 In keeping with our "WILD!" theme, Canada Blooms is excited to announce that the 2014 official flower is . . . a bouquet of wildflowers. This stunning bouquet was created and arranged by eco|stems and Floral Fetish from flowers found at the Toronto Botanical Garden.
Wildflowers are native plants that have not been cultivated or modified by artificial selection and they are important to help maintain a healthy eco-system. Wildflowers are naturally vibrant and attract beneficial insects to your garden, which in turn help pollinate our plants. To the local gardener, wildflowers can be very useful not just as attractors to pollinators, but also in design of areas of the garden that are difficult to cultivate because they adapt to fit difficult situations.
For more information on wildflowers, please contact the North American Native Plant Society.
Photograph: Bexography |
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On a recent trip to Ireland I discovered that the emerald isle has many jewels when it comes to the world of plants.
The journey actually began last March at Canada Blooms where we had a discussion with the wonderful folks from Tourism Ireland whilst admiring the marvellous display garden created by a Landscape Ontario member Parklane Nurseries, the garden inspired me to want to re-visit Ireland and tour the wonderfully diverse gardens, so indeed this Autumn that’s exactly what I was able to do thanks to an invitation from my good friend Mark Cullen who had been asked to tape a series for CTV , the two of us had a great time visiting stately homes and private gardens, whilst Mark was busy taping the segments, I had a chance to wander of the beaten path and discover some wonderful plants, some of my favourites included..
For tree lovers there are some historical arboretums in many parts of Ireland, I was fascinated by the stately Dawn Redwoods (Metesaquoia) at Powerscourt Estate in County Wicklow, one specimen was over150 yrs old the largest in Ireland, moving on to County Cork we visited Fota House and Gardens where its worth taking time to stroll through the tree collection, a great example of the work of the early plant explorers such as William Lobb and Robert Fortune, it was a photographers dream being surrounded by mature Chilean Flame Trees (Embothrium) Californian nutmegs (Torreya) and Handkerchief trees (Davidia) to name a few.
And of course it was apple harvesting time in most counties, it was nice to see a genuine interest in rediscovering heritage varieties with tantalizing names such as 'Irish Peach', Widows Friend and 'Bloody Butcher'. We did our part for the local economy and sampled a few pies and glasses of cider, the highlight was being able to sample a delicious dessert at the world renowned cookery school at Ballymaloe.
Back in Dublin we were fortunate to visit one of Irelands famous gardeners Helen Dillon, whilst Mark was busy interviewing Helen for CTV, I got to walk every corner of this delightful city garden, which includes arbours, sculptures, secluded seating areas and an aviary. And of course a marvellous collection of plant material, a question that is difficult for many gardeners is to choose their favourite plants, for 2013 Helen highlighted a few which included: Kniphofia 'Erecta' an interesting and rare form of the Red Hot Poker plant, Rosa 'Bengal Crimson' a single flower variety that flowers four times a year growing on a sunny wall, and Woodwardia unigemmata a terrific large fern with beautiful coral red new fronds.
For more information about the Gardens of Ireland I would suggest 3 things. Firstly, view the Tourism Ireland website (www.Ireland.com) and plan a trip. Secondly, go to markcullen.com and click on the ctv link to see the series. And thirdly, visit Canada Blooms in March 2014 where Mark and I will be giving a special presentation on The Gardens of Ireland… see you there
Denis Flanagan |
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 Thursday, November 21, 2013 at 6 p.m.
The Toronto Botanical Garden will be celebrating three extraordinary individuals whose work has inspired and moved us to connect with nature and to appreciate both its immense power and surprising vulnerability. Edward Burtynsky’s images of scarred landscapes, Janet Rosenberg’s elegant and refined garden spaces, and Scott McIvor’s insights into the life and struggles of bees draw us into the natural world and invite us to protect, celebrate, and re-discover it.
Master of Ceremonies, Celebrity Chef Christine Cushing
Honorary Chairs, Charles Pachter, OC and Sandy Stagg.
Tickets $125 each (includes a cocktail reception)
See more at: http://torontobotanicalgarden.ca/asterawards |
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 The Floral Design committee of the Garden Club of Toronto is excited to have Paola Zattera, a renowned International Designer from Italy, who will give a presentation at the Garden Club general meeting on October 24th, 2013.
Paola is a member of the I.I.D.F.A. (Istituto Italiano per la Decorazione Floreal per Amatori). She has directed many international shows and was one of the collaborators who created designs in both the floral design books “Linee, Fiori Strutture” and more recently the I.I.D.F.A. book “Il Colore nell'arte dei fiori”. Paola is a dynamic teacher and has been invited to many countries to give demonstrations and workshops in modern,  abstract and free modern design. Paola is the recipient of many prestigious awards.
Photo of Paola Zattera's Design |
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Congratulations:
Winner of the 4 General Admission tickets to the Fall Home Show
Carole Melnick, Elma NY
Winners of the second prize of 2 General Admission tickets to the Fall Home Show
Alexandra Wesson, Thornhill ON
Cindy Plourde, Barrie ON
Linda Boyko, Toronto ON
The Toronto Fall Home Show is the ultimate authority on all things design, entertaining and home improvement. Everything you wanted to know about renovating, designing or styling your home is there. See hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest home products.
If you didn't win you can still save $4 (off general adult admission, $1 off the online admission) when you purchase online using promo: BLOOMS |
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Now Open All-Year Round
Organic farmers, local produce, bread, meat, cheese, honey, prepared food, and more!
Thursdays, 3 to 7 p.m.
Beginning October 17, 2 to 6 p.m.
(The market will move indoors during the winter months)
See more at: http://torontobotanicalgarden.ca/organicmarket |
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LOOK THROUGH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS AND PICK A WINNER!
On The Wild Side
