This year the first day of spring is Wed. March 3rd. Take my word for it; and that of approximately 120,000 people who will walk through the doors of the Merto Toronto Convention Centre [south building] to take in the wonders of the 7th annual Canada Blooms show this coming week [Wed. March 3rd through Sun. March 7].
While winter weather may still be with us, the days are getting undeniably longer and at the same time, the anticipation of this years edition of Canada Blooms makes the days feel that way….. I just can’t wait. But then, I have experienced the past 6 shows and I know what is in store this year…. A fabulous exhibit of horticultural delights that will qualify this one as the ‘premier’ show of it’s kind in all of the country once again.
So, what’s new at Canada Blooms? Glad that you asked.
For one- lilacs, lilies and roses. This is a throw back to gardens as they once were ……. Or, more accurately, as we imagine them to be. In keeping with the theme this year "Tides of Time" you will see 30 themed gardens that reflect individual interpretations of this theme. To try and describe these is impossible here; partly because they don’t exist yet [they are in the making as you read this column on the weekend]. But suffice to say that the creative minds that put these garden designs together – at first on paper and later on the floor of the Convention Centre – are the best and the brightest in the country. I am always amazed – no – completely dazzled – by the complexity of these theme gardens.
To me the highlight of Canada Blooms is this unique collection of themed gardens. It’s like someone [or and army of ‘someone’] sliced off an established portion of a back yard and placed it in this cavernous building. Multiply this by 30 and you get the idea.
Bring a camera, notebook and pencil, wear flat soled shoes and regardless of how busy your schedule don’t rush through this show. A minimum of 3 hours is needed even if you don’t like to garden. If gardening is you passion, you would not be the only one to put 2 or 3 full days aside to drink it all in.
Much of your time can be invested at the numerous educational seminars. Your problem here will be deciding which ones to attend, as several often run concurrently – there are a total of 300 hours of informational presentations over the 5 days. Maybe you should buddy up with someone else and have them take notes at a seminar you cannot attend…..
I will be presenting in the big theatre [lots of seating for everyone] on Fri. at 1 p.m. – my topic "Gardening – not just a hobby, but a lifestyle!" featuring a special tribute to the role of trees in the landscape.
I am pleased to hear that my friends David Tarrant and Des Kennedy are being flown in from B.C. to present again this year. Such nice guys and such great speakers!
If you love your pet check out the new Eukanuba Garden. It is pet and ‘owner’ friendly, featuring plants that are non-toxic to animals. Neat idea!
If you enjoy the art of creative flower design, there is an international competition at Canada Blooms again this year that is well worthy of your attention. Participants come from England, France, Ireland, Italy, and Japan.
Looking ofr the latest in plants for your garden this spring? Look for the Chestnut Oak trees – oaks that look like chestnuts [but without the Chestnut blight, one would assume], an elderberry with black foliage called Black Beauty and in the annual flower department, look for the newest addition to the Wave series of petunias "Easy Wave".
The marketplace has been expanded to 150 exhibitors; is there something that you need for your garden that isn’t here? Other than a bag of dirt, I doubt it. In any case, it is not the ‘garden-variety’ merchandise that you find here anyway. Unusual plants and garden accessories and a general reflection of the latest trends in ‘outdoor décor’ is what you will find. I always come home with something, even thou
