The Vapur® the “original” foldable water bottle is the most portable, reusable water bottle on the planet designed to keep you healthy and hydrated while giving waste the boot. The patented flexible design will make you rethink the way you drink.

Great for you and the planet, it stands upright when full and rolls, folds or flattens when empty.  Made in the U.S.A., it features a sport cap, durable 3-ply construction, antimicrobial lining, is dishwasher safe, freezable, reusable, attachable, identifiable and BPA free. Now there’s a mouthful!

Choose from blue, green or pink for $10.99 and kids design-your-own for $14.99

shopTBG hours are: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week. Extended shop hours on Thursdays until 7 p.m. from May 16 to October 3 for the Farmers Market and for Terrific Thursdays until 9 p. m.

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Thanks to everyone who came out to help set up and support this year’s plant sale. I am pleased; no I am thrilled to report that WE did it! We exceeded our sales target. A tremendous thank you to all! This year, you came to the sale from far and wide (Niagara, Oshawa , Guelph , Mississauga , Brampton , Burlington , Oakville to name just a few cities). Many of you commented that although your gardens are getting full, you came out just to look at the offerings.  I am delighted that we were able to tempt you with some older and proven favourite plant choices and a few new exciting introductions, too!

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Tickets: $125 each

Call for tickets at 416-397-1483

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS ONLINE TODAY

Wondering what to wear or what to expect? Check out last year’s event.
Video courtesy of Mark Disero, gardentoronto.ca

VIDEO: Woman To Woman 2012

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Paeonia ostii ‘Feng Dan Bai’ (Chinese tree peony) in flower in the Way Finding Bed.  I expect the peonies to be in full glory over the next few weeks – a short but spectacular show- & just in time for our Woman 2 Woman garden party next Thurs May 30.  If you haven’t already, check out our website for details.

Admittedly, we are not known for our rhodos, but this May many look quite good.  Rhododendron ‘Kathleen’ (Cultivar of deciduous azalea) is lighting up the Garden Hall Courtyard bank.

Many ornamental onion buds are swelling ready to explode.  In the Perennial Border Allium hollandicum ‘Purple Sensation’ (Dutch garlic, ornamental onion) displays its rich purple colour – mixes well with anything!

Another fine flowering bulb native to western North America, Camassia leichtlinii (camass) in the Nature Garden and throughout the gardens.

Aquilegia canadensis (columbine) a popular native, self-seeds readily, has made its way from the Nature Garden to the Perennial Border.

There are a few perennials that never leave my top-10 (who says my top-10 can only have 10?) and Amsonia is one of those.  We have a collection of amsonias commonly referred to as blue star for the clusters of fabulous blue star-flowers each is known for.  In the Perennial Border, Amsonia ‘Seaford Skies’ (Blue star) is a few paces away from Amsonia orientalis (Eastern blue star) – can you tell the difference?

My spring-flowering bag would not be complete without bleeding hearts.  In the Garden Hall Courtyard Dicentra spectabilis ‘Alba’, now known as Lamprocapnos spectabilis ‘Alba’ (white bleeding heart) flowers along with the old fashioned pink.

Our Cercis collection is still going strong!  In the Garden Hall Courtyard, Cercis canadensis ‘Covey” (Weeping eastern redbud) gets rave reviews, but tucked in behind you will also find Cercis canadensis ‘Alba’ (White eastern redbud), and …

…  Cercis chinensis ‘Don Egolf’ (Chinese redbud) has tight clusters of the deep pink flowers along its branches.  

Many irises are in full flower as well.  Seen here Iris ‘Double Your Fun’ (Intermediate bearded iris) and in the background the leaves of Iris pallida ‘Aurea Variegata’ (sweet iris, variegated bearded iris).  The intermediate irises are shorter than the typical tall bearded irises, and this cultivar will often repeat bloom later in the summer.

Now you see why I suggest what isn’t in bloom?  The list goes on and on!  Another mentionable, and a top-10 for me, are the Solomon Seal’s.  Here, Polygonatum x hybridum ‘Weihenstephan’ in the Demonstration Courtyard with many of the TBG’s collection, stands up to three feet with gorgeous white bells trimmed in green.  Next week I’ll feature the bulk of the Solomon Seal collection along with almost-everything-else in bloom.

The post What’s in Bloom? appeared first on Toronto Botanical Garden.

One of the most popular reference questions we receive at the Weston Family Library has to do with identifying, treating and preventing pests and diseases in the garden. These problems can leave even the novice gardener stumped.

Reliable information is hard to find, so we’ve helped to make it a bit easier. Here are some of the library’s most helpful resource books describing plant pests and diseases, and how to control them. Annotations are provided by Weston Family Library volunteer and Master Gardener, Jean Gardiner.

Plant Problems: Prevention and Control by Stefan Buczacki, Devon & Charles: 2000.
Call number: 632 B78 (Main collection)
This authoritative and practical reference book is written by a gardener and scientist. Part one tells how plants work; what they need to survive, when they are at their most vulnerable; and provides numerous gardening tips to help eradicate problems. Part two describes how to conquer existing problems with a variety of organic methods − feeding, relocating, mulching, methods of protection, as well as the traditional approach of fungicides and pesticides. A quick reference section offers instant plant and problem identification. Well illustrated with coloured photographs, this is a book for those who are curious about the principles of plant physiology. Overall, Plant Problems is a fascinating read.

What’s Wrong with My Plant? Expert Information at Your Fingertips by Steven Bradley London: Octopus Books, 2003.
Call number: 632 B66 (Main collection)
Accurate identification is the key to success in dealing with plant pests and diseases. Descriptions of plant pests, diseases and disorders as well as chemical, organic and biological treatments are well illustrated with full colour photographs. The ten most common plant pests, diseases and disorders plus specific problems of leaves, flowers, fruits, stems, roots, the whole plant, seeds and seedlings are followed by checklists and troubleshooting identification tips.

The Organic Gardener’s Handbook of Natural Insect and Disease Control: A Complete Problem-solving Guide to Keeping Your Garden and Yard Healthy Without Chemicals by Barbara W. Ellis and Fern Marshall Bradley, editors, Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, 1992.
Call number: 632 O68 (Main collection)
More than 200 vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, trees and shrubs are covered in this easy-to-use problem-solving encyclopedia. It contains complete directions on how, when and where to use preventive methods, insect traps and barriers, biocontrols, homemade remedies, botanical insecticides and more. Over 360 colour photographs provide quick identification of insect pests, beneficial insects and plant diseases.

Natural Insect Control: The Ecological Gardener’s Guide to Foiling Pests by Warren Schultz, Brooklyn, NY: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1994.
Call number: 632 N13 (Main collection)
This encyclopedia of pests includes a description of each insect and the various forms in its life cycle and is well illustrated with large full-colour drawings. Natural controls only are covered, including growing tips, row covers and other physical controls, natural predators and natural pesticides.

Field Guide to Tree Diseases of Ontario by C. N. Davis and T. R. Meyer, Sault Ste. Marie, ON: Natural Resources Canada, 2004.
Call number: 632 D136 (Main collection)
Intended for use in the field to identify approximately 150 tree diseases, this guide is designed to assist in assessing pest problems and their potential damage. Causal agents of tree diseases are grouped into: rusts, decays, wilts, cankers, needle casts and anthracnose/leaf spots. Diseases are listed as: of Leaves and Needles; Stems and Branches; Roots; Cones; and Damage caused by Abiotic Agents. Each disease has an accompanying page of full-colour photographs of the damage.

Happy reading, and may your plants be pest- and disease-free!

Zachary Osborne, Head Librarian

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But it’s idyllic all the same. Known locally as the “The Flower Island,” this 45-hectare island is one enormous garden filled with glorious blooms year-round…a true paradise for garden lovers. Plants are in bloom from March through October: snowdrops and crocus in early spring; tulips, azaleas, peonies, rhododendron and narcissus in early summer; hydrangeas and roses in mid-summer; and late-blooming perennials and dahlias in the fall.

When we visited in August the perennial borders were at their peak. Gorgeous groupings of tall ornamental grasses proved to be perfect companions for the swaths of deep red heleniums and bright gold rudbeckias that spilled onto the walkways.

The typical rusty reds and golden yellow colours of autumn were beginning to dominate the landscape, but there were still plenty of late summer bloomers in my favourite colour palette of pink and purple. I adore the fetching, feminine combination of purple Verbena bonariensis (an annual); fuchsia coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) and dusty-rose Joe-pye weed (Eupatorium spp.). The plants were a magnet for dozens of busy, nectar-seeking butterflies.

We were a little taken aback when we looked up to the terraces above us to see grazing sheep. It seems that they were being put to good use as four-legged lawn mowers!

Perhaps the most unique feature on the island is the Italian Flower and Water Staircase, where water rushes and tumbles down Italian Renaissance-inspired stairs, ending up in a pool far below. The water cascade is planted on either side with columnar conifers that are underplanted with a breathtaking carpet of multi-coloured annuals.

The Arena of Fountains is the best spot for an unobstructed view across Lake Constance. Highlighted here is a series of fountains circling a graceful metal sculpture of stylized birds.  The surrounding terraces are planted with heat-lovers such as Lily-of-the-Nile (Agapanthus spp.), bird-of-paradise (Strelitzia spp.), bougainvillea, banana, cypresses, palms and agaves–all adding a distinctive Mediterranean flair.

Architecturally unique, the Palm House features an unusual, three-tiered, cascading curved roof line. It has to be one of the prettiest glass houses I have seen anywhere.  Covering 1,270 square metres, it is 17.4 metres at its highest point, with plenty of room to accommodate the 20 types of palm trees that are grown there. One of its distinguished residents is a 15-metres-tall Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis) that was planted in 1888.

With the beautiful castle in the background, the Italian Rose Garden creates a most romantic picture. Laid out in 1871, the symmetrical design is typical of a formal Italian garden, and features more than 20,000 rose plants with 1,200 varieties in all. June and July are the peak months for roses, but there were still plenty in bloom during my August visit.

While the castle is not open to the public, visitors are welcome inside the Baroque church of St. Marien and it is a must-see. The interior walls are adorned with beautiful sculptures by Franceso Pozzi and the exquisite ceiling frescoes are by Franz Joseph Spiiegler. [SPELLING LOOKS ODD—ONE TOO MANY i’s?]

The beauty of visiting any garden is that it changes with the seasons and beckons you to return. And so it is with Mainau Island. I saw it at its peak of beauty in late summer, but the dahlias were only in bud. And what about spring and early summer? I missed those seasons, too. Like so many other gardens I have visited in my travels, I hope one day to return.

For more information: http://www.mainau.de/home.html

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The South African climate is spectacular all year round, so Jonni experienced most of his childhood outdoors raising silkworms, chasing chickens, looking for scorpions under rocks, and playing with his multiple pets – all of which lived OUTSIDE.

Jonni’s connection to nature is no more evident than in his relationship with bees, for which our kids benefit greatly. He taught them the most important pollinators of all only sting (not bite, for goodness sake!) when they are threatened or agitated.

If given the opportunity – like when a bee mistakenly enters our house – Jonni will calmly put his hand out and gently coax the bee to walk onto him. I always watch with one eye closed, the other partially open, waiting for disaster. But disaster never comes! He wanders outside, bee on hand, and turns the short-lived visit into a moment of inspiration and education. The kids come in close to count the bee’s stripes, check out its stinger at the back, make sure there are six legs, and “Oh! What’s that on the legs? Pollen!” When they’ve completed their bee examination and the bee is ready, it flies away.

As a result of Jonni’s ease and respect for bees, my kids are in awe of them. Bees often show up in drawings and the kids always draw our attention to them in the garden. I play my part by planting a variety of plants and flowers to keep the bees interested. Croci, salvia, and coneflowers are my kids’ favourites (and of course faves of our resident bees.)

Unfortunately, Jonni was not at home this week when a huge bumblebee found its way inside. (Note to self: plant more spring bulbs to keep the bees in the garden.) The kids didn’t get the “wow-factor” they would have with their father, but I safely captured the bee, carried it outside and let the kids get a good look at it. Not exactly the Bee Whisperer, am I, but at least my kids got a few seconds with this beautiful and important creature.

Don’t miss the opportunity for your own kids to get up close and personal with honeybees at “The Buzz on Bees ” on May 25 at the TBG, part of the City Critters Family Series.

David Suzuki offers a great read on bees and simple activities to make your family garden more bee-friendly. I love the idea of a “Bee Bath!” Find  it here.

My Kids’ Garden Zone

As I mentioned last month, my kids and I are working on a “story garden” in their section of the garden. So far, we’ve placed logs (which I picked up at a firewood vendor) and the kids irresistibly climb from log to log. I’m waiting for the first tea party! As the spring garden chores decrease, we’ll have more time to really make this story garden something to talk about. Stay tuned!

PHOTO CREDIT: Jonni Super Photography / Hilary Bain

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>>Download the TBG Spring Program Guide 2013 (pdf)

>>Download a Adult Education Registration (pdf)

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Eucomis can be grown in the garden but I’ve achieved best results by growing them in containers. In fact, I grow almost all my summer flowering bulbs in pots. Eucomis bulbs are perennial and live for many years, provided that you remember to bring them indoors in the fall for their winter rest. Growing them in pots is a bonus, because pots are portable. It’s far easier to remember to bring your pots indoors than to dig up bulbs from your garden. And you can place the pots in a prominent position while they’re flowering, and afterwards move them elsewhere.

Pot up  Eucomis bulbs in the spring when the risk of frosts are past in any well-draining soil. The depth and spacing varies with the species: three big bulbs to a 10″ pot or five small bulbs to an 8″ pot. They like full sun and moderate moisture. Feed them every other week with half strength, balanced (even-number such as 20-20-20) fertilizer. I remove the spent flowers to direct the plants’ energy to bulb growth. Another plus is that Eucomis bulbs produce offsets. The easiest way to increase your stock is to remove these and plant them up separately.

Here are some of my favourites (so far!):

Eucomis Aloha Leia
Golden State Bulb Growers introduced this variety a few years ago. I’ve been unable to find out its parentage but it is a medium-sized Eucomis whose claim to fame is its extraordinary, summer-long production of reddish-pink flowers and its subtle fragrance.

Eucomis autumnalis
Greenish-white flowers with wavy-edged foliage grow from big bulbs. A classic.

Eucomis bicolor
Purple-edged green flowers, quite unusual and intriguing. Produces medium-sized bulbs.

Eucomis comosa
Pinkish-white flowers on purple stocks. E.comosa has been used extensively in hybridizing, such as E. Sparkling Burgundy with its purple spring foliage. E.comosa makes huge bulbs.

Eucomis vandermerwei
I’d grow this miniature form for its remarkable purple-spotted foliage alone, but it also produces cute purple-brown flowers. Makes small bulbs.

I know there are skeptics out there, but Eucomis really are as easy to grow and as long-lived as I say. I should know. For a long time, I’ve been lavishing them with neglect while enjoying their repeat performance every year.

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