| Canada Blooms 2019 Feature Garden Profile |
 |
|
FUSION GARDEN by Landscape Ontario & Genoscape Inc.
What is Fusion Landscaping?
Fusion landscaping blends traditional and modern elements to create beautiful outdoor spaces, while reducing maintenance and watering needs. It combines the art and science of horticulture with hydrology to create aesthetically pleasing landscapes that optimize storm water management and enhance the environment. Fusion landscaping uses rainwater as a resource, instead of directing it away from a property. As and example, rainwater coming from downspouts can be directed into a rain garden, allowing the water to be absorbed by the plants and soil.
Interested in learning more?
Landscape Ontario, the Region of Peel and the Regional Municipality of York, will be working with Genoscape Inc to create a spectacular garden to demonstrate fusion elements. Drop by and we will be happy to answer any of your questions.
|
 |
| Toronto Flower Show Happenings |
Be sure to visit the Toronto Flower Show to see how floral designers interpret family traits and relationships. Recognize your family in any of them?
"Gathering of the Clan", "Family Circle", "Dysfunctional", "Extended Family" and more will be interpreted through designs never before seen at the flower show, such as reflective, pave, transparency and tapestry. There will also be the old favourites too, it wouldn't be a flower show without a mass or miniature! International entries from 10 different countries will interpret "Relatively Speaking". The horticultural specimens and Special exhibits are sure to be crowd pleasers.
Back by popular demand are the "Pop-ups", demonstrations or mini workshops by our very talented Garden Club of Toronto members. Engage with our visual "Artists in the garden" as they paint, sculpt and sketch. Watch for the "You Be the Judge" signs at select design and horticultural exhibits and mark your ballot.
Bring your family and make it a truly engaging Family Affair. |
|
Valentine Gifts That Are Outside Of The Box
|
 |
Mark and Ben Cullen would like us to reflect together for a moment on the very popular tradition of giving long stem cut roses on Valentine's Day. We know that this is a crowd pleaser, but then, are you trying to please the crowd or your sweetheart?
FACT: Roses are exotic. They originated elsewhere. Notwithstanding the native 'wild rose of Alberta', roses as we know them in the garden originated in far reaching lands. Give your Valentine a journey to another part of the world to see roses as neither of you have seen them before. England is the home of modern day rose breeding. Go to the famous rose breeding grounds of the David Austen Rose garden near Coventry (www.davidaustenroses.com). Tour the rose gardens of Hampton Court (www.hamptoncourt.org.uk). If the timing works, go to the... (continue reading) |
SMALL SPACE, BIG DESIGNS
 |
| Balcony Garden Showcase |
|
Please Living in a condo or apartment doesn't mean you have to give up gardening. In fact, you have prime real estate for a small space garden.
There are so many opportunities now, whether you want to grow vegetables, flowers or create an outdoor room as an oasis in the urban jungle. You can use hanging boxes, go vertical and eve build an elevated garden box.
We invite you to drop by our Balcony Garden Showcase to see how creative our designers can be in a 8' x 10' space. This year's designers include AKa Designs, Sylvia Szot Landscape Consultant, The Growing Connection, Terrace Creations and the Canada Blooms Team.
|
|
| Do-Up-The-Doorsteps |
|
Small space gardening can be a little daunting for gardeners, but that shouldn't prevent you from trying out your green thumb. In fact, small gardens can be even more rewarding because not only do you get the pleasure of gardening, but you also get to show off your planning creativity.
Canada Blooms and Oaks Landscape Products are pleased to announce the return of the Do Up The Doorsteps and Backsteps, the small space showcase. These builders realize a good design is essential because of the limited room to grow, and they know how to check out their innovative ideas for creating a big impact in a 150-300 sq.ft. space.
Come see the design talents of AKa Designs, Cedarbrook Landscaping, DPR Landscape, ExperTrees, Green Art Landscaping, Greer Design Group, Ink To Earth Landscape Design, Janet Cox and Landscape Design by Jodie Munshaw, as they show you gardens that are a colourful and comfortable use of limited space.
If you have a landscape question, drop by booth G17A and let Neil Masson of ExperTrees and his crew provide the answers.
Don't miss presentations on Small Space and Container Gardening by Sean James, Joanna Blanchard, Mark Cullen, Robert Patterson, Eric Klaver and Vegepod.
|
 |
|
SO MUCH TO SEE AND DO
| Proven Winners 2019 "Must See" Showcase at Canada Blooms |
 |
|
Proven Winners searches the world to bring you vibrant flowering annuals, perennials and shrubs that deliver the most beautiful garden performance. Drop by the Proven Winners "Must See Plants" Showcase at Canada Blooms for a peek at what is new and exciting for the 2019 growing season, you are sure to fall in love.
Here are just five that you won't want to miss:
1. Angelface® Cascade White Angelonia
Gardeners love summer snapdragons for their extreme heat, humidity and drought tolerance. Until now they were strictly upright plants that make for showy thrillers in containers and landscapes. The new Angelface Cascades varieties are different in that they have larger flowers and have branches reaching outward and downward. This makes them perfect for hanging baskets and upright containers as a filler and a spiller. Pair them with other sun loving annuals and they will easily weave their way in and around to create full combination containers with their all summer blooms. Full sun, 8-14" in height with a spread of 12-30".
(...read more)
|
|
| Mark's Choice Gardening Experience Workshops And Demos |
 |
|
Learn hands-on from Industry professionals and Floral Artists with a new line up of workshops and demonstrations which are available in the Mark's Choice Gardening Experience Workshop Area. Demos are offered on a first come, first serve basis, so if you are interested, consider completing the Demo booking form to reserve your place. Special workshops are offered for an additional fee as they are Make & Take projects, the fee includes your admission, instruction and material costs, space is limited and must be ordered through the ticket page.
Demonstrations include: Li'l Sprouts from Master Gardeners with hands-on projects like bird feeders, bee houses, succulents, herbs, seed bombs and more, as well as Veggies for Kids from Veggie Guy Bob Martin, and for adults Growing a Pizza Garden and Houseplant Care.
Workshops include: Succulent Wall Art (Trudy Grantham & Dianna Kennedy), Fairy Gardens (Heinke Thiessen & Judy Zinni), Botanical Art (Homa Bahadouri), Air Plants (Tanya Smith), Bee Hotels (Patrick Kelly & Nicky Hall), Terrariums and Spring Centre pieces (Jennifer Harvey).
(click for for further details)
|
 |
| Got A Gardening Question? |
|
Stop by one of the free Gardening Advice Clinics offered by the Master Gardeners of Ontario. These clinics are open every day of the show for horticulture questions of all kinds. You will find them at one of two very convenient locations - the very central "Ask a Master Gardener" booth or the "One-On-One" cafe style booth. Both locations, once again, are proudly sponsored by Stokes Seeds – come by and pick up a catalogue.
If you don’t have questions but would like to learn something new or watch a “how to” demonstration, take a seat for the Mark’s Choice sponsored Master Gardener Speaker Series on March 9th, 12th, 15th & 17th. You will find these entertaining and practical presentations on the Garden Solutions Stage presented by Harrowsmith.
The Master Gardeners of Ontario are dedicated volunteers whose mission is to share their expertise on sustainable gardening practices with the general gardening public. To contact them or find out more, go to the MGOI website at www.mgoi.ca.
Come on by, we’d love to help you out with your gardening dilemmas or puzzles.
|
|
| Canada Blooms Garden Tours |
 |
|
See the beautiful Feature Gardens before the crowds!
Canada Blooms enthusiasts know that Morning Garden Tours are the best way to start off your visit to the festival. Discover the "inside secrets" of how those magnificent gardens are put together. Tours begin at 8:15 am, giving you time to enjoy each garden at your leisure before the festival opens.
Tours are led by Master Gardeners and horticultural specialists and tickets are available for only $40 which includes all day admission to the festival as well as the National Home Show. A limited number of tickets are available for Friday, Saturday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Please note tickets must be purchased in advance.
New for 2019: Special Evening Tour Monday at 6:30 - Garden Tour & Meet The Author
This special evening garden tour includes a tour provided by a knowledgeable Master Gardener, a copy of Mark & Ben Cullen's 'Escape To Reality' book ($25 value) and an opportunity to meet the author(s) to have your book personally signed. And parking after 4pm is FREE. Tickets are $55 and must be purchased in advance.
All guests who purchase Garden Tour tickets will automatically be entered into a draw for $200 worth of Mark's Choice products.
Canada Blooms is giving away two sets of Morning Garden Tour Tickets for Saturday March 9, so visit our contest page for a chance to win.
|
 |
|
|
| Special Days |
|
Saturday - Unilock Day
Drop by the Unilock Education Centre for great tips on landscape design. See Carolyne Planck on the Unilock Celebrity Stage at 12pm & 4pm
Monday - Garden Clubs of Ontario Day
Come celebrate Garden Clubs with a special stage performance by competitors from around the world on the Unilock Stage at 1pm.
Wednesday - Mark's Choice Day
Visit the Unilock Stage at 11am & 4pm and check out Mark and Ben Cullen and 'Escape to Reality'.
Thursday - Hub International & Aviva Professional
Awards At Canada Blooms
Garden builders are recognized in a private event at the Unilock Stage starting at 6pm
Friday - Floral Day
Time to celebrate everything floral with special competitions throughout the day and floral artists are recognized in a private event at the Lounge at CB starting at 6pm
Sunday - Closing Ceremonies
The Toronto Flower Show recognizes its winners and the Toronto Star People's Choice Favourite Floral and Garden winners are announced.
Cast your ballot at the Toronto Star Booth and you could win a Unilock Rivercrest Fire Pit.
|
 |
|
FLOWER POWER AT CANADA BLOOMS
| Floral Day |
 |
|
Floral Day at Canada Blooms - Friday March 15
Hosts Neville Mackay (My Mother's Bloomers) and Jennifer Harvey of the Canadian Academy of Floral Art will be on hand to celebrate everything floral.
What's Happening on Friday?
Canada Blooms Floral Artist of the Year Competition (10am-2pm)
This open class competition taking place on the festival floor. Competitors will be supplied a box of materials and a theme and will be challenged to create a stunning design. Judging by industry professionals will take place after 2pm.
IF YOU ARE A FLORAL ARTIST, professional or amateur, and would like to a take part in the competition, visit our website for details.
 2 shows on the Unilock Celebrity Stage
♦ Mystery Box Challenge 1pm (competitors are given mystery items to include in their design)
♦ CAFA Couture Floral Fashion Show 3pm (designers create stunning wearable floral fashions)
Floral Artists Awards
The winners of the Floral Alley Competition and the Floral Artist of the Year Competition will be honoured in a private ceremony for competitors and industry professionals at the Lounge at CB at 6pm.
Other Floral Events on the Unilock Celebrity Stage
♦ Mystery Box Challenge: Tues Mar 12 3pm/Fri Mar 15 1pm
♦ Bouquet Battle: Sun Mar 10 4pm/Sun Mar 17 1pm
♦ CAFA Couture Floral Fashion Show: Fri Mar 15 3pm/Sat Mar 16 4pm
♦ Jennifer Harvey Fun With Flowers: Sun Mar 10 3pm
♦ Celebrity Flower Arranging: Wed Mar 13 2pm
Don't miss the CAFA FLOWER CROWN BAR (11am-2pm daily), design your own flower crown, with proceeds going to support floral workshops for students.
|
| Floral Alley |
 |
|
10 top professional floral artists will interpret "We Are Family" with stunning displays.
Jennifer Harvey's design "Generations" will represent the family though the ties with ancestors and how we become who we are through our family ties. The floral piece with be made from grapevine, branches and heritage rose to represent the roots of a family tree.
Along with Jennifer, other designers in the Floral Alley competition are Rada Ristich and Brad Higginson (winners of 2018 Judge's Choice design), Julie Drago (winner of 2018 Best Representation of Theme), Araz Adam, Bridgett C Brown, Sabine Calame, Derrick Foss, Rhonda Jaxa-Aksentowicz & Svetlana Pupushina, Nadya Kachurian & Joanne Zorzi, and Melani Nemeskovic.
|
SPECIAL FLORAL FEATURES
|
Selfie Photo-Op
|
Floral Carpet
|
 |
 |
|
Award winning designer, Bruno Duarte of Fresh Floral Creations will create a stunning heart of steel grass and orchids.
Bruno's design based on unconditional LOVE. Bruno tells us "Family is where we experience love the first time, the heart symbolizes the many different kinds of families, and they are woven together as a society. The world needs more love and unity".
Stop, click and share a selfie using #canadablooms on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for a chance to win a copy of 'Escape to Reality', Mark and Ben Cullen's new book.
|
As we celebrate the importance of family this year, JP de Melo of Designs by JP pays homage to his Portuguese heritage in a fresh flower carpet created with over 1000 blooms, fresh moss, and a design that incorporates both tradition and modernity.
JP says "Every year in our cities, towns, and villages, we take to the streets and create intricately designed flower carpets that adorn them. It is a celebration of faith, community, and tradition; a tradition that incorporates the abundant beauty of our flora and fauna in our spiritual life. With the inspiration of my culture, I present to you 'Fest na aldeia' an homage to our history and traditions.
Come see this dazzling carpet, colour at its finest! |
SPECIAL PARTNERS
 |
 |
|
Going Elemental
|
Orchid Oasis by The Toronto Zoo |
In 2019, Harrowsmith is going elemental.
Our four issues will be dedicated to life's essentials: earth, water, air and fire. Our spring edition is well-grounded with Mark and Ben Cullen's tutorial on composting, a tiptoe through the tulips at the Canadian Tulip Festival and so much more. Pull up a chair to Danielle French's full moon feast at South Pond Farms -- she's even sharing her coveted menu so you can recreate your own!
We're thrilled to kick off another new feature that will focus on places we love in Canada. Learn why you should put Manitoba on your list this summer (hint: dill pickle vodka).
Find us on newsstands on March 4 or subscribe here! |
Toronto Zoo presents Orchid Oasis
from Saturday, March 9 through Sunday,
March 17, 2019, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Free with Toronto Zoo Admission
The Zoo's Horticulturists have hand-picked a variety of orchid species to showcase in our Greenhouse just outside the Wildlife Health Centre. Guests can drop by from March 9 to 17 from 10am to 4pm to take in the beautiful exotic flowers. (Subject to change without notice).
SPECIAL OFFER FOR CANADA BLOOMS:
20% off admission to the Zoo from Feb 19 to March 7 with online discount code “CanadaBlooms”.
Visit torontozoo.com.
|
Wildlife Photographer Of The Year At The Royal Ontario Museum
 |
|
Striking wildlife, breathtaking landscapes and the remarkable beauty of our natural world are captured in Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
Save 20% off ROM admission. Buy you tickets at rom.on.ca and use promo code: CANADABLOOMS
ROM Photography Contest
Contest closes February 15, 2019
The ROM invites you to share your captivating images of the natural world for a chance to win some amazing prizes including a 14-Day Experience Borneo tour for two courtesy of G Adventures, a Digital SLR camera courtesy of Henry's Camera, and more!
Share your wildlife image from your unlocked Twitter or Instagram account and include @ROMtoronto & #ROMwpyON (or #ROMwpyJR for ages 13-17). For more information visit www.rom.on.ca/contest.
|
|
CONTESTS
 |
 |
|
Win 4 Tickets To The RBG
|
Win Green Living Show Tickets |
|
Now until April 14 enjoy Spiders Alive! at the Royal Botanical Garden.
Visitors can explore spider anatomy and evolutionary history, learn about their signature traits -- venom and silk-making -- and be surprised by little-known defence mechanisms such as mimicry and noise-making.
Click here to enter to win 4 tickets to the RBG.
|
"A healthier you, a healthier planet"
The Green Living Show will display premium green products and services that will improve the living standard of the people of Canada.
Enter for a chance to win 2 tickets to the Green Living Show March 22-24 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Click her to enter.
|
 |
| Book Nook |
The Canadian Gardener's Guide is a one-stop manual for both beginner and more experienced gardeners, containing all the practical techniques, inspirational ideas, and problem-solving advice you need to make and maintain a garden of any size.
Focusing on the skills you need as your garden develops, from a basic understanding of plants and their needs to planning and building the garden you want, this updated 3rd edition covers flower, vegetable, and fruit gardening, plant and garden care, advice for common problems and cold frame gardening. Canadian gardeners will find topics relevant to their needs and interests, including native Canadian plants, fruits and vegetables for a short growing season.
Meet book editor Lorraine Johnson who will be on the Unilock Celebrity Stage on Thursday at 1pm.
Enter to win a copy of the Canadian Gardener's Guide
|
|
| Volunteers We Need You! |
 |
|
Canada Blooms is looking for volunteers!
The Volunteer program is open to volunteers age 14 and older who are interested in being an ambassador from March 9-18, 2018 (there are some pre- and post-festival positions available as well). Students in Ontario can earn credits toward community hours.
There are a number of positions available, from greeting guests, providing directional information, to providing support to floral and stage programs, with many other roles in between. Volunteers MUST be able to commit to a minimum 4 hour shift during the ten day festival. Successful candidates will receive a Canada Blooms ticket (1 per shift to a max of 3), and will be invited to attend a thank you event as well as other perks during the festival.
So, come join us for a Gardener’s Getaway! Work a little, play a little and share in the excitement. If you volunteered last year, invite a friend or two to join you.
Visit our website and sign up today! If you have any questions please contact: General Volunteer Coordinators: Marilyn Maleta & Barb Ginsberg at bloomsvolunteers@gmail.com or call Lisa Pascoe 416-447-8655 x 7721. If you are interested in pre-festival plant organizing and planting, change over and post-festival cleanup, then please contact: Horticultural Volunteer Coordinator: Tanya Smith at bloomshortvolunteers@gmail.com.
|
| Looking For Tours Coming To Blooms? |
|
Are you looking for a bus tour coming to Canada Blooms?
Visit our Bus Tour page for a full listing.
Are you looking to purchase tickets to Canada Blooms?
Tickets can be purchased in advance, online or at a number of outlets, please visit our ticket page for a list of participating outlets. Tickets can also be purchased at the door once the festival has begun.
Remember to check back for updates to each list.
|
 |
|
Revisit the Gardens Of Canada Blooms 2018
 |
| With less than a month until Canada Blooms 2019, take a look back at 'This Is Our Movie' built by Jackson Pond |
| Seed Balls At Canada Blooms |
|
Garden Jane is excited to be supporting Canada Blooms seed ball/seed bomb workshop again this year with our seed ball kits. To celebrate, we're offering $5 off kits, when you buy two kits or more (2 for $20, 3 for $30, etc), which you can order online.
Seed balls are made by mixing clay, compost, seeds and water and are great for:
♦ growing interesting salads
♦ germinating lettuce & reducing error with watering regimes (helpful for beginners!)
♦ giving as a present, for people 3-99
♦ group activities for a class, club or organization
♦ ecological restoration
We have four types of kits for sale: Mild Lettuce Mix, Spicy Lettuce Mix, Feed the Birds Mix and Add Your Own Seeds Mix. Each kit includes food-safe dry red clay, worm compost, instructions and local organic seeds. A kit makes 100 seed balls about the size of a nickel. One kit makes a good amount for a personal/family garden project and for a class or club activity. A kit makes a great present for people of all ages.
Order here with coupon code canadablooms2019
|
 |
|
 |
| Upcoming Events |
|
Jump on Spring & Seedy Saturday
Two FREE garden events you won't want to miss on February 23, 2019 10am to 3pm at the Toronto Botanical Garden, 777 Lawrence Ave. E., Toronto.
30+ exhibitors, Free talks, Garden advice and more.(discover more)
Mark's Choice Through The Garden Gate, is Toronto's largest tour of private gardens. The self-guided tour format enables participants to discover the gardens at their own pace.
Saturday June 8 and Sunday June 9
(discover more)
|
|
|
|
|
Canada Blooms was founded by the Garden Club of Toronto and Landscape Ontario
 
|
|
|
|
|
|
