cannot resist the berries. planting this native tree is, without exaggeration, one of the best ways to be an ecological gardener. serviceberry is a generous plant, providing habitat and food for all manner of wildlife, both visible and invisible.
species include saskatoon serviceberry (A. alnifolia) found near the ontario-manitoba border, downy serviceberry (A. arborea) native to southwestern ontario, and smooth serviceberry (A. laevis) found from southern ontario north to lake superior, making the latter variety the one best suited to the toronto area. If you are keen on large flowers there is a cultivar cross (Amelanchier x grandiflora) that could be an alternative to the introduced ornamental magnolia. presently, the much-admired magnolia is experiencing widespread difficulties with white scale.
a fellow toronto master gardener (tmg) describes the scale as inevitable; as a professional landscaper, he says it is ugly and difficult to defeat, requiring the ongoing expertise of an arborist. besides, the magnolia is, at best, neutral for our ecosystem whereas the serviceberry contributes to its health.
landscape ontario, on its website landscapeontario.com/ serviceberry in urban gardens. It’s a low maintenance tree/ shrub that prefers full sun but does well in part or dappled shade. serviceberry can be planted in any soil but should never become waterlogged. In overly damp conditions, rust fungi may appear on the leaves, but it will do no long-term harm.
for a clear demonstration of how to plant a serviceberry, watch tmg dorothy smythe’s youtube video at https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzsp3kbezsI
be sure to source all plants from reliable nurseries. an upto-date list created by the halton master gardeners is available on their website at https://haltonmastergardeners.com/ 2022/03/28/native-plants-nurseries-in-ontario/ one last suggestion, dear readers. read robin wall kimmerer’s tender little book, The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World. you too will fall in love with amelanchier and perhaps you’ll see why it symbolizes our hope for humanity in these troubled times.
h erbariums
irreplaceable sources of plant data
By Lee Robbins Weston Family Library Manager
aherbarium is a collection of pressed, dried and preserved plant specimens and their associated data used for scientific study. Herbariums have been around for centuries and have become irreplaceable sources of information about plants and the world they inhabit. The first documented herbarium was created in Italy by Luca Ghini in 1543, during the Renaissance. Ghini, who founded the first botanical garden in Pisa, is also credited with creating the first seed index and circulating this list so botanists would know what they could request from the garden. Early herbariums were organized as bound volumes with plants mounted on the pages. Much more accessible than reading a book on plants, they were and are a primary data source of dried and labeled plant specimens arranged to allow for easy retrieval and archival storage.
But it was Carl Linnaeus in the 1700s who marked the beginning of a true revolution in the approach to plant research. Linnaeus pioneered the practice of keeping herbaria unbound, storing dried plant sheets separately in purpose-built labelled cabinets. This innovation facilitated easy addition, removal and reorganisation of specimens, significantly influencing 18th-century botanical study methods as rigorous botanical classification methods developed. Linnaeus’s insistence on detailed descriptions and comparisons of multiple specimens laid the groundwork for the plant classification methods used today. In his publication, Species Plantarum, Linnaeus introduced a classification scheme for plants. He defined 24 classes of plants based on the number and arrangement of their reproductive organs (stamens and pistils) effectively using flower
Carl Linnaeus and Plant classifications designed by Linnaeus
parts as a key to classification instead of looking at the whole of every plant.
Carl Linnaeus also created the ‘binomial’ naming system; every species is known by a unique two-word Latin name, consisting of the genus name and the species name. The first part of the name represents the genus, a broader group of organisms, while the second part specifies the particular species within that genus i.e. Rosa rugosa
The National Herbarium Collection of Canada, housed in the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa, houses over a million specimens and serves researchers in diverse disciplines from science to history and art. The four collections of the National Herbarium—vascular plants bryophytes, lichens and algae—are each considered a national collection for their discipline. The vascular plant collection offers an excellent representation of native species from north temperate regions, with a strong emphasis on Canadian species. There are more than 650,000 herbarium sheets, including about 2,500 type specimens.
Arctic botany has always been a key strength of the collection. There are other smaller herbariums housed
in Toronto at the ROM and the University of Toronto and at the Royal Botanical Garden in Hamilton.
Today, herbariums continue to be a critical resource for biodiversity, ecological and evolutionary research studies and herbariums’ use and importance grows especially with climate change and extended land use as plant specimens disappear rapidly. Organizations and universities from around the world are digitizing their herbarium collections which involves
capturing high-quality images and metadata of plant specimens and making them accessible digitally, enhancing research, conservation and accessibility for a wider audience.
Herbariums are also undergoing a renaissance as valuable sources of plant DNA as this genomic data proves very valuable for exploring plant evolution, ecology, diversity and genetic changes over time.
Botany collection
VaLuaBLe souRCes oF PLant dna
roses Canadian
Aurora Borealis
Queen of Flowers bred specifically for Canadian gardens
By Wendy Downing
Back in the last century, we purchased our first house and my mind was full of excitement at the thought of having my own garden and teaching my children about the importance of growing things and the role of nature in our lives.
We lived in a tWo-storey house in Westdale, a mature neighbourhood in Hamilton near McMaster University and were blessed with the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) trails to hike and explore, the RBG Children’s Garden and several parks within walking distance.
The fact that the previous owner had left us with some interesting shrubs and perennials was great, but the five rose bushes were what really pleased me. We had two gorgeous ‘Iceberg’ floribundas, two climbing red roses: ‘Blaze’ and ‘Papa Meilland’, a lovely hybrid tea with dark red velvety petals and an intoxicating scent. We struggled with hard clay soil and little light because of mature trees for five years. Then we moved to another house about five blocks away. The ‘Icebergs’ made the move with us.
We were now on a corner with garden beds on three sides. What a delight to get our hands dirty and renovate the garden, getting rid of plants that didn’t thrive and increasing our rose collection. We ended up with about 140 roses plus other shrubs and perennials. Again, we fought with less-than-ideal light and clay soil, as well as Southern Ontario weather— cold winters and varying amounts of snow cover necessitating mounding the roses in late fall with soil or compost to avoid winter kill. At that time, floribundas and hybrid teas were abundant at the garden centres but time and the replacement of many plants made us realize that they were not the best suited for our part of the country. We tried a couple of roses introduced by The Morden Research and Development Centre in Manitoba. Morden roses had been bred in Manitoba where the winters could be brutal. They were trialed in various parts of Canada and advertised as being hardy to Zone 3. In my experience, many of Morden series were relatively large shrubs which put on a good show in the garden, but while hardy, did not lend themselves readily to city gardens. We continued to grow a lot of the old standards.
Canadian Shield
Proudly Canadian
Scroll forward to 2008 when Agriculture Canada announced it was closing its well-known rose breeding program. Collaboration between the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) and Vineland Research and Innovation Centre near Niagara, Ontario resulted in a new series of roses that are proudly Canadian. CNLA owns the genetics and Vineland conducts the research, breeding and selection of the roses which will become part of the program known as ‘49th Parallel Roses’.
To qualify for the program, a cultivar must be able to withstand harsh winter conditions, surviving temperatures as low as -35 C. Roses are vigorously tested at Vineland, but as temperatures in the Niagara Region seldom reach such low temperatures, potential members of the collection get sent further afield for testing. Reports from Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta detail how the plants overwinter, their disease resistance and their appeal to the marketplace.
As well as passing the winter hardiness test, these roses are also resistant to Black Spot, a disease which can decimate a rose collection. This is a problem for roses around the world and one of the goals of the program is to make sure that what is released to the public is resistant to that disease. A lot of research using molecular markers is carried out to identify plants that don’t have resistant genes so that these plants can be removed from the breeding program. Gardeners want plants that produce blooms, are as free of disease as possible and put on a good show in the garden. Those qualities are high on the list of characteristics for plants being purchased and planted in public gardens as well. With increased costs of materials needed to control disease and pay people to apply them, public gardens would prefer to use their budgets to attract the public, increase their collections and enhance the gardens.
Cold Hardy
There is worldwide recognition of the great cold-hardy roses that have come out of Canada—the 49th Parallel Series is the latest of its successes. Choosing a candidate for release involves a number of years crossing parent plants which have been molecularly examined for favourable traits, waiting for seed to develop, planting the seeds and choosing the healthiest seedlings produced. Then the wait begins for blooms to form and be evaluated, and potential releases chosen. This takes from five to ten years including finding growers to produce the plants for the market. CNLA and Vineland anticipate releasing another three or four roses over the next five to ten years.
The first cultivar in the collection, 49th Parallel, released in 2017, was the ruby-red bloom ‘Canadian Shield’, followed by ‘Chinook Sunrise’, a two-tone light pink and coral rose. The third release was vivid pink and named ‘Aurora Borealis’ after the spectacular light show put on in Canada’s north. ‘Yukon Sun’, with a compact growth habit and warm yellow colour reminiscent of sunlight became the fourth cultivar. In the works for release soon are ‘Carolinian Kiss’ and ‘Niagara Blush’.
If you are looking to expand or renovate your garden, please consider these All-Canadian selections. They still require six to eight hours of sunlight for optimal bloom and plenty of water. Remember, too, that roses need good drainage or the plants will drown. Let the queen of flowers stand proudly in our gardens.
Let us wave the flag using the wonderful plants hybridized and grown in this fabulous land of ours—CANADA!
Wendy Downing is Past President, Canadian Rose Society, a CRS Rose Judge, Garden Clubs of Ontario Design Judge and RBG Horticultural Judge.
Garden issues
Vertic A l G A rdens
they could be the answer to decreasing farmland By Carol Gardner
According to the Agricultural census of 2021, agricultural acreage is being lost at a rate of 319 acres of farmland per day in Ontario – the equivalent of losing nine family farms per week. Much, but not all of this is due to development. Climate change plays a part and farming is at the mercy of the elements, pests and, as we’re seeing, political folly.
What to do? More universities and research facilities are paying attention to the concept of ‘vertical gardens’. The University of Guelph – a veritable hive of creativity –is one of the leaders in this regard. Dr. Thomas Graham, PhytoGro Research Chair, Controlled Environment Systems, says that Ontario is the epicenter of this research in Canada. The concept is that plants can be grown vertically just about anywhere – in old warehouses, in buildings in urban or rural areas, even in residential buildings (remember living walls?) and, most important for Canada, 12 months a year, in spite of our long winters.
The university is working with companies such as Goodleaf Farms – a building with 4,000 square metres of high tech located in Guelph. Like a greenhouse, it has its own ecosystem – one which isn’t reliant upon the weather, uses no pesticides, fungicides or herbicides; the technology is soilless, using aeroponic (delivering nutrients to plants via mist) or hydroponic (using different type of growing mediums instead of soil) technology. There is less waste and it takes a lot less space because plants are stacked in levels.
An Expensive Process
Sound too good to be true? It has its detractors. Firstly, setting up a vertical farm is an expensive process because of the structures needed to support heavy plants, and the complex automation systems required. The
heavy use of electricity is the biggest issue. That will have to decrease to make this option sustainable. Scientists are working on it, experimenting with various colours and levels of lights, as well as developing plants that can survive in a different environment. This isn’t changing the genetics of the plant, but simply the environment where it is grown. Have a look at the photo above which shows plants of the same species grown under different coloured lights.
What’s Old is New Again
Vertical gardeninG isn’t a new idea. Remember reading about the Hanging Gardens of Babylon – believed to be one of the seven wonders of the ancient world? Are they legend or truth? Historians and archeologists are still arguing about it. The World History Encyclopedia describes the hanging gardens as having “a complicated machinery of screws which drew water up from the river to water the gardens”, stairs to reach the various levels, the whole thing sloping like “an ancient theatre”. If you have a look at some of the images artists have drawn, it looks quite similar to a modern vertical garden, without the romance and glamour, alas. We aren’t the only country that is trying vertical farming. In Japan, vertical farming has been used for decades. China is using vertical farming as are Australia, Israel and Brazil. The Netherlands is leading the race in Europe. Each country is adapting the system to work for their particular needs.
Vertical farming, like everything else, is influenced by other world changes. For example, with more people working from home, there is a lot of unused office space that could be converted. Developers are now working on small models to be used inside the home. Don’t look for them now- but I’ll bet Amazon will be selling them in the future. Stay tuned.
Left: Experimenting with various colours and levels of light. Right: Same species lettuce grown under different coloured lights.
Two Herons A TAle of
two heron species you may encounter in Wilket creek
By evan Tomosvary Co-op Student and Sasan Beni TBG Seasonal Horticulturist
1. Great Blue Heron
Wilket creek is a magical place, particularly in the summer. The forest towers over the meandering stream. If you listen closely, you might hear a Belted kingfisher laughing as it makes the rounds, where the creek grows deep. There are lots of fish in these waters, and other hunters wading in the shallows. Sometimes you must be just as patient and just as still as they are, so you can notice them. I’m speaking about herons, of course. here’s a little info on the two heron species you may encounter on your next walk in wilket Creek. keep your eyes peeled and keep me posted on what you see.
The GreaT Blue heron is a large, greyish-blue heron with a long neck, long legs and a long-pointed bill. The largest heron in north america, it stands about 1.1 to 1.3 metres (3.5 to 4.3 ft) tall with a wingspan up to 2.1 m (7 ft). The Great Blue heron got its name from its large frame, subtle blue-grey colour and hunting behaviour in wetlands and other aquatic areas. Great Blue herons often live near water sources in any of a wide range of habitats ranging from coastal areas and wetlands to rivers, lakes and even some inland areas.
They are native to north america where they mainly reside but are not exclusive to it. They also inhabit parts of Central and South america, the Caribbean and the Galapagos Islands. Great Blue herons have a carnivorous diet consisting mainly of small fish. They live an average of 15 years and have an estimated global population of 700,000.
> They can fly up to 48 km/h (30 mph).
> They partake in serial monogamous mating habits, choosing a different partner each year.
> They have specialized feathers on their chest that continuously grow and fray into powder, which they use to maintain their plumage.
2. Black-crowned Night Heron
The BlaCk-Crowned nIGhT heron is a smallish, stocky heron with a black crown and back, red eyes, short yellow legs that turn pink during breeding season and long white plumes on the back of its head also prevalent during breeding season. They typically measure 58 to 66 cm (22.8 to 26 in) in length, with a wingspan of 115 to 118 cm (45.3 to 46.5 in). The Black-crowned night heron got its name from its nocturnal hunting habits and crow-like call. Black-crowned night herons typically live in a variety of wetlands including marshes, swamps, streams, rivers, lakes, pond and tidal flats.
They’re considered the most widespread heron species in the world and can be found on every continent except antarctica and australia. Black-crowned night herons have a carnivorous diet consisting of mainly fish as well as terrestrial animals and insects. They live an average of 20 years. Their estimated global population is roughly 3 million with populations considered stable or increasing in many areas.
> They’re known as “still fisherman” as they stand motionless for long periods, waiting to ambush prey with a quick thrust of their bill.
> They tend to camouflage: their plumage, dark above and light below, helps them blend in with their surroundings, both on land and in the water.
> The oldest known Black-crowned Night Heron on record was a female who was at least 21 years and five months old.
Fun FacTs
Book shelf
Glorious Gardens – Private Edens of the World’s Leading Interior Designers
Reviewed by Carol Gardner
Dara Caponigro’s Glorious Gardens – Private Edens of the World’s Leading Interior Designers – is what we used to call a ‘coffee table book’. It’s large, heavy and full of gorgeous pictures of gardens in England, France, Scotland, Morocco, Mexico, Spain’s Balearic Islands and, particularly, the United States. Writing is kept to a minimum – one page on each interior designer featured. For those interested in interior design, it’s intriguing to compare what you know of the designers’ interior tastes with the style of their gardens.
The surprising thing, for me, was the preponderance of formality in the majority of their gardens – very controlled environments with the ubiquitous topiary, clipped boxwood hedges, oversized urns and a focus on substantial garden furniture; in many, a colourful plant was hard to find. I wondered if, as designers, these people had to bend to the will of their clients but, in their own gardens, they wanted to exert strict control?
The New York roof garden/terrace of Timothy Whealon is glamourous but dominated by massive furniture. In other words, some of these were gardeners’ gardens, but many seemed like interior design outdoors.
There are some happy exceptions. There was some whimsy – the handsome faux goats in the Atlanta garden of Nancy Braithwaite, the drama of Emma Burns’ Oxfordshire garden rooms, the terraced gardens of Veere Grenny in Morocco, the colourful perennials in the East Hampton garden of Charlotte Moss and the massive succulents, cacti and colourful flowers in the Mexican garden of Michelle Nussbaumer. The Long Island garden of Thomas O’Brien warmed my heart. The dedicated plantsman was inspired by Monet’s Giverny, and it shows. There were elements of cottage gardens as well as English and French gardens, woven together by someone who knows exactly what he is doing.
This would be a perfect book to give an interior design aficionado; they could spend weeks online comparing the interior designs of their favourites with the gardens in this book and come to their own psychological conclusions. Gardeners who prefer formality in their spaces would be intrigued as well, as would readers who want to imagine what they would do with unlimited space and money.
Gardeners who like messy, colourful and whimsical gardens might feel that they’re being served a meal without the requisite spices.
Published in the United States by Frederic Books and distributed by Monacelli, a Phaidon company in New York.
Four lush reads for garden inspiration
If you love trees and are interested in how the art world represents them, you will enjoy Tree: Exploring the Arboreal World by the Editors of Phaidon Publishing, the tenth title in Phaidon’s Explorer series.
Immediately upon receiving this book I was drawn to the contemporary and very colourful cover. It hints that something special is to be found within the pages. This is a book that celebrates the beauty and diversity of trees and our enduring relationship with them as we explore them through art, science, history and culture.
Curated by an international panel of botanists, naturalists, art historians and other experts, there are up to 300 full-page images of trees that span 3,500 years of arboreal history. The world’s continents and cultures are represented with images of giant sequoias, cherry blossoms, palms, poplars, ginkgoes and many other species found in the world’s forest biomes. Trees are depicted in various forms, from vintage book illustrations to contemporary photographs, landscape paintings and botanical drawings to ancient frescos.
This is a very special book (with a price to match at $84.95 CAN) and makes a wonderful gift or even a personal indulgence that is sure to take pride of place on anyone’s coffee table.
Accomplished botanical artists, or those just working on their craft, will be sure to find inspiration within these pages. Gardeners and nature lovers will appreciate how different artists interpret a variety of plants in so many ways. This is a large and impressive picture book worthy of any coffee table.
A Year in Bloom – Flowering Bulbs for Every Season by
Lucy Bellamy
Reviewed by Veronica sliva
An essential part of any gardener’s planting palette – from the first snowdrops of winter to the last crocus of autumn – bulbs offer endless opportunities for floral impact and experimentation.In A Year in Bloom, award-winning garden writer Lucy Bellamy, former editor of Garden Illustrated magazine, showcases a wide-ranging selection of more than 150 bulbs, each presented with informative text, expert planting advice and vibrant photography by Jason Ingram.
Divided into four seasonal chapters, this grower’s guide embraces familiar flowers such as tulips and daffodils alongside less common blooms like dog’s tooth violets, gladioli and autumn snowflakes. Readers will discover bulbs for borders, containers and grass plantings; bulbs to attract pollinators, for scent, for naturalized plantings and reliably perennial bulbs that will flower year after year, supporting sustainable gardening.
Extensively researched and beautifully designed, A Year in Bloom features contributions from some of the garden world’s most well-known names, including Dutch plants-
man Piet Oudolf, British garden designer Dan Pearson, and renowned US garden writer Margaret Roach.
Essentially written for British and American gardeners, the information on bulbs is certainly applicable for Canadian gardens with slight seasonal adjustments. An ideal reference for both new and more seasoned gardeners, A Year in Bloom is a perfect guide for choosing the best bulbs for use in your garden throughout the year. The book includes practical information such as recommendations on how many bulbs to plant, diseases to watch for, a comprehensive glossary and a list of different ways to use specific bulbs such as species tulips to attract pollinators, alliums for seedheads and various narcissus for scent. It also includes a list of bulb suppliers from France, the Netherlands, United Kingdom and the USA.
A Year in Bloom – Flowering Bulbs for Every Season by Lucy Bellamy. Phaidon.
TThe Rose Book
Reviewed by Veronica sliva
he Rose Book is another beautifully produced title from Phaidon Press. Within its pages, 220 images explore this most beloved flower with images featuring roses of every kind. The opening pages of the book introduce the rose with essays that explore its horticultural history, roses in fashion, as well as its scent in fragrance and perfume.
Roses are depicted in botanical illustrations, fine works of art and photography. Textiles are often embellished with roses and favoured by fashion designers including Christian Dior. The rose has also found a place in architecture. In China, for example, a rose pattern punctuates the steel
facade of the Beijing Rose Museum (2016), the world’s first museum dedicated to roses.
And of course, what garden would be without a rose or two or perhaps a whole garden dedicated to them? The book also includes a Glossary of Rose Types by Michael Marriott, one of the world’s leading rosarians. Keen gardeners will know that he was an integral part of Britain’s David Austin Roses and is famous for his rose garden designs. Marriott played an important role in the development of the world-famous English Roses. And if you are interested in Rose Gardens and Festivals you will find a listing of these events worldwide.
This is a large, heavy book, the kind that you can pick up and take in a page at a time or when you have more time that you can easily get lost in. Those who love roses, history and art will enjoy owning this book.
LAnguAge Of The ROSe A SecTIOn in the back of The Rose Book is devoted to The Language of the Rose. Roses are the flower of romance and often the subject of poems and prose related to love. Think of the Scottish poet, Robbie Burn’s famous poem A Red, Red Rose
O my Luve’s like a red, red rose, That’s newly sprung in June; O my Luve’s like the melodie That’s sweetly play’d in tune. As fair are thou, my bonnie lass, So deep in luve am I; And I will luve thee still, my Dear, Till a’ the seas gang dry. Till a’ the seas gang dry, my Dear, And the rocks melt wi’ the sun: I will luve thee still, my dear, While the sands o’ life shall run. And fare thee weel, my only Luve! And fare thee weel, a while! And I will come again, my Luve, Tho’ it were ten thousand mile!
celebrate summer with two fresh berry favourites
Simple Summer | Strawberry Salad |
(Or as I Call IT The TBG TrIples)
By Rosie AgRo Assistant Retail Manager
As the weAther gets warmer the last thing we want to do is slave over a stove but this summer salad is as simple to make as it is delicious to eat. It’s a crowd favourite, but what I like even more than the compliments is how quickly I can throw it together and get out of the kitchen to join my guests.
salad Ingredients
1 cup strawberries
3 cups microgreens
½ cup chopped walnuts and almonds
Dressing any sweet summer dressing will do but my favourite for summer salads is just as quick and easy. simply add to a blender:
½ cup strawberries
1 tbs balsamic vinegar
1 tbs maple syrup or honey
2 tbs olive oil
Dash of salt
I will sometimes add a dash of la sucrerie de Courval, Maple spice, a much loved sweet spice, to the dressing. Maple spice, as well as other la sucrerie de Courval products, are available at the TBG Garden shop.
Not only is this sweet summer salad great tasting: it’s good for you. Microgreens are an amazing source of nutrients and an easy edible plant to grow at home. My recommendation on the microgreen choice is UgroGreens, salad supreme, also available at the TBG Garden shop. The salad supreme home growing kit is a mix of Triton radish, broccoli and kale.
| Summer b erry pavlova r oll |
By Chef ilonA DAniel
Oh, hOw we are counting the days until the first berries of summer are here! Thanks to its versatility, this pavlova roulade with egg whites, Chantilly cream and summer berries is perfect for any occasion.
serves 4-6
Meringue roll Ingredients
2 tsp corn starch
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp white wine vinegar
6 large egg whites
1 cup sugar
Filling
1 cup whipping cream
2 packages whipping cream
stabilizer (optional)
¼ cup sugar
½ cup fresh raspberries or your favourite in-season berry
½ cup chopped dried strawberries Icing sugar for dusting
Method
line an 11"x16" jelly roll tray (swiss roll tin) with parchment paper. preheat the oven to 325F/160C. Mix the cornstarch, vanilla and vinegar together in a small bowl, until smooth; set aside.
Whisk the egg whites in a clean, dry bowl until stiff, and then whisk in a little sugar, and a little of the cornstarch paste, and continue adding until they are completely incorporated.
spoon the egg white mixture into the prepared tray and smooth out using an offset spatula. Bake for 25 minutes or until it is lightly golden. place a towel on the counter, topped with a sheet of parchment paper,
sprinkled with confectioner’s sugar and turn out the meringue onto the paper.
Next, peel away the lining paper and place a new piece of parchment paper on top, then roll the meringue, starting from the short side, using the towel as an aide; cool.
Whip the cream until stiff peaks form.
When the meringue is cool, unroll it, and remove the top paper; spread the whipped cream over the entire layer.
Top with dried strawberries and re-roll the dessert, placing the seam side down.
Dust generously with confectioner’s sugar. Move to a serving platter and use a serrated knife to cut into slices.
Top with additional whipping cream and sliced berries.
recipe
Photo and
courtesy of Harrowsmith magazine
Good Things Are Happening
Fleurs de Villes toronto botanical garden was thrilled to partner with Fleurs de Villes on their vibrant floral trail spanning the bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood over the mother’s day weekend. consisting of over 30 floral installations, the trail was bursting with colour and inspiration. toronto botanical garden sponsored a stunning floral mannequin created by sustainable designer, growing tkaronto. tbg also supported the ‘Jardin’ educational programming centre, providing demonstrations to help the public get their floral creativity flowing.
Outdoor Concerts Return
edwards Summer music Series is back this summer Thursdays, 7 to 9 p.m. from July 3 To AuGusT 21. Performers include:
◗ July 3 The Men of soul with Michael Dunston (R & amp; B) the men of Soul is the band that plays all your favourite Soul and r & amp; b songs that you remember and love from the 1970s into the 2010s. the groove is infectious, the energy is hypnotic and the music is unforgettable
◗ July 10 Kelly Bado (Afro-pop/ Roots) inspired by her african heritage, la chanson française (French ballad), and american gospel, Kelly bado creates music transcending cultural barriers. Fluent in French, Kelly’s striking vocals, uplifting melodies and commitment to advocacy have earned her significant recognition, including Francophone artist of the Year and global artist of the Year at the 2021 Western canadian music awards and the art and culture award at the 2024 black and Proud gala.
◗ July 17 The Ault (Vocal Jazz Trio) the Sisters are a dynamic vocal trio including amanda, alicia and alanna ault currently featured on Vision tV’s Your all time classic hi Parade. they have three albums. Sisters in Song reached #1 on itunes Jazz chart.
◗ July 24 Adis Rodriguez and Havana 1950s (
s alsa ) adis rodriques is lead singer of la borinquena orquestra. her own band adis r and havana 1950s is the largest latin band to perform at the rogers centre for the spring opening game between the new York Yankees and toronto blue Jays.
◗ July 31 JennaMarie ( lGBTQ) From toronto, Jennamarie is an independent r & amp; b and jazz artist who has attended with her jazz infused vocals and infectious pop melodies Pride toronto, Kensington Jazz Festival and td toronto Jazz Festival. my body treats me better has been featured on cbc radio.
◗ AuGusT 7 Raoul Bhaneja & amp; The Big Time (Big Band/swing) –raoul and the big time have been entertaining audiences around the country for over 27 years.
Performing their own brand of big time blues they have recorded and released five albums and performed at most major blues, jazz and folk festivals in the country.
T 14 Ballet at the Garden (in partnership with M) a celebration
of music and movement including classical musicians and dancers, with choreography by Peggy baker. hosted in partnership with Joy of music.
◗ AuGusT 21 The North s ound (Indigenous/Roots/Folk/Rock) the north Sound was formed in 2014 by lead singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Forrest eaglespeaker with his partner nevada Freistadt who composes and provides vocal harmonies. Keeping true to the traditions of Forrest’s heritage, the north Sound was created to share stories of Forrest’s blackfoot identity and traditions from treaty 7 territory. Forrest’s lyrics span across haunting metaphors from everyday experiences to personal realities.
Adis Rodriguez
The Ault Sisters
JennaMarie-Wade
Kelly Bado
Raoul and The Big Time Men of Soul
Plant s ale Breaks Attendance Records tbg experienced record attendance at the annual spring plant sale, welcoming over 8,000 visitors throughout the mother’s day weekend! it was a lively three days of community and plants. a heartfelt thank you to all staff, volunteers, performers and shoppers who made it a great success!
DanDeliOn Café nOw Open
The TBG is pleased to announce that Daniel et Daniel Catering and Events is the new operator of the café in the historic barn in the Edwards Gardens courtyard. A welcoming place with seasonal, locally sourced menus and eco-conscious practices, the Dandelion Café is open seasonally from spring to fall for drinks, snacks and lunch as well as during the Thursday evening Edwards Summer Music Series.
Save the Date
Members can cast their votes at TBG’s Annual General Meeting, from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25. Formal invitations with advance reading materials and a link to RSVP will follow via email in the coming weeks. Enjoy light refreshments, social time and activities. Meet our TBG team, board and fellow members.
Swing by for a croissant and coffee, relax on the patio with our lunch menu, and cool down on a hot day with icy treats.
Rooted in local goodness, we prioritize Ontario and Canadian-grown ingredients because fresh ingredients taste better and supporting local matters.
Pieces Puzzle
The California Poppy
Reviewed by Lila Yorke
The Illustrated Herbiary: California Poppy puzzle is from a series of illustrations by Kate O’Hara based on the book The Illustrated Herbiary by Maia Tolls which explores the magic, rituals and guidance garnered from the natural world. The poppy, which opens her petals in daylight and closes them at night, is rich in symbolism. You can sort out all the different colours and will then discover that many of the varied objects are the same colour. The challenge comes in
differentiating the similarly coloured and patterned tree branches and the poppies, for example. The four corners of the puzzle are virtually the same colours depicting the night sky. A diamond-shaped border frames an owl, sitting on a tree branch holding a bouquet of poppies with a crescent moon shape partially framing its head. The puzzle features intricate lines and lush colours. While only 750 pieces, it is as challenging as many 1,000-piece jigsaws. Finishing this unique puzzle provides a definite feeling of accomplishment.
Backpacker
Reviewed by Walter Sliva
Backpacker is the artwork of British Columbia artist, Kourtni Gunn. It depicts equipment needed on a backwoods camping adventure, including a campfire.
The theme reminds me of my childhood: simple and uncomplicated. Individual items are floating among stars on a night-time sky in a dreamlike fashion. The colours and isolation of the items make it far more difficult to complete the puzzle than one would expect, giving even the most demanding puzzler a challenge.
The puzzle is manufactured by Villager Puzzles, a Canadian puzzle maker based on Vancouver Island. The company was founded by Kelly, a working mom with three kids, in 2023. She sought a quiet activity for her evenings after the kids went to bed, and puzzles became her form of meditation. Kelly loved puzzles but didn’t find the kind she wanted so created her own company. Her goal was to create puzzles that fit together perfectly and use art that is beautiful, colourful and fun.
Villager Puzzles supports women artists from around the world who want to pursue their passion while making a living. You can find Villager Puzzles at the TBG Garden Shop.
BOAR d OF di RECTORS
Tony DiGiovanni, b oard Chair
Susan Grundy and Martin Ship, Vice Chairs Doris Chee, s ecretary; Claudia Alvarenga, treasurer; Gordon Ashworth, Past Chair
Barb Anie, Dianne Azzarello, Nicholas Brearton, Michele Chandler, Adeline
TORO n TO BOTA ni CAL GAR d E n i S A GAR d E n FOR ALL
Ben
Your support and engagement are essential in developing an inspired plant place, an engaging learning environment, and a dynamic community hub. We invite you to grow with us. mission
Toronto Botanical Garden connects people and plants, fostering sustainable communities and developing reciprocal relationships with nature through lifelong learning. V ision
Toronto Botanical Garden is a garden for all; a diverse community that recognizes the life-giving role of nature, working together for a more sustainable world.
DIRECTORY
CEO Stephanie Jutila sjutila@torontobotanicalgarden.ca
Trellis is published as a members’ newsletter by the toronto botanical garden at edwards gardens 777 lawrence avenue east, toronto, ontario, m3c 1P2, 416-397-1341
Trellis welcomes queries for story ideas, which should be submitted to the editor for consideration by the trellis committee at least four months in advance of publication dates.
Visitor Centre: Open daily, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Garden shoP: Open daily, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Weston Family library: Weekdays, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Weekends, 12 to 4 p.m.
dandelion CaFÉ: (located in the historic barn) is now open. ParkinG: $4.00 per hour. $8.00 on event days. TBG Members, FREE.
WESTOn FAMiLy LiBRARy 416-397-1343 librarydesk@torontobotanicalgarden.ca
777 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto Ontario M3C 1P2, Canada • 416-397-1341 fax: 416-397-1354 • info@torontobotanicalgarden.ca torontobotanicalgarden.ca • @TBG_Canada
By TTC
From Eglinton subway station take the 51, 54, 54A or 162 bus from Lawrence Subway Station to Lawrence Avenue East and Leslie Street. The TBG is on the southwest corner.
