Gardening Hiatus

As you may gather from the title of this post, the Kelly Gardeners have decided that 2013 will be a fallow year for gardening.

What? I can't believe I just said that. Why ever not?

Firstly, after our first visit this year at the end of April, I (in particular) was very disheartened at the amount of damage the deer had done over the winter. In fact, many of the plants that had survived the first winter, had not survived the second.  There's a great deal of emotional impact in seeing our very carefully selected, planted and nurtured plants decimated by a few seconds of indiscriminate chomping. We spent much in the way of time on our new "babies", not to mention the expense of purchasing them. Obviously, not being present for extend periods doesn't help.  Hence we have decided that it is probably more circumspect to have a suspension on new garden purchases for this year, though we will probably weed and cultivate.

Secondly, because we are extremely busy this year with the building of our new home! It now takes up 90% of our non-work related energy and has done so throughout the summer. Thank goodness we are busy, or gardening withdrawal symptoms might threaten my sanity.

Life without gardening is still a barren place, notwithstanding the enormous drain on energy that the learning curve of house construction has been.  My indoor garden is doing well, despite the strange infestations that occur, and I've managed to keep new acquisitions to a minimum at the same time as actually discarding some plants that are past their best.  Still, it's not the same as being outside and getting my hands in the soil.

So ... how have we managed to stay sane?  By watching Gardening shows online.  To be more specific, we've discovered that we can watch some pretty wonderful gardening shows that have been uploaded to the video sharing website, Youtube.  I have no idea how some people have the time, nor the data capacity to upload the hours of video that they do, but I must confess, I'm grateful to them.

We started off with Around the World in 80 Gardens with Monty Don, a well-known gardening person in the UK. This series is in 10 parts.  Gardening personality - Monty Don - visits 80 gardens in different parts of the world.  Part travelogue, part adventure, it is a deeply personal journey that Monty Don makes, which challenges his very conception of what a garden is.  My favorite episode was about India. I was very surprised, as I thought it would be about China and Japan, given my predilection for Japanese gardens, but I confess I found them a bit sterile and undelightful.

Here's a link to watch a preview of Around the World in 80 Gardens. Perhaps it will inspire you to watch more.

So, where to next? We really liked Monty Don and a quick investigation revealed that he was quite a TV personality in the UK. So we settled in to some more armchair travelling, this time to Italy.  Monty Don's Italian Gardens chronicles the history of Italian Gardens from the Renaissance through to the 20th century, and also traverses Italy geographically, visiting Rome, Florence, Naples and the North ... the Venato and Lake Como. I've watched some of the parts more than once. They are packed with information, not only about the gardens, but about the history behind their making, and although I'm not historical inclined, they are a fascinating chronicle.

Here's a link to a Preview of Monty Don's Italian Gardens

Monty Don has made quite a few series for British Television, and we have immersed ourselves in his visit to France; his kitchen garden series Fork to Table, where he grows vegetables and then cooks and eats them; and then to bring us right up to date, the venerable iconic British gardening show Gardeners' World.

There are other wonderful gardening shows which have distracted us from the real thing.  Here are a few of my favorites.

•  Peter Thoday and Harry Dodson recreated the garden at Chilton in the superb Victorian Kitchen Garden (which I remember watching in the '80's when it was first broadcast). 

• Carol Klien (another host of Gardeners' World) shows us her garden at Glebe Cottage in Life in Cottage Garden. 
• Alan Titchmarsh chronicles the history of some of Britain's most well know gardens from the 17th to the 20th Century in Garden Secrets.

Is this vicarious form of gardening a satisfactory substitute?  Well, I've been amazed at how "serious" gardening is as a hobby in Great Britain, and how enthusiastic the gardeners are. I've also learned some very valuable lessons from the history books. It's certainly not a substitute for the real thing, but I must admit to have enjoyed the distraction.

Life and Death of an Agave

Dateline, July 28, 2013.  The 75 year old Agave americana at Allan Gardens has bloomed.  A native of Mexico, it has been cultivated all over the world as an ornamental plant. In Mexico various cultivars of the Agave have been used to distill alcohol and to make Agave nectar, as the sap is very sweet.

A view of the side of the Cactus house at Allen Gardens. You can see the Agave flower spike in the centre of the photograph, poking through the glass.

The plant is monocarpic. In its native habitat, it grows for about 20 to 30 years, it blooms once and then it dies. Cactus and Succulent experts judge the Allan Gardens specimen to be about 75 years old. Our colder climate has slowed its growth, and in fact this is why the plant is nicknamed the "Century Plant" as when it was first introduced to Northern Europe it seemed to take forever before it bloomed.

The Allan Gardens Agave put out its flower stalk in March and due to the extreme heat we've been experiencing in Toronto lately, the stalk shot up and was in danger of smashing into the greenhouse glass. Drastic measures were taken; a corner of the glass was cut out and the flower stalk allowed to continue its way sky ward.
 

The Agave stalk looks like a giant asparagus tip!

Staff at Allan Gardens padded the glass so the stalk wouldn't be damaged by rubbing.

David admires the enigma. How did that flower get through the glass?

Above the glass, the flower looks like a strange Pine tree.  The bees were buzzing madly around it.

The flower began to boom in June and now has almost reached the end of its life.  The leaves are withering and turning brown, and soon the plant will die.  The seeds will be collected and planted, and there's already an offshoot at the base of the mother plant, so it's not really a sad story, just part of the circle of life.

Quince Flowers Steals the Show at the 2013 Canada Blooms

This year Spring is late, so Canada Blooms is even more welcome than usual.

Since Canada Blooms amalgamated with the Home Show 3 years ago, it has changed. The first few years were a bit disappointing, as it just didn't have the same impact as when it was at the Toronto Convention Centre, and the Market place was drastically reduced.  But we adapt, our expectations change, and we find that there are moments that still inspire us.

The theme this year was "The Magic of Spring" and the show gardens interpreted the theme in different ways.  Although many were not really relevant for our future garden, it is nonetheless interesting to see the trends in landscaping.  This year the focus on "outdoor living-rooms" complete with fireplaces and TV's was even more strong than in previous years. In fact some of the TVs were larger than the one  in our living room.  (I'm not interested in TV in the living room let alone in the garden. Sorry, I didn't take any pictures of them. But I'm sure you can use your imagination).

"Spring. In a Box."  Ron Holbrook's delightful work is always tasteful and subdued. This garden would be perfect in an urban setting, such as a condo or loft roof.

Perhaps the reason why we are seeing show gardens like this dominating Canada Blooms, is because the cost to mount the show is substantial (between $50 - $100, 000). Obviously to able to afford to show you need to be a big player, and the type of customer you are looking for has to have deep pockets, so you need to put on the Ritz to attract that customer.

Genoscape's "Magicool" featured many delightful water features in a naturalistic setting. 

Japanese style elements are always fascinating to us, and this simple bench from D. A. Gracey's "The Magic of Teamwork" really caught our eye.

But what really stood out for us, was Quince Flower's entry in the Professional Florist's design area.

I'm really sorry that my P&S camera can't really do the display justice, but I hope you get an idea of how gorgeous this deceptively simple arrangement is.  I'm afraid that it was so stunning, that I didn't really look at any of the other displays; I couldn't take my eyes off this table.  It has inspired me ... I'm going to collect some bottles and cloches, and then grow fields of poppies, terrariums full of ferns, and extend my succulent collection, so that I can have a go at creating this in my home.

The Glass Pavilion

Do you remember the rickety stairs to the dock? Well, every year they get worse... after all they are over 25 years old. This year they are literally falling apart and wasps seem to make nests under one of the railway ties every year. (This year I got stung on my ankle - I think everyone on the lake could hear me screaming; the stings really hurt).

David asked me if I wanted new stairs this year and I didn't hesitate. "Yes." A resounding yes.  David and our oldest son, Phil, went up to the lot the 2nd weekend in July with aim of building a new staircase.

On Sunday night they returned home, tired and a little sheepish. Instead of building me a staircase, they had built me a deck.  Admitedly, it was on the rock where David and I would take our breakfast in the morning, which is a great place, with uninterupted views of the lake and always warm from the early morning sun, but a 10 foot by 12 foot deck is extremely visible.

Here's the bench where we would sit, have our breakfast and survey the lake



The next few pictures show what you can see from the bench. A little to the right is this small pine tree, which we have watched grow from a seedling.

towards the centre is the rickety dock. It is as old as the stairs (probably, that's an asumption) and also falling apart.

A little to the right and you can see an oak that on the shore line that defies the odds and survives.

To the right you can see all the way to end of our lot, which is basically at the end of the bay which you can just see. Hard to spot if you don't know what you are looking for, but I'll try to mark up a photo and add it later.

And this is directly behind the bench. I'm hoping to be able to grow a few hostas and other deer delights here as I think we might be able to make it deer proof.

And now for the deck.

The deck before the rails were put up. It was quite fun sitting on the edge with our feet dangling over the edge. The old stairs were to the right of this big rock.

A view of the deck from the side. As you can see the post is a little crooked. We are having a contractor add a saddle and fasten the post to the rock, so there won't be an accident!

The deck wasn't quite finished. The boys had run short of deck screws and of course the hardware store which had the screws wasn't open on Sundays and there was also the railing to put up. So David and I researched railing options for our next visit to the Lake.

David starts to put up the posts for the rails. Look at the view.

We ended up choosing glass, as we wanted to maintain that uninterrupted view of the lake, and we picked the white rails. In hindsight, I would have chosen black rather than white rails, so the deck would blend in more with the landscape.

The finished deck. Nice view with the dock below!

And from the front. I think we're going to put some lattice across the front and try to grow something up to soften the lines.  And of course pots, or window boxes. The possibilities are endless!

I still don't have stairs, but I do have a lovely place to sit and relax (when I can) and survey the lake.  Stairs will be for next year.

What's Blooming in October

October is not exactly top-of-mind as being a knock-out month for blooms in the garden, but on a recent visit to the Montreal Botanical Gardens, David and I were indeed knocked out by the many plants that were blooming in profusion! It was pretty nippy - single digit temperatures prevailed - and we were bundled up in hat, gloves and snugly coats, but the cold didn't stop the flowers.

Here is a selection to inspire any gardener.

Monkshood (Aconitum) species are famous for their late blooming periods. They go well into late October, and their intense colour and unique appearance make them welcome additions to the garden. Site next to Hydrangea, for a great combination in colours.


Aconitum carmichaelii

Aconitum is famously poisonous. In fact some advise wearing gloves when handling to avoid its effects. This didn't stop the deer from having a good feed of ours though! We were astounded to see how much of our Monkshood the deer had eaten. However, it wasn't completely eaten to the ground, so perhaps the deer had second thoughts after a few mouthfuls.

Asters are common blooming in the wild throughout the province, and we have many, many forms.  They smell wonderful and they are a magnet for bees. Of course there were many cultivars blooming at the MGB, but these in particular caught our eye.

 

This branches of this tiny white Aster formed a dense hard mat. It is very floriferous.

Symphyotrichum ericoides 'Snowflurry' - White Heath aster

This is a huge bunch of asters. The people walking behind them gives you some idea of their size.


New England Aster

Butterfly Bush

This is a nice specimin of a low growing Buddleia, perhaps Purple Splendor or Lavender Haze. Unfortunately I can't read the lable!

Japanese Anenomes are the mainstays of the late fall garden. They really come into their own in October. Some forms are a bit invasive and many self seed, but others are perfectly behaved and have delightful, delicate flowers.



Anemone hupehensis "Splendins"

From the vegetable garden, take a look at these beauties.


Have you ever eaten an artichoke? Perhaps marinated in oil and vinegar. The flower buds are a delicious treat, but if you forget to pick them, no worries, the flowers are also sensational, 

This is Amaranth, (Amaranthus caudatus) a very important grain in some parts of the world. It's also very attractive and many hybrids have been cultivated for use as annuals in the garden.

Rosemary is not hardy in our Zone, but you can grow it in a pot and bring it in when winter comes.  This is a rosemary bush to aspire to.

You can see the scale of this marvellous herb by the bench that is next to it. What this picture doesn't show is that this is but one pot of 3 or 4. They must use a forklift to get this inside for the winter! And look at the blooms all over it!

Here is a Bergenia in bloom.  Bergenia species are usually one of the first plants to bloom in the Spring. Here one is blooming beautifully in October, which leads me to wonder what is the trigger that promotes blooming?  Our Phlox panniculata bloomed in late August last year, when the usual blooming period is May. Hmmm, is it the temperature, the number of daylight hours, the position of the stars in the night sky? I'm no scientist, but I like to wonder.

Probably Bergenia cordifolia

And then there are the roses...


I didn't get the names of the roses as I was far too excited just to see them.

I'm not sure how anyone could not like roses, but there's no accounting for taste (or lack of it). Last year was a very mild winter, and I saw roses blooming well into December in Toronto. At the Montreal Botanical Gardens, the rose garden is 2.5 hectares ... if you like statistics, here are a few that might impress you. There are 100 beds and 10,000 roses of over 1,000 different varieties. In 2003, the MBG's rose garden won the the award for the world's finest rose garden, from the World Federation of Rose Societies.

Although it was October, there were still  many bushes in bloom. The bushes which had finished for the year had already been pruned back ready for winter, but the ones which were still blooming were not yet cut back and continued to delight with their displays.

And finally, I couldn't resist these wonderful grasses shown at their height of gloriousness. I hope our grasses decide to bloom for us, and grace us with their beautiful seed heads.

In front we have Calamagrostis and behind we have Miscanthus Sinensis. I'm not sure of the varieties, but they are all sensational, and to be quite honest, it's hard to choose between them.

Garden Ornament

I hazard a guess that garden ornament has been around as long as gardens themselves.  The ornaments can serve to enhance a garden's beauty and add interest.

Just about anything goes, from formal, classical statuary on a grand and magnificent scale, to tiniest found object; from vast extravagent neo-classical grottos carved from the side of hillsides to old rusted tools from a by-gone age.

Classical Statuary on a grand scale. Here's a formidable guardian of the garden. Boldt Castle, 1000 Islands

Another example of classical statuary on a grand scale. Though not to everyone's taste, there's no denying how tasteful these three beauties are. From a veritable mansion in Toronto.

And a third example, of classical statuary on a grand scale. Once again, a truly magnificent example of garden ornament, this time incorporating the statuary with a water feature. How envious I am! IBID

This beautiful little statue, sitting quitely amongst the wisteria and sweet woodruff, is proof that you don't have to go big to have an impact. From a private oasis on Ward's Island, Toronto.

OK, perhaps a little too large and strange for an your ordinary garden, but you've got to admit it does add interest! From the grounds of the now defunct Fifth Town Cheesery, Prince Edward County

Simple and extremely tasteful. From an estate in Etobicoke.

One of my favorites. The juxaposition of this pendulous spruce against the verticles of the fencing is enhanced by the circular "window" cut in it.  The circular form is echoed by one round ball nestled amongst a plethora of irregular stones at its base, which serves to punctuate and complete the composition. An exquisite work of art. From another garden in Etobicoke.

I've tried to gain inspiration for garden ornaments for Kelly Gardens from magazines, garden centres and gardens that I have visited over the year.  I'm a fan of natural ornament myself.  I don't think you will be seeing garden gnomes or pink flamingoes at Kelly Gardens. But natural looking doesn't mean it has to be boring. Have a look at these metal mushrooms we bought this year in Merrickvile at a yarn store (go figure!).

At a distance they look very realistic. But you could give your toe a nasty stub on them if you're not careful.

Last year at the Montreal Botanical garden in their gorgeous catus/succulent house, we spotted a wonderful use of a natural object which was probably placed to add verisimilitude, but it sure did turn out to be decorative too.

Take a look at this.

This bovine skull is playful, and at the same time very fitting. You can almost believe you are in the desert rather than a green house!

When we visited again this Spring, we noticed someone had added a plant in a very clever way.

OK, so it isn't exactly the same skull, but you must admit it's an improvement from the earlier incarnation. Adding the succulent just adds to the playfulness. Bravo!

Wow, I just had to get me one of those!

Meet Geraldine...

Photo op time. We put her under the Sedge just for fun, but I think you'll agree that she looks a lot better with the driftwood in this garden. She comes in for the winter, as our boys think she's really cool, and we wouldn't want her to go astray. (That's a bit of a non-sequiter. Let me explain - Teenage boys think Geraldine is cool, therefore may wish to liberate her. As we visit so rarely, we aren't around to make sure she doesn't get "appropriated".  Therefore, she's being taken in for the winter.)  When we move up eventually, we will keep her out. After all, I'm looking forward to taking her photo when she's covered with snow.

Geraldine in the foreground and the lovely piece of found wood in the background. This bed is planted with echinacea, and blue fescue with some thyme and sage in the corners. I think the driftwood fits perfectly here with Geraldine.

I must admit I find it amusing (which is better than being outraged) at the price of drift wood you can purchase at garden centres. Luckily we have many dead trees at Kelly Gardens, and the ones that have been standing for a long time are oaks. that's an added bonus as the wood is hard and doesn't decay as fast as other woods do.

So, take a piece of dead tree and put it artistically in the garden, and Voila.

I haven't even touched on the whole world of Japanese Garden ornament, which I must admit we have started to acquire, but I'm very pleased with how our first foray into garden ornament has turned out, and the Lanterns will be featured in another post.

 

 

P.S. If anyone knows where we can get a pair of Temple Dogs, we would love to know as they would certainly be spectacular guarding the entrance to Kelly Gardens.

Thank you Readers

Recently I have been looking at other bloggers' work, and (dare I say) comparing it to my own.  All I can say is, thank you for coming. Amongst all the competition on the internet, I'm flattered that you make the effort to visit this blog.

There is so much eye-candy out there that I am, on the one hand, impressed by the quality and the beauty of the gardens, and, on the other, depressed, that Kelly Gardens is so young and currently not very photogenic.

And yet, here you are, my faithful readers, still visiting to see what has happened at Kelly Gardens.

A big thanks. And perhaps one day as our garden grows you will be rewarded for your faithful visits with some Kelly Garden's eye-candy. When it grows up.