Happy Holidays 2015

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An exclusive peek at Canada Blooms: The Flower & Garden Festival

Canada Blooms Plant Of The Year

Canada Blooms is pleased to announce that it has chosen the ‘Garvinea Sweet’ series of gerberas as its 2016 plant of the year.
Gerberas, the long time favourite houseplant and cut-flower for Canadians, are now available in the outdoors friendly ‘Garvinea Sweet’ series from Florist Holland, especially suited for outdoor use in both containers and the gardens.
The University of Guelph Trial Garden Program, during the 2014 and 2015 growing season, under the leadership of Rodger Tschanz has proven that the ‘Garvinea Sweets’ are hardy and a reliable performing plant in Spring, Summer and Fall.
You can get a head start on the gardening season by purchasing one of these beautiful ‘Garvinea Sweets’ at Canada Blooms in March 2016.
There will be a variety of colours available and a portion of proceeds will be donated to help fund research and the Trial Garden Program at the University of Guelph.
To find out more about the Garvinea don't miss presentations by Florist Holland on Friday, March 11 on the Hortus TV Garden Solutions Stage presented by Harrowsmith and Rodger Tschanz and Denis Flanagan on Saturday March 19 on the Unilock Celebrity Stage.
Click here to view the full plant of the year press release..

Feature Gardens

Royal Stone Landscaping Rendering

Discover the "Let's Party" Garden by Royal Stone Landscaping & Design and Aqua Spa Pools Landscape & Design at Canada Blooms.
Every landscape should be a truly special place. It should be able to define lifestyle while at the same time providing the utmost satisfaction and enjoyment.
You want to live in a place that looks and feels “livable,” a home that has a vacation feel, which creates the urge to go home so you can relax and feel comfortable in your very own getaway. A landscaped area is coz and, comfy with a good ambiance that creates for a better living

Royal Stone Landscaping/Aquapools

environment, also refreshing for the eyes, certainly giving a great feeling of being one with nature in your own home.
Royal Stone and AquaSpa Pools Landscape & Design will help your landscape achieve that sensation.
View the Royal Stone Landscaping "Let's Party" Garden Video.
For more information, or to look at the other feature gardens, check out our website. Keep checking back for more updates.

Tips From The Experts

Keeping Evergreen Decorations Ever Green!
The festive season is upon us, and many of us now to turn our thoughts to decorating our houses and even our businesses for the joyous season ahead. A very traditional and beautiful method of doing so is to adorn both the exterior and interior of our dwellings with freshly cut branches and boughs of evergreens. This practice originated in pre-Christian times as a way for the Pagans to mark the Winter Solstice and the increase in day light after the passing of the celebration. Pagans would cut evergreen trees and decorate them. Boughs of holly, laurel and other plants were also utilized in similar fashion. The observation that these plants remained green during the winter, was explained by them being in a sense, magical and symbolic of the return of life and rebirth in spring. Today, that tradition continues in many cultures and there is a diversity of evergreens and non-evergreens from all over the world to choose and decorate with.
If the point of keeping evergreens is to symbolize renewed life while beautifying our homes, then we must make it a priority to keep them green! Here are a few pointers that should help in keeping them looking better, longer:
• Firstly, while not possible under all circumstances, try to keep the evergreens out of direct sunlight.
• Use the ‘Stay Fresh’ type preservatives that are recommended for Christmas trees or the preservatives that come with fresh cut flowers.
• Mist your greens as often as possible. At the least, once a day misting with water from a spray bottle to the point that small water droplets form on the foliage. The sunnier and windier, the more frequently this should be done.
• Use an anti-desiccant spray such as ‘Wilt-Pruf’. Here at Humber Nurseries LTD, we have had great success using this product on all our greens once they are unpacked and on display.
• If lights are used in any arrangement, use LEDs over incandescent bulbs.
• Lastly, use a floral foam to arrange the material in.
Most importantly, have fun and all the best over the holidays and for the year ahead!
— Shawn Patille, Senior Horticulturist, Humber Nurseries Ltd.
For full details on Keeping Evergreen Decoration Ever Green click Here
For more tips don't forget to drop by the Humber Nurseries booth at Canada Blooms in March.

Shower Of Flowers

I'm Ready For My Selfie
The Toronto Flower Show at Canada Blooms is excited to offer festival-goers an opportunity to step inside floral aritist Gregor Lersch's "Shower of Flowers” to create a unique selfie experience.
Gregor Lersch is a respected and well-traveled floral artist from Germany. In October he gave demonstrations and workshops at both Garden Clubs of Ontario and the Garden Club of Toronto. His designs were dazzling, innovative, and beautiful, and offered a different style of design, with a true European feeling. Gregor travels the world demonstrating his style. In the past year he's been to Japan, Russia, the U.S, Australia and England. He also offers workshops closer to his European home.
Follow the Toronto Flower Show on twitter.

Highway Of Heroes Tribute

When is a tree more than a tree?
When is it's value more than the sum of it's parts?
A tree stores carbon, produces oxygen, filters toxins out of rain water and provides a nice place to throw a blanket for a picnic. The answer is that a tree is more than a tree when it is a living tribute. More precisely, when it is a living tribute to our war dead.
The newly hatched 'Highway of Heroes Living Tribute' campaign endeavours to be just that: an ambitious plan to plant over 117,000 trees on the Highway of Heroes, between CFB Trenton, along the 401 to the Keele Street interchange where the coroner's office is located. This is the route that every repatriated body takes after it arrives here from abroad (most recently from Afghanistan).
The Living Tribute is an acknowledgement of the ultimate sacrifice that over 117,000 people have made since Confederation in 1867.

HOW CAN I HELP?
1. Spread the word by signing up for HOH newsletter and forwarding it to people who could be interested in the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute and encourage them to sign up for this newsletter. Go to www.hohtribute.ca to sign up.
2. Donate! ALL money that is donated will be directed into tree planting and maintenance. Administration costs have been 'prepaid' by an anonymous donor. Encourage friends and family to donate also! All donations over $25 are eligible for a tax receipt through The Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation.

Professional Florist Profile

Floral Workshop

The Canadian Institute of Floral Design has applied excellence as their standard for each of their career oriented educational programs. Established in 1988 and "Registered as a private career college under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005" in Ontario, CIFD has a proven successful track record, having trained over 3000 Professional florists. "Approved as a vocational program under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005" CIFD has been acknowledged by foremost floral suppliers as well as professional retail florists as the leading educational provider in Canada today.
Each of the Canadian Institute of Floral Design’s instructors,

Canadian Institute of Floral Design

directors, board and faculty has a minimum of 20 years of floral shop practices and design experience and make themselves available to CIFD students. The three week (105 hour) intensive foundational program has seen many students come from all corners of the globe.
You won't want to miss Canadian Institute of Floral Design's artistic display based on the Theme: Life is a Celebration at Canada Blooms 2016.

Out And About

Toronto Botanical Garden

TORONTO BOTANICAL GARDEN’S ANNUAL AFTERNOON TEA AND TOUR OF THE VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS FLOWER SHOW AT ALLAN GARDENS CONSERVATORY
Welcome the holiday season amidst a backdrop of Victorian-era carollers and enjoy an afternoon tea while being treated to a talk on the floral collection by the Superintendent of Allan Gardens, Curtis Evoy. You will then have the opportunity to tour the conservatory at your leisure; decorated and filled with thousands of flowering plants, 30 varieties of poinsettias along with a selection of colder-weather flowers and plants such as azaleas and cyclamen. The display is highlighted with several topiary masterpieces inspired by the holiday season and created entirely of plant material. This annual show was recognized as the “Garden Event of the Year” at the 2015 Canadian Garden Tourism Awards.
Allan Gardens Conservatory
19 Horticultural Avenue (Jarvis Street/Carlton Street).
Monday, December 14, 2015
First seating: noon to 2 p.m., Second seating: 3 to 5 p.m.
Members $45 | Guests $50
For more information visit the TBG website

Master Gardeners of Ontario

Come Grow With Us!
Canadian garden enthusiasts are invited to the Canadian Master Gardener Conference, April 8 - 10, 2016, at the Deerhurst Resort, Huntsville, Ontario. Mingle and learn with garden experts, landscape professionals, horticultural educators and other keen home gardeners. Pre-conference workshops, plenary presentations and dozens of educational breakout sessions will address and provoke discussion about the idea of “doing the right thing” when gardening. There is a full social program also.
Register now; space is limited. Registration form and more details at http://www.conference.mgoi.ca

Holiday Gift-Giving Package at the InterContinental

It is the season of gift-giving at the InterContinental Toronto Centre!
Book our special holiday package for two and enjoy hotel accommodations in the heart of downtown Toronto. Begin your festive shopping or gifting with your prepaid credit card, gift wrapping tool kit and so much more. In the spirit of the season, the hotel will also donate a portion of your stay to SickKids Foundation. Save up to $100 per night!

"Holiday Gift-Giving Package" for two includes:
* Overnight accommodation
* Buffet breakfast at Azure Restaurant & Bar
* $25 prepaid credit card
* Gift wrapping tool kit
* Standard WIFI internet access
* Early check-in and late check-out
* Complimentary upgrade upon check-in
* InterContinental Toronto Centre is a a proud supporter of SickKids Foundation and will donate $20 per night from your stay.
Rates starts at $259 per night*
For reservations call 1-800-422-7969 or book online.
Terms & Conditions:
* Subject to applicable taxes.
* Subject to availability from November 1, 2015 to December 30, 2015.
* Early check-in, late check-out and complimentary upgrade are subject to availability

Special Offers

Canada Blooms 2-1 Ticket Offer

Canada Blooms would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone
a very Merry Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!

Are you looking for a great Holiday Gift?
Give that special someone Canada Blooms Festival Tickets.
Regular Admission tickets are available online,
at the Canada Blooms Head Office,
the shopTBG at the Toronto Botanical Garden and Humber Nurseries.
...and they make great Stocking Stuffers.

As a special thank you to all our supporters, exhibitors and volunteers
we invite you to take advantage of our 2-for-1 holiday special!
Now until December 31st you can purchase up to
4 Adult Admission tickets (2 x 2-for-1) for 50% off.
(Note Children 12 and under are FREE).
Use the ticket link and enter Promo Code: HOLLY.
Thanks to all the sponsors, speakers, exhibitors and volunteers
who make Canada Blooms the most wonderful gardening experience of the spring.
We appreciate all your support!

GTA Home & Reno Show

Looking for great advice on your next renovation project?
With 300+ exhibitors the GTA Home and Reno Show Feb. 12-15, 2016 has so much to offer! Inspiration, hands-on workshops and expert tips from celebrity pros. You’ll leave confident and ready to tackle any reno tasks! For more information and to get tickets visit gtahomeandrenoshow.com.
Canada Blooms exclusive ticket offer. Use promo code “BLOOMS” and receive 2 adult tickets to the GTA Home and Reno show for the price of 1 regular priced adult. Want more great deals like this? Sign up for our newsletter and visit our blog at www.torontohomeshows.com to receive exclusive offers from Toronto Home Show and the newest trends, inspiration and DIY tips you need to make your space yours.

Volunteers Wanted

Canada Blooms has flowered into one of the top three shows of its kind in North America
thanks to the determination and enthusiasm of our volunteers.
To make the festival better than ever we need your help and expertise.
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 of the day 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.

Contests

Enter to win a copy of Signe Langford's new book
Today’s renaissance of the backyard flock is driven by a growing desire for healthy organic ingredients, food security and animal welfare—and while hunger might be “the best sauce,” a dash of self-sufficiency is remarkably satisfying too. As communities from Victoria to St. John’s amend urban bylaws to allow backyard flocks, more and more Canadians are enjoying the pleasures and rewards of keeping hens in the garden.
In addition to tending her family’s flock as a child, Signe Langford has kept chickens in her urban Toronto yard for almost a decade. Her book is stuffed full of practical advice on keeping the garden both gorgeous and productive and hens happy and healthy. Signe answers questions about coop construction, year-round egg production and whether or not a rooster is really needed, and she also covers the best breeds for backyards — from the Canadian winter-tough Chantecler to peewee bantams to blue-egg producing Ameraucana. — Happy Hens & Fresh Eggs: Keeping Chickens in the Kitchen Garden – with 100 Recipes (Douglas & McIntyre)

Don't miss Signe at Canada Blooms on Thursday March 17 at the Hortus TV Garden Solutions Stage presented by Harrowsmith.
For more on Signe's book click here.
Enter Contest Here

Congratulations to
Cheryl Turner of Calgary, AB
Winner of Canada Blooms
Garden Centre Contest

Cheryl is the winner of the Grand Prize package which included
3 Nights Accommodation at the
InterContinental Toronto Centre
VIA Rail Train Return Transportation
for 2 to Toronto and
Daily Passes to Canada Blooms

The InterContinenal Toronto Centre is offering a special Canada Blooms rate, during the festival,
of $120 per single/double. Book today!

For more contests and special offers check out our contest page regularly.

From Our Readers

These beautiful pictures have us thinking of Spring already.
Thanks Tara Moore from Shad Bay, Nova Scotia

Tara Moore Photos

Tara Moore Photos

Bus Tours

Looking for a bus tour coming to Canada Blooms in your area?
Visit our website for a list of tour groups.
Remember to keep checking back for more updates.

If you have an upcoming garden related event that is of interest to our readers, let us know at news@canadablooms.com and we might include it in upcoming issues of our newsletter.

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Canada Blooms was founded by the Garden Club of Toronto and Landscape Ontario

Garden Club of Toronto

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