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January 2009
City Gardening by Wes Porter
PREDICTIONS FROM YOUR HUMBLE HORTICULTURAL HACK
A Nutty New Catalog
Chinese Year of the Ox for Children
Horticultural Happenings + News of Interest to Gardeners
The weather was, as the late Benny Hill was wont to observe about an entirely different subject, “not pretty – not horrible . . . pretty horrible.” An enviro-skeptic observed: “Why does Ontario have blizzards while B.C. has David Suzuki? – Ontario had first choice.”
While contemplating the Christmas turkey carcass and another week of fowl recipes, it occurred to your humble horticultural hack that other media columnists shouldn’t be allowed to have all the fun of fearlessly predicting events for the coming year.
Beset by the forces of civilization, forced to eschew examining pigeon entrails and so substituting a fashionable garden gazing ball along with a seasonably small stove, we set off in hot pursuit . . .
As more people move into townhouses and condominiums, container gardening is predicted to expand. The pre-planted planter is now a feature of spring garden centres. In the coming season, especially at upscale, urban garden centers, expect more exotic offerings: dwarf decorative banana plants, bougainvillea standards, orange, lemon and grapefruit trees alongside the traditional herb and vegetable planters.
As an ‘anchor’ for building on in containers, we’re impressed with Coleus ‘Mint Mocha’ and ‘Henna.’ So were visitors to last year’s August open house at the University of Guelph Trial Garden. Visitors were also attracted by Zinnia ‘Uproar Rose’ and ‘Swizzle Scarlet and Yellow,’ voting them 1st and 10th place respectively. But in our experience, hot, humid city conditions encourage mildew on zinnias.
Various active organizations are, once again, promoting doubtlessly worthy perennials. Hosta of 2009 is ‘Earth Angel’ with large, thick, bluish leaves and so should be resist slugs and snails. The Hakone Grass Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ has been declared Perennial of the Year sporting yellow leaves edged with green, turning reddish-pink in the fall. Dutch ‘Simple Pleasures’ brand ‘Our Selection of the Year’ is Heuchera ‘Miracle’ which features chartreuse leaves with red blotches maturing to red with golden yellow edges. It is also heat and humidity tolerant.
Every year since 1995, the International Herb Association has chosen an Herb of the Year to highlight. This year it is the turn of Bay Laurel, Laurus nobilis. In less exuberant climates than our own, bay trees are traditionally planted close to homes. Reputed never to be struck by lightning it is said to protect against storms – and the devil. According to Greek mythology, Apollo was in pursuit of the delightful nymph Daphne when the gods took pity on her and she became a laurel tree to escape randy Apollo. Usually sold as a small tree, it does well outside over summer, but must be overwintered in the house.
In flowering shrubs, despite only planting ‘Blue Chiffon’ hardy hibiscus last summer, we are very impressed. It couldn’t wait to show off its attributes, deliciously living up to claims from the Prove Winners® people. From the same source comes the dwarf lilac Syringa Bloomerang™ marvelously scented, blooming late spring and continuing less profusely through into fall. Gardenimport is carrying both these beauties – order early from www.gardenimport.com.
The floribunda rose ‘Cinco de Mayo’™ is a 2009 AARS winner with extraordinary multicoloured blooms along with excellent scent. We’ve seen this suggested as an informal hedge – certainly a great idea.
Roman naturalist Pliny believed that diseases came from the gods or the stars. “Whoreson caterpillars!“ exclaimed Shakespeare. From the very earliest times come claims that various chemical concoctions will eradicate the gardener’s woes. All are now set aside by legislation from Queen’s Park: thou shalt not use synthetic pesticides. “The Lord took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to dress it and keep it,” according to the Bible (Genesis 2:15). Sondra Gottlieb, writing in 1985, claimed her tropical hibiscus plant. “Needs a bug blast every three weeks. The stronger the better. Actually the ones with health warnings on the can do the best job.” One cannot wonder why it is not only environmentalists that get uptight. So, chemical pesticides are verboten for Ontario gardeners. We will attempt to keep you posted through the coming season on what aged gardeners did before the advent of such artificial aids.
“Its wonderful all the ways they’re using plastics nowadays,” warbled satirical Tom Lehrer over a half-century ago. Not anymore, its not. Recycling is what it is all about nowadays. Plastic garden pots, trays, tags, irrigation pipes, even greenhouse poly has raised the ire of environmentalists. Does seem a bit of a waste, even if we give away dozens each season, suitably filled. Professional association Landscape Ontario is working to create the first nationwide post-consumer horticultural plastics recycling program in the world at centres from sea to sea to, hopefully, unplasticized sea. Check with your local retailer – those with the big green LO logo are likely to participate.
My, but home veggie and fruit raising is all the thing with the chattering class. Garden centre retailers are being advised by industry representatives to encourage novice gardeners with prominent displays of seeds, tools, fertilizers, soils . . . Yes, it does get rather expensive. Time consuming also. And forget about that summer holiday or heading for the cottage. Veggies, and to a lesser extent fruit, require constant attention. Say, maybe you can hire somebody to do all the work, leaving you to harvest the results of their labour. According to the New York Times, it is catching on down south o’ the border. And why not? It worked for our last governor-general. Say, do you think Obama . . .?
We’ve left the weather to last. What can we add to Environment Canada’s fabled Dave Phillips’ predictions? A warmer winter with above normal precipitation comes the word from Ottawa’s experts. But U.S.-based Farmers’ Almanac disagrees. Its 2009 Canadian edition predicts most of the country will experience -40ºC weather or worse – also above average snowfalls, especially during this month and next for the Great Lakes region.
Oh yes – according to the Chinese Zodiac, this is to be the Year of the Ox. Expect plenty of bovine byproduct emanating as usual from politicos of all stripes.
Grimo Nut Nursery 2009 Catalog
Grimo Nut Nursery,
979 Lakeshore Road, RR#3,
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Canada L0S 1J0
www.grimonut.com
Few even experienced, knowledgeable gardeners consider nut trees when considering replacing an aged shade tree. Ernie Grimo has been an exceedingly active catalyst of change in southern Ontario. His nursery at Niagara-on-the-Lake, catalog and longstanding support of SONG, or Southern Ontario Nut Growers is proverbial.
Yet many novice gardener and qualified horticulturist alike still look askance at the idea of raising nuts in our province. Here then, is a selection of what the Grimo Nut Nursery offers, along with cultivation tips and background information:
Heartnut (Juglans ailanifolia var. cordiformis), a seed sport of the Japanese walnut
Buartnut (J. cinerea x J. ailantifolia), a cross of butternut and heartnut
Butternut (J. cinerea), hardiest member of the walnut family
Persian Walnut (J. regia), aka English, California or Carpathian walnut; the Polish Carpathian Mountain strain has proven the hardiest, from Lake Erie to Georgian Bay
Black Walnut (J. nigra), native to southern Ontario zone 5
Pine Nuts (Pinus koraiensis, P. cembra) Korean Pine, Swiss Stone Pine, largest seeded on the northern hardy edible pine nuts
Hazelnut Hybrids (Corylus species), blight resistant, hardy in eastern Canada
Sweet Chestnut Hybrids (Castanea species), Chinese and American hybrids
American Chestnut (Castanea dentata), some manage to survive blight for many years
Shagbark Hickory (C. ovata), prized for buttery flavour
Hican (C. ovata x C. illinoensis), shagbark hickory x northern pecan for zones 5-7
Northern Pecan (C. illinoensis), Iowa-derived, hardy for southern Ontario
Ginkgo (G. biloba), roasted nuts considered a delicacy in China
There even some tasty oak acorns from select Quercus, which are, or course, another form of nut. In addition for the truly adventurous, Grimo is a rare source of mulberry (Morus), persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), pawpaw (Asiminia triloba) and quince (Cydonia oblonga) trees. And if you really want to go out on a limb, how about sweet figs? Ficus carica is hardy to -10ºC but needs winter protection outside in zones 6-8, or raise in tubs and bring inside for winter.
Hard copy catalog price is two letter mail Canadian stamps or $1 – but the web site listed above tells all.
Chinese Year of the Ox and Gifts of Citrus
Gardening for Children
Last year it was the Year of the Rat. This year, according to the Chinese Zodiac, it is the Year of the Ox. Over much of East Asia, it is time for ushering in the Chinese New Year. As in the Western festive season, it is a time for celebration. Traditional gifts, especially to children, are red envelopes and, inside, cards concealing money.
Miniature orange trees growing in pots are a favourite gift, symbolizing of abundant happiness. Strangely, these Calamondin Oranges, Citrus mitis, originate from the Philippines. Stranger still they are, like all citrus fruit, technically berries.
Usually sold 30- to 60-centimetres tall, perhaps bearing a few of the small, white fragrant flowers that give way to 3-cm roundish deep orange-yellow flavourful fruit. These are mostly borne November through January, although if looked after, the little trees are everbearing. Don’t try and eat the fruit the first season as it may have been sprayed with a pesticide. The leaves and leafstalks, or petioles, also smell like the fruit.
If you cannot find one of these small trees for sale, or they are too expensive for you, give gifts of bright orange coloured fruit from sub-tropical trees. Oranges, tangerines, clementines and kumquats all are believed to be symbols of abundant happiness. Tangerines with fresh foliage attached find particular favour. Offered to visiting friends and family members, tangerines are said to assure everybody will remain happy during the coming year. Berry nice, you might say.
If you come from a big family and have lots of friends what do you do with all the tangerine peel? Some people save all the citrus from overwinter eating in the freezer. In spring, it is spread outside around azaleas, rhododendrons and other plants technically known as ‘ericas.’ The tangerine peel, as well as those from oranges, grapefruit and other citrus helps keep soil to the acidic or low pH levels they need to take up nutrients.
Indoors, citrus trees such as the Calamondin Orange need plenty of bright light. Beware though not to roast them with too much direct sun. Use room temperature water, just like all your indoor plants, and keep the soil just moist but never, ever soggy. Spray lightly with water every day to remove dust and discourage pests, especially minute spider mites that form fine webs. Some people water with cold tea every month to keep the soil acidic or low pH, which citrus prefer.
Not everyone might like a gift of mandarin oranges. Michele Greco grew them on his southern Italian estate where he entertained distinguished churchmen, aristocrats, politicians and businessmen and also, but not at the same time, his Mafia associates. Many of these were murdered there following a barbecue. Greco died aged 83 in Rome’s maximum security Rebibbia prison having spent the last 22 years of his life there with few of his mandarin oranges for solace.
If all this is just too much for you, and are a young girl then wait until 20th January, St. Agnes Eve. Go to bed supperless, being careful not to look sidewise or over the shoulder but only straight ahead. You will then dream of the man you will marry – or so folklore would have us believe.
Horticultural Happenings
Toronto Cactus & Succulent Club
20 January 2009 annual general meeting commences 7:30 pm at the Toronto Botanic Garden, southwest corner Lawrence & Leslie; for more, visit http://torontocactus.tripod.com
Ontario Rock Garden Society
11 January – Monthly meeting commences 12 noon with socializing ‘picnic lunch’ with speakers Sue & Mike Dolbey ‘Roughing it in the Bush – Our Cottage Garden’ scheduled for 1:30 pm. at the Toronto Botanical Gardens, 777 Lawrence Avenue East at Leslie Street; www.onrockgarden.com
Ontario Water Garden Society
18 January – Monthly meeting commences 1 p.m. proceeded by “greet, eat & meet” noon to 1 p.m. at Toronto Botanical Gardens, Leslie at Lawrence, Toronto
Toronto Botanical Gardens
A paradise outside and in awaits area gardeners at Lawrence Avenue East and Leslie Street in Toronto. Event follows event, activity after activity, with just a sampling listed here – check www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca for details (events/calendar)
Toronto Field Naturalists
Visitors and children are welcome at all TFN free outings but please, no pets. Walks go whatever weather prevails – check with 416-661-0123 and dress according to the forecast. Most walks begin and end close to TTC routes. Bring binoculars, camera, notepad plus, if desired, a snack and beverage. Please visit www.torontofieldnaturalists.org for further more outings
10 January – Nature in the City: meet 1:30 p.m. northeast corner University & College
20 January – Pine Hill Cemetery Trees: highly recommended; meet 10 a.m. northeast corner St. Clair East & Birchmount; bring lunch
27 January – Garrison Creek Nature & Heritage: meet 10 a.m. west side of Bathurst at Front St.; morning only
Toronto Region Conservation Authority
A large number of programs conducted each month, some of interest to gardeners; details www.trca.on.ca
Toronto Entomologists’ Association
A very active organization with monthly meetings, useful publications with some older ones now available for downloading along with, in season, field trips; for more, visit http://www.ontarioinsects.org/
24 January – Meeting commences 1:15 p.m. Room 006, Northrop Frye Hall, 73 Queen’s Park Crescent East, Toronto; lecture by Heather Andrachuk, ‘Pollinator Watch.’
Science on Sundays
Commence 3 p.m. Royal Canadian Institute, J. J. R. Macleod Auditorium, Medical Sciences building, U of T., 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto; free to public; www.royalcanadianinstitute.org
18 January – Personalized Medicine: Hype or Hope, Canadian Perspectives with Michael Hayden Ph.D.
25 January – Murder and Maggots with Gail Anderson, M.P.M., Ph.D.
Guelph Arboretum
16 January – Conifer Workshop: day-long indoor/outdoor 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. studies; $50; limited to 16 adults; for further details, please visit www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum/
Orchid Society of Royal Botanic Gardens
Rooms 1 & 2, RBG, Plains Road East, Burlington commences 2 p.m.; meeting is proceeded by plant sales at 1 p.m. and round table discussion group at 1:30 p.m.; more at http://www.osrbg.ca
Reserve your place now for 12-day trip Wild Orchids of Newfoundland, commencing 24 June; $2,599 per person; for full details of this outstanding event, please visit www.osrbg.ca/images/newfoundland.jpg
Central Ontario Orchid Society
Active society in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, meetings in basement hall, St. Joseph’s Church, Courtland at Madison, Kitchener commencing 6:30 p.m.; parking at rear; guests welcome; more http://www.coos.ca/
26 January – Annual Meeting
Southern Ontario Orchid Society
Active society with events usually at the Toronto Botanical Gardens, 777 Lawrence Avenue East at Leslie Street; for more information please visit http://www.soos.ca
3 January – Toronto Judging Centre Monthly at 1 p.m.
4 January – SOOS Monthly Meeting
Niagara Orchid Society
Visitors welcome at meetings of this active society, which commence 7:30 p.m. at the Holy Rosary Church Hall, 35 Queen Street South, Thorold; http://www.niagaraorchidsociety.org
14 January – monthly meeting and presentation on the 2008 Redlands Orchid Festival
Royal Botanical Gardens, Hamilton
The place to head for horticultural happiness west of Toronto; many meetings, courses and much more; located at 680 Plains Road East, Burlington; more information www.rbg.ca
23 January to 22 February – Glass Under Glass: exhibition of spectacular glass art in a glasshouse: Mediterranean Garden, RBG Centre
24 January – Window on China: Chinese New Year Celebration 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. culture, traditions, art and food, including traditional games and activities for children
Art at the Gardens – a different artist or group are featured monthly on the Mezzanine of RBG Centre, open daily
Hamilton Nature Society
This very active organization conducts regular outings and meetings year-round for both adult and junior naturalists; included here is a sampling to interest gardeners; visit www.hamiltonnature.org for details of specific activities and further information of the HNS.
Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens
Almost 100 acres established in 1936 in conjunction with the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture and located 6 km north of the Falls, this is worth several visits during the growing season. The rose garden with 2,400 roses is world famous; also noted are perennial gardens, vegetables and herbs, rhododendrons, butterfly garden and conservatory and the arboretum. www.niagaraparks.com/nature/botanical.php
Prime dates this month for the various displays and their locations at this and other Niagara Parks:
Year Round – Tropical Plants in the Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse, and also Butterfly Conservatory
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