Celebrating Nursery Plants in Ontario

The Nursery Plants of Ontario Showcase at Canada Blooms will be a wonderful celebration of what Nursery Growers provide to the industry. Designer Sabrina Goettler tells us “this special feature will showcase the incredible craft of the Nursery Growers in Ontario. The plants produced by this group shape the world that surrounds us. Not many industries can say that their products literally interact with, or are seen by the majority of our population every single day. It would be difficult to embark on ones daily travels without passing a plant; most of which were grown by this hardworking and dedicated group.

When used in landscapes, nursery plants represent the colour, form and organic architecture of our world.  They create the colour and structure that allow our gardens and landscape to transcend beyond the paper of a plan – moods are lifted, days are brightened, spirits and souls can be engaged – all through the diverse plantings that are grown and used in public and private spaces throughout our environment.”

Drop by the Nursery Plants of Ontario Showcase and speak to a professional about what plants would be best for your next landscape project and where you can find them.

Toronto Flower Show & Competition

St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School
Dig in the Dirt!

St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School students received first-hand experience at planting spring bulbs. On November 7th, 42 energetic students from across grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 came to the Landscape Ontario site at Milton to plant 6,650 spring bulbs generously donated by Van Hof and Blokker, Tradewinds, Mark Cullen and Landscape Ontario members.

The most of the bulbs were tulips along with some daffodils, alliums and bee/butterfly mix. The bee/butterfly mix will be food source for the bees from hives located on the grounds.

Beautiful weather made for a great day for the students to dig in the earth and apply gardening skills of proper depth and orientation of bulbs in the ground. The students are looking forward returning in the spring to see the colours of their work!

A Tree for Every Fallen Hero
One-Year Anniversary

A Tree for Every Fallen Hero: 1 Year Anniversary of Highway of Heroes Living Tribute
The Highway of Heroes Living Tribute, a large-scale planting program, continues its goal to honour Canada’s fallen by planting 117,000 trees, one for each of Canada’s fallen since Confederation, along and near the Highway of Heroes, also known as Highway 401, between Trenton and Toronto.

“The Living Tribute reminds those who travel along the highway of the great debt we owe these courageous Canadians,” says Mark Cullen, Board Chair of The Highway of Heroes Living Tribute. “With 3,000 trees planted on the highway so far, this initiative will also provide a myriad of environmental benefits for generations to come.”

To celebrate its one-year anniversary, The Highway of Heroes Living Tribute held three planting events in Toronto, Cobourg and Trenton on Friday, November 4, 2016. Canadians of all ages came together in an effort to continue this living memorial for the many Canadians who have given their lives.

“We are so proud to mark the one-year anniversary of the first trees planted as part of our campaign,” adds Mark. “We ask members of our communities to come together and help in any way they can. There is a lot more work ahead of us if we are to hit our goals.”

Are you looking for a great Christmas Gift?
Become a Champion by making a $150 donation to buy a “Hero Tree,” one of the 117,000 that will be planted along the Highway of Heroes AND you will receive a “#150Tree Kit” that includes a small ‘#150Tree’, a HOHLT t-shirt and an official certificate to commemorate your gift to Canada. Certificates and your t-shirt will be delivered shortly after your donation and your ‘#150Tree’ will arrive in the spring, for you to plant in the location that means the most to you! Get started by donating today. For more information on The Highway of Heroes Living Tribute visit HOHTribute.com. 

Holiday Decorating Ideas
From Opening Night Flowers
By Nicholas Smith

Keep Your Snow Thrower Winter Ready

As much as we try to prepare our equipment to take on winter’s worst, some of us are left with costly repairs and barely cleaned driveways as a result of misusing our snow throwers. Keep your snow thrower winter ready by following these top 5 tips and tricks.

#1: Read your owner's manual
You should always read your owner's manual before operating equipment. This will explain how your snow thrower works, as well as help to resolve common equipment issues like a clogged chute. In such instances, always shut off the engine and remain behind the handles until all moving parts have stopped before unclogging. You should never use your hands to clear a clogged chute assembly. Instead, use the chute clean-out tool that is conveniently fastened to the rear of the auger housing with a mounting clip. Troy-Bilt snow throwers even have polymer, clog-resistant chutes to prevent clogs or backup in the chute.

#2: Always use Treated Fuel
Stale fuel is the number one cause of hard starting in small engines.  Today’s fuels break down rapidly, decreasing their ability to ignite.  Use of fuel that contains more that 10% ethanol, such as E15 (15% alcohol), is not recommended. Leaving fuel in the fuel tank of your snow thrower will clog the carburetor over time. To prevent this from happening, add fuel stabilizer or treatment to every tank full of fresh gas. 

#3: Check Engine Oil Before Each Use
Always check the oil level before each use on an even surface prior to operating your equipment. Running the engine with insufficient oil can cause serious engine damage and void the engine warranty. Do not overfill the engine as this will cause smoking of the engine and a hard start.

#4: Brush Off Any Snow, Slush or Salt When You Are Finished
After each use, remove the excess snow and slush behind the augers before it freezes. First, engage the augers for at least 30 seconds to ensure no snow is trapped behind the fan. Then shut it off. Don’t forget to remove any excess salt buildup to reduce the chance of your snow thrower rusting over time.

Troy-Bilt is a proud to announce its sponsorship of Canada Blooms 2017. Don't forget to visit our booth in the Garden Hall at this year's festival.

Marketplace Profile
Humber Nurseries: "Ask The Experts"

With the success of the ‘Ask the Garden Expert' booth in 2016 Humber Nurseries Ltd is expanding its exposure with a larger booth, increased number of experts and topics for 2017.

They will have experts at various times throughout the show to answer questions on the following: Landscaping, Horticulture, Pollination, Natural Insect Control, Plant Growth Supplements, Water Gardening, Spring & Fall Bulbs, Garden Maintenance Aftercare and more.

Please visit booth #H147 for your Free Custom Landscape Design. We just need photos and dimensions of the area to be landscaped and we will complete a drawing, with your input, at an appointed time which can be booked at the Humber Nurseries Ltd booth.

Humber Nurseries, a family owned business, is one of the premier garden centres in Ontario. With approximately 70 greenhouses and a 100-acre farm in Caledon, they offer a true one-stop shopping experience with an outstanding plant selection, from small perennials to mature wire basket trees all in one location. Architects know them for their variety and quality. Landscapers use them as a "One-Stop"™ shop. Humber Landscaping also provides award-winning design and landscape installation services. Visit their website, for lots of free gardening advice. Free Green Thumb Garden Guides are also available in store and online.

Small Space Garden Designs

Maximizing a minimum amount of outdoor space is always a challenge. Close urban quarters mean that we have limited room to grow but that doesn't mean we have to be limited in our creativity when it comes to making that balcony, rooftop, courtyard and small backyard an oasis in the concrete jungle.

Canada Blooms and Oaks Pavers/Brampton Brick are pleased to announce the return of Do Up the Doorsteps, our small space design showcase featuring front yard gardens from, Ida Landscape Design, Greer Design, Melanie Rekola Landscape, Down2Earth and ExperTrees. The Showcase will now be expanded to include four backyard gardens displays from Jackson Pond, Ginkgo Design, Green Art Landscape Design and Garden Retreats.

Come see the design talents that are essential for these gardens as you enjoy a colourful and comfortable use of small space. Once such garden is Teri-lyn Greers' "1867", that takes you back to the time of Canada's birth.

SPECIAL OFFERS

GTA Home & Reno Show

Be an early bird & save!
Toronto Home Shows is offering a 2-for-1 early bird discount* from now until Dec. 26 for the GTA Home & Reno Show. Enter promotional code “EARLYBIRD” in check-out to save.

GTA Home & Reno Show Feb. 17 - 20, 2017
Of course you can! Visit the GTA Home & Reno Show to get all the advice and inspiration you need to tackle any upcoming home renovation project. Use the link below to get your 2-for-1 tickets.*
*Discount is valid on adult admission only. Discount ends Dec. 26, 2016.

Exclusive For Subscribers

Stellar Volunteers

Canada Blooms would like to recognize Wanda Perini
Wanda has been volunteering at Canada Blooms since 2009 and finds volunteering very enjoyable and gratifying, meeting and helping people with their questions. She loves selling ice cream every year with all the different flavors.

Wanda tells us "Canada Blooms is a learning process in which you get to know how to take care of different varieties of plants and flowers as well as great gardening tips. I hope Canada Blooms continues for many years to come. It is a Great Show!"

Canada Blooms needs the help of volunteers like Wanda and volunteers like you!
Come, join us for a Gardener’s Getaway! Work a little, play a little and share in the excitement. If you volunteered last year, invite a friend or two to join you.

This is a great opportunity for students who need to complete community service hours or for people just looking to do something for a great worthwhile cause (promoting gardening and horticulture).

As our thank you to you every volunteer will receive a ticket to the festival (Canada Blooms/Home Show) and a plant courtesy of pickOntario.

Visit our website and sign up today!
If you have any questions please contact Volunteer Coordinator: Martha Walsh at volunteers@canadablooms.com or call the main office 416-447-8655 x 7721
Come volunteer, Canada Blooms needs you to flourish.
Please note that both the TTC and GO Train have stops near the Enercare Centre,
also from Monday – Friday Parking will be FREE after 4:00 pm.

Toronto Botanical Garden
Nature Walk

Enjoy a guided stroll through the gardens and ravine, looking for forest animals and feeding hungry chickadees. Then enjoy nature-based crafts, warm cocoa and winter-themed stories in TBG's cozy classroom.
Sunday, December 11, 1 to 3 p.m.
[TG16EHNW] Family*: TBG Members $20, Public $30
Individuals: TBG Members $5, Public $10

*The family price covers a group of four people with a maximum of two adults.

Tickets & Tours

Are you looking for a bus tour coming to Canada Blooms?
Visit our Bus Tour listing page for a full listing.

Are you looking for tickets to Canada Blooms?
Tickets can be purchased in advance, online or at a number of outlets, please visit our ticket page for a list of outlets. Tickets can also be purchased at the door once the festival has begun. Remember to check back for updates to each list.