Everything's coming up . . .

   One-Tank Trip for Feb. 18-17

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Everything’s coming up roses and you name it while savouring an early taste of spring at area garden shows.

   The Canadian Shield Rose will debut as “flower of the year” at Canada Blooms in Toronto to mark Canada’s 150th birthday.

A piano with water coming flowing was designed by Richard’s Lawn and Garden in Stratford. (Doug Bingham photos)

   A much-anticipated show is the Stratford Garden Festival from March 2 to 5 and there’s the upcoming Orchid Society show at the Royal Botanical Gardens.

   “Earthly Delights” is the theme of Stratford’s fest at the Rotary Complex, presented by the Lung Association and sponsored by Pro Resp.

   “Welcome spring, savour the scent of fresh mulch, take in the colour of blooming flowers and revel in the earthly delights,” said Deedee Herman, lung association area manager.

   Highlights include numerous gardens that “showcase the talent and creativity of area landscapers and offer inspiration for the gardening season ahead.”

There are lots of colourful flowers at the Stratford Garden Festival.

   Visitors will discover ideas to apply to their own gardens.

   This ranges from water features to the use of colour and form, designing a quiet green oasis and creating a modern setting for outdoor entertaining, Herman said.

   Gardeners can speak to the “experts” for assistance in creating that magic at home.

   Come to the garden party

   The opening party on March 2 is called the “ultimate sneak peek” as from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. guests can tour the gardens and browse the Marketplace.

   There will be libations from Pelee Island Winery, Black Swan Brewing Co. and newcomer Junction 56 Distillery.

A serene setting in Stratford with a white hydrangea at the side is the garden by Drummond Brothers Landscaping.

   Canapes will showcase the Flavours of Perth prepared by local restaurants and music will be provided by Strings & Traps.

   Auctioneer for items including Maple Leaf hockey tickets and a plane ride over Stratford will be Mayor Dan Mathieson. (Party tickets are $30.)

   Family Fun Night will be held on March 3 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with activities for children to include making garden crafts, a scavenger hunt, story-telling and face painting, Bogle the Clown and free refreshments.

   There’s a Seniors’ Tea on March 2 to enjoy the gardens and Marketplace and take in the speakers when the show tends to be less crowded.

Kids hanging out at one of the garden settings in Stratford.

    The Marketplace has the latest in plants and seeds to hand-crafted pottery, accessories, bird houses, metal work and local honey, garlic and jams.

   Gardening novices to seasoned green thumbs can get the real dirt on gardening at the Speaker Series.

   Featured will be Beckie Fox, Darren Heimbecker, David Hobson, Sean James and Lorraine Johnson.

   The Canadian Grub Cafe will offer light lunch items.

   If you go:

   The Rotary Complex is at 353 McCarthy Road, Stratford.

   Hours are March 2, noon to 5 p.m.; March 3, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; March 4, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and March 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

   Admission costs $9; no charge for children 12 and younger. stratfordgardenfestival.com; (519) 271-7500

   O Canada

   Canada Blooms, the country’s largest flower and garden festival, will celebrate Canada’s Sesquicentennial along with a “first breath of spring” from March 10 to 19 at Toronto’s Enercare Centre at Exhibition Place.

   Highlights include more than 25 “stunning, creative gardens in a dazzling display of colour, texture and fragrance.”

   There will be more than 100 hours of seminars and demonstrations by industry experts.

   The show will unveil the hardy Canadian Shield Rose, a “repeat bloomer that stays stunning throughout the entire garden season,” said general manager Terry Caddo.

The Canadian Shield Rose is Canada Blooms’ flower of the year.

   Canada Blooms is co-located with the National Home Show. Details: canadablooms.com; (416) 447-8655

   Blooming nice

   The Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington hosts the Orchid Society Annual Show and Sale on Feb. 25 and 26.

   It features the “beauty and diversity of orchids,” with displays by societies and growers from across Canada and the U.S.

   There will also be exhibits of flower arrangements, paintings and photographs and plant sales.

   Year-round flower and plant viewing is available at the RBG Centre and there’s the Mediterranean Greenhouse. It’s at 680 Plains Rd. W., Burlington. rbg.ca; 1-800-694-4769

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Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com

For more One-Tank Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca