Canada Blooms

Special Report from Canada Blooms for Canada Free Press

METRO CONVENTION CENTRE, TORONTO, Wednesday 8 March: Don’t delay – there are just four more days to get down to the 10^th Canada Blooms. Join crowds of other happy horticulturists in the pursuit of a natural nirvana at one of the continent’s most prestigious garden shows. There is much to see and do, but we came, saw and conceded that here are the ne plus ultra of an astounding display.

Head for These Feature Gardens First:

Urban Oasis

Presented by Home Depot and designed by prestigious Parklane Ltd. this garden overflows with ideas – every one of them available at the sponsor’s many, many outlets. Look especially before entering at the small water wall then walk in to look at a “living wall,” apparently the ‘in thing’ for what used to be an epiphyte wall. Underfoot check out the ‘snap deck’ covering and, exiting, the clematis screen.

A City Within the Garden

The Rose Theatre is scheduled to open in downtown City of Brampton this fall and so this is the theme for this consistently horticultural award-winning city. The water wall on the exterior should not be missed, not the topiary ballet dancer or grand piano. The latter is solid with red and white chrysanthemums – eat your hearts out, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

Urban Park Mosaic

Over 70 languages from European, Aboriginal, Asia and Africa meet in the City of Toronto. This very open garden seeks to combine much that is formal, informal from this background, including even a modest vegetable and herb garden along with a miniature maze. Be sure not to miss the vegetative interpretation of the Thunderbird.

Barbie Mermaidia

An undersea garden replete with a luscious live mermaid has been dreamt up by garden designer Beth Edney with “executional assistance by Lambton Kingsway Public School’s grade five class.” This Mermadia Garden will be a magnet to small girls, their like-minded mothers to say nothing of fathers interested in attractions of ichthyology.

Days of Wines and Roses

The Stoney Ridge Estate Winery garden is always inspiring. A tip of the garden tile to both them and designer Allweather Landscape for creating a full-size, classical rose garden with gravel walks, statuary, fountain – and ample sipping space.

Urban Classic

Candy Venning designed this garden based on two centuries of architecture for Sheridan Nurseries, the latter now approaching their full century in horticulture. Beds full of flowers and shrubs, a small lawn, still and falling water, winding walkways, covered area for relaxing/entertaining even with a fireplace.

Also worth a visit:

Backyard Conversation

Evergreen Environments lives up to its name in conifers but has a delightful idea of bringing the deck out over a long winding pool, still with planting and entertaining areas.

A Contemporary Garden: An Interpretation

You can’t miss this garden by Environmental Design in the southwest corner – it is partially concealed behind bleached canvas with leafless orange-painted trees peaking over bearing a number of open black umbrellas. Behind the screens is perhaps more conventional but nonetheless innovative.

Urbane Jungle

Frankly, again despite claims that high-rise and townhouse garden features were included, the only one worth a second glance was that of local Mason Hogue Gardens. It could equally well be a long balcony, converted to an urban oasis or perhaps even the conventional deck but whatever would remain an exotic paradise

The Market Place is a place to loosen the spousal paralytic clutch on the wallet. Try the scents and sights of Richters Herbs as a first halt. Continue up the aisle to Garden Import featuring delights to numerous to write of here or, tucked away in the corner, Vineland Nurseries with many a miniature shrub for small spaces. Was it fear of loutish laughter that dissuaded Bruce Zimmerman at Rittenhouse from demonstrating Glow & Grow Pots? No matter, they have many another ingenious idea to say nothing of gardening gadget. Nearby is Sheridan Nurseries’ magnificent indoor plant display, almost overpowering their Aqua-Scape – the kind of innovation you would expect from this long-established company. Indoor gardening is made easier under grow lights with the Floralights of Alan Patte who has many a bright idea to assist novice and enthusiast alike.

There are many more features worthy of the attention of any gardener – or non-gardener, if such a threatened entity can still be located. Consider the numerous talks, workshops, new plant introductions included in the entrance price. Specialized organizations abound and art is everywhere. It all awaits you for under $20 until this Sunday.

Metro Toronto Convention, South Building, 222 Bremner Boulevard beside the CN Tower

Travelling by TTC or GO-Train exit Union Station inside at west end, follow Skywalk signs

10 a.m. – 9 p.m. through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday 12 March

General admission $18, seniors/students $15, children under twelve free

Early morning guided tour reservations ($35) call 416-447-8685