Leaside Garden Society - 2018 Yearbook
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Leaside
Garden Society
2018 Yearbook
Leaside
Garden Society
Founded in 1986
becoming
A Chartered Society
in 1988
with the
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
and
An Affiliated Society
with the
Keeping Ontario Beautiful
Our Mission
To establish a friendly meeting place
to share, encourage, award and educate
on the fundamental values and principles
of gardening, concerns about the environment
and to create a horticultural legacy
within the community;
to be an inspiration for gardening
everywhere.
Leaside Garden Society
c/o 464 Broadway Avenue
Toronto ON M4G 2R5
leaside@gardenontario.org
www.leasidegardensociety.org
Privacy Policy
Leaside Garden Society (LGS), being concerned about
the privacy of its members’ personal information,
has developed a policy that is consistent
with the intent of the Canadian Personal Information Protection and
Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), January 2004.
The complete LGS Privacy Policy is available
upon request from Membership.
Yearbook Credits
Design and Layout Carolyn Metcalfe
Program and Speakers Joanna Blanchard
Nora Campbell
Linda Wickland
Gardening Tips Rick Hutchings
Flower Shows Connie Uetrecht
Karen Keay
Horticultural Reference Karen Keay
Information Karen Martin
Carolyn Metcalfe
Printing Britannia Printers Inc.
Cover Photo
Dogwood Cornus kousa Joanna Blanchard
Photos throughout the book Sheila Bražys, Malcolm
Geast, Chris Halpern, Jim
Hartley, Bernice Holman,
Karen Keay and Margaret
Rousseau
This yearbook belongs to
___________________________________________
Exhibitor # _______________________
page 4
Table of Contents
Monthly Meetings and Speakers ................................................6–7
2018 Board of Directors and Financial Reviewers ........................8
2018 Activity Coordinators ......................................................9–10
OHA and OHA Schedule of Events........................................11–12
President’s Message................................................................13–14
Past Presidents and Life Memberships ........................................14
Activity Reports......................................................................15–22
2017 Awards
President’s; June Murdoch; Community Garden................23–24
Flower Shows ........................................................................25–45
2017 Show Awards and Points Ranking ..................................25
Flower Shows Made Easy ..................................................26–27
Glossary of Terms ....................................................................27
Show Rules ........................................................................28–31
Definitions ................................................................................32
Completing the Show Tag ........................................................33
Scale of Points ..........................................................................33
Winter Mini-Show ..............................................................34–35
Spring Mini-Show ..............................................................36–37
Summer Show ....................................................................39–41
Annual Show ......................................................................42–45
Photography Competition ......................................................47–48
Pollinator Passion ..................................................................49–50
Local Garden Clubs ......................................................................51
Horticultural Information and Help Lines ....................................51
Specialty Garden Clubs and Horticultural Societies ....................52
page 5
Monthly Meetings and Speakers
The Leaside Garden Society meets nine times each year for
friendly and informative sessions on gardening topics.
All meetings are held at the Leaside Library, 165 McRae Drive.
Come at 7:00 p.m. for refreshments and a social time. Our
meetings begin at 7:30 p.m. Yearly membership is $25, single;
$30, family (18 years of age or over). Guests are always welcome.
2018 Program
January 11 Gardens of the Loire Valley
Donna Fenice
February 8 The Bowery Project
Rachel Kimel and Deena Zotto
and Winter Mini-Show
March 8 Garden Photography
Malcolm Geast
April 12 Attracting Summer Birds to Your Garden
Paul Oliver
May 10 Unearthing Organics
Shari-Lyn Safir
and Spring Mini-Show
May 12 LGS Plant Sale—Mostly Perennials
Trace Manes Community Centre, 9 a.m.–noon
June 14 How to Bring Butterflies to Your Garden
Carol Pasternak
page 6
Monthly Meetings and Speakers (continued)
June 16 Magical Gardens of Leaside Tour
11 a.m.–4 p.m.
and Summer Show at Leaside Library
September 13 Planting Containers for Fall
Ian McCallum
September 15 LGS Annual Show
at Leaside Library, 1:30 p.m. –3:30 p.m.
October 11 Fabulous Ferns
Cathy Kavassalis
November 8 Annual General Meeting
The society is not responsible for any personal injury or property
lost, stolen or damaged at any function of the society.
Board members for 2018
Missing: Rick Hutchings, Mary Van Houten and Connie Uetrecht
page 7
2018 Board of Directors and Financial Reviewers
President
Joanna Blanchard 416-422-0538 jpblanchard@primus.ca
Vice-President Vacant
Past President
Nora Campbell 416-481-8919 n.j.campbell@sympatico.ca
Secretary
Christine Simmons 416-421-9631 christinebsimmons@hotmail.com
Treasurer
Malcolm Geast 416-429-4719 malcolm@eastyork.net
Directors
Eileen Fitzpatrick 416-425-3700 eileenandbillfitz@rogers.com
Rick Hutchings 416-489-0780 rickhutchings@sympatico.ca
Rosea Lonsdale 416-421-6720 rosea.lonsdale@sympatico.ca
Carolyn Metcalfe 416-487-1106 gemetcalfe@rogers.com
Margaret Rousseau416-544-0072
mrousseau_wtatley@sympatico.ca
Shawn Sheppard 416-809-8475 sheppardshawn@hotmail.com
Connie Uetrecht 416-422-1951 connie_uetrecht@rogers.com
Mary Van Houten 416-429-4029 mary.vanhouten@hotmail.com
Financial Reviewers
Peter Blanchard and Allan Caister
The Leaside Garden Society undertakes various projects
throughout the year. Members are invited to contact the relevant
coordinator on the following page to participate in any projects
that interest them.
page 8
2018 Activity Coordinators
Archives
Linda Wickland 416-429-5131 dlwickland@yahoo.ca
Community Award
Bernice Holman 416-425-5189 bholman@rogers.com
Community Planting
Barry Schneider 416-425-0625 barry.schneider@rogers.com
Fun-Raiser
Rosea Lonsdale 416-421-6720 rosea.lonsdale@sympatico.ca
Gardens of Distinction
Jim Hartley 416-425-6069 jimhartley88@gmail.com
Bernice Holman 416-425-5189 bholman@rogers.com
Garden Tour
Margaret Rousseau 416-544-0072
mrousseau_wtatley@sympatico.ca
Junior Gardeners and Community Outreach
Rick Hutchings 416-489-0780 rickhutchings@sympatico.ca
Thorncliffe Park Public School and field trips to TBG:
Helen Koyama 416-486-8714
Membership
Vacant
Newsletter
Eileen Fitzpatrick 416-425-3700 eileenandbillfitz@rogers.com
Photography Competition
Christine Simmons 416-421-9631 christinebsimmons@hotmail.com
Malcolm Geast 416-429-4719 malcolm@eastyork.ne
page 9
2018 Activity Coordinators (continued)
Plant Sale
Shawn Sheppard 416-809-8475 sheppardshawn@hotmail.com
Mary Van Houten 416-429-4029 mary.vanhouten@hotmail.com
Program
Joanna Blanchard 416-422-0538 jpblanchard@primus.ca
Nora Campbell 416-481-8919 n.j.campbell@sympatico.ca
Linda Wickland 416-429-5131 dlwickland@yahoo.ca
Publicity
Rosea Lonsdale 416-421-6720 rosea.lonsdale@sympatico.ca
Shows
Karen Keay 416-422-0782 keaykaren17@gmail.com
Connie Uetrecht 416-422-1951 connie_uetrecht@rogers.com
Website
Malcolm Geast 416-429-4719 malcolm@eastyork.net
Yearbook
Carolyn Metcalfe 416-487-1106 gemetcalfe@rogers.com
One of the Gardens of Distinction—2 Burnham Road
page 10Ontario Horticultural Association
District 5: Toronto East, York Region East
The Ontario Horticultural Association (OHA) is a volunteer,
charitable organization whose mission is to provide leadership and
assist in the promotion of education and interest in all areas of
horticulture and related environmental issues in Ontario, through
an expanding network of horticultural societies dedicated to the
beautification of their communities. The OHA is the umbrella
organization for the 270 garden and horticultural societies in the
province. For ease of administration and to give a sense of
community the province is divided into 19 Districts. District
directors oversee and support the societies in their districts, acting
as sources of information and facilitating liaison with the umbrella
body (the OHA) and between societies. District 5 encompasses 18
societies, Leaside Garden Society being one of them.
District Director Cindy Scythes 905-713-6660
district5@gardenontario.org
Past Director Nancy Serrick 905-476-3750
Assistant Directors Gloria Broks 416-493-0141
Malcolm Geast 416-429-4719
June Morton 416-284-1215
Treasurer Ellen Power 905-473-1322
Secretary Dawn McEachern 416-429-4719
www.gardenontario.org
page 11Ontario Horticultural Association (continued)
Schedule of Events
February 17 Get the Jump on Spring
Toronto Botanical Garden (Free admission)
March 1–4 Stratford Garden Festival
Stratford Rotary Complex
March 9–18 Canada Blooms
Direct Energy Centre—Exhibition Place
April 13–15 Peterborough Garden Show
Evinrude Centre, Peterborough
April 28 OHA District 5: Toronto East, York Region East
Annual General Meeting
Hosted by:
Aurora Garden and Horticultural Society
Location: Northridge Community
Church of the Salvation Army, Aurora
Theme: Preserve Our Past Protect Our Future
Speakers: David Tomlinson and Mark Cullen with
his son Ben Cullen
July 27–29 OHA 112th Convention
Hosted by District 3
Ambassador Hotel and Convention Centre, Kingston
Theme: Shore to Shield
April 2019 OHA District 5 AGM
Date and location to be announced
Members of garden and horticultural societies affiliated
with the OHA are encouraged to attend these events.
page 12President’s Message
I was wondering: If we were to compare the Leaside Garden
Society to a tree, what variety would it be most like? I concluded
that we could be compared to a venerable oak: sturdy, dependable
and contributing significantly to its environment. We have all
heard the saying, “Great oaks from little acorns grow,” and your
garden society is no exception. From small beginnings thirty one
years ago your garden society has grown into a force to be
reckoned with. Like an oak tree, year after year the garden society
puts on a magnificent show, season after season, with activities
such as our plant sale, the annual garden tour, our work with the
children from local schools and Thorncliffe Public School, our
plantings around the library, our shows and our entertaining and
educational meetings. However, just like the oak, the society
cannot survive without the roots that in fact sustain the entire
organism. Every root, be it an enormous taproot or a tiny hairlet, is
an integral part of a complex interdependent system that nurtures
and supports the tree. To me the “behind the scenes” activities of
the society represent the roots of this Leaside oak. These include
the activities of the board members who book speakers, organize
activities and events, keep you informed via the newsletter and
yearbook, and keep our finances straight; the members at large
who volunteer their time at these events; and others who may not
be able to share much time or energy, but who contribute by
providing their unspoken support, and attending our events. In
2017 our tree’s roots were truly put to the test as we hosted the
District 5 Annual General Meeting. So many of you stepped up to
help out in one way or another that the event was a resounding
success and our venerable oak again showed its strength. Thank
you all for your contributions large and small that enable this tree
to thrive!
I look forward to seeing you all at our meetings and events in 2018
as the Leaside oak continues to contribute to the health and beauty
of the neighbourhood.
Joanna Blanchard
page 13President’s Message (continued)
The Birds and the Bees and All that Jazz!
As you all know, in April 2017 LGS hosted the District 5 Annual
General Meeting at the Toronto Botanical Garden. The purpose of this
annual gathering is to review district business including the financial
report and to install the board of directors. However, we all know that
if that was all it entailed hardly anyone would attend! So to enhance
the day there are speakers, a show and food (lots of wonderful food!).
The event took over 18 months to plan, and involved almost
everyone in the society in one way or another, be it serving on the
organizing committee, donating items for the fun-raiser, helping
with set-up, working on the show and/or providing food. My
sincere thanks to everyone who contributed, in whatever way, to a
fantastically successful day. We all did Leaside proud!
Joanna Blanchard
Past Presidents
Dave Money 1986–1991; Desmay Smith 1991–1993
June Murdoch 1993–2001; Don Beard 2001–2003
Joanna Blanchard and Sheila Whiteley 2003–2006
Dana Mallany and Michael Warbeck 2006–2007
Dana Mallany and Daphne Wace 2007–2008
Linda Wickland 2008–2011; Nora Campbell 2011–2015
Life Memberships
Edna Beange, Bev and Dave Money,
June Murdoch, Barry Schneider
The criteria to honour a member with Life Membership in a
Horticultural Society are long-time membership and continued
interest in horticulture. It serves as recognition of participation in
the society and contribution to its programs. A member so
honoured receives a Life Membership Certificate and card.
page 14Activity Reports
Archives
Our Archives Committee meets a few times each year (over tea,
coffee, wine and cheese) to organize materials that have been kept by
the society for preservation. We also collect materials, e.g. yearbooks,
newsletters, posters, minutes, photos, etc. from each current year to
add to what we already have in order to keep the archives up to date
and ready for display when an opportunity arises. Any materials you
have that you think would be a good addition to the archives would be
gratefully received. Many thanks to Dave Money and June Murdoch
for saving archival materials over the years.
Linda Wickland, Mary Bailey, Mary Slinn,
and Sheila Whiteley
Community Planting
Since 1990, LGS has maintained the gardens at Lyndhurst Centre
and for almost as long the garden at the entrance to the Leaside
Library as well. Every Monday morning, from April to October, a
group of members and non-members meet to plant, weed, prune,
and water the gardens at Lyndhurst. The entrance garden and
commemorative garden at the library are maintained on a more
flexible schedule where the duties are mostly watering but also
include some weeding and bulb planting. The staff and public are
complimentary of our efforts, which make it more satisfying. If you
would like to be part of these projects in 2018, please let us know.
Barry Schneider
Gardens of Distinction
The year 2017 marked the fourth year of recognizing front gardens
with seven Gardens of Distinction awards. The seven winning
gardens were chosen from dozens of outstanding gardens that
made the committee’s decision quite a challenge. In the end we
found these seven gardens to have a special “impact” on our
senses associated with qualitative criteria such as cohesiveness of
design, variety of plant materials, use of hard landscaping, use of
page 15Activity Reports (continued)
accent materials, and use of colour. The long spell of rain this
spring really brought out the colour and lushness of the gardens.
The winning front Gardens of Distinction can be found at the
following addresses: 116 Bessborough Drive, 198 Bessborough
Drive, 200 Bessborough Drive, 69 Brentcliffe Road, 2 Burnham
Road, 160 Donlea Drive, and 96 Parkhurst Blvd.
Due to the overwhelming number of superb gardens, we have
chosen to include the following gardens as worthy of a
commendable effort: 56 Airdrie Road, 1867 Bayview Avenue, 96
Brentcliffe Road, 149 Glenvale Blvd., 34 Parkhurst Blvd., 106
Randolph Road, and 25 Rykert Crescent.
I would like to thank all of the committee members for their keen
gardening eyes and for their many hours walking the streets of
Leaside and Bennington Heights: Joanna Blanchard, Malcolm Geast,
Bernice Holman, Karen Keay, Nancy Leonard, Dawn McEachern,
Jane Monteith and Mary Slinn. Also a very special thank-you to
Nora Campbell for her hospitality during the judging event.
Jim Hartley
Garden Tour
This year’s tour was held on a glorious summer day when Mother
Nature had decided that she too wanted our garden tour to be a
great success. Eight beautiful Leaside gardens were presented to
the public, courtesy of our gracious garden hosts whose
enthusiasm and knowledge helped make the day the success it
was. Thanks go out to Agnes Vermes at 4 Donegall Drive, Corrie
Tuyl at 77 Donegall Drive, Deborah Browne at 67 Brentcliffe
Road, Jill and Andrew Paton at 21 Burkebrooke Place, John and
Lesley Wylie at 32 Donlea Drive, Leonore and Walt Pawziuk at 21
Annesley Avenue, Steve and Mary Van Houten at 10 Rumsey
Road and Susan Brown at 495 Sutherland Drive.
Once again our June Flower Show, showcasing our talented flower
arrangers, and including cut flowers and potted plants, was
incorporated into the tour. Held at the Leaside Public Library, it is an
page 16Activity Reports (continued)
excellent way to introduce members of the public to our society. The
Flower Show will also be included in the 2018 tour to be held on
Saturday, June 16, 2018. Please save that date in your busy calendars.
On the day of the tour, the society was well represented by the
cheerful presence of the attendants at the individual gardens, but
so many other members helped behind the scenes with a long list
of tasks. We appreciate your time and willingness to be part of the
tour and hope you also enjoyed the event.
We wish to thank Kathy McLachlan of RE/MAX Realty for her
generosity. She once again purchased a significant number of
passports to support our society and the Leaside community. We
would also like to recognize the local businesses who helped to
sell passports for us this year: Bob’s Garden Centre, write
impressions, Stars Café and Heaps Estrin Real Estate. We look
forward to another successful tour next year.
Margaret Rousseau
Junior Gardeners and Community Outreach
What a year for the Leaside Garden Society and Canada as a
whole. This year Canada celebrated its 150th birthday with events
happening all across the country. Leaside was one of the first to
start the celebrations early in the spring with the red and white tulip
displays both at the library entrance and in the community garden
bed. These tulip displays will once again grace the front entrance
and the community bed this coming spring thanks to our president
Joanna and her team of brave souls who planted in late October.
And speaking of the community garden, did you notice that we
have added a rose section? Some of the roses from our AGM event
in 2017 now grace our gardens and are doing fantastic. As well, if
you happen to stroll by the community garden you might notice
that the reindeer has been removed. Over the last six years being
outside has taken its toll on the poor guy and he needed to be
replaced. We are looking forward to adding a ”bee-house” to the
garden with the hope that it will help our furry little friends over
page 17Activity Reports (continued)
winter. Once again I would like to start out by giving a huge
THANK YOU to all who volunteered to make this year a success.
With a special hug and thank you to both Helen Koyama and Alice
Carriman, for without their support and dedication the trips to the
TBG just wouldn’t be the same. This year we offered three classes
the opportunity to visit and participate in activities at the Toronto
Botanical Teaching Garden.
Approximately 90 students took part this year in the scavenger
hunts and learning programs. This event will continue into 2018
again with three classes attending the events.
June brought out the students from Bessborough, Northlea and St.
Anselm schools to beautify the community with their talents and
planting skills. Thanks to our volunteers and the team from
Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation the three-day event was a
blooming success with over 2,000 annuals being planted by just
over 90 students.
Fall clean up at the Sunny View School gardens was fast and easy
due to the team of volunteers lead by Brooke and Joanna.
Lastly, thanks to Eileen and Margaret who design and create such
beautiful planters for us to admire at the Leaside library. They are
both a talent to reckon with and keep the society looking beautiful.
I raise my glass to our success this year and look forward to 2018
and all she has to offer.
Rick Hutchings
Membership
The Leaside Garden Society has over 100 active members. We
welcomed seven new members between January and December
2017. Our members all have one thing in common, a love of
gardening and all the activities that revolve around gardening. We
are a diverse group of individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Our meetings are fun, informative and social. Many members
volunteer their time for the various activities that the society
page 18Activity Reports (continued)
participates in throughout the year. Members help in community
planting efforts, the plant sale or garden tour. Your membership
card gives you a discount at some local garden centres. Consider
asking a friend or neighbour to come to a meeting as your guest;
they might think about becoming a member.
Christine Simmons
Newsletter
The newsletter is published nine times a year and is sent to members
by email about a week before each of the monthly meetings. Each
edition contains information on the upcoming meeting and also
includes news of LGS happenings, OHA events, TBG news,
gardening tips, and general horticultural and environmental
information. There are still some members who receive the
newsletter by Canada Post, but we encourage transmission by email
so you will receive it several days earlier, in colour, and it stores
easily for future reference. The newsletter is a good way to stay in
touch if you are unable to attend a meeting.
Eileen Fitzpatrick
Annual Plant Sale
Our 2017 Leaside Plant Sale was another great success thanks to
all the volunteers who hosted signs, set up and sold at the sale and
our amazing green thumbs who donated plants from their gardens
to our members’ table.
Chalk Lake Nurseries again provided perennials from their
extensive collection to meet even the most discerning of tastes and
the latest must-have trends. The hellebores and red-stemmed hosta
were a big hit this year.
The monies raised each year ensure that the Leaside Garden
Society continues to be able to fund important educational
community building and beautification initiatives in and for our
neighbourhood.
page 19Activity Reports (continued)
As we look into the abyss of a dark and dreary winter, and dream
of the spring to come, remember that the next Leaside Plant Sale is
scheduled for Saturday, May 12, 2018. Bring a friend and your
plans to make your garden the best that it can be in 2018.
Shawn Sheppard
Photography Competition
The photography competition is held to select a photo for the
yearbook cover and also for other publicity material used by the
society. The competition is open to all Leaside Garden Society
members. Each member can submit three photos taken within the
last year. All the details about how to enter the competition can be
found on pages 47 and 48 of the yearbook. The winner of the
photography competition for the cover of the 2018 yearbook was
Joanna Blanchard’s photo of the beautiful dogwood tree in her
garden. Congratulations Joanna!
Christine Simmons
Publicity
Notices are sent to websites and e-mail addresses to notify the
public about our meetings, the Plant Sale and the Garden Tour.
Leaside Life, Leaside Town Crier, East York Observer, Toronto
Balconies Bloom, OHA Trillium publication, TBG Trellis magazine
are just some of the magazines/websites that receive information.
Don Beard
“Fun-Raiser”
This is fun for all participants at the monthly meetings and brings
in some resources for the society’s various programs: the gardens
by the library, at Lyndhurst, and at a few elementary schools in the
neighbourhood. The prizes are chosen with gardeners in mind,
often seasonal and occasionally surprising! Thanks to the
membership at large for its continued support.
Rosea Lonsdale
page 20Activity Reports (continued)
Refreshments
The refreshments table at our monthly meetings is a hive of
activity before the meeting, as members and guests help
themselves to tasty treats, catch up with old friends and trade
garden news. It certainly adds to the sense of camaraderie that is
an important feature of the society. Many thanks to everyone who
hosted the refreshment table during the year and also to those who
have filled the roster for 2018.
Brooke Weslak
Shows
Our year began with a workshop on miniature designs given by
our in-house design expert, Heather Gray. Many of the attendees
then went on to enter their designs in the Winter Mini-Show that
focused only on miniature and small designs. These designs were
judged by those in attendance at the February meeting.
Canada Blooms provided LGS with an opportunity to display our
collaborative efforts in the Special Exhibits Open Class category,
“Cirque.” Our installation took first place and received the Garden
Clubs of Ontario Award at the event. To quote the club’s president,
Claudette Smith, “It is such a pleasure to see creative and
innovative designs in the open classes at this event. Well done as a
group!” The group included Heather Gray, Karen Keay, Margaret
Rousseau and Connie Uetrecht.
LGS hosted the District 5 AGM including the flower show at the
end of April. We encouraged members to enter their spring garden
specimens into that venue as that show replaced the LGS Spring
Show usually held in May. Nine of our members participated in
the District 5 AGM Show that resulted in LGS achieving the most
points in the adult horticulture section and receiving the Dave and
Bev Money Award for total points in all classes combined.
The Summer Flower Show was held at the Leaside Library in
conjunction with the “Magical Gardens of Leaside Tour” on June
page 21Activity Reports (continued)
24. With over 100 exhibits, we had a beautiful array of flowers,
leaves, branches and designs to share with our neighbours.
Our final show for the year, held in the Leaside Library on
September 16, also highlighted Leaside’s gardening talent. At this
annual show, “Best in Show” awards are given for several classes.
Note the award winners on page 25. Scores were tallied for
participation in the Summer and Annual shows to arrive at the
Dave Money Plaque and the Desmay Smith Design Award. This
year Karen Keay received the most overall points in all classes and
Joanna Blanchard received the most points in the design class.
Congratulations to them and all members that participated in this
important activity of our society.
Connie Uetrecht
Website
Visit our website for information on the current happenings of the
society. You will find the list of speakers and topics for every
meeting in 2018, upcoming events, newsletters and much more.
Please visit us at www.leasidegardensociety.org.
Malcolm Geast
Yearbook
The yearbook contains all the information you need to know as a
member of the Leaside Garden Society. This includes contact
information for all board members, activity reports, OHA events, a
list of local and specialty garden clubs, gardening tips, the
program for our monthly meetings and detailed information about
exhibiting in our flower shows.
Carolyn Metcalfe
page 22President’s Award—Jim Hartley and Shawn Sheppard
This Ontario Horticultural Association award is given at the
discretion of the president to acknowledge long-time and
outstanding contributions to the society. It is not easy to choose
recipients for this award—we have so many willing volunteers—
but this year it was my pleasure to select two people to receive the
award.
There are some folks who take on tasks quietly and with little fan-
fare, and our first recipient is certainly one of them. Jim Hartley
has been an LGS member for several years, and frequently helped
out at events. Four years ago he suggested that a front garden
award would be a good way to enhance the society’s public
profile. With the board’s support he went on to gather together a
team of volunteers who looked at every front garden in Leaside
and Bennington Heights and came up with some worthy winners
of our Garden of Distinction award. He organized for plaques to
be made and delivered them to the surprised and grateful home
owners. Jim has continued to run the project since then, certainly
enhancing our reputation in Leaside.
Shawn Sheppard also deserves our appreciation and thanks. He
has been organizing our much-anticipated plant sale for many
years, working with our sometimes unpredictable perennial
supplier, encouraging us to share our plants for the good of the
community and even bringing snacks for the set-up team the day
before the sale, all while having a very demanding full-time job.
Not only that, but he can be seen at many of our other activities,
and his wise counsel as a member of the Board of Directors is
valued by us all.
It was with much appreciation and gratitude that I presented these
awards to Jim and Shawn on behalf of the society.
Joanna Blanchard
page 23June Murdoch Award—Christine Simmons
The June Murdoch award is presented annually by the society as a
way of honouring June Murdoch’s tremendous contribution to
volunteer work within the society. It goes to an LGS member who
has gone “over and above” during the past year. Board members
nominate any member of the society that they feel has contributed
outstanding service to the society. This year there were six
nominees, but the majority of votes went to Christine Simmons,
whose contributions over the year are too many to mention, but
whose outstanding contribution was to provide such efficient
management of the morning food contributions at the District 5
AGM, as well as her ongoing management of our membership.
It was with great pleasure that the 2017 award was presented by
June Murdoch herself to Christine.
Community Garden Award
The Community Garden Award is given to a business or institution,
which has enhanced its area of Leaside by planting and
landscaping. This year seven nominees were presented to the board
and the winner was SAHIL (Stay at home in Leaside) at 1387
Bayview Avenue. The building residents were represented by long-
time LGS member Edna Beange and the main garden planners
Ayesha and Frank Jones. On accepting the certificate from Joanna
at the AGM, Edna said, “We are very proud to be recognized,
thanks to Ayesha and Frank and the enthusiastic group of
volunteers who work steadily on the beds all summer. Please come
and visit us next year and we would love to give you the tour.”
The runners up all received a hand-delivered card from Joanna
congratulating them on their efforts.
Bernice Holman
page 242017 Show Awards and Points Ranking
The Dave Money Plaque
Awarded for the highest overall points in all shows
Karen Keay
The Desmay Smith Design Award
Awarded for the highest total points for design in all shows
Joanna Blanchard
The Frank Comper Rose Award
Awarded for the best-in-show rose at the September show
Karen Martin and Ted Tritchew
LGS Best Specimen Award
Awarded for the best-in-show Best Cut Specimen
at the September show
Connie Uetrecht
The Ella Irving Junior Design Award
(no contenders in 2017)
Best in Show Winners
Annual Show—September 2017
Best Rose—Karen Martin and Ted Tritchew
Best Potted Plant—Karen Keay
Best Design—Joanna Blanchard
Best Cut Specimen—Connie Uetrecht
Best Fruit/Vegetable—Dianne and Allan Caister
Best Collection—Joanna Blanchard
Highest Total Points
1st Karen Keay (156) 4thKaren Martin and
2nd Connie Uetrecht (132) Ted Tritchew (115)
3rd Joanna Blanchard (127) 5th Margaret Rousseau (112)
Thank you to all our members who participated in our shows including
the show at the District 5 AGM: Joanna Blanchard, Sheila Bražys, Allan
and Dianne Caister, Nora Campbell, Heather Gray, Chris Halpern,
Rick Hutchings, Karen Keay, Anna Leggatt, Karen Martin/Ted
Tritchew, Margaret Rousseau, Christine Simmons, Connie Uetrecht.
page 25Flower Shows Made Easy
The experience of participating in flower shows can be a very
positive and enjoyable part of your membership in the society.
Never entered before? Start small. Enter your best house plant or the
nicest bloom in your garden. There’s even a Novice Design category
for those who have never won a 1st place ribbon in design.
• Read over the upcoming show schedule often to see if
anything in your garden might fit the categories. Or, stroll
around your garden and look for nice individual flowers—most
categories request only “1–3 blooms or stems” to enter. Once
you have a few prized flowers in mind, find the matching
category in the show schedule, and start cutting and
conditioning.
TIP: A “bloom” includes any bud with colour, even if it is not
fully opened. (See rule #18 on page 30)
• Grow your own exhibits. “Cultural” class entries MUST have been
grown by the exhibitor. Designs, however, can use flowers you’ve
purchased as well as those found in your garden, if you choose.
TIP: Houseplants may only be exhibited once in any three-
month period, and the exhibitor must have owned the plant for
at least three months.
• Select the best flowers you have for exhibition. Be choosy
and examine them closely. Damaged petals, “leggy” plants,
pest-nibbled leaves or blooms that are “past their prime” are
things a judge will notice.
TIP: Groom all plants, flowers and foliage before showing.
Clean the pot, top up with fresh soil, wash leaves and remove
damaged leaves or petals and insects.
• Condition your flowers. Fresh cut flowers should be cut with a
sharp knife (and put into warm water immediately) the day
before a show and conditioned overnight to look their best.
TIP: Cut flowers prefer water that is room temperature or
warmer; roses like hot water.
page 26Flower Shows Made Easy (continued)
• Arrive early at the show so that volunteers can help you fill out
show entry tags (see page 34) and identify plants if necessary.
TIP: Use return address labels on both parts of the show entry
tag for quick tag completion and keep your yearbook handy
with your “exhibitor number” and schedules.
TIP: You may earn more points if you label your entries with
both botanical and common names.
• Read the show rules and definitions. (See pages 28–33 for
full rules)
TIP: To qualify, pay strict attention to notations on the show
schedule regarding size of pot, number of blooms, stems, sprays
and overall size of designs.
• Display flowers attractively. Arrange flowers to create a
pleasing effect. All cultivars in an exhibit should be as nearly alike
as possible in size, form, colour and maturity. Generally, blooms
should not touch one another or rest on the rim of the container.
TIP: With three flowers, arrange so they are the same height in
the container—even if you need to boost the bottom of the stems
with newspaper inside the container!
Above all, have fun! Think positively and enjoy the competition
aspect of the shows. Winning ribbons can be very exciting!
Glossary of Terms Used in Point Scoring
Condition The physical state of plant material at time of judging.
Conformance Compliance with schedule requirements. Fitness to
theme or class.
Creativity An original idea or concept in the selection and use
of design components.
Design A combination of plant materials and/or organic
objects arranged to create an artistic unit.
Distinction Marked superiority in all respects.
Form Overall shape of the specimen. Form should be
characteristic of the cultivar.
page 27Show Rules
Exhibitors
In order to exhibit:
1. Obtain an entry number from the show coordinator.
2. If possible, pick up entry cards from the show coordinator the
month before each show.
3. On show entry card, write your name and entry number, the
horticultural specimen and design material where possible.
Complete top and bottom of the entry card. (See page 34)
4. All entries must be in and tagged before closing time.
5. All shows are open to bona fide members of the society for
the current year. When two or more members are jointly
operating a garden, they cannot compete against each other,
except in design classes.
6. All flowers, vegetables and fruits for the cultural classes
must have been grown by the exhibitor. Potted plants must
have been grown by the exhibitor for at least three months,
unless otherwise stated. Potted plants may contain more than
one plant, but only one cultivar per pot, except where
otherwise stated. Plants may be exhibited once in any three-
month period.
Vases and Containers
7. All types of vases and plates are supplied by the society. The
exhibitor may use his/her own container only if so specified
in the show schedule.
8. Potted plant containers should be of proper size for the plant,
clean, unobtrusive and in good repair.
page 28Show Rules (continued)
Judging
9. For each show (except for the Winter Show “You be the
Judge”) an accredited judge qualified to judge both
horticulture and design by the Garden Clubs of Ontario is
hired. The judge reviews the exhibits in each class and
chooses the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and, where applicable, Honourable
Mention for each. For the Spring and Summer Shows the
judge chooses the “Best in Show” for the Cultural and Design
sections from the 1st place exhibits. For the Annual Show, the
judge chooses a “Best in Show” from the 1st place exhibits
from the following categories:
Best Specimen (except Rose)
Best Rose
Best Potted Plant
Best Collections
Best Fruit/Vegetable
Best Design
In addition at each show, the judge can award one “Judge’s
Choice” in each of the Cultural and Design categories.
Points
10. Points to be awarded are as follows:
1st 2nd 3rd HM
Specimen Classes 6 4 2 1
Design Classes 8 6 4 2
Collections 8 6 4 2
“Best in Show” Ribbon 5 points
(Awarded at the Spring, Summer and Annual Shows)
Honorary “Judge’s Choice” Ribbon no points
11. To receive recognition, an entry must be of good quality.
Ribbons will be awarded at the judge’s discretion.
page 29Show Rules (continued)
12. If in the opinion of the judge, entries in a class are substandard,
the entire class may be cancelled or prizes awarded at the
judge’s discretion. The judge’s decision is final.
13. Special prizes to be awarded at the judge’s discretion.
14. The Ontario Judging and Exhibiting Standards, Publication
#34/2003 is used as a guide for showing and judging.
Show Committee
15. The show committee has full charge of staging, judging and
handling of all shows and complaints, and reserves the right
to make any additional rules deemed necessary for the
success of the show.
16. Only those designated by the show chair are permitted to
enter the show area during the judging.
Cultural
17. Each entry must be displayed in one container, unless
otherwise stated.
18. Only the exact number of blooms, sprays, stems, etc.
specified for any class should be exhibited. More or fewer
blooms than the number called for in a class will disqualify
that exhibitor. A bud showing colour is considered a bloom.
19. Entries are limited to two in each class except in “any other”
classes, in which there is no limit. Multiple entries in a class
must be of different cultivars.
20. At the discretion of the show chair, classes may be
subdivided if warranted.
21. The show committee may visit or appoint a member to visit
the gardens of exhibitors at any time.
22. The foliage of horticultural specimens may be washed and
brushed but not oiled or waxed. The pot must not be over
8 inches/20 cm, unless specified.
page 30Show Rules (continued)
23. Collection classes are to be judged from the front unless
specified. All material must be grown and arranged by the
exhibitor. All collections will be judged horticulturally as
well as decoratively.
Design
Entries are limited to one in each class.
24. All designs must be the work of the exhibitor, but flowers and
other plant material used may be obtained from any source.
25. Any type of plant material—living, dried, treated—may be
used. A discreet use of painted, treated material and artificial
grapes is permitted, but no other artificial material unless
otherwise stated may be used. Accessories are permitted with
all designs unless otherwise stated.
26. Wiring or tying of flowers as well as other mechanics are
permitted but they should not be visible. Points will be
deducted if they are seen.
27. All designs are viewed and judged from the front only unless
otherwise stated.
28. Moving or disturbing any exhibit, other than your own, is not
permitted.
Entries from the June flower show
page 31Definitions
Landscape Design A realistic style capturing a moment from
nature. The design can be completely
naturalistic or stylized.
Miniature Design A design with maximum dimensions of
12.7 cm (5 inches) in any direction
including container, base and accessories.
For good proportion, the container should
not exceed 3.8 cm (1 1/2 inches in height).
Miniature Hanging A miniature design that is viewed from the
front and is equipped with a device for
hanging.
Posy A hand-tied design of plant material
making use of the plant’s own stems, which
are usually tied with string or raffia
Pot et Fleur An exhibit of growing plants, in or out of
pots, packed lightly with moisture-retaining
material, plus cut flowers in tubes of water,
oasis or other material, all assembled in one
container. Moss, decorative wood and rock
may be included. No cut foliage is
permitted. However, cut flowers and/or
fruited branches may be used.
Small Design A design with dimensions from 13.9 to 25.4
cm (5 1/2 to 10 inches) and which must not
exceed 25.4 cm (10 inches) in any direction
including container, base and accessories.
Under Water Design A design in which part is placed under
water to create interest. Although part of
the design must be under water, no definite
percentage is required. The entire design
may not be under water.
Water Viewing A design in a shallow container with 1/2 to
2/3 of the container surface showing water.
page 32Completing the Show Tag
A #1
NOTE
Rose “Alba”
Ensure that your points
accumulate for the Annual
Show Awards.
123 Fill out both the top and
bottom sections of the
Joe and Mary Bloom show tag completely.
A #1
123
Joe and Mary Bloom
Scale of Points
When you submit an entry in a flower show, it is judged according
to a scale of points. There is a different scale of points for each of
the various categories and the judge always follows them exactly.
The scale of points for Cut Specimens and Plants can be found on
pages 22–28 of the Ontario Judging and Exhibiting Standards,
Publication #34/2003 while those for the Design categories can be
found on pages 85 and 86.
page 33Winter Mini-Show
Thursday, February 8, 2018
Leaside Library
165 McRae Drive
Entries received 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Judging starts at 7:30 p.m.
You Be The Judge
Design
Theme: It’s a Small World
(Please see definitions on pages 31 to 32)
(Accessories will be permitted in all design categories)
Class
1. Good Things Come in Small Packages
a small fresh design
a) Experienced exhibitor
b) Novice exhibitor
c) Youth
2. Fairy Posy
a small fresh design
a) Experienced exhibitor
b) Novice exhibitor
c) Youth
3. Microscopic
a dried hanging miniature design (niche will be provided)
a) Experienced exhibitor
b) Novice exhibitor
c) Youth
page 34Winter Mini-Show (continued)
4. Pixie
a fresh miniature design
a) Experienced exhibitor
b) Novice exhibitor
c) Youth
Vertical planting in one of the gardens on the Garden Tour—10 Rumsey Road
Lush foliage in one of the gardens on the Garden Tour—21 Annesley Avenue
page 35Spring Mini-Show
Thursday, May 10, 2018
Leaside Library
165 McRae Drive
Show run under the Ontario Judging and Exhibiting Standards,
Publication #34/2003
Entries received 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Judging starts at 7:30 p.m.
Removal of entries after 9:00 p.m.
(Please see the show rules and definitions on pages 28 to 32)
Cultural—Section A
(Please see rules on pages 28 to 31)
Containers will be provided for classes 1–5
Class
1. Narcissus (Daffodil), 1 stem
2. Tulip, 1 stem
3. Any other flower from a bulb, corm or rhizome, 1 stem
4. Perennial flower, 3 stems
5. Flowering branch (not to exceed 36 inches/90 cm)
6. Foliage houseplant
7. Flowering houseplant
8. Succulent (includes cactus, not grafted), 1 cultivar
9. A planter or terrarium containing 3 or more cultivars
10. Seedlings—all one variety, growing in a cell pack or
equivalent
page 36Spring Mini-Show (continued)
Design—Section B
Theme: Spring Weather
(Please see design rules and definitions on pages 31 to 32)
(Accessories will be permitted in all design categories)
Space allotment: 24 inches/61 cm width and depth, height unlimited
Class
11. Thunder and Lightning
a design
a) Experienced exhibitor
b) Novice exhibitor
c) Youth
12. Rain Shower
a water viewing design
a) Experienced exhibitor
b) Novice exhibitor
c) Youth
13. Sunburst
a small design
a) Experienced exhibitor
b) Novice exhibitor
c) Youth
Plants ready for the Leaside Plant Sale
page 37Jim Hartley (left) and Shawn Sheppard (right) receiving the President’s Award for 2017
from Joanna Blanchard
Christine Simmons receiving the June Karen Keay receiving the Dave Money
Murdoch Award for 2017 from June Murdoch Plaque for 2017 from Dave Money
page 38Summer Show
Saturday, June 16, 2018
in conjunction with the LGS Garden Tour
Leaside Library
165 McRae Drive
Show run under the Ontario Judging and Exhibiting Standards,
Publication #34/2003
Entries received 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Judging starts at 10:45 a.m.
Removal of entries between 3:30 and 4:00 p.m.
(Please see the show rules and definitions on pages 28 to 32)
Entries will not be received after 10:45 a.m.
Public viewing of the exhibits from 12.30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Cultural —Sections A and B
(Please see rules on pages 28 to 31)
(Containers will be provided)
Section A: Cut Specimens
Class
1. Rose, 1 bloom or spray with attached foliage
2. Iris, any cultivar, 1 stem
3. Aquilegia (Columbine), 3 stems with foliage
4. Clematis, 1 flower with foliage
5. Heuchera (Coral Bells), foliage, 3 leaves from a single
cultivar
6. Paeonia (Peony), 1 bloom
7. Any other perennial or biennial, growth habit
under 15 inches/38 cm, 3 stems
8. Any other perennial or biennial, growth habit
at least 15 inches/38 cm, 3 stems
9. Any other flower grown as an annual, 3 stems
page 39Summer Show (continued)
10. Any other flowering bulb, corm or tuber, 1 stem, spike or spray
11. Hosta foliage, variegated, 1 leaf
12. Hosta foliage, plain, 1 leaf
13. Hosta foliage, 3 leaves, one from each of three different
cultivars
Section B: Flowering Branches and Potted Plants
(For classes 15–17 pot size not to exceed 8 inches/20 cm)
Class
14. Flowering branch, not to exceed 36 inches/91 cm
15. Flowering plant, growing in a pot
16. Foliage plant, growing in a pot
17. Succulent, includes cactus, not grafted, 1 cultivar
18. A terrarium or planter (any size) to contain not less than 3
different cultivars; may include cactus and grafted cactus
Design—Section C
Theme: Canada—Coast to Coast
(Please see design rules and definitions on pages 31 to 32)
(Accessories will be permitted in all design categories)
Space allotment: 24 inches/61 cm width and depth, height unlimited
Class
19. Rockies
a design incorporating one or more rocks
a) Experienced exhibitor
b) Novice exhibitor
c) Youth
page 40Summer Show (continued)
20. City Skyline
a design
a) Experienced exhibitor
b) Novice exhibitor
c) Youth
21. Algonquin
a landscape design
a) Experienced exhibitor
b) Novice exhibitor
c) Youth
22. Bay of Fundy
an underwater design
a) Experienced exhibitor
b) Novice exhibitor
c) Youth
Connie Uetrecht receiving the LGS Best Karen Martin receiving the Frank Comper
Specimen Award for 2017 from Joanna Award for 2017 from Connie Uetrecht
page 41Annual Show
Saturday, September 15, 2018
Leaside Library
165 McRae Drive
Show run under the Ontario Judging and Exhibiting Standards,
Publication #34/2003
Entries received 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Judging starts at 10:45 a.m.
Removal of entries between 3:30 and 4:00 p.m.
(Please see the show rules and definitions on pages 28 to 32)
Entries will not be received after 10:45 a.m.
Public viewing of the exhibits from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Cultural—Sections A–E
(Please see rules on pages 28 to 31)
(Containers will be provided)
Section A: Roses
Class
1. Any Rose, 1 bloom or spray, with attached foliage
Section B: Cut Specimens
Class
2. Anemone (Japanese Anemone), 1 stem
3. Begonia, fibrous, 1 stem
4. Begonia, tuberous, 1 bloom with 2 leaves displayed to float in
a shallow dish, (exhibitor’s container)
5. Coleus foliage, 1 cultivar, 3 stems
6. Coleus foliage, 1 leaf of each of 3 different cultivars
7. Dahlia, 1 bloom
page 42Annual Show (continued)
8. Pelargonium (Geranium), 1 stem with foliage
9. Hydrangea, any cultivar, 1 head
10. Impatiens hawkeri (New Guinea Impatiens), 3 stems
11. Phlox, any colour, 1 stem
12. Rudbeckia, 3 stems
13. Salvia, any colour, 3 stems
14. Sedum, 3 heads
15. Any other flower grown as an annual, 3 stems
16. Any other perennial or biennial, growth habit
under 15 inches/38 cm, 3 stems
17. Any other perennial or biennial, growth habit
at least 15 inches/38 cm, 3 stems
18. Any other flowering bulb, corm or tuber, 1 stem
19. Ornamental grass, variegated, 1 cultivar, 3 stems
20. Ornamental grass, solid, 1 cultivar, 3 stems
21. Any flowering or fruiting branch, not to exceed
36 inches/91 cm
Section C: Collections
22. Collection of foliage only (foliage to be named, exhibitor’s
container)
23. Collection of mixed flowers, more is better (flowers to be
named, exhibitor’s container)
24. Collection of cut herbs, more is better (herbs to be named,
exhibitor’s container)
Section D: Hanging Baskets, Planters and Potted Plants
25. Succulent (includes cactus, not grafted), 1 cultivar
26. A mixture of succulents and/or cacti (includes grafted cactus)
27. Herb, named, 1 cultivar
28. A mixture of herbs in a pot
page 43Annual Show (continued)
29. A plant grown for its foliage, 1 cultivar
30. A mixed planter, predominately foliage
31. Flowering plant, 1 cultivar
32. A mixed planter, predominately flowering plants (can include
foliage plants as accents)
33. Trailing plant, 1 cultivar
34. Orchid
Section E: Edible Fruit and Vegetables
(Plates will be provided)
Class
35. A cluster of tomatoes (2 or more), 1 cultivar, with calyx,
growing together (natural variation in maturity is permitted)
36. Tomatoes (3), 1 cultivar, at least 2 inches/5 cm, with calyx
37. A collection of tomatoes, 3 or more different cultivars,
1 of each (with calyx), named
38. Any fruit (3), 1 cultivar
39. Any vegetable (1)
40. A collection of at least 3 different kinds of fruits and/or vegetables
Design—Sections F and G
Theme: LIFF (Leaside International Film Festival)
(Please see design rules and definitions on pages 31 to 32)
(Accessories will be permitted in all design categories)
Space allotment: 24 inches/61 cm width and depth, height unlimited
Section F: Special Exhibit
Class
41. The French Connection
a Pot et Fleur design
a) Experienced exhibitor
page 44Annual Show (continued)
b) Novice exhibitor
c) Youth
Section G
Class
42. Space Odyssey
a dried miniature design
a) Experienced exhibitor
b) Novice exhibitor
c) Youth
43. Romeo and Juliet
a design using two containers
a) Experienced exhibitor
b) Novice exhibitor
c) Youth
44. Under the Tuscan Sun
a design
a) Experienced exhibitor
b) Novice exhibitor
c) Youth
45. Madame Butterfly
a Japanese style small design (your own interpretation)
a) Experienced exhibitor
b) Novice exhibitor
c) Youth
page 45Joanna Blanchard receiving the Desmay Recipients of the Community Garden Award,
Smith Design Award for 2017 from Connie Ayesha and Frank Jones, with Edna Beange
One of the gardens on the Garden Tour— “Cirque”—Leaside Garden Society’s first
67 Brentcliffe Road place entry in Canada Blooms
page 46Photography Competition
The winner of the 2017 photography competition was Joanna
Blanchard. See her winning entry on the cover of this yearbook!
Winning and finalist photos may be used on Leaside Garden Society
publicity throughout the year.
2018 Photography Competition for 2019 LGS Yearbook Cover
Rules
• Entries which do not adhere to the basic rules will be
eliminated from the pre-selection process.
• All entries must be printed 5 x 7 (portrait) in order
for the committee to see the clarity of the photos.
• Entries are limited to photos taken by a LGS member.
• Subjects of photos do not have to be from the member’s own
garden.
• A maximum of three prints may be submitted per member.
• All prints must have a corresponding full-sized digital file
suitable for use on the yearbook cover if the entry is the winner.
Please submit a photograph with the highest resolution possible.
• Entries must be clearly identified with entrant’s name, plant or flower
variety. Please indicate the top of the image if it is not obvious.
Criteria for Preliminary Judging
• Horticultural relevance
• Composition and design
• Overall photographic quality—please make sure that your
entries are in focus
• Artistic impact and interpretation
All entries must be submitted by September 15, 2018. They can be
handed in at any monthly meetings or at the Annual Flower Show
on September 15. Preliminary judging will be made by the
page 47Photography Competition (continued)
Photography Committee and the semi-finalists selected. The final
vote will be by the members of the LGS in attendance at the
October meeting. The winner will be announced at the November
meeting.
All entries will be returned after judging is completed. LGS
reserves the right to copy and publish any entry in club publicity
or use any entry for fundraising projects. Please contact Christine
Simmons at christinebsimmons@hotmail.com if you have any
questions.
Two Gardens of Distinction—198 and 200 Bessborough Drive
“Slice of
Cake” entries
in the June
flower show
page 48Pollinator Passion
Creating a Dedicated Pollinator Garden
The easiest way to describe a pollinator garden would be a garden to
which birds, bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, bats and other
beneficial wildlife are attracted with the hope that they will transfer
pollen from flower to flower. It sounds easy enough but attracting
them is only part of the picture. A dedicated pollinator garden should
provide a food source (the flowers), a water source (rocks with nooks
and crannies to collect water), a resting area (tree branches and
rocks), areas where they can dry and stretch their wings and a shelter
area from both wind and predators. Many of our pollinator friends
have suffered over the years from loss of habitat, misuse of
chemicals and the spread of invasive plant species. Even a small
garden can make a big difference to the survival of our pollinators.
Although most flowering gardens would be considered as pollinator
friendly, by adding or changing a few items any garden can become a
dedicated pollinator garden. Some people go as far as making the
design of the bed itself into a more “organic” shape. Plants and trees
should be selected because of their different blooming times, different
growing habits and different bloom sizes and shapes. The trees, plants
and flowers should be chosen so that a seasonal food source would be
found, even in the depths of winter. Plants such as Stella D’Oro
daylily, potentilla, sedum and sumac trees provide a four-season
source of food for the different pollinators. Many homeowners like to
attract certain types of pollinators. Discovering what their food source
and habits are greatly improves the chances of attracting your choice
of pollinator. Don’t forget to provide a habitat such as a bird house,
bat house or even a bee house. These items will benefit the pollinators
but also provide a statement piece in the garden.
Grasses such as Calamagrostis Karl Foerster, Pennisetum glacum,
Pennisetum moudry, Molinia caerulea and Calamagrostis
brachytricha not only look good in the garden but when clustered
together will provide a wind break and a winter hiding place. Solitary
bees will over winter in the hollowed out stalks of ornamental grasses.
Plants such as Sedum Autumn Joy, Stella D’Oro daylily, Yucca
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