As I write this, my window view shows soft, fluffy flakes of snow attaching themselves to all that stands in their path to the ground. I can hear the birds chirping and there seems to be more variety and action at my bird feeders. The squirrels are chasing each other around – maybe for warmth rather than procreation. The air has turned soft on my face and I know that Spring is not far off.
Just as the CNE brings a close to summer, Canada Blooms always heralds the beginning of Spring and spikes our interest in what’s new for this season.
Trends seem to be to designing small spaces for solitude, unwinding and aiming towards an appreciation for nature and all she has to offer. Fencing is used creatively and usually with plant material rather than with treated wood panels. Pathways were winding, even in small spaces and arbours, bridges, pergolas, and water features played a huge role in linking different areas of the garden together.
Our zone is 5a which means that all Canadian grown plants with a label indicating 5a or less will grow happily in our area depending on proper care, existing soil conditions and exposure. As an avid gardener, I’m always on the lookout for new varieties of plants and sometimes, I admit, I stretch the boundaries and try to create microclimates to over-winter the more tender species. Sometimes it works, other times, well, experience can be an expensive, but good teacher.
Hardy to Zone 4, ‘Looking Glass’ Brunnera is a sport of Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’. This is perfect in a woodland setting since it’s leaves have an all over silver patina which continues to develop as the leaves age. In Spring you’ll be delighted with a froth of tiny Wedgwood Blue flower clusters. Another favourite perennial of mine is Bergenia also known as “Pig Squeak” because of the sound the leaves make when you rub them between finger and thumb. This year a new variety has been introduced called Bergenia ‘Pink Dragonfly’. The foliage is plum-red with beautiful coral pink flowers in the spring and is hardy to Zone 3.
Do you love Delphinium’s as much as I do? New Zealand has introduced it’s New Millennium™ Delphinium Series which they have bred for disease resistance and strong stems. It comes in many colours, is Zone 2 tolerant, will grow to 120-180 cm (48-56 in). The best part is that it can stand up to our summer heat and humidity better than the standard varieties currently on the market. Well worth the effort of tracking it down, in my opinion.
Coneflowers have begun to appear in several colours other than the original mauve/purple. You can now purchase Mango Meadowbrite™; a double purple coneflower called ‘Doppelganger’; ‘Fancy Frills’ in a pinkish colour; ‘Green Eyes’ with a twist; ‘Jade’ (white with black centers) and ‘Sparkler’ which comes in pink. The best of the bunch is probably ‘Hope’ because the flowers are huge and fragrant. It is soft-pink with an oversized rusty-orange cone. A donation will be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation to further research into a cure for breast cancer with a purchase of each plant.
There are many new versions of your favorite annuals for borders and for potting up. Look for a beautiful new fuschias called ‘Diva’ which comes in pure white, or Neon/White and is supposed to do very well in our higher temperatures in the summer. There is also a new trailing Impatiens call ‘Butterfly’ which claims to fill containers quickly and blooms profusely. It comes in five different colours and does best in afternoon shade.
A deep yellow flowering Magnolia tree is being introduced as ‘Sunburst’ Magnolia which is hardy to Zone 5. An intriguing shrub called ‘Little Honey’ Hydrangea claims to be “a sunbeam in the summer landscape”. It has white flowers in the summer and will bloom into the fall when the leaves will turn a “magnificent” red. It will grow 90 cm x 90 cm (3 x 3 ft) tall. View Hydrangea 'Little Honey' web site for more information.
Remember that with the introduction of all these hybrids you will most likely be sacrificing scent for colour, size, blossom longevity and disease resistance. It is always a good idea to take the time to maintain some of the old fashioned garden favorites, like Phlox, Rugosa roses, Iris’, Artemisias, Bellflowers, Lily of the Valley and Lavendar to provide you with a truly sensual garden. And don’t forget the thymes, sages, or basils.
As a reminder, the Toronto Botanical Gardens is offering many garden classes and hosting special talks throughout this season. You can find the course listing on their web site. Help support the TBG in its revitalization.