BLOOMS CHAIR PLACES 1ST AT INTERNATIONAL FLOWER SHOW
Did you hear?
Canada Blooms very own Chair, Ellen Clark has placed first at the Garden Club Argentino Virtual Flower Show, held in November.
The theme of the Centenary Flower Show presented by the Garden Club Argentino is "Time and Tide Wait for No Man".
Ellen, along with donating her time to be the Canada Blooms Board Chair for 2021-23, is also a member of the Garden Club of Toronto and has chaired the committee that oversees the annual Toronto Flower Show at Canada Blooms. We at Canada Blooms are thrilled to congratulate you for doing Canada proud by placing first in the WAFA Division of the competition that saw some of the best and brightest from around the globe.
Kudos also to Sandra Williamson and Silvana Croce for also representing Canada in the competition.
Pictures Above:
#1 WAFA Division Class 1, Beginnings, a traditional design. First - Ellen Clark, GCT
# 2 Class 1, A Different Perspective, an exhibit excluding the use of fresh flowers. Commended - Ellen Clark, GCT (Note: this entry is from the Australian Floral Art Association National Convention Show) # 3 Class 4, Impact. Third - Sandra Williamson, GCT
# 4 Class 2, Evolution, Silvana Croce, Milne House Garden Club
TIPS FROM THE PROS: CARING FOR SEASONAL FAVOURITES
Whether you receive some plants this season as gifts or you purchase them to dress up your abode, now is the time to consider how to extend their life to maximize the pleasure that you get from them.
Poinsettia
The poinsettia is one of the few plants that will provide reliable colour through the winter. When you bring your poinsettia home, follow our five tips for poinsettia care:
1. Make your poinsettia pick-up the last on your shopping trip. They do not like a cold car (or anything cold).
2. For best performance indoors, place your poinsettia in a bright room or window: remember that they originated in the dessert and love sunshine.
3. Keep from drafts: opening doors and heating vents are the enemy.
4. Do not let it sit in water. If it is in a decorative sleeve or pot cover, either remove it or punch holes in the bottom for drainage.
5. Water ONLY when the soil is dry to the touch or, for larger plants, a centimetre below the surface. Fertilize only after the first month if you are not ready to compost it. Use a half strength 20-20-20 solution every 2 weeks.
Amaryllis
Amaryllis is a plant that gives you what you pay for it. There are specimens available for $10 or so and sometimes they are even gift boxed for that price! But they are small-ish bulbs that produce one or two stems of small-ish flowers.
The larger bulbs (28 to 32 cm circumference) are a much better value. They will produce up to 3 large stems and support up to 5 flowers per stem. More colour, more show, more fun.
To get your amaryllis off to the best start possible, be sure to plant it in sterile soil (not garden soil) and press the bulb into the soil firmly giving it a gentle turn. Leave about 1/3 of the bulb exposed, above the soil. If you plant the whole bulb, you risk the whole thing rotting before it has a chance to impress you with spectacular blossoms. Water it well and let the top centimetre or so of soil become dry between watering. Your amaryllis bulb arrives at your home in a dormant state. It will begin to grow when it is exposed to sunshine and temperatures in the range of 18 to 22°C.
If December was a dessert, this would be it!
Though both are great on their own, together bacon and cheesecake are the perfect marriage of salty and sweet.
Our friend Cynthia Beretta loves creating these delicious recipes from unexpected flavour pairings and, made with organic ingredients, we think you will love this special dessert too!
In 2022 the Garden Club of Toronto is celebrating 75 years of giving and growing – and do we ever have a lot to celebrate!
Since 1946 the Garden Club of Toronto (GCT) has pioneered major horticultural, garden-related, floral artistry, environmental and educational projects. True to its vision of sharing the wonder of nature through education, engagement and creativity, GCT stimulates a knowledge and love of gardening among amateurs; aids in the protection of native plants, trees, birds and soil; and has contributed to civic planting.
GCT played a major role in the creation of the Toronto Botanical Garden (formerly The Civic Garden Centre) and co-founded the annual Canada Blooms event. GCT counts among its more than 50 garden projects the Gardens of Casa Loma, the 19th Century Garden in St. James Park, and the Teaching Garden in the Toronto Botanical Garden. A registered charity, GCT has contributed close to $9 million in current dollars to all its projects.
As 2022 is also the Year of the Garden, the GCT is producing a drone video featuring the gardens we have developed in the City of Toronto over our 75 year history. Watch for this video during Garden Days, June 11 - June 15, or tour the amazing GCT gardens yourself.
To advance our educational mission, and as thought leaders in the area of sustainability, GCT is planning our first public symposium, to be held on October 22, 2022. Inspiring Change for a Sustainable Future promises an informative and positive look at our role as guardians and stewards of the Earth. Our keynote speaker will be Diana Beresford-Kroeger, well known author, speaker and advocate with a focus on the interconnectedness of the web of life and the intrinsic value of nature. Panel topics include Gardening to Support the Biodiversity of Life and Health Benefits of Being Connected to Nature. We are grateful for the generous support of the TD Bank Group, our lead sponsor of this event.
For more information on all these special anniversary activities, visit the Garden Club of Toronto website at thegardencluboftoronto.ca.
A PERFECT GIFT FOR THE GARDENER IN YOUR LIFE
With over 150 pages of practical gardening and design advice, this Journal will help you plan your garden over any three year period.
An initiative of the Programme Committee of the Garden Club of Toronto to commemorate the Club's 75th Anniversary, the Journal features the work of Garden Club members in Floral Design, Horticulture and Projects and includes drawings from our very own botanical artists.
Proceeds from the sale of The Gardeners Journal will support the charitable activities of the Garden Club of Toronto.
HITOMI GILLIAM TEACHES FLORAL DESIGN CLASS
Hitomi Gilliam Teaches Floral Design Class
There was great excitement on Zoom in October as the Garden Club of Toronto welcomed Canada's internationally known and recognized floral designer, Hitomi Gilliam, from her home and studio on Bowen Island B.C.
In an informative demonstration full of creative ideas, Hitomi enthusiastically showed members and guests her tropical nouveau designs -- contemporary designs that use both tropical and temperate plant material. Her technique of painting live and dried plant materials elicited many questions and much admiration. With her emphasis on innovation and sustainability, her designs gave us not only practical ideas but inspiration for our own creations. You can see more about Hitomi Gilliam on her website: hitomigilliam.com
Thank you Hitomi!
2021 COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM VIRTUAL AWARD WINNERS
On October 7th, 2021, the 27th Edition of the Communities in Bloom National Awards Ceremonies were held virtually. Communities in Bloom is a volunteer & partnership-driven organization that uses a multi-tiered competitive evaluation process to foster community strength, involvement and continuous improvement. This is accomplished by nurturing environmental sustainability, enhancements of green spaces, and heritage conservation, in cultural and natural environments encompassing municipal, residential, commercial and institutional spaces.
National Vice-Chair and Chair of the Symposium & Awards committee John Lohuis said: “Our National Board of Directors, Judges and our Sponsors would like to congratulate all communities that have participated in CiB provincial and national programs this year. Together, our communities have again persevered and have made new and lasting contributions in celebrating the outdoors.
We also recognize Award Winners at this time each year who have raised the bar with their efforts to create and enhance the green spaces that so many residents have rediscovered across Canada. Our communities continue to recognize the need to enhance and protect our environment along with new ways to help mitigate the impact of climate changes. Thank you for contributing to Communities in Bloom and "Growing Great Places Together”!
Please save the date and join us next year for our 28th Edition of the Communities in Bloom National Symposium & Awards in Victoria, British Columbia as we celebrate the Year of the Garden.
October 20-23, 2022
More information will follow in the new year.
TAKE A LOOK AT THE 2021 WINNERS
LISTEN TO LANDSCAPE ONTARIO'S PODCASTS
The 2020 Trial Garden Season
with Rodger Tschanz
Rodger speaks annually at Canada Blooms
about the Trial Gardens and we thought you might want to listen this podcast from 2020.
In this podcast Rodger Tschanz talks about managing the trial gardens at the University of Guelph, Landscape Ontario and the Royal Botanical Gardens, including standouts from this year’s gardens: Bee’s Knees Petunia, Precosia Zinnias, Lancelot Salvia, Brainiac Celosia and Serendipity Ornamental Onion. See more exciting new plants in Landscape Trades Magazine.
If you are looking for a quick, easy Christmas ornament or package topper for the holidays, these cinnamon stick reindeer ornaments are really cute and easy to make. You can make them yourself or have your kids make them with you.
Supplies needed:
3 cinnamon sticks
2 google eyes
1 small red pom pom
Red ribbon
Hot glue gun
Directions:
To form the reindeer, place two of the cinnamon sticks in the shape of a “v”. Place the third cinnamon stick horizontally on top of the “v”, towards the top. Hot glue all of the cinnamon stick together.
Glue on the google eyes and pom pom for the nose. Cut a piece of ribbon for the hanger and glue it on the back of the reindeer. I also wrote the year on the back of the ornament with a Sharpie marker.
These ornaments go together really quickly. It is easy to make a bunch of them at one time. They are super cute and the cinnamon sticks make them smell great. They would be great on top of a Christmas present to give as a gift for the holidays.
Landscape Ontario has a number of training programs that will support workers, employers and job seekers in the horticulture industry.
For instance, do you know about the GROW program?
GROW stands for Get Ready for Opportunities at Work. The GROW training programs support new workers wishing to begin their career, current professionals seeking to expand their skills, and employers striving to enhance their ability to attract and retian the best possible teams.
The New Entrant Training Program is a FREE government offered training program that prepares eligible participants for entry-level position in the landscape and horticultural sector and included four weeks of skills training followed by a paid two-week workplace trail intended to lead to ongoing employment.
The Incumbent Worker Training Program provides professional development to current sector workers nominated for the program by their employer. All successful nominees receive foundational and advancement training. This 10 week training course runs from September to February.
The Employer of Choice (Level 1) Program helps employers enhance their ability to attract, recruit and retain a dedicated team of exceptional staff. This 10 week program runs October - December.
Or how about the Horticultural Technician 441 C Apprenticeship Program.
If you are looking to have a career in the landscape/green/horticulture industry then you really should think about a Horticultural Technician Apprenticeship.
Horticultural Technicians work with plants in various landscapes, and have knowledge an skills in ornamental horticulture, landscape construction, and green Infrastructure.Apprentices, once registered by their employers, complete 5400 +/- hours of on-the-job training and two 12-week in-school winter sessions. Upon completion of the program, the apprentice receives a certificate of Apprenticeship and qualify to take an exam to get their Red Seal Certification which proves that they meet industry trade standards. With the Red Seal designation, Horticultural Technicians can work anywhere in Canada.
Apprenticeship is truly a gift offering great benefits to both employers and workers, it makes me wonder why isn't everyone taking advantage?” says Tony DiGiovanni, Executive Director of Landscape Ontario.
Benefits of the Apprenticeship Program:
Workers/Apprentices Earn while you learn Receive on-the-job-training Advance Your Career Build Your Skill Set Qualify for financial incentives - grants, scholarships, low interest loans The Government covers 85% of in-school costs
Employers Gain better skilled workers Receive a return $1.45 for every $1 invested Qualify for $5000 in grants and tax credits
An Apprentice Mentor and Pathways Specialist will help guide employers and apprentices through every step of the process from registration (it takes about 15 minutes) to certification. You can contact them at info@horticulturetechnician.ca.
So start your apprenticeship journey today and don't just be more than qualified ....be Red Seal Certified!
THESE JOB BOARDS WILL ADVANCE YOUR SEARCH
If you are in the market for job or a future employee, then you are going to want to visit the Congress ReDefined, the premier Trade Show for the horticulture industry, taking place January 11-13 at the Toronto Congress Centre.
For job seekers you won't want to miss the Recruit Live Job Board where you can find current job opportunities available.
For employers in landscape and horticulture sector, who would like to post their available job opportunities, you enquire about the posting rules at lpascoe@landscapeontario.com
Do you have your ticket to Congress ReDefined yet?
If not go to LOCongress.com and use the Horticultural Technician Apprenticeship Team's VIP Code: LO----.
Explore the Recruit Live Job Bank, then drop by the Workforce Development Booths #651-657 and find out about all the many programs Landscape Ontario has to offer workers and employers.
Want to increase your opportunity of finding your perfect match? Register at Landscape.Jobs
Whether you are an employer or job seeker Landscape.Jobs is a digital job board uses a FitScore assessment to help both find the best candidate match.
For employers you are able to post your jobs online at Landscape.Jobs to expand your reach further and find the best candidate and/or apprentice for your open positions. Best of all, Landscape.Jobs as a fit assessment tool that pre-screens candidates, finding the best fit for your job opportunities, streamlining your recruitment process, and saving you valuable time.
For Job seekers, along with access to a huge database of job opportunities specific to the horticulture industry, the platform has FREE career planning tools and and reports to help find the right. The FitScore assessment will best direct you to the opportunities that suit your personality and skill set.
Don't forget the GROW New Entrant Worker Job Bank.
If you are a licensed Ontario organization hiring for entry-level positions in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area and/or the Muskoka/Kawartha Regions, the GROW New Entrant Worker Job Bank is the best way to find those enthusiastic new workers.
HIGHWAY OF HEROES/TREES FOR LIFE
As the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign Nears Completion, Trees for Life Continues Momentum Nationwide
A message from Mark Cullen, Volunteer Chair and President of the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign and Trees for Life
Thanks to the generous support of our Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign donors, sponsors and volunteers, the HOH Tree Tribute will be completed by Remembrance Day 2022. Over 1.7 million trees have been planted to date, with plans to realize the 2 million tree goal within the next year.
The passion and commitment of our partners and donors have inspired us to continue this work. Using the insights and networks gained through our 6-years building the living tribute to our Canadian Armed Forces members, we have developed incredible relationships within the horticultural industry who bring critical expertise on planting and stewardship practices to every project we support.
We are taking what we’ve learned nationwide with a new charity called Trees for Life (TFL). TFL’s mission is to create a better Canada by planting native trees where Canadians live, work and play. Through this organization, we are continuing to plant groves in honour of our Canadian heroes including frontline workers, and we are planting in urban centres to increase leafy canopies and to help off-set the carbon emissions created by our lifestyles.
We are also merging with our sister organization GrandTrees Climate Solutions who has an incredible history of planting urban trees and developing relationships with local leaders who help to ensure the success of the project.
We need your continued support to make this national expansion possible. Your donation will help lay the foundation for success in 2022 and beyond. Plus, thanks to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)’s 2 Billion Trees program every donation will be matched. Through this partnership, we have planted over 1.2 million trees in 2021 alone! Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far – whether through the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign, GrandTrees Climate Solutions or Trees for Life.
SPECIAL OFFERS FOR BLOOMS NEWS SUBSCRIBERS Looking for something inspirational to do this holiday season?
You won't want to miss these stunning exhibits around Toronto
INDIA COTTONS & FLORAL DESIGNS - 2 EXTRAORDINARY EXHIBITS
Enjoy a world of colour and florals with two stunning exhibitions at the ROM!
The Cloth that Changed the World: India’s Painted and Printed Cottons:
Featuring pieces from the Museum’s world-renowned collection, this ROM-original exhibition explores how India’s artisans have created, perfected and innovated printed and painted multicoloured cotton fabrics to fashion the body, honour divinities, and beautify palaces and homes.
Florals: Desire and Design: With world-wide exploration and economic expansion in the 1700s came a fascination with plants and flowers, Florals highlights botany’s connection to the culture of the era through influential botanical publications and exquisite illustrations alongside stunning Indian cotton textiles covered with colourful hand-painted flowers.
Discover the Immersive Van Gogh Experience!
Van Gogh’s art in a completely new and unforgettable way with the original Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit!
This block-buster immersive exhibit, designed and conceived by Massimiliano Siccardi, with a soundtrack by Luca Longobardi.
Lose yourself in the ultimate immersive art experience, surrounded by over 500,000 cubic feet of monumental projections animating Vincent van Gogh’s works. Wander through entrancing, moving images that highlight brushstrokes, detail, and colour that truly illuminate the mind of the genius.
Use this special link and use discount code BLOOMS20 to save 20% off tickets.
The Immersive Klimt was also created by the world-renowned Master of Digital Art, Italy’s Massimiliano Siccardi, whose block-buster Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit has been seen by over 4 million visitors across North America.
A rebel, genius and legend – Gustav Klimt explored and expressed colours, shapes and patterns without inhibition or limitation. From the streets of Imperial Vienna to the natural world of water lilies, vibrant blooms and mermaids to his acclaimed Golden Phase, lose yourself in the vivid imagery and bold colours of Immersive Klimt!
What a great gift for anyone on your list.
Use this special link and use discount code BLOOMS20 to save 20% off tickets.
Both Immersive experiences take place at 1 Yonge Street.
TORONTO BOTANICAL GARDEN WINTER 2022 PHOTO CONTEST
The Toronto Botanical Garden is holding a Winter 2022 Photo Contest.
Beginning January 1 and ending February 28, 2022, they are looking for striking digital images of winter, captured January or February 2022 at the Toronto Botanical Garden.
One winner will receive a one-year Toronto Botanical Garden (Family) membership.
While we are waiting to celebrate our 25th Festival in person, we are taking a look back at 25 exciting years as Canada's premier Flower and Garden Festival. Canada Blooms along with Landscape Ontario and Mark and Ben Cullen in association with Unilock and Cullens Foods have created the 'Canada Blooms Inspirational Series', 10 Videos showcasing different garden and design ideas.This series takes a fun look back at past exhibitors, garden builders and floral artists while talking about timely topics.
Below is our third video "Art in the Garden". Find the full series videos along with other gardening information you find helpful linked to our new web page: Getting The Most From Your Garden.
