Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Walking down the Path... (Update)

Hen and Chicken Photograph By Angel W.
Over the past 5 months I have truly enjoyed exploring horticulture with you!  This blog has opened up doors that I had never imagined.  I have grown along with you, and look forward to everything this year has to offer.

Hydrangea Photograph by Paul Gellatly
Photograph by Paul Gellatly
Last week I had the pleasure of sitting down with Marjorie Harris, and toured her beautiful garden.  Marjorie has long been my favorite author in horticulture.  It was amazing to be able to sit down and talk candidly about plants and the field of horticulture.   If you haven't checked out her blog and website it truly shouldn't be missed.  (http://marjorieharris.com/)

I have started back to work with the City of Toronto, as a gardener; and also started back at Plantworld in the Perennial department.  Its exciting to see the new plants arrive daily, new varieties, new colours, and new ideas!  

Tiarella Photograph by Paul Gellatly
Japanese Painted Fern Photo by Paul Gellatly
This is truly a year of change for me, settling into my career in horticulture.  This blog has taken off and has now been read in 52 Countries around the world, viewed over 4300 times.  The support I have received from family, friends, and strangers alike has been overwhelming and has truly been motivational.  At the end of the season this year, I will make my big move to the west coast of Canada, and settle in to a different world of plants... truly exciting... I can't wait to continue to blossom in the field of Horticulture.  

Exciting News...This past week a publisher contacted me interested in my first book... They have been following the blog and contacted me to discuss my options for publishing.  

If you aren't already following this blog, click follow on the blog and continue to walk down the path of horticulture with me!  

The countries that this blog has been viewed from are listed below... 
Canada, United States, Russia, United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Ukraine, Australia, France, Ireland, Italy, Argentina, Mexico, Poland, United Arab Emerates, Kuwait, Puerto Rico, Netherlands, Peru, Brazil, Latvia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Romania, Myanmar (Burma), India, Norway, Bulgaria, Hungary, Estonia, Czech Republic, Turkey, South Korea, Belarus, Jamaica, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, Chile, Belgium, Vietnam, Georgia, Singapore, Philippines, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sweden, Finland, Taiwan, Croatia, Greece, New Zealand, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe.  Thank you for checking this blog out... 
Geranium Photograph by Paul Gellatly


Monday, April 16, 2012

Japanese Cherry Blossoms (Sakura)

Photograph by Paul Gellatly

Photograph by Paul Gellatly
A year ago I discovered the Japanese Cherry Blossoms in High Park, Toronto.  I was astounded by the beauty of over 2000 Sakura trees in full bloom;  this year I am equally enamored.

Photograph by Paul Gellatly
The tradition of hanami, or "flower viewing" dates back to the Nara Period (710-794) when the Tang Dynasty in China, influenced the people of Japan with their custom of enjoying flowers.  To this day millions of people enjoy the beauty these short blooming trees have to offer all over the world.

The history of the Sakura trees in High Park dates back to 1959, when the Japanese Ambassador to Canada presented 2000 Japanese Sakura trees to the citizens of Toronto, in recognition and appreciation to the city of Toronto accepting re-located Japanese-Canadians following the second second world war.

Photograph by Kelly Butts
Since that time there have been additional plantings in 1984, 2001, and 2006.  

Photograph by Paul Gellatly
The trees are currently in full bloom, and don't last long... If you have a chance this week or weekend, I  recommend a trip to High Park.  A wonderful way to spend an evening or afternoon among the beauty of the Sakura Trees.

Plan on spending at least an hour or two meandering through the park, In addition to the trees, you'll find nesting swans and other beautiful aquatic birds, a beaver dam, wildflowers, a beautiful rock garden, and much more.  There is definitely something for everyone to enjoy.
Photograph by Kelly Butts