One-Tank Trip for
Feb. 23/19
Everything’s coming
up roses – and just about everything else – for a taste of spring at the
Stratford Garden Festival, Canada Blooms and the Peterborough Garden Show.
Stratford’s show, presented
by the Lung Association Feb. 28 to March 3, is at the Stratford Rotary Complex,
(353 McCarthy Rd.).
“It’s a wonderful
day trip and reminder that spring is just around the corner,” said Tracy
Brennan, regional manager.
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| The Stratford Garden Show offers a welcome taste of spring. (Photos by Randy Huitema, Trending.Info) |
Along with the
colourful gardens showcasing the talent and creativity of area landscapers and
offering inspiration for the gardening season ahead, there is “an amazing line
up of speakers,” she added.
Visitors will discover
ideas to apply to their gardens – from water features to the use of colour and
form.
There are tips on designing
a quiet green oasis to creating a modern setting for outdoor entertaining.
The fest attracts
about 8,000 gardening enthusiasts, with this year’s design theme being Small Space
Gardening and Urban Edibles.
Among the experts
who can assist with inspiring ideas are Mark and Ben Cullen on “Escape to
Reality: Why do we garden? Why should we? How is gardening changing the world?”
Other topics are
growing veggies, native plants, trees for small spaces, talking dirt(y),
lighting up the garden, easy landscape maintenance and growing in four seasons.
There is also the
city farmer’s adventure in urban food growing, landscaping a small yard,
lavender hives, garden design secrets and the Chelsea Flower Show.
The marketplace is
“bursting with items to tempt the garden enthusiast,” from the latest in plants
and seeds to hand-crafted pottery, garden accessories, whimsical bird houses,
metal work, local honey, garlic and jams.
The show opens Feb.
28 with a Seniors Tea from noon to 4 p.m., with hours that day, noon to 5 p.m.;
March 1 and 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and March 3, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A blooming affair
The theme is A
Family Affair for Canada Blooms from March 8 to17 at the Enercare Centre at
Exhibition Place in Toronto and again co-located with the National Home Show.
“We want to
celebrate families rooted at the heart of great gardens,” said general manager Terry
Caddo.
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| This garden with a water theme at Canada Blooms is by J. Garfield Thompson Landscape Ltd. |
Since backyards are
an extension of the home and “truly reflect the creativity and passion of diverse
families,” the inner child can be seen in vibrant and imaginative showcases, he
added.
Canada Blooms, founded by Landscape Ontario
and the Garden Club of Toronto, is the country’s largest celebration of gardens
and flowers.
Visitors will see
gardens that are “stunning showcases with vibrant colours, alluring fragrances
and captivating designs that will overtake your senses.”
Inspiration
includes grand designs, innovative small space gardens and the featured Green
Streets Play Zone for games, building sandcastles and planting seeds.
Canada Blooms has
selected the Electric Love Weigela as its Plant of the Year from Van Belle
Nursery of British Columbia.
It is described as
having “shockingly vibrant red bell-shaped flowers that cover dark foliage and
is compact and showy.” canadablooms.com;
1-800-730-1020
Spring inspiration
The Peterborough
Horticultural Society, around since 1861, wants to “inspire you and celebrate
the coming of spring.”
That happens at the
Peterborough Garden Show from April 26 to 28 at Fleming College Trades and
Technology Centre (599 Brealey Dr.).
“Our theme, Coming
up Roses, is reflected in several of our amazing speakers along with
educational and fun workshops and demos,” organizers said.
There will be about
100 vendors and exhibitors who are landscapers, gardeners, growers, teachers
and designers along with garden displays, demonstrations, speakers and
activities for children. peterboroughgardenshow.com
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Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com
For more One-Tank Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca
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