"A Walk in the Park"

    The 2002 version of Canada Blooms, held March 13 -17th, was a spectacular array of flowers and gardens. For winter weary Canadians, (even though this was a mild winter ) this breath of fresh air was invigorating. This year's lineup of gardens encompassed lush greenery, waterfalls streaming over dramatic stonework and elegant statues.

    According to Wes Porter of City Gardening fame," I was trepidatious that this garden show would fall into the trap of the Chelsea Flower Show, and display a lot of "rusty junk" in the garden, as an expression of art nouveau. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the landscape, the beauty of the flowers, and the ability to see the flowers "close-up"."

    Wes also commented how lovely it was to be able to walk through the market place with room to spare. The wide aisles allowed vendors to properly display their wares, and permit the garden enthusiasts ample opportunity to take home a little taste of spring.

    Wes appreciated the National Post's excellent support and extensive coverage throughout the flower show. 

    He did express concern over the forcing of perennials into leaf and bloom too early in the season, and expressed this concern with those of the Epic Plant Company. The problems associated with this method of growing are vast. "But this is what people want to see", states Wes.

    Overall, his impression of the show was extremely positive. He expects people will continue to enjoy Canada Blooms, and hopefully extend their visit next time by attending some of the educational seminars, in the Horticultural Happenings venue.

    Bruce Zimmerman's review of Blooms:" I was impressed by the entry garden by Thomas Sparling. I liked it because he used three birches for a vertical effect as a contrast to a low rising garden with different textured surfacing. It did not block out the view of the rest of the show. It invited you in, and made you feel welcome.

    I also liked the garden by J. Garfield Thompson --Back to Nature-- His use of water, spruce and pine made you feel comfortable in a garden that you could transplant into anyone's home garden.  It was neither noisy or cluttered. The garden conveyed a sense of restfulness and soothing, ambient sounds. The only thing missing from this garden was a hammock for two!

    The oversized floral arrangements located in the pathway inner sections were refreshingly enjoyable. They used monstara, delissiom and other large (beautiful) exotic flowers.

    Overall, I liked the single location, with the wide aisles and high ceiling of the market place this year. There also seemed to be more areas to obtain food. It was an excellent, excellent show, but I feel that the gardens are overusing water."

    And from the Marketplace: Wendy Rittenhouse, Rittenhouse Since 1914; 

   " It's a pleasure to have the market area all set up in one space. We are definitely coming back next year!

    Surprisingly, Wednesday and Thursday were higher traffic days. In previous shows, we have found that Friday and Saturday's numbers far surpassed the earlier days. Definitely, the time to visit is in the evenings, after the garden club bus tours have departed. 

    One of the more amusing displays in the marketplace was a pond distributor plunked in the middle of an indoor pond, dressed in his hip waders surrounded by fish."   

   So ends another year of Canada's international flower and garden show, and enters the beginning of spring-----and planting season.

    Proceeds from Canada Blooms are used to support educational and civic projects that promote horticulture and nurture and enhance our landscapes. For more information ( if you wish to volunteer for next year ) visit www.canadablooms.com .

by G.E. Fraser