A Rose by Another Name…

A rose bud suggestively held across a human navel was displayed on billboards late this past summer.  If this wasn’t enough to capture a rosarian’s eye, bold print proclaimed “American Beauty”.  According to the reviews, this fall 1999 movie is a “tragic-comedy “.  Alas, the American Beauty rose is more tragedy, dating back to 1886.  Technically classed as hybrid perpetual, it was one of the first of the modern roses.  It is also a great favourite with florists.  It formed the bouquets countless girls received while being courted.  No single rose bud, however suggestive, for our ancestors!  A magnificent shade of red is matched by a powerful fragrance and a notable lack of thorns.  Across the Atlantic, it was commonly known by the more European-sounding Mme, Ferdinand Jamin.  Unfortunately, by whichever name, it has fallen from favor in modern times.  Perhaps Kevin Spacey and Annette Bening can encourage a renaissance.  Check with Pickering Nurseries (905) 839-2111 to see if this will be in their next catalogue.

Although Pickering Nurseries’ new rose catalogue is not yet available, many other gardening catalogues either are or very soon will be out.  Some mail order seed companies in particular aim to beat the Christmas rush.  Or perhaps it is to tempt those looking for distinctly different gifts.  Despite Canada Post’s very best efforts, amazingly seed can and does arrive safely, soundly and even more surprisingly, within days of ordering.  Not only is the variety offered stupendous, but also the quantity in each package is tremendous (apologies to W.S. Dilbert’s Iolanthe).  It is, as has been said elsewhere and in another context, a great way to go.

A Stokes seed Ltd. (Box 10 St. Catharines, ON L2R 6R6 ph (905) 688-4300) is the doyen of them all.  Over a century of service to Canadians and by Canadians.  Keen amateur and professional horticulturalists alike rely upon their free catalogue.  It also contains some of the most concise and accurate instructions.  As with most companies, their offerings are often treated with pesticides to produce more assured results.  One company that does not follow this dictum is William Dam Seeds (Box 8400, Dundas, ON L6H 6M1 ph (905) 628-6641), which offers a most interesting selection of vegetable, herb and flower seeds in a free catalogue, including those favored by the redoubtable Mennonite farmers.

Closer to home, Seeds of Distinction (Box 86, Stn. A Etobicoke M9C 4V2 ph (416) 255-3060) is a much newer company which is gaining adherents with an attractive offering of seeds.  Again, their catalogue is free for the telephoning…why waste a 46-cent stamp, plus GST?  Further a field is Vesey’s Seeds (Box 90000, York, PEI, Ph. 1-800363-7333) whose seeds are selected for short-season areas and have come to be much appreciated by those intending to grow gardens from seed up in cottage country. 

 Heading out on to the prairies, McFayden Seed Co., Ltd. (30 9^th St. Suite 200, Brandon, MB R7A 6N4 Ph. 1-800-204-7111) also offers a free catalogue of bewildering diversity.  Seeds, bulbs, bushes, roses even trees are offered by mail through this well-established company.

Perennials continue to expand their circle of supporters.  Will it or will it not be hardy here though?  Gardens North knows the answer.  The seed sold through one of the best catalogues written anywhere makes this a bargain for $4.00.  Order it from 5984 Third Line Rd, RR#3, North Gower, Ont. K0A 2T0.  That is down Ottawa way.

“A Package of Seeds” was the title of a song written by P.G. Woodhouse for a theatrical production back in 1917.  The show’s name was the same as that cry emitted by gardeners as their Canadian catalogues arrive: “Oh, Boy!”

Wes Porter is a horticultural consultant.

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