James Gardens... A Hidden Gem

All Photographs by Paul Gellatly  "Sanguinaria canadensis" 

Nestled in Etobicoke, (in the west end of Toronto) is a beautiful garden that shouldn't be missed!  It has long been known for its beautiful annual beds, and is a destination for wedding photographs throughout the summer.

This past weekend I decided to take a walk and see what spring in the park had to offer.  Still too early to enjoy the annual plantings, there was no shortage of beauty around... including naturalized flowering bulbs,  wildflowers, perennials, and walking paths throughout the entire park to enjoy.

Magnolia

Beautiful Magnolia Trees, azaleas, spring bulbs, blooming forsythias and more awaited our visit this week.  I managed to take a few pictures to share on the blog.

(Symplocarpus foetidus)

Rustic Bridges, Gazebo's, ponds and creeks make for interesting discoveries around every corner.  One of my favorite wild flowers The Eastern Skunk Cabbage is in bloom all over the park.  Many water iris' are poking through the streams and ponds, which will be a beautiful spectacle of purple and yellow in the weeks to come.

Originally a private estate owned by Fred James, purchased in 1908, this garden was his passion and was developed for over 40 years.  When he passed away, the family sold the property to the City of Toronto with the agreement that it remain a park. With history of over 100 years, there is sure to be something for everyone at James Gardens.

Pulmonaria

After you're done walking through the gardens, be sure to explore the trail into Lambton Woods, and Scarlett Mills Park along the Humber River.  You will forget for a moment you are in a big city.

James Gardens is a great way to spend an afternoon at any time of year... and don't forget your camera!

Located on Edenbridge Drive, just East of Royal York  Road.

How to get there...

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First Day of Spring...

Photograph by Paul Gellatly "Bacopa"

Photograph by Paul Gellatly

Photo by Paul Gellatly

Although we have had a very mild Winter, and it has felt like Spring for weeks; today marks the first official day of Spring.  One of my favorite things to do at this time of year is walk around and see first hand plants coming to life.  I spent the day at High Park in Toronto on Sunday.  Trees are already starting to flower, bulbs showing their colour, and there is a warmness in the air that only Spring can bring.

Over the past few weeks I've been working in a greenhouse, its truly amazing how quickly plants are growing at this time of year. All of the recently planted window and hanging baskets are starting to put out their first flowers of the season.

Photograph by Paul Gellatly

Its not too late to start some seeds indoors to plant out once the danger of frost has passed.  I started some Datura seeds last week, and a few are starting to sprout already.  It can be very exciting watching seeds sprout and grow into plants!  I stopped by a garden centre today and was really impressed at the variety of annual seeds and summer bulbs available.

Photograph by Paul Gellatly

If you're looking for something educational and inspirational to do this week... visit Canada Blooms which wraps up March 25th.  I'd definitely recommend taking the time to to attend  North America's Largest Home and Garden Event.  It started in 1996 it has continued to grow and be an event not to miss!  I'll be there this weekend.
http://www.canadablooms.com/

Photograph by Paul Gellatly

Coleus... "Under the Sea" Collection... Making a Splash in 2012

Photograph by Paul Gellatly (Coleus "Kong" collection)

One of my all-time favorite annuals is the colourful coleus.  Grown for their beautiful vibrant foliage, they are a great addition to your home or garden. The varieties, colours and textures are endless.  Coleus are sold primarily as annual plants for a partially shaded location in your garden; however they also make a very unique and beautiful houseplant.  I have had "Henna" as a house plant for several years now.

Photograph by Paul Gellatly Coleus "Henna"

Coleus "Henna"

Coleus are very easy to grow and take care of, both indoors and out.  The usual height and width is anywhere from 12"- 18".  Although there are smaller varieties available.  If a coleus gets spindly, pinch it back, and it will start to fill out nicely. They are very easy to start from cuttings in water, or soil.

Although most of the coleus I have seen are beautiful in one way or another, a couple of varieties stand out as exceptional. I'll discuss a few of them in this blog.

The "Kong" collection: This large leafed multi-coloured coleus has become very popular over the last couple of seasons.  They make excellent container plants, and can really spice up a dark corner in your garden or balcony.

Photograph by Paul Gellatly
 Coleus "Fishnet Stockings"

Fishnet Stockings: This is a beautiful specimen.  Lime green leaves with purple veins can be complimented in a basket or pot with other purple, or white annuals.

Photograph by Paul Gellatly
Coleus "Under the Sea" Collection

Henna: This has long been my favorite Coleus.  The frilled edges and stunning colour contrast is the main reason I've kept this as a houseplant for so long.

Photograph by Paul Gellatly
Coleus "Under the Sea" Collection

New for 2012 is a particularly nice collection of Coleus that will be available in select garden centers.  The "Under the Sea" collection consists of 8 new and exciting plants produced and distributed by Hort Couture;  it's sure to make a splash in your garden, your balcony, or your home.  I discovered this collection and have been eagerly awaiting its release this year.  I'm sure this is one I'll be growing for years to come.  If you happen to find a garden centre that is carrying this collection I would definitely suggest picking up a couple.

This company has never failed to impress me with the quality, and uniqueness of their product line... this collection is no exception.

For more detailed pictures of the "Under the Sea" collection, check out the website listed below.

http://www.hortcoutureplants.com/store/products

Photograph by Paul Gellatly
Coleus "Under the Sea" Collection

Houseplants: The Art of Feng Shui

Photograph by Paul Gellatly

Photograph by Paul Gellatly (Ficus)

A reader from the blog has asked that I write about Feng Shui, specifically how to use houseplants correctly.  I have done some research and learned a few things myself!  In previous blogs, I've written about the importance of plants to clean the air, and discussed other positive attributes of having plants around your home.

Photo by Paul Gellatly
(Peace Lily)

In the Art of Feng Shui, life force takes center stage.   Having live plants in your home contributes to life energy, and enhances the wood element; both of which are fundamental aspects of this art.  There are common plants that are used in typical Feng Shui, however its important to note that any healthy living plant will emit a positive flow of chi into your home.

Photograph by Paul Gellatly (Jade Plant)

Plants that are commonly used are Bamboo, Palms, Orchids, Begonias, Dracaena, Peace Lily, Jade Plant, and Ficus (which I learned Buddha was sitting under when he achieved enlightenment... VERY COOL!)

If you have an area where plants aren't an option, fresh cut flowers are a good choice, as long as they are thrown away quickly, when they begin to wilt.  Also keep in mind dried flowers are never used in Feng Shui, because the life force that flower once had is gone.   Always replace a dying plant with a larger healthier plant, ensuring you overcome the reduction in chi energies.

Photo by Paul Gellatly (Bamboo)

Here are some ideals to keep in mind when decorating your home with Feng Shui in mind...  Hide any sharp and harsh lines, (for example a corner or a slanted ceiling); use a plant to hide these lines in your home and keep the flow of chi moving between rooms.  Utilize the entrance way to your home in a positive way.  This is the first space in your home where you welcome people, and fresh air enters freely.  Try growing herbs in your home, for example...  a lavender plant, known to promote relaxation.  Plants in pairs are said to increase chi in your living space.  Finally, consider placing a fern in the bedroom, with its softer leaves, it promotes relaxation and tranquility.

Photograph by Paul Gellatly (Begonia)

For centuries this ancient Chinese art... The art of Feng Shui, has been said to balance the energy, and create a sense of true harmony and peace in every room of your home.  Truthfully I have never considered Feng Shui in my home or my placement of plants.  After having researched it for this blog... I realized I already had a lot of things right but I did make a couple of changes.

We are constantly exposed to negative energy on a daily basis... The art of Feng Shui has been passed down over hundreds of years, generation to generation.  There is something to be said about tradition... Can it make a difference in your life and your home? Why not consider the possibility?

Photograph by Paul Gellatly (Tiger Fern)

Just Around the Corner

(Prunus serrulata) Photograph By Paul Gellatly

Spring is just around the corner.  Before you know it the bulbs will begin to grow, the buds on the trees will start to open, and a new season, full of life and colour will be upon us.  There are many things you can be doing now to prepare for the upcoming season.  Start making a list of things you'd like to accomplish this year... maybe its putting in a rose garden, a vegetable garden, a water feature; or removing overgrown foundation plantings, and rejuvenating the curb appeal of your home. In an apartment or condo, it could be having balcony boxes, or terraces that you can enjoy with your family and friends.

  

Photograph by Paul Gellatly

Photograph by Paul Gellatly

Another thing you might consider is starting some seeds indoors.  Growing plants from seed can save you quite a bit of money, be very rewarding, and provide different varieties of plants than you will have buying ready grown plants from a nursery.  

In previous blogs I have discussed seed catalogues as a source to buy seeds.  Another great source for seeds are the same nurseries and garden centres you buy your plants from in the spring.  Most of them will have a vast selection of seeds right now to choose from.  It is the perfect time to get started.  If you have never tried growing plants from seed, give it a try.  Starting seeds indoors can give you a jump start on the season to come.  

Photograph by Paul Gellatly

When picking out your seeds, make sure to read the seed packages carefully, they are full of information you will need to know about that plant, how and when to plant it, how tall it will grow etc.  Keep the colours of your garden in mind when choosing seeds, and pick ones that will enhance the beauty of your existing garden. Take a chance on a plant that you haven't tried before, after all... what have you got to lose?  

Photograph by Paul Gellatly

Next week I am starting back at a greenhouse I was lucky enough to get involved with last year.  This is the kick off to the 2012 season for me.  I work 4 different jobs in Horticulture throughout the season.  Which, over the course of the year, will provide lots of information for you through this blog.

Over the past 2 months, this blog has been viewed 2100 times in 36 countries!  What an amazing response.  I hope you are enjoying reading the blog as much as I have been enjoying writing it!  This blog has been read in 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, and Malaysia.  

Photograph by Angel W.