tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21529085705815199202024-03-13T11:06:37.858-04:00The Tattooed GardenerFor those passionate about plants... or those that would like to learn more about the usual, and unusual plants for both the home and garden. Thanks for followingPaul Gellatlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300334343111890219noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152908570581519920.post-73436446827236613352015-11-18T10:03:00.002-05:002015-11-18T10:39:36.020-05:00Stop Bulb Envy<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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The season is winding down very quickly, the garden is getting ready for the long cold winter. The autumn colours are fading to twigs and fallen leaves. If you're anything like me, at this time of year, you're ready for a break from the garden, at the same time excited about your garden next year. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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Its not too late to start thinking about Spring. Nothing is better than bulbs poking through the snow in the spring, and ushering in a new season. Now is the time you need to plan for that. This is the perfect time!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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I always wait until the end of November to put in my bulbs. The squirrels have pretty much finished their gathering for the winter, and less of your bulbs will go missing. Nothing is more frustrating than watching squirrels dig up your spring bulbs. There are a few things you can do, other than waiting until late November. Squirrels don't like Narcissus, or Allium bulbs. If you mix some of these in with your other bulbs, there is less chance of them getting taken by the daytime bandits. Another way is to place chicken wire over where you have planted. The Squirrels can't dig through the chicken wire, and get to your bulbs. <br />
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If you're anything like me, you will want to add new bulbs next year as well. One problem I have had is that come the fall, I don't remember exactly where I have bulbs, as they are dormant... I end up digging up bulbs, or worse yet, digging into bulbs. One trick to remedy this, is to plant muscari (grape hyacinth) with your bulbs. Grape hyacinths send up foliage in the fall... that way you will know where your other bulbs are planted.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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One trick that I learned this year, from a friend Uli Havermann; is to place a piece of flagstone over where you have planted the bulbs. The squirrels can't dig under a piece of flagstone, but you have to remember to remove it first thing in the spring to allow the bulbs to grow. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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When planting bulbs there are a lot of things to consider. Consider bloom time, colour combinations, are they being used to naturalize or are they a focal point in your spring garden. Although bulbs look beautiful when they are in bloom, you also need to consider the time it takes for the foliage to die back into the bulb and how that will affect your late spring garden. <br />
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Many people dig their bulbs up after they have bloomed and let them die back in a shed or garage. I prefer to leave my bulbs in the ground, so I have them planted where other plants grow up around them and hide the foliage as it dies back. A lot of my smaller bulbs are planted around my hemerocallis (daylilies) once the spring bulbs fade, the daylily foliage is already growing up and filling in. When using bulbs to naturalize an area, you would want to leave the bulbs in the ground. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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Bulbs begin blooming in early, mid, and late spring, make sure to check the packages to find out when your new bulbs will be blooming, and be mindful to plant bulbs to extend your spring garden bloom.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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A Rule of Thumb for planting: If the bulb is larger (Tulip, Daffodil, Hyacinth), the hole should be about 6-8" deep from the bottom of the bulb; if the bulb is small (Snowdrop, Crocus, Scilla, Grape Hyacinth, Dwarf Iris), dig the hole about 4-5" deep.<br />
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Make sure you don't end up looking at your neighbour's gardens with Spring Bulb Envy... Plant some bulbs now and watch your garden come to life in the spring. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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<br />Paul Gellatlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300334343111890219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152908570581519920.post-48406678229330482892014-02-28T12:34:00.002-05:002014-02-28T12:34:48.416-05:00Adirondack Stone Works<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BQvLGsQt1Qk/UxC_CXJsiVI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/034X7UsWM-o/s1600/audrey+Hepburn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BQvLGsQt1Qk/UxC_CXJsiVI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/034X7UsWM-o/s1600/audrey+Hepburn.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Garden Stone... Photograph by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vx0K8riK92I/UxDFSgVgU0I/AAAAAAAAA8A/K_xgsxYlcZ4/s1600/johnbanasmemorialgardensmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vx0K8riK92I/UxDFSgVgU0I/AAAAAAAAA8A/K_xgsxYlcZ4/s1600/johnbanasmemorialgardensmall.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>Anyone who knows me... knows I rarely like garden decor... I feel as though, for the most part, plants and flowers speak for themselves without accessorizing the garden... There are of course exceptions to every rule... I have recently discovered Adirondack Stone Works. Since 2002 this small family business has been perfecting the craft of engraving stone, and creating beautiful natural stone pieces for your home and garden.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-naSx9o9pmss/UxDFTT2pa3I/AAAAAAAAA8I/bJbapLR2Zgk/s1600/smallfront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-naSx9o9pmss/UxDFTT2pa3I/AAAAAAAAA8I/bJbapLR2Zgk/s1600/smallfront.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>Specializing in Garden Stones, and Pet Memorial Stones, Adirondack Stone Works is certainly an amazing company to check out. With Free Shipping anywhere in the USA, their prices are incredibly reasonable; ranging from 38 to 79 dollars! Although they don't normally ship to Canada... If you mention that you found out about them through this blog... they will arrange shipment to Canada! Take advantage of this offer Canadian readers! <br />
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The possibilities for these stones are endless, they truly are a piece of art for the garden; from address stones, memorials, thank you gifts, and more... there's sure to be something that peaks your interest for the garden. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-idV8e4nYoLA/UxDFR6crMbI/AAAAAAAAA70/yXx1Fqge2ZI/s1600/Sadie's+Gardensmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-idV8e4nYoLA/UxDFR6crMbI/AAAAAAAAA70/yXx1Fqge2ZI/s1600/Sadie's+Gardensmall.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ttR39-bV6k/UxDFRdJBr_I/AAAAAAAAA7w/_saYidhdQOk/s1600/adressstone2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ttR39-bV6k/UxDFRdJBr_I/AAAAAAAAA7w/_saYidhdQOk/s1600/adressstone2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>Growing up in a home where my parents owned a small business, I fully believe in supporting small family run businesses.<br />
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Check out their website and purchase a beautiful stone to showcase in your garden, just as I have done. Their stones are specially chosen, hand chiseled, and deeply engraved and painted with 30 year stone paint... So you will have this piece for many many years to come! <br />
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Contact Jeremy or Tavia at <a href="http://www.engravedstone.net/">http://www.engravedstone.net/</a> and <a href="http://www.petmemorial.net/">http://www.petmemorial.net/</a><br />
or at (315) 845-6715 And remember to let them know you found out about them on this blog. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tb5Nm_ijp3I/UxDFQ-6klSI/AAAAAAAAA7o/BIkzxtFFmfE/s1600/irishgarden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tb5Nm_ijp3I/UxDFQ-6klSI/AAAAAAAAA7o/BIkzxtFFmfE/s1600/irishgarden.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All photographs used with permission from Jeremy and Tavia at Adirondack Stone Works</td></tr>
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<br />Paul Gellatlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300334343111890219noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152908570581519920.post-90039537899278862592014-02-21T16:21:00.002-05:002014-02-21T16:21:29.742-05:00A Bit About Me... <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly "Golden Wing"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Trystin Lewis (2014)</td></tr>
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It occurred to me that I've been writing this blog for a couple of years now, and haven't really given much background on my horticultural experience. For as long as I can remember I have been gardening. My father is a gardener, growing up we had flower and vegetable gardens, a rhubarb patch, and an asparagus garden, along with various fruit trees. I remember my grandparents garden, a long rose garden, in front of a rockery with snow in summer (Cerastium tomentosum) that used to ramble over the rocks... and lilac's and a mock orange who's magnificent scents would fill the air. So I guess you could say I came by my love of horticulture naturally! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-viN78--uGew/Uwex06DRi7I/AAAAAAAAA5Q/3N6sS7c6q0g/s1600/datura.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-viN78--uGew/Uwex06DRi7I/AAAAAAAAA5Q/3N6sS7c6q0g/s1600/datura.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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When I was a teenager, I became a member of the Waterloo Horticultural Society, and subsequently ended up becoming a Director of the Waterloo Horticultural Society for a couple of years. I entered flowers in the flower shows, my garden in the city competition, and attended many conferences and training opportunities. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly My garden 2013</td></tr>
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I started a small horticultural group that met at a local church monthly, arranged speakers, and often did presentations on various horticultural topics and workshops.. the group grew from a couple of members to a great group of 30 or more people in the matter of a couple of years. I arranged trips to Rochester, New York to the Lilac Festival, and various gardens throughout Ontario, including the Royal Botanical Gardens, Niagara Botanical Gardens, and Lark Whistle Gardens. We had a progressive supper each year where we visited different members gardens, and ate some amazing food along the way, and shared our love of horticulture. <br />
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I joined the Kitchener -Waterloo Bonsai Society after taking several courses in the art of Bonsai, attended regular Orchid Society meetings, and was a chairman of the Kitchener-Waterloo Aquarium Society. I surrounded myself with plants in as many aspects of my life as I could. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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In high school, I became the Environment Controller, on our schools Board of control, and organized the school's tree planting day (planting 100's of trees and shrubs) and local park clean-up. I was awarded the Rotary Environment Award, presented by David Suzuki.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GiRy2trsNlQ/Uwex03_NE5I/AAAAAAAAA5Y/8ZccElEHZEk/s1600/chicago+peace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GiRy2trsNlQ/Uwex03_NE5I/AAAAAAAAA5Y/8ZccElEHZEk/s1600/chicago+peace.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly "Chicago Peace"</td></tr>
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I have been lucky enough to travel to the West Coast of Canada and visit several of the public gardens there, Butchart Gardens, Minter Gardens, UBC Botanical Gardens, Vandusen, and Stanley Park, and to the east the Montreal Botanical Gardens, and the Biodome in Quebec, and the Public Gardens in Halifax Nova Scotia. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b_v3JPWHpG8/Uwe27qXz4qI/AAAAAAAAA54/Z58yyi4Mkf4/s1600/new2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b_v3JPWHpG8/Uwe27qXz4qI/AAAAAAAAA54/Z58yyi4Mkf4/s1600/new2.jpg" height="141" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mimiRIEl-D0/Uwe27jU-auI/AAAAAAAAA58/PnTRxoTM-NI/s1600/new1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mimiRIEl-D0/Uwe27jU-auI/AAAAAAAAA58/PnTRxoTM-NI/s1600/new1.jpg" height="200" width="178" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly </td></tr>
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About 5 years ago I decided to make horticulture my career. And began working multiple jobs; I started working at an amazing garden center (Plant World in Toronto, Ontario) (<a href="http://www.plantworld.net/en/index.php">http://www.plantworld.net/en/index.php</a>). Starting in sales and information, then moving to the Perennial Department. I assist at Stephanie's Country Greenhouse in Cheltenham, Ontario (<a href="http://www.scgreenhouse.ca/home.html">http://www.scgreenhouse.ca/home.html</a>); getting the greenhouse set up, and annuals and perennials planted for the upcoming season. I work as a gardener for the City of Toronto; working in various parks and gardens throughout the city. I also do Landscape Consulting, and have worked on both small and large scale projects. I am very lucky to work with an amazing group of people who have such vast knowledge and varied experiences, I can't help but learn a lot along the way. I am truly blessed to be working, and making a living, in the field that I love.<br />
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About a year ago I started a horticultural networking group on Facebook, that has just passed 1100 members... and continues to grow daily! If you're on facebook and want to join. here's the link... <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/291518537620148/">https://www.facebook.com/groups/291518537620148/</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fusZjJfBho8/Uwe2-ickgjI/AAAAAAAAA6M/QxQ076HXvFc/s1600/new4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fusZjJfBho8/Uwe2-ickgjI/AAAAAAAAA6M/QxQ076HXvFc/s1600/new4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly </td></tr>
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I have immersed myself in the field of Horticulture, and have been walking along the path... Enjoying every moment, learning, teaching, and networking. This past year I moved into a house in Mississauga, (only renting) and immediately started planning my garden. This past summer my garden became an unofficial stop on a local garden tour, and gathered lots of interest and comments from everyone who passed by. <br />
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I continue to walk along the path of horticulture and invite you to follow along and enjoy the view!<br />
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This blog has now been viewed over 140 000 times, in over 90 countries! Thank you for following along, sharing it with family and friends and making the blog so successful! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-85FtcUCNskU/Uwex108YATI/AAAAAAAAA5o/4Q4nlW86q_k/s1600/yellow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-85FtcUCNskU/Uwex108YATI/AAAAAAAAA5o/4Q4nlW86q_k/s1600/yellow.jpg" height="482" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly "Abelmoschus Manihot"</td></tr>
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Paul Gellatlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300334343111890219noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152908570581519920.post-10101263655795330172014-02-10T16:06:00.003-05:002014-02-24T00:58:00.158-05:00Phoenix Perennials<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HLjBIXSoz3w/UtRY17tiP-I/AAAAAAAAA2c/5ZX8JnDmWrM/s1600/4954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HLjBIXSoz3w/UtRY17tiP-I/AAAAAAAAA2c/5ZX8JnDmWrM/s1600/4954.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_7_OyTBofvQ/UtRYzKdUnmI/AAAAAAAAA1U/zzeN8mP3Jog/s1600/2861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_7_OyTBofvQ/UtRYzKdUnmI/AAAAAAAAA1U/zzeN8mP3Jog/s200/2861.jpg" height="130" width="200" /></a>Every new year renews my interest and excitement for the upcoming season. In January I start looking at different mail-order companies, seeing what everyone has chosen as their new plants for the upcoming season. Every once in a while i'm thoroughly impressed at the quality, and selection some companies carry.<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iPL-FcvOn7E/UtRYywejoXI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/HqE6mwsFY1o/s1600/4028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iPL-FcvOn7E/UtRYywejoXI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/HqE6mwsFY1o/s1600/4028.jpg" height="200" width="180" /></a><br />
One such company is Phoenix Perennials. Their selection of unique and rare plants available for sale will definitely interest the novice and experienced gardeners alike. They have a great selection of over 4000 Perennials, Shrubs, Vines, Grasses, and Sub-tropical Plants.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EQSdyyQwOU0/UtRY1swuTVI/AAAAAAAAA2U/SpeVmsCBUaw/s1600/4858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EQSdyyQwOU0/UtRY1swuTVI/AAAAAAAAA2U/SpeVmsCBUaw/s1600/4858.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>It doesn't take long going through the website to see that Gary Lewis, owner of Phoenix Perennials, has amazing taste in plants, and goes out of his way to find unique and beautiful options for people looking for exciting new plants for their gardens. Since 2001 Gary has been providing a unique alternative to commonly available plants.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_nuGfcJ52J4/UtRY0RkLZsI/AAAAAAAAA10/VeMeWLvN_Oo/s1600/4637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_nuGfcJ52J4/UtRY0RkLZsI/AAAAAAAAA10/VeMeWLvN_Oo/s1600/4637.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a>When ordering from a mail-order company, ensure to check your growing zone. Many plants may be considered hardy where the company is based, but may only be considered an annual, or sub-tropical where you are located. A reputable company will list the hardiness zone for each plant listed on their site.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2DWEoZySZaI/UtRY0TxiNdI/AAAAAAAAA2E/GLUYRN7-MeU/s1600/4294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2DWEoZySZaI/UtRY0TxiNdI/AAAAAAAAA2E/GLUYRN7-MeU/s1600/4294.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a><br />
With prices that will surprise you, and an incredible variety of unique plants, there's sure to be something for everyone. I'm putting together my order... you should too!<br />
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You can find Phoenix perennials online at: <a href="http://www.phoenixperennials.com/">http://www.phoenixperennials.com/</a><br />
Connect with them on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Phoenix-Perennials/290859258969">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Phoenix-Perennials/290859258969</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TvMhILTIsqI/UtRY1JVS5yI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dEoWM86zi8Y/s1600/4651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TvMhILTIsqI/UtRY1JVS5yI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dEoWM86zi8Y/s1600/4651.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">All photo's are used with permission from </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">3380 No. 6 Road | Richmond, BC | V6V 1P5</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Email: mailorder at phoenixperennials.com</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Phone and Fax: 604-270-4133</span></td></tr>
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Well its been a while since I've been able to sit down and write a blog... its been a crazy season. Although its been busy... I've missed writing this blog!!! When signing into the blog today, 25 Years and Still Growing has now reached 117 000 views! Its amazing the blog is still being read over 400 times daily. Thank you so much for continuing to walk down the path of horticulture with me. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nsi23zClOFQ/UsL67pOFiSI/AAAAAAAAA08/Vc72p_cf25U/s1600/Original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nsi23zClOFQ/UsL67pOFiSI/AAAAAAAAA08/Vc72p_cf25U/s200/Original.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GEXeep02AYU/UsL60Re2WUI/AAAAAAAAA0I/DTXl1t_I45U/s1600/DSC01168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GEXeep02AYU/UsL60Re2WUI/AAAAAAAAA0I/DTXl1t_I45U/s320/DSC01168.JPG" width="320" /></a>Throughout the season I have four different jobs in the field of horticulture, in addition to writing this blog... I'm a gardener with the City of Toronto, a Greenhouse assistant at a small country greenhouse, and a Perennial Sales Associate at Plant World, I also do private landscape consulting. All of these positions although varied... provide me with a network of incredibly knowledgeable friends and co-workers.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1z1GaAMVDmc/UsL62O-8whI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/DbwKE9gm96c/s1600/DSC00052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1z1GaAMVDmc/UsL62O-8whI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/DbwKE9gm96c/s320/DSC00052.JPG" width="320" /></a>"To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow" Audrey Hepburn. This has to be one of my favorite garden quotes... It is very true! As some of you know I moved into a house, after being in a condo for 4 years... needless to say my front yard was transformed into my little garden oasis. I planted 14 different Japanese Maples, 2 different clumping bamboos, 6 different hydrangeas...along with countless other annuals, perennials and shrubs. My garden although only in its first season, unofficially became part of a garden tour in my city, and I have been approached to officially be on an upcoming tour. I am already planning on some changes and additions to the garden next season... including a small pond, and flagstone path and seating area.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IxvEW5sIoAU/UsL668M928I/AAAAAAAAA00/DgyQRWoIw9Y/s1600/DSC05443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IxvEW5sIoAU/UsL668M928I/AAAAAAAAA00/DgyQRWoIw9Y/s200/DSC05443.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SDVHv6S7vnI/UsL62lHVVnI/AAAAAAAAA0U/EP3uzRDrHUE/s1600/DSC01173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SDVHv6S7vnI/UsL62lHVVnI/AAAAAAAAA0U/EP3uzRDrHUE/s200/DSC01173.JPG" width="200" /></a>Every year in life we continue to change, and grow... This past year I had Lasik Eye Surgery, and Gastric Bypass surgery... I've lost 85 pounds to date, and I can see! In the same way we change and grow, the garden is constantly changing and with patience, love and a bit of luck... growing! Its time to start looking through seed and plant catalogs, and checking online as many companies are phasing out the paper copies and switching to online versions. I'm going to highlight a couple of companies in upcoming blogs that I truly feel offer some quality plants.<br />
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From my Garden to yours... I would like to wish you a New year filled with Health and Happiness... and of course Gardening... I look forward to continuing to grow with you over the next year. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Photographs on this blog entry are taken by Angel W.</td></tr>
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<br />Paul Gellatlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300334343111890219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152908570581519920.post-44926218673889092342013-04-07T23:53:00.000-04:002013-04-08T00:05:33.363-04:00The Geranium (Pelargoniums)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Peppermint Twist"</td></tr>
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The time is almost here to plant our gardens, and start to enjoy the 2013 growing season. Hopefully you've given thought to the colours and textures you hope to create in both your garden and your pots and planters. The options available to you are endless! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1F1shSKp2IU/UWI6CGZQ2ZI/AAAAAAAAAvI/4W1lNvhCRs4/s1600/2013-04-03+001+2013-04-02+043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1F1shSKp2IU/UWI6CGZQ2ZI/AAAAAAAAAvI/4W1lNvhCRs4/s200/2013-04-03+001+2013-04-02+043.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Raspberry Twizzle"</td></tr>
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One plant that has long been a staple in the garden and window box is the geranium. To be honest that has always been one of my least favorite annuals... Until recently. <br />
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Spending time in a greenhouse prior to the growing season has given me a true appreciation for these plants that I have often overlooked. The colours, varieties, and uses are endless, and I can honestly say my garden and planters will include a couple of geraniums this year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CYA_y8fy8wc/UWI6xThC6MI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/hHP0AJRc6bg/s1600/2013-04-03+001+2013-03-31+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CYA_y8fy8wc/UWI6xThC6MI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/hHP0AJRc6bg/s320/2013-04-03+001+2013-03-31+011.jpg" width="274" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Rocky Mountain Light Pink"</td></tr>
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I have always thought of them sort as a plant my grandmother would have kept, as I've often seen gardeners with years of experience planting geraniums year after year. If you've read other posts in my blog you know that I tend to like the unusual flowers and varieties available. The plain red geranium isn't one i would consider, however there are so many more beautiful options its hard not to become enamored with a couple of the varieties available. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Cascade White"</td></tr>
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There are more varieties and colours available than a single blog posting could ever get into, I am going to highlight a few of my favorites in the photographs on this blog. There are many more I don't currently have photo's of. Some geraniums are grown for their flowers, others for their leaves, others for scent. There are upright, and trailing varieties, the selection really is endless. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Americana White Splash"</td></tr>
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Geraniums care is quite easy, which is likely one of the reason they have been so popular for so long. The main requirements for geraniums (as with most annuals) is light, water, and fertilizer... If you get the right mix of all 3 of these factors, you're sure to have success!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Caliente Fire"</td></tr>
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Geraniums require a lot of light... full sun is preferred. By full sun, the hot afternoon sun is required to keep these flowers happy and blooming for the full season. All geraniums will tolerate partial sun or filtered sun, but you may not get the quantity of blooms this plant is capable of providing. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zWA-j9y_EJ8/UWI89nngmpI/AAAAAAAAAwI/V6Us8D1AYyk/s1600/2013-04-03+001+2013-03-31+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zWA-j9y_EJ8/UWI89nngmpI/AAAAAAAAAwI/V6Us8D1AYyk/s200/2013-04-03+001+2013-03-31+017.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Classic White"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Watering Geraniums is crucial... Although geraniums can withstand <i><b>BRIEF</b></i> times of dryness, they really should be kept evenly moist all the way to the bottom of the roots... but not wet (soggy). This is particularly important in hot dry weather... as a rule the more hot and sunny the weather... the more water your plant needs! If the plant doesn't get enough water you're sure to notice it in the leaves, and it won't bloom to its full potential.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XMUosqWIbIc/UWI9ZjlYSxI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/w5sIV5p3X6g/s1600/2013-04-03+001+2013-04-02+026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XMUosqWIbIc/UWI9ZjlYSxI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/w5sIV5p3X6g/s320/2013-04-03+001+2013-04-02+026.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Americana Rose Mega Splash"</td></tr>
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Fertilizing is equally important to keep your geraniums (and other annuals) blooming and growing. Feed your geraniums weekly as they are heavy feeders... I like to use a balanced fertilizer like 15-15-15 or 20-20-20 water soluble fertilizer once a week throughout the growing season. This will ensure that you get constant and prolific blooms and active growth throughout the season. If you're not able to commit to regular fertilizing like this, a slow release fertilizer is a good alternative, mixing the required amount (and a bit more for geraniums) into the soil will release small amounts of fertilizer with every water... Although the water soluble fertilizer is definitely the preferred method. <br />
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In order to keep your plants looking good, it is important to dead-head the finished blooms by pinching them off, I like to do this as close to the stem as possible to keep the plant looking its best. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6j2tCLEPE-A/UWI-BOs1wXI/AAAAAAAAAwY/KUFh2ezFvUM/s1600/2013-04-03+001+2013-04-02+039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6j2tCLEPE-A/UWI-BOs1wXI/AAAAAAAAAwY/KUFh2ezFvUM/s320/2013-04-03+001+2013-04-02+039.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"King of Balcon"</td></tr>
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If you happen to see your leaves yellowing, it is very likely one of two problems... either too much water, or too little water. If the soil seems soggy constantly, drainage might be an issue, and you should cut back a bit on the watering... if the soil is dry and dusty, your plant needs more water. It is a good habit to replace the soil in your containers and window boxes every year. <br />
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Many people overwinter their geraniums indoors, in a bright window in the house... I don't recommend doing this, as it normally takes these older plants longer to get going in the spring, and the plants don't end up being as vigorous as new plants... However the option is definitely there. I like to change my colours and varieties up from year to year... and in all honesty... I don't have the room to keep them over. <br />
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Geraniums are normally fairly inexpensive... If you have planted them in the past, try a new variety... if you haven't planted them (like me) give them a try! I know my garden will have a few of the varieties mentioned on this blog this year! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lcg0TF31p4A/UWI75TziOjI/AAAAAAAAAvo/m2q0HrW3vXM/s1600/2013-04-03+001+2013-04-02+032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lcg0TF31p4A/UWI75TziOjI/AAAAAAAAAvo/m2q0HrW3vXM/s640/2013-04-03+001+2013-04-02+032.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Rocky Mountain Pink"<br />
All Photographs on this blog taken by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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<br />Paul Gellatlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300334343111890219noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152908570581519920.post-66783753197392654002013-02-21T12:01:00.004-05:002013-02-21T12:01:44.180-05:00Allan Gardens Conservatory<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f9W7iovES9M/USZGwD7YUWI/AAAAAAAAAtg/N_4yhGCbwf8/s1600/2013-02-10+001+2013-02-10+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f9W7iovES9M/USZGwD7YUWI/AAAAAAAAAtg/N_4yhGCbwf8/s640/2013-02-10+001+2013-02-10+005.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IYyiieCqJpE/USZHWgpZW_I/AAAAAAAAAtw/sTe9osaRYkE/s1600/2013-02-10+001+2013-02-10+026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IYyiieCqJpE/USZHWgpZW_I/AAAAAAAAAtw/sTe9osaRYkE/s320/2013-02-10+001+2013-02-10+026.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DdrX_ehdjXo/USZHFG62fNI/AAAAAAAAAto/qblxJCZXNoI/s1600/2013-02-10+001+2013-02-10+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DdrX_ehdjXo/USZHFG62fNI/AAAAAAAAAto/qblxJCZXNoI/s200/2013-02-10+001+2013-02-10+002.jpg" width="158" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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A midst the concrete jungle of downtown Toronto, sits an historic oasis. The history of the Allan Gardens Conservatory dates back to 1879. <br />
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The original Pavilion Hall hosted concerts and social events... including a lecture in 1882 by Oscar Wilde. <br />
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The original building burnt down in 1902, and was replaced by the current Palm House. Additions were made to the conservatory in 1924, and 1956. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7KJSTQDofEM/USZLMRhLPbI/AAAAAAAAAuA/A1HauyF79Tc/s1600/2013-02-10+001+2013-02-10+031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7KJSTQDofEM/USZLMRhLPbI/AAAAAAAAAuA/A1HauyF79Tc/s320/2013-02-10+001+2013-02-10+031.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kflx4g9uci0/USZLdK99R1I/AAAAAAAAAuI/Eg29tWeuUTA/s1600/2013-02-10+001+2013-02-10+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kflx4g9uci0/USZLdK99R1I/AAAAAAAAAuI/Eg29tWeuUTA/s200/2013-02-10+001+2013-02-10+008.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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The current buildings include 6 greenhouses and over 16000 square feet of beautiful and unique plants. There are two Tropical Houses, A Cool Temperate House, a Palm House, a Tropical Landscape House, and an Arid House.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OnCFJi4XeOc/USZIkmheLrI/AAAAAAAAAt4/DC9y1qLIJ10/s1600/2013-02-10+001+2013-02-10+065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OnCFJi4XeOc/USZIkmheLrI/AAAAAAAAAt4/DC9y1qLIJ10/s200/2013-02-10+001+2013-02-10+065.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ayDRbdZwxCY/USZPAJeO3dI/AAAAAAAAAug/nINeB9kL6tg/s1600/Feb+10,+2012+allen+gardens+068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ayDRbdZwxCY/USZPAJeO3dI/AAAAAAAAAug/nINeB9kL6tg/s200/Feb+10,+2012+allen+gardens+068.jpg" width="158" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Kelly Butts</td></tr>
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Allan Gardens is open year round, 365 days a year from 10 am to 5 pm, and is free to visit! There is metered street parking all around the park... Plan to spend at least an hour or so going through the greenhouses. <br />
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A beautiful collection of tropical plants and meandering pathways are sure to delight anyone who takes the time to explore this true Historic Gem in downtown Toronto. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ppWoaWMqaQo/USZMBromlHI/AAAAAAAAAuY/FesRVtxhgOw/s1600/2013-02-10+001+2013-02-10+058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ppWoaWMqaQo/USZMBromlHI/AAAAAAAAAuY/FesRVtxhgOw/s640/2013-02-10+001+2013-02-10+058.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Paul Gellatlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300334343111890219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152908570581519920.post-50343789056629685542013-01-18T13:18:00.001-05:002013-01-18T13:36:07.148-05:00Garden Import... Where Quality and Unique Plants Meet<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DQjYtZwRU0U/UPjOMCJ3LgI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/5_LfTmQdH0Y/s1600/AgapBLUE_HEAVEN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DQjYtZwRU0U/UPjOMCJ3LgI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/5_LfTmQdH0Y/s640/AgapBLUE_HEAVEN.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Agapanthus 'Blue Heaven'</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UnbNeHimRU8/UPjONfUtdiI/AAAAAAAAAsY/B8MNhYv14mU/s1600/AmorphoBULBIFER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UnbNeHimRU8/UPjONfUtdiI/AAAAAAAAAsY/B8MNhYv14mU/s200/AmorphoBULBIFER.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amorphophalus Bulbifer</td></tr>
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My path of horticulture has led me to many great gardens, garden centres, and mail order companies, all over North America. One company that has impressed me for more than 20 years is Garden Import. Garden Import is a family run business in its 30th season.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-STkw7QUjALc/UPjOWkHdI5I/AAAAAAAAAtA/ZTIX1iToNfI/s1600/Sauromatum+Venosum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-STkw7QUjALc/UPjOWkHdI5I/AAAAAAAAAtA/ZTIX1iToNfI/s320/Sauromatum+Venosum.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sauromatum Venosum</td></tr>
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Garden Import's quality and selection gives me something to look forward to every year. This year is no exception! Its no secret that I like plants that are unusual. Plants that you don't find in every home or garden are the ones that capture my attention and keep my interest in horticulture growing.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-UHHknGPRo/UPjOQDEXXeI/AAAAAAAAAso/gZQVIkCqt90/s1600/ClemPRINCESS_KATE3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-UHHknGPRo/UPjOQDEXXeI/AAAAAAAAAso/gZQVIkCqt90/s200/ClemPRINCESS_KATE3.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clematis 'Princess Kate'</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFquWzsRGKg/UPjOOjvBcgI/AAAAAAAAAsg/JG9Xc9jV9m4/s1600/Bessera_ELEGANS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFquWzsRGKg/UPjOOjvBcgI/AAAAAAAAAsg/JG9Xc9jV9m4/s200/Bessera_ELEGANS.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bessera Elegans</td></tr>
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Garden Import carries quality rare and unusual plants, seeds, and bulbs suitable for indoor, outdoor, container, and garden plantings. The Customer service is excellent and the website is very informative and user friendly. Each plant on the website is listed with growing tips, size, colour and condition requirements. <br />
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From the blue Agapanthus, to the yellow Clivia, the pink Clematis, to the black Bat Flower there's sure to be something that catches your eye.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FEgY4lnvMvM/UPjOURLkmrI/AAAAAAAAAs4/9Newj5mWJT0/s1600/HelleAMETHYST_GEM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FEgY4lnvMvM/UPjOURLkmrI/AAAAAAAAAs4/9Newj5mWJT0/s320/HelleAMETHYST_GEM.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hellebore 'Amethyst Gem'</td></tr>
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I will most definitely be placing an order with Garden Import this spring; including the plants pictured on this blog. <br />
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Try something new this year in your containers or in your garden, and plant something that will be sure to be a conversation piece for family and friends to admire. <br />
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Be sure to check out their website, and sign up for their email updates.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gardenimport.com/index.php">http://www.gardenimport.com/index.php</a><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pKH81QwgvdA/UPjOZ2aKtGI/AAAAAAAAAtI/PQf319hF5Ds/s1600/Tacca+Chantrieri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pKH81QwgvdA/UPjOZ2aKtGI/AAAAAAAAAtI/PQf319hF5Ds/s640/Tacca+Chantrieri.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tacca Chantrieri<br />
<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><i>All photographs used with permission from Dugald Cameron <br />President at Garden Import</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Paul Gellatlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300334343111890219noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152908570581519920.post-82064502785289498462013-01-04T15:59:00.000-05:002013-01-04T15:59:42.787-05:00The Jovial Jade<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xK7kndFiDX8/UOc3F29BdVI/AAAAAAAAArQ/Pyh8Cbo_gVg/s1600/2012-03-29+001+2012-03-29+048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xK7kndFiDX8/UOc3F29BdVI/AAAAAAAAArQ/Pyh8Cbo_gVg/s640/2012-03-29+001+2012-03-29+048.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly (Crassula arborescens)</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bll0Xm1KkCg/UOcvDq3KpvI/AAAAAAAAAqw/ZEsPrpB3J7E/s1600/2012-02-26+001+2012-02-26+085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bll0Xm1KkCg/UOcvDq3KpvI/AAAAAAAAAqw/ZEsPrpB3J7E/s320/2012-02-26+001+2012-02-26+085.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly<br />(Crassula ovata Gollum)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another year has come and gone, and the blog has been very successful! In one year this blog has had just shy of 16000 views in 82 countries. Thanks for walking down the path or horticulture with me and continuing to support this blog! <br />
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A lot of things have changed in my life over the past year. My original plan to move to the west coast of Canada has been postponed as I was recently diagnosed with Diabetes. Due to this diagnosis I decided to stay where I have a family doctor and stable employment. My roommate and I subsequently decided to leave the Condo Life and opted to move to a house. I'm very excited about the gardening potential for next season! <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cqvIgD6J9zc/UOc3UGUGkqI/AAAAAAAAArY/8jMFGlgFFPM/s1600/2013-01-04+001+2013-01-04+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cqvIgD6J9zc/UOc3UGUGkqI/AAAAAAAAArY/8jMFGlgFFPM/s200/2013-01-04+001+2013-01-04+001.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly<br />(Crassula Argentea)</td></tr>
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The move created a need to cut back on my houseplants from over 200 to just over 100. The house has a large north facing window, where most of my plants were thriving in southern exposure with floor to ceiling windows at the condo. I made a lot of necessary reductions and was able to give my friends a number of plants I knew would no longer thrive in these conditions. When one door closes... another always opens...<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AGRz6LyhuWg/UOcvIOLQuiI/AAAAAAAAAq4/SShRtEGIM_Y/s1600/2012-02-26+001+2012-02-26+087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AGRz6LyhuWg/UOcvIOLQuiI/AAAAAAAAAq4/SShRtEGIM_Y/s200/2012-02-26+001+2012-02-26+087.jpg" width="187" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly<br />(Crassula arborescens)</td></tr>
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With the hustle and bustle of the Christmas holidays over, the decorations put away, and life returning back to normal, its a great time to take a look at your home and see where you can add some life and beauty to your living space. Garden Centres tend to be quite slow in January and February, which makes it a great, relaxing time to do some shopping for new houseplants. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q4PXlJ6z5V8/UOcu1LS1gmI/AAAAAAAAAqo/VU4xONEJ1Z4/s1600/2012-02-26+001+2012-02-26+088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q4PXlJ6z5V8/UOcu1LS1gmI/AAAAAAAAAqo/VU4xONEJ1Z4/s320/2012-02-26+001+2012-02-26+088.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly<br />(Crassula ovata 'Variegata')</td></tr>
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One plant I believe everyone should have in their collection is the Jade Plant. I have 5 different varieties of Jade Plants in my collection. Although the most common variety is the normal green variety, with a little bit of luck and research you can find other varieties available to you. A lot of people have told me they have difficulties growing Jade Plants. I have put together a few tips to help you have success with this beautiful plant. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GsqEHCp8JUo/UOcuUb-rniI/AAAAAAAAAqY/utP3zrj4OZ4/s1600/2012-12-31+001+2012-12-31+034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GsqEHCp8JUo/UOcuUb-rniI/AAAAAAAAAqY/utP3zrj4OZ4/s320/2012-12-31+001+2012-12-31+034.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly<br />(Crassula Argentea)</td></tr>
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Firstly Light Conditions...Jade Plants require a lot of light, a south facing window is ideal, but mine do quite well in an east or west facing window as well. In a south facing window you may even get your Jade Plant to flower! I do have a couple of my Jade Plants in a north facing window, and they do live, but don't thrive. <br />
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One common problem with Jade Plants is Rot. Many people over water their Jade (I learned my lesson) Only water the Jade when you stick your finger into the potting medium and feel no moisture. Water less frequently in the winter. Keeping your Jade in a Terra-Cotta (Clay) Pot will help with the moisture control, as the pot itself will wick some of the moisture from the soil. As a rule I water mine every other week... But always check the soil before watering. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4dXOiJAoH3Y/UOc5LjA7dVI/AAAAAAAAArw/3TzhWnt_2ac/s1600/2011-12-28+001+2011-12-28+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4dXOiJAoH3Y/UOc5LjA7dVI/AAAAAAAAArw/3TzhWnt_2ac/s400/2011-12-28+001+2011-12-28+014.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly<br />(Crassula Argentea)</td></tr>
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Using a succulent or cactus based soil mix, or a mix high in perlite or sand is the best option for success. Re-pot your Jade in the spring, and only pot to one size larger than the plant is currently in. Normally I don't transplant my Jade until it becomes top-heavy.<br />
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A temperature of 50 to 80 Degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for the Jade... So normal household temperatures are great! If possible keep your Jade a bit cooler in the winter months, but never below 45 Degrees. Having the plant cooler in the winter can help promote your Jade to flower. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bIquq6vSIwY/UOcuxUW2y8I/AAAAAAAAAqg/-gW8qGIwklY/s1600/2012-02-26+001+2012-02-26+081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bIquq6vSIwY/UOcuxUW2y8I/AAAAAAAAAqg/-gW8qGIwklY/s320/2012-02-26+001+2012-02-26+081.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly (Crassula Argentea)</td></tr>
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Fertilize your Jade Plant with a high Phosphorus Fertilizer such as 10-20-10, every 3 months in the active growing season April to October. Do not fertilize the plant in the winter months. Prune your Jade for shape if you like, although I like to let mine grow naturally. If you do prune the plant... Jades are very easy to start from cutting, so place the cuttings in soil and root them up for your friends...<br />
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Jade Plants are fairly bug and disease resistant. One common pest that may infect your Jade is the Mealy Bug. Mealy Bugs are a common household plant pest. They can be washed away with water, sprayed with Rubbing Alcohol, or a household pesticide... I try not to use pesticides unless absolutely necessary. <br />
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I have seen Jade Plants as tall as 8 feet tall, down to 6" in height. With the variety of sizes and colours available growing a Jade Plant will provide you with a beautiful houseplant for many years to come. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ine3k_oc9V8/UOcuBmBGH3I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/35DLyPD3xUY/s1600/2011-12-10+001+2011-12-09+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ine3k_oc9V8/UOcuBmBGH3I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/35DLyPD3xUY/s640/2011-12-10+001+2011-12-09+013.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly with Crassula Argentea and Portulacaria afra 'Tricolour'</td></tr>
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Paul Gellatlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300334343111890219noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152908570581519920.post-25688996406446391062012-10-25T16:51:00.002-04:002012-10-26T15:50:53.701-04:00Get a Jump Start on Spring! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aGdv0v7p_jI/UIipJGHK7qI/AAAAAAAAAnE/KzLDv2w1sd0/s1600/trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aGdv0v7p_jI/UIipJGHK7qI/AAAAAAAAAnE/KzLDv2w1sd0/s640/trees.jpg" width="474" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SQL2pGxEdyA/UIix-vv2LSI/AAAAAAAAAoY/pTTTPtrmEws/s1600/2012-03-18+001+2012-03-18+062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SQL2pGxEdyA/UIix-vv2LSI/AAAAAAAAAoY/pTTTPtrmEws/s320/2012-03-18+001+2012-03-18+062.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Purple Crocus) Photograph by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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The season has pretty much come to an end here in Toronto, The fall mum's are flowering, the leaves on the trees have changed, many already bare... ready to usher in winter. There are still a few things you can do to prepare your beds for the season ahead, and get a jump start on your 2013 garden... by planting some bulbs now.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wVSfisEEMQ/UIi0YxckSWI/AAAAAAAAAos/ytawMFE1dkY/s1600/crop4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wVSfisEEMQ/UIi0YxckSWI/AAAAAAAAAos/ytawMFE1dkY/s200/crop4.jpg" width="143" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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When bulbs begin flowering it signals the start of the gardening season ahead. <br />
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Bulbs are an easy way to add a welcome splash of colour after a cold winter. All bulbs come with planting instructions when purchased; make sure to read the packaging carefully for depth, height, and flowering time. Extend your spring garden by planting early, mid, and late flowering bulbs. <br />
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The selection of bulbs on the market is vast. There are many types in any colour you can imagine. It would be impossible to cover all of the bulbs available to you in a blog entry, but here's a few to get you started. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sJVe-HVma68/UIiqNIr7_nI/AAAAAAAAAnM/49244N8LHZ4/s1600/2012-02-26+001+2012-02-26+027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sJVe-HVma68/UIiqNIr7_nI/AAAAAAAAAnM/49244N8LHZ4/s320/2012-02-26+001+2012-02-26+027.jpg" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Daffodil) Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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I have never been partial to yellow flowers, however an exception has to be made for the daffodil (Narcissus) family. There are so many great varieties available. The Narcissus is often used in naturalized settings, as they spread to form beautiful masses of yellow or white blooms.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XNok-3KrAZg/UIiqyYxQyII/AAAAAAAAAnU/jL9VAQMVAUA/s1600/2012-02-26+001+2012-02-26+028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XNok-3KrAZg/UIiqyYxQyII/AAAAAAAAAnU/jL9VAQMVAUA/s320/2012-02-26+001+2012-02-26+028.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Hyacinth) Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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If its a sweet smell you're after, you can't beat the hyacinth flower for fragrance. Normally found in shades of white, purple, and pink, you are sure to enjoy these in blooms from the moment they first open.<br />
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Grape Hyacinths are a great addition to any garden or spring planter, with low clusters of blue, white, and even pink flowers, they're sure to work with any colour scheme. The foliage of these flowers also grows in the fall, and can provide a glossy grassy green colour to your fall beds. The grape hyacinth is also frequently used as a naturalizing bulb. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_qPclaccOZ4/UIirFgk7phI/AAAAAAAAAnc/foobgfDnRuE/s1600/2012-02-26+001+2012-02-26+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_qPclaccOZ4/UIirFgk7phI/AAAAAAAAAnc/foobgfDnRuE/s320/2012-02-26+001+2012-02-26+014.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Grape Hyacinth) Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BCiY3fxBCN4/UImdM5tHCdI/AAAAAAAAApI/UQ_R7KLfamg/s1600/2012-06-08+001+2012-06-06+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BCiY3fxBCN4/UImdM5tHCdI/AAAAAAAAApI/UQ_R7KLfamg/s200/2012-06-08+001+2012-06-06+021.jpg" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Allium) Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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One of my all-time favorite spring bulbs has to be the allium, although the leaves are rarely attractive, the tall purple, white, or yellow ball is sure to catch your eye. Ranging in size from 6 inches to 4 feet in height, and bloom size from 1" to 8" or greater, there are many area's of the garden that allium can be utilized. <br />
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Another bulb worth considering is the fritillaria. Be careful where you plant the bulb as the plant/bloom has a strong odour likened only to that of a skunk. Growing up I remember my father had one planted right outside the front door... maybe not the best location... But bloom on this plant is definitely worth it! Usually found in orange or yellow, a tall plant and flower, they're great for the middle to back of a flower bed. When planting the fritillaria, you will notice an indent in the bulb, I would recommend planting this bulb on its side, to avoid water rotting out your bulb<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xaWcS1k7VnI/UIirVm8Y0LI/AAAAAAAAAno/6OTV8FLS8as/s1600/2012-03-18+001+2012-03-18+075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="294" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xaWcS1k7VnI/UIirVm8Y0LI/AAAAAAAAAno/6OTV8FLS8as/s320/2012-03-18+001+2012-03-18+075.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Galanthus-Snow Drop)<br />
Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The Snow-drop is usually the first flower in the garden, often blooming when there is still snow on the ground. A sure sign that spring has arrived. The small white and green flowers hang throughout the garden like small lanterns.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iCznHS8H248/UIitAdtVVqI/AAAAAAAAAn4/Icurcdw993w/s1600/2012-01-29+001+2012-01-29+047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="174" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iCznHS8H248/UIitAdtVVqI/AAAAAAAAAn4/Icurcdw993w/s200/2012-01-29+001+2012-01-29+047.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow Crocus Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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The Crocus is one of my favorite bulbs. Great for the edge of a garden, the cheerful blooms are one that I believe should be in every spring garden. Found normally in shades of white, yellow and purple, this bulb is a great addition to the front of your flower bed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FhhwAtwXnZU/UIisUFuKL3I/AAAAAAAAAnw/j7CJKXUFcwM/s1600/2012-01-24+001+2012-01-24+109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FhhwAtwXnZU/UIisUFuKL3I/AAAAAAAAAnw/j7CJKXUFcwM/s320/2012-01-24+001+2012-01-24+109.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Tulip) Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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Finally the tulip. Tulips have become an integral part of the spring garden, offering more varieties than any other spring bulb. Ranging in colour from red, yellow, white, purple, orange, black and everything in between, from heights of 2 inches to 3 feet, no spring garden is complete without a few pockets of tulips. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2-vrt3RMyl8/UIivQD1g4tI/AAAAAAAAAoA/EAMnsDzaLeE/s1600/2012-04-20+001+2012-04-19+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="169" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2-vrt3RMyl8/UIivQD1g4tI/AAAAAAAAAoA/EAMnsDzaLeE/s200/2012-04-20+001+2012-04-19+002.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Tulip) Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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As a general rule, unless you're dealing with a formal bed, it is always good to plant bulbs in odd numbers. I don't tend to plant less than 7 bulbs in close proximity if you want to create a strong impact. Plant early, mid and late season tulips so you can enjoy these beautiful flowers throughout the spring. <br />
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A couple of things to consider when planting, is as a rule, the point on the bulb goes up. Make sure to purchase a box of bone meal, to spread over the surface of the soil and lightly rake over. This will deter squirrels from digging up your bulbs, and will provide nutrients to the plant in the spring. <br />
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Head out to your local garden centre and pick up some bulbs, you'll thank me next spring! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nssnlx1zUz4/UImgMJFEaFI/AAAAAAAAApg/TKLv0XP3AwU/s1600/DSC08908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nssnlx1zUz4/UImgMJFEaFI/AAAAAAAAApg/TKLv0XP3AwU/s640/DSC08908.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Crocus) Photograph by Angel W.</td></tr>
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<br />Paul Gellatlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300334343111890219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152908570581519920.post-27818731320303124272012-10-07T14:57:00.003-04:002012-10-09T16:45:08.051-04:00The Happy Hibiscus<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RFYV0iE4Pkc/UHG5PGu6VPI/AAAAAAAAAlY/hIiED03Tl50/s1600/september+15th+096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="412" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RFYV0iE4Pkc/UHG5PGu6VPI/AAAAAAAAAlY/hIiED03Tl50/s640/september+15th+096.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hibiscus Flower Photograph by Kelly Butts</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1W4M5iv_RhI/UHHD24Hh1GI/AAAAAAAAAmc/tgnUulNSGfk/s1600/2012-09-15+001+2012-09-15+074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1W4M5iv_RhI/UHHD24Hh1GI/AAAAAAAAAmc/tgnUulNSGfk/s320/2012-09-15+001+2012-09-15+074.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hibiscus Flower Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GyD5WYrENdI/UHG8-doDWJI/AAAAAAAAAlw/0I7vPm0w54k/s1600/2012-02-26+001+2012-02-26+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GyD5WYrENdI/UHG8-doDWJI/AAAAAAAAAlw/0I7vPm0w54k/s200/2012-02-26+001+2012-02-26+004.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hibiscus Flower Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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One of the more common flowering houseplants has long been the Hibiscus. Until fairly recently I was only familiar with the common, red, orange, yellow flowering varieties, as they are the most commonly available. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-085Q-0Lif9o/UHG4gXS7RII/AAAAAAAAAlQ/i4J5euBNHmM/s1600/2012-01-12+001+2012-01-12+034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-085Q-0Lif9o/UHG4gXS7RII/AAAAAAAAAlQ/i4J5euBNHmM/s320/2012-01-12+001+2012-01-12+034.jpg" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hibiscus Flower Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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Doing a bit of searching and research will open your eyes to the truly amazing colours and varieties available. I currently own six different hibiscus, and if I had a greenhouse I'd likely have many many more. <br />
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They come in shades of red, white, yellow, orange, purple, pink, or a mixture of any of those colours. Also available in double flowers, variegated leaves, any many sizes of plants and blooms.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C6E5yHCWiDQ/UHG_nL12PfI/AAAAAAAAAmE/LPumS-ZdtCU/s1600/2012-01-12+001+2012-01-12+033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C6E5yHCWiDQ/UHG_nL12PfI/AAAAAAAAAmE/LPumS-ZdtCU/s200/2012-01-12+001+2012-01-12+033.jpg" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hibiscus Flower Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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With proper care Hibiscus can provide you with beautiful blooms for years to come. Hibiscus need atleast 2 hours of direct sunlight a day, preferably more. A South or West facing window is the ideal. Keeping this tropical plant warm is definitely a key factor in successfully growing hibiscus. Keep away from winter drafts and cool temperatures. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D6iMFU3uj7Q/UHG7v12J1sI/AAAAAAAAAlo/Rq_IhmkC9JY/s1600/2012-09-15+001+2012-09-15+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D6iMFU3uj7Q/UHG7v12J1sI/AAAAAAAAAlo/Rq_IhmkC9JY/s320/2012-09-15+001+2012-09-15+005.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hibiscus Flower Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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Hibiscus need regular watering but the soil should be allowed to dry out between watering. Never let your Hibiscus stand in water for more than half an hour. <br />
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I fertilize my Hibiscus weekly during peak growing season (March to October) and reduce to every 3 weeks (November to February). Choose a fertilizer low in Phosphorus (middle number) 20-5-20 is ideal. If the middle number is too high, you will produce beautiful leaves, but few flowers. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OjQocBjr_Sc/UHHGPSk907I/AAAAAAAAAmk/DiPkbDTDZbY/s1600/2012-10-04+001+2012-09-19+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OjQocBjr_Sc/UHHGPSk907I/AAAAAAAAAmk/DiPkbDTDZbY/s320/2012-10-04+001+2012-09-19+001.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hibiscus Flower Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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In order to maintain a healthy plant some pruning may be required... I would recommend pruning your hibiscus between Late July and Early October. I remove any weak branches, and just under 1/3 of the new growth in order to keep the plant bushy and healthy. Re-potting should be done in the spring and only one size bigger than the pot its currently in. <br />
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Its good practice to shower your hibiscus, either in the shower, or with the spray setting on the faucet, in luke warm water. I do this bi-weekly. This will keep the plant free of pests, and keep the leaves looking clean and dust free. <br />
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If you have a sunny window in your home and want a plant that offers you the "wow" factor... you really can't beat some of the Hibiscus plants available today. Ranging in Price anywhere from $5.00 to $150.00 in sizes from 6 inches to 8 feet. They are a great plant for beginners and enthusiasts alike. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qbxkpOExk1Q/UHHGtud_1YI/AAAAAAAAAms/hnn6JIzFIOQ/s1600/2012-10-04+001+2012-09-19+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qbxkpOExk1Q/UHHGtud_1YI/AAAAAAAAAms/hnn6JIzFIOQ/s640/2012-10-04+001+2012-09-19+002.jpg" width="474" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hibiscus Flower Photograph by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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Paul Gellatlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300334343111890219noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152908570581519920.post-62098019696821514872012-09-15T23:41:00.002-04:002012-10-09T16:46:02.997-04:00Edwards Gardens... An Oasis within the City<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RISZqojH0Sk/UFUJgrOsGOI/AAAAAAAAAjI/DYs-Oo8jLzM/s1600/2012-09-09+001+2012-09-09+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RISZqojH0Sk/UFUJgrOsGOI/AAAAAAAAAjI/DYs-Oo8jLzM/s640/2012-09-09+001+2012-09-09+004.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance Carpet Bed Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vn0Jf43j-gg/UFVCdfFu3NI/AAAAAAAAAkg/3nLqkSATAXQ/s1600/2012-09-09+001+2012-09-09+131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vn0Jf43j-gg/UFVCdfFu3NI/AAAAAAAAAkg/3nLqkSATAXQ/s200/2012-09-09+001+2012-09-09+131.jpg" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petunia Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V5rWwxjcmmw/UFUjd4qI4wI/AAAAAAAAAjw/0ovwkGCBJzs/s1600/2012-09-09+001+2012-09-09+091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V5rWwxjcmmw/UFUjd4qI4wI/AAAAAAAAAjw/0ovwkGCBJzs/s400/2012-09-09+001+2012-09-09+091.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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Its been a few months since I've had the opportunity to sit down and write a blog entry... I was thrilled to see that the blog has now been viewed close to 8100 times! This entry is the 25th entry of 25 Years and Still Growing...<br />
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Needless to say the summer was very busy, and finding the time to write didn't go as planned... but with the fall season upon us, I look forward to devoting more time to writing.<br />
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The summer has been filled with great experiences, visits to new gardens and of course lots of work! I have learned a lot this season, and look forward to continuing down the path of horticulture with you.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P8Pf_MD15Rc/UFVIIHVnDGI/AAAAAAAAAk8/a5ywtxVPk-U/s1600/2012-09-09+001+2012-09-09+083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P8Pf_MD15Rc/UFVIIHVnDGI/AAAAAAAAAk8/a5ywtxVPk-U/s200/2012-09-09+001+2012-09-09+083.jpg" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleome photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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Fall is a great time to visit gardens you may not have had the opportunity to get to over the summer. I know there's a few gardens I need to see before the cold of winter sets in. <br />
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There is still lots of beauty in the fall garden, and annuals for the most part are in full splendor...Its also a great time to consider collecting some seeds from your favorite annuals and perennials, to grow again in your garden or containers next year.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EtDDbRPiNNo/UFVAGCaNM0I/AAAAAAAAAkM/OFwdD_8xgxY/s1600/2012-09-09+001+2012-09-09+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EtDDbRPiNNo/UFVAGCaNM0I/AAAAAAAAAkM/OFwdD_8xgxY/s320/2012-09-09+001+2012-09-09+006.jpg" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perennial Border Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pFfUM19j3Gg/UFUKb6x3SQI/AAAAAAAAAjc/B4yQHON5bnI/s1600/2012-09-09+001+2012-09-09+068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pFfUM19j3Gg/UFUKb6x3SQI/AAAAAAAAAjc/B4yQHON5bnI/s200/2012-09-09+001+2012-09-09+068.jpg" width="146" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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I had the pleasure of visiting Edwards Gardens, also home to the Toronto Botanical Gardens this past weekend. A beautiful way to spend a couple of hours meandering through various perennial borders, annual beds, formal carpet beds, beautiful planters, and an impressive large rock garden.<br />
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I was quite enamored with the use of tropical plants dispersed throughout the beds creating an illusion of the tropics in various locations throughout the gardens. <br />
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Once a private estate, Edwards Gardens became a public gardens in 1956. Over the past 56 years the garden has grown to include the Toronto Botanical Gardens. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nyKvwiFJ8jw/UFVE9_Hr77I/AAAAAAAAAko/1QWf27lRRIY/s1600/2012-09-09+001+2012-09-09+051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nyKvwiFJ8jw/UFVE9_Hr77I/AAAAAAAAAko/1QWf27lRRIY/s200/2012-09-09+001+2012-09-09+051.jpg" width="161" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double Delight Rose Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DC0NDLjQ9Qg/UFVA_YnsnAI/AAAAAAAAAkU/zOqpkR3QKVI/s1600/2012-09-09+001+2012-09-09+055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DC0NDLjQ9Qg/UFVA_YnsnAI/AAAAAAAAAkU/zOqpkR3QKVI/s200/2012-09-09+001+2012-09-09+055.jpg" width="146" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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Plan to spend a few hours, parking is free! <br />
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For more information on Edwards Gardens, check out the website for the Toronto Botanical Garden:<br />
<a href="http://torontobotanicalgarden.ca/">http://torontobotanicalgarden.ca</a>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qnFaxBpp0VQ/UFU-8KDvyhI/AAAAAAAAAkE/RAWb88OYWws/s1600/2012-09-09+001+2012-09-09+120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qnFaxBpp0VQ/UFU-8KDvyhI/AAAAAAAAAkE/RAWb88OYWws/s640/2012-09-09+001+2012-09-09+120.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock Garden Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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<br />Paul Gellatlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300334343111890219noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152908570581519920.post-5588229185058995942012-05-29T23:10:00.002-04:002012-05-29T23:10:53.043-04:00What have you got to lose?<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--MNNeohzxWk/T8VaqioLfVI/AAAAAAAAAh8/S5rlwUO37eA/s1600/2012-05-27+001+2012-05-27+025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="475" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--MNNeohzxWk/T8VaqioLfVI/AAAAAAAAAh8/S5rlwUO37eA/s640/2012-05-27+001+2012-05-27+025.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kolkwitzia amabilis </span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">(Beauty Bush)</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-meLN1A52Tio/T8VbrHrAjeI/AAAAAAAAAiE/XoequUkmPnw/s1600/2012-05-11+001+2012-05-11+052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-meLN1A52Tio/T8VbrHrAjeI/AAAAAAAAAiE/XoequUkmPnw/s320/2012-05-11+001+2012-05-11+052.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aquilegia vulgaris (Columbine)</td></tr>
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Working in a retail environment, as well as for the City of Toronto, I am constantly learning about new plants and being exposed to new concepts and ideas. The path of horticulture is just that... a path. With a plethora of new plants available to us, the hobby of horticulture only gets more and more exciting. <br />
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I am very lucky to work at a garden centre filled with knowledgeable staff, and inquisitive customers. One thing that most people need to realize is that plants, (as a rule) want to survive... if you provide the necessities for them, they will flourish and surprise both old and new gardeners alike. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OvK5DTM5vlQ/T8WLFLLVkjI/AAAAAAAAAik/jxqw7jpzPZ0/s1600/2012-05-11+001+2012-05-11+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OvK5DTM5vlQ/T8WLFLLVkjI/AAAAAAAAAik/jxqw7jpzPZ0/s320/2012-05-11+001+2012-05-11+003.jpg" width="244" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mht74BO3nK8/T8WHNW4UDsI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/6qpGlgpWGJo/s1600/2012-05-27+001+2012-05-27+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mht74BO3nK8/T8WHNW4UDsI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/6qpGlgpWGJo/s200/2012-05-27+001+2012-05-27+015.jpg" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clematis </td></tr>
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The long weekend has come and gone, its great to see the trees, shrubs, vines and, flowers all over the city... something new to discover every day.<br />
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At this time of year garden centres are full of annuals and perennials ready to be planted.<br />
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Annuals are a great way to add beauty to your patio / balcony / terrace, or to fill an empty spot in your garden where a splash of colour is needed. When creating planters for your outdoor living space, annuals are the best choice, as they offer beauty and blooms from the time you plant them right through till frost. I also like to use a couple of perennials for unique accent foliage or to add texture to my planters.. Try some Heuchera, ornamental grasses, or ferns in your planters to bring them to the next level.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IZJOziGDNpQ/T8WH9IKUPiI/AAAAAAAAAiY/UbxSZQTajww/s1600/2012-05-27+001+2012-05-27+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IZJOziGDNpQ/T8WH9IKUPiI/AAAAAAAAAiY/UbxSZQTajww/s320/2012-05-27+001+2012-05-27+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Cosmos atrosanguineus (Chocolate Cosmo)</span></td></tr>
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One annual I was recently introduced to (although not a new variety) is the Cosmos atrosanguineus (Chocolate Cosmo) pictured to the right. Not only is this flower a striking rich dark colour, it also smells like chocolate! Although it may be slightly difficult to get your hands on, its well worth it if you happen upon it at a garden centre. Requiring partial sun, or full sun, this 4-6" plant is sure to win you over. It is not frost hardy, and does not produce viable seeds, therefor if you do find a plant... you will have to store the tubers in a dry cool place over the winter...so you can enjoy this plant again next year. <br />
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If you haven't already got your annuals and vegetables planted... get out this weekend and pick up some unusual plants and give them a try... after all... what have you got to lose? <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YiNyIZfferY/T8WPG5XyumI/AAAAAAAAAiw/ibcIkp-mW20/s1600/2012-05-11+001+2012-05-11+032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YiNyIZfferY/T8WPG5XyumI/AAAAAAAAAiw/ibcIkp-mW20/s640/2012-05-11+001+2012-05-11+032.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Imperata cylindrica</span> (Japanese Blood Grass)<br />All photographs on this blog by Paul Gellatly </td></tr>
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<br />Paul Gellatlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300334343111890219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152908570581519920.post-90829016627232206092012-04-24T15:57:00.002-04:002012-10-09T16:47:57.194-04:00Walking down the Path... (Update)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-irtOzbLB93Q/T5CbFEFFlhI/AAAAAAAAAhM/gyNKAVYrA4M/s1600/DSC00076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="475" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-irtOzbLB93Q/T5CbFEFFlhI/AAAAAAAAAhM/gyNKAVYrA4M/s640/DSC00076.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hen and Chicken Photograph By Angel W.</td></tr>
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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. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ieaN99sYx60/T5B_CUn104I/AAAAAAAAAhE/Z4Lw2AA_8-E/s1600/2012-03-29+001+2012-03-29+028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ieaN99sYx60/T5B_CUn104I/AAAAAAAAAhE/Z4Lw2AA_8-E/s200/2012-03-29+001+2012-03-29+028.jpg" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hydrangea Photograph by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ioiaLAQzHmE/T5B7CQfq_LI/AAAAAAAAAg8/K8wDBdJXLF8/s1600/2012-03-18+001+2012-03-18+025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ioiaLAQzHmE/T5B7CQfq_LI/AAAAAAAAAg8/K8wDBdJXLF8/s200/2012-03-18+001+2012-03-18+025.jpg" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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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. (<a href="http://marjorieharris.com/">http://marjorieharris.com/</a>)</div>
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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! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiarella Photograph by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japanese Painted Fern Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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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. </div>
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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. </div>
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If you aren't already following this blog, click follow on the blog and continue to walk down the path of horticulture with me! </div>
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The countries that this blog has been viewed from are listed below... </div>
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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... </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geranium Photograph by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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Paul Gellatlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300334343111890219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152908570581519920.post-8878363363778410352012-04-16T17:59:00.000-04:002012-04-16T17:59:33.666-04:00Japanese Cherry Blossoms (Sakura)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cogZKKLmMyo/T4yGtFYK3FI/AAAAAAAAAgE/ik1ZMvU5hcc/s1600/225962_1571074417356_1850390381_992336_6149829_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="475" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cogZKKLmMyo/T4yGtFYK3FI/AAAAAAAAAgE/ik1ZMvU5hcc/s640/225962_1571074417356_1850390381_992336_6149829_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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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.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S--jpi0gPLw/T4yLqvUP86I/AAAAAAAAAgk/W4EKlqNg5xw/s1600/swans+by+Kelly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S--jpi0gPLw/T4yLqvUP86I/AAAAAAAAAgk/W4EKlqNg5xw/s200/swans+by+Kelly.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Kelly Butts</td></tr>
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Since that time there have been additional plantings in 1984, 2001, and 2006. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--9KilbskUGM/T4yRbqjdwfI/AAAAAAAAAg0/fr7ezZvt7dw/s1600/send+to+paul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="557" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--9KilbskUGM/T4yRbqjdwfI/AAAAAAAAAg0/fr7ezZvt7dw/s640/send+to+paul.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Kelly Butts</td></tr>
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<br />Paul Gellatlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300334343111890219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152908570581519920.post-10170960108429097392012-03-27T18:22:00.002-04:002012-03-27T18:22:23.610-04:00James Gardens... A Hidden Gem<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w2ExCGehTSM/T3I0UEvpJvI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/ARdWD0aCvRA/s1600/2012-03-25+002+2012-03-25+049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="433" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w2ExCGehTSM/T3I0UEvpJvI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/ARdWD0aCvRA/s640/2012-03-25+002+2012-03-25+049.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Photographs by Paul Gellatly "<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Sanguinaria canadensis"</span> </td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-skaUyzS3I-E/T3I7D5EQtZI/AAAAAAAAAf4/wbCKbTmiVnQ/s1600/2012-03-25+002+2012-03-25+055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-skaUyzS3I-E/T3I7D5EQtZI/AAAAAAAAAf4/wbCKbTmiVnQ/s200/2012-03-25+002+2012-03-25+055.jpg" width="147" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vifdKQ8Nrtc/T3I2mRSAzEI/AAAAAAAAAfY/yXk0zWJacXI/s1600/2012-03-25+002+2012-03-25+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vifdKQ8Nrtc/T3I2mRSAzEI/AAAAAAAAAfY/yXk0zWJacXI/s200/2012-03-25+002+2012-03-25+015.jpg" width="169" /></a>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. <br />
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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.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magnolia</td></tr>
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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.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">(Symplocarpus foetidus)</span>
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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. <br />
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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.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pulmonaria</td></tr>
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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. <br />
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James Gardens is a great way to spend an afternoon at any time of year... and don't forget your camera! <br />
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Located on Edenbridge Drive, just East of Royal York Road. <br />
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margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; top: 367px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 256px;" /><img src="http://mt0.google.com/vt/lyrs=m@174000000&hl=en&src=api&x=4572&y=5977&z=14&s=Galil" style="-webkit-user-select: none; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: 256px; left: -49px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; top: -145px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 256px;" /><img height="200" src="http://mt0.google.com/vt/lyrs=m@174000000&hl=en&src=api&x=4572&y=5978&z=14&s=Galile" style="-webkit-user-select: none; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: 256px; left: -49px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; top: 111px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 256px;" width="200" /><img src="http://mt0.google.com/vt/lyrs=m@174000000&hl=en&src=api&x=4572&y=5979&z=14&s=Galileo" style="-webkit-user-select: none; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; 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position: absolute; top: -145px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 256px;" /><img src="http://mt1.google.com/vt/lyrs=m@174000000&hl=en&src=api&x=4573&y=5978&z=14&s=G" style="-webkit-user-select: none; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: 256px; left: 207px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; top: 111px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 256px;" /><img src="http://mt1.google.com/vt/lyrs=m@174000000&hl=en&src=api&x=4573&y=5979&z=14&s=Ga" style="-webkit-user-select: none; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: 256px; left: 207px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; top: 367px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 256px;" /><img src="http://mt0.google.com/vt/lyrs=m@174000000&hl=en&src=api&x=4574&y=5977&z=14&s=Gal" style="-webkit-user-select: none; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: 256px; left: 463px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; top: -145px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 256px;" /><img src="http://mt0.google.com/vt/lyrs=m@174000000&hl=en&src=api&x=4574&y=5978&z=14&s=Gali" style="-webkit-user-select: none; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: 256px; left: 463px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; top: 111px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 256px;" /><img src="http://mt0.google.com/vt/lyrs=m@174000000&hl=en&src=api&x=4574&y=5979&z=14&s=Galil" style="-webkit-user-select: none; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: 256px; left: 463px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; top: 367px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 256px;" /></div>
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<img class="gmnoprint" src="http://www.toronto.com/Styles/images/tdc-listing/business/shadow.png" style="-webkit-user-select: none; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: 33px; left: 196px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; top: 153px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 36px; z-index: -139748992;" /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; z-index: 103;">
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<img id="mtgt_unnamed_0" src="http://www.toronto.com/Styles/images/tdc-listing/business/default.png" style="-webkit-user-select: none; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: pointer; height: 29px; left: 196px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; top: 153px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 28px; z-index: -139748992;" /></div>
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<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: default; left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; z-index: 107;">
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<div class="gmnoprint" style="-webkit-user-select: none; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; bottom: 2px; left: 2px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; vertical-align: baseline; z-index: 0;">
<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=43.671558,-79.517686&spn=0.02235,0.038195&z=14&key=ABQIAAAA9LBUf7Kgue5puPwbUWtgiRQE9nmXdj1zNvUWab6OVBXy6KvMcRSd8Oq1WfqWt3BZ-KoDL_c7SaiVaw&mapclient=jsapi&oi=map_misc&ct=api_logo" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #863df5; cursor: pointer; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial !important; outline-style: none !important; outline-width: initial !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank" title="Click to see this area on Google Maps"><img src="http://maps.gstatic.com/intl/en_ALL/mapfiles/poweredby.png" style="-webkit-user-select: none; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: pointer; height: 30px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 62px;" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-user-select: none; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; bottom: 2px; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; right: 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: nowrap; z-index: 0;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Map data ©2012 Google - </span><a class="gmnoprint terms-of-use-link" href="http://www.google.com/intl/en_ALL/help/terms_maps.html" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #7777cc; cursor: pointer; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial !important; outline-style: none !important; outline-width: initial !important; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Terms of Use</a></div>
<div class="gmnoprint" style="-webkit-user-select: none; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: 288px; left: 7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; text-align: left; top: 7px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 59px; z-index: 0;">
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: 62px; left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 59px;">
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: 62px; left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 59px;">
<img src="http://maps.gstatic.com/intl/en_ALL/mapfiles/mapcontrols2.png" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: none; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /></div>
<div log="pan_up" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: pointer; height: 18px; left: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 18px;" title="Pan up">
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<div log="pan_down" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: pointer; height: 18px; left: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; top: 40px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 18px;" title="Pan down">
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<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: 196px; left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; top: 62px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 59px; z-index: 1;">
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: 292px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 59px;">
<img src="http://maps.gstatic.com/intl/en_ALL/mapfiles/mapcontrols2.png" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: none; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; top: -62px; vertical-align: baseline;" /></div>
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<img src="http://maps.gstatic.com/intl/en_ALL/mapfiles/mapcontrols2.png" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: none; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; top: -354px; vertical-align: baseline;" /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: pointer; height: 18px; left: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; top: 11px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 18px;" title="Zoom Out">
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<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: pointer; height: 182px; left: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; top: 86px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 22px; z-index: 2;">
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: url(http://maps.gstatic.com/intl/en_ALL/mapfiles/openhand_8_8.cur), default; height: 14px; left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; top: 56px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 22px;" title="Drag to zoom">
<img src="http://maps.gstatic.com/intl/en_ALL/mapfiles/mapcontrols2.png" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: none; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; top: -384px; vertical-align: baseline;" /></div>
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<div class="gmnoprint" style="-webkit-user-select: none; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; right: 7px; top: 7px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 199px; z-index: 0;">
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: black; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-color: black; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: black; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: black; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: pointer; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; right: 10.2em; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline; width: 5em;" title="Show street map">
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Map</div>
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<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: black; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-color: black; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: black; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: black; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: pointer; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; right: 5.1em; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline; width: 5em;" title="Show satellite imagery">
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(176, 176, 176); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-color: white; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(176, 176, 176); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: white; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Satellite</div>
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<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: black; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-color: black; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: black; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: black; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: pointer; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; right: 0em; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline; width: 5em;" title="Show imagery with street names">
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Hybrid</div>
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<div class="td_nearby" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-width: initial; color: #474747; float: left; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 26px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 179px;">
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div>Paul Gellatlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300334343111890219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152908570581519920.post-85046948519442115372012-03-20T22:38:00.000-04:002012-03-20T22:38:56.474-04:00First Day of Spring...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QdGSgvx2kpw/T2kDXgBXHeI/AAAAAAAAAes/LeNO6sWKkrY/s1600/bacopacobana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="564" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QdGSgvx2kpw/T2kDXgBXHeI/AAAAAAAAAes/LeNO6sWKkrY/s640/bacopacobana.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly "Bacopa"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EYohixWhmhc/T2kCXKymQqI/AAAAAAAAAec/aEguVelwMC4/s1600/2012-03-18+001+2012-03-18+036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EYohixWhmhc/T2kCXKymQqI/AAAAAAAAAec/aEguVelwMC4/s320/2012-03-18+001+2012-03-18+036.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E4VQ5GQfoZw/T2kMl77rj6I/AAAAAAAAAe8/vczUQy93C58/s1600/crop4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E4VQ5GQfoZw/T2kMl77rj6I/AAAAAAAAAe8/vczUQy93C58/s200/crop4.jpg" width="142" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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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.<br />
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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. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vKqFwa-gkwk/T2kC2uVE2sI/AAAAAAAAAek/xdiNsWFHWz8/s1600/snowdrop3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vKqFwa-gkwk/T2kC2uVE2sI/AAAAAAAAAek/xdiNsWFHWz8/s320/snowdrop3.jpg" width="201" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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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.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4s_KZ-4Wvfw/T2k9j_SbunI/AAAAAAAAAfE/deheQauJrbA/s1600/edit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4s_KZ-4Wvfw/T2k9j_SbunI/AAAAAAAAAfE/deheQauJrbA/s200/edit1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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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.<br />
<a href="http://www.canadablooms.com/">http://www.canadablooms.com/</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mClhh54m2qg/T2kLVch6vSI/AAAAAAAAAe0/lHB_zg-kic8/s1600/2012-02-26+001+2012-02-26+112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="471" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mClhh54m2qg/T2kLVch6vSI/AAAAAAAAAe0/lHB_zg-kic8/s640/2012-02-26+001+2012-02-26+112.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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<br />Paul Gellatlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300334343111890219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152908570581519920.post-36239285226351802762012-03-08T19:47:00.000-05:002012-03-09T19:16:36.381-05:00Coleus... "Under the Sea" Collection... Making a Splash in 2012<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kMmC6NGPTUs/T1hDOknJy0I/AAAAAAAAAdk/nYvMM_nvAIY/s1600/2012-03-06+001+2012-03-06+054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kMmC6NGPTUs/T1hDOknJy0I/AAAAAAAAAdk/nYvMM_nvAIY/s640/2012-03-06+001+2012-03-06+054.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly (Coleus "Kong" collection)</td></tr>
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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. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxAsR5IpRHo/T1hC1iL0RlI/AAAAAAAAAdc/xWbjBaVZp7s/s1600/2012-01-09+001+2012-01-09+046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxAsR5IpRHo/T1hC1iL0RlI/AAAAAAAAAdc/xWbjBaVZp7s/s320/2012-01-09+001+2012-01-09+046.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly Coleus "Henna"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u41nvnZXecE/T1hCu3zcJ8I/AAAAAAAAAdU/1BMJxPfJFu0/s1600/2012-01-09+001+2012-01-09+047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u41nvnZXecE/T1hCu3zcJ8I/AAAAAAAAAdU/1BMJxPfJFu0/s200/2012-01-09+001+2012-01-09+047.jpg" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coleus "Henna"</td></tr>
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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. <br />
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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.<br />
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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. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qDkWsKvSWlk/T1hDu6T4wVI/AAAAAAAAAds/1p6xtQqUJbo/s1600/2012-03-06+001+2012-03-06+053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qDkWsKvSWlk/T1hDu6T4wVI/AAAAAAAAAds/1p6xtQqUJbo/s200/2012-03-06+001+2012-03-06+053.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly<br />
Coleus "Fishnet Stockings"</td></tr>
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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. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e8O58dBEPKg/T1k50QGy1qI/AAAAAAAAAeE/UV1dRs7GVnA/s1600/2012-03-06+001+2012-03-06+027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e8O58dBEPKg/T1k50QGy1qI/AAAAAAAAAeE/UV1dRs7GVnA/s200/2012-03-06+001+2012-03-06+027.jpg" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly<br />
Coleus "Under the Sea" Collection</td></tr>
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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. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-riiedHSIPDk/T1k2nqXi3bI/AAAAAAAAAd0/gOm8hQdbDLE/s1600/2012-03-06+001+2012-03-06+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-riiedHSIPDk/T1k2nqXi3bI/AAAAAAAAAd0/gOm8hQdbDLE/s320/2012-03-06+001+2012-03-06+040.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly<br />
Coleus "Under the Sea" Collection</td></tr>
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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. <br />
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This company has never failed to impress me with the quality, and uniqueness of their product line... this collection is no exception. <br />
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For more detailed pictures of the "Under the Sea" collection, check out the website listed below. <br />
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<a href="http://www.hortcoutureplants.com/store/products">http://www.hortcoutureplants.com/store/products</a>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qIHhUmz9aVw/T1lFA0qfEgI/AAAAAAAAAeU/BC6TUC5ZWG4/s1600/2012-03-06+001+2012-03-06+039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="475" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qIHhUmz9aVw/T1lFA0qfEgI/AAAAAAAAAeU/BC6TUC5ZWG4/s640/2012-03-06+001+2012-03-06+039.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly<br />
Coleus "Under the Sea" Collection</td></tr>
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</div>Paul Gellatlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300334343111890219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152908570581519920.post-15832254197169023222012-02-28T00:52:00.002-05:002012-02-28T00:52:16.327-05:00Houseplants: The Art of Feng Shui<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-visgI1CLcsg/T0xiFAQJ25I/AAAAAAAAAck/AYAvbSh_QGI/s1600/2012-01-03+001+2012-01-03+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="535" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-visgI1CLcsg/T0xiFAQJ25I/AAAAAAAAAck/AYAvbSh_QGI/s640/2012-01-03+001+2012-01-03+004.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly (Ficus)</td></tr>
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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. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly<br />(Peace Lily)</td></tr>
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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.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lCtQAgQQsZM/T0xf-Fjq9vI/AAAAAAAAAcM/cEVaZInymgA/s1600/2012-02-26+001+2012-02-26+088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="284" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lCtQAgQQsZM/T0xf-Fjq9vI/AAAAAAAAAcM/cEVaZInymgA/s320/2012-02-26+001+2012-02-26+088.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly (Jade Plant)</td></tr>
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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!)<br />
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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.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-murF1bp6ZBE/T0xgsgyWEqI/AAAAAAAAAcU/F_PPgaJwQH8/s1600/2012-01-29+001+2012-01-29+041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-murF1bp6ZBE/T0xgsgyWEqI/AAAAAAAAAcU/F_PPgaJwQH8/s320/2012-01-29+001+2012-01-29+041.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly (Bamboo)</td></tr>
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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. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Azf40eAzCMY/T0xpbknGW_I/AAAAAAAAAdM/ACbRxz20o-Q/s1600/2012-01-15+001+2012-01-15+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Azf40eAzCMY/T0xpbknGW_I/AAAAAAAAAdM/ACbRxz20o-Q/s200/2012-01-15+001+2012-01-15+019.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly (Begonia)</td></tr>
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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.<br />
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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?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SEfQ_2kxIoY/T0xjHcF9lFI/AAAAAAAAAcs/tFA2azRhTTs/s1600/2012-01-15+001+2012-01-15+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SEfQ_2kxIoY/T0xjHcF9lFI/AAAAAAAAAcs/tFA2azRhTTs/s640/2012-01-15+001+2012-01-15+011.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly (Tiger Fern)</td></tr>
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<br />Paul Gellatlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300334343111890219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152908570581519920.post-34992943563499019422012-02-17T08:15:00.000-05:002012-02-17T08:17:06.208-05:00Just Around the Corner<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>(</i></span></span>Prunus serrulata) Photograph By Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">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.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T5-pOQDNswk/Tz3mfTv8kqI/AAAAAAAAAb8/wT30D8bABdc/s1600/2012-01-29+001+2012-01-29+059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T5-pOQDNswk/Tz3mfTv8kqI/AAAAAAAAAb8/wT30D8bABdc/s320/2012-01-29+001+2012-01-29+059.jpg" width="238" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pOpLmuODCGI/Tz3jHXqkkKI/AAAAAAAAAbs/1-PQ0SXwV48/s1600/2012-01-29+001+2012-01-29+045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="154" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pOpLmuODCGI/Tz3jHXqkkKI/AAAAAAAAAbs/1-PQ0SXwV48/s200/2012-01-29+001+2012-01-29+045.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">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. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nH8hsPuWOa4/Tz3hUT4qgSI/AAAAAAAAAbc/4GwPCLp_W2s/s1600/221845_1571066097148_1850390381_992281_882412_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nH8hsPuWOa4/Tz3hUT4qgSI/AAAAAAAAAbc/4GwPCLp_W2s/s200/221845_1571066097148_1850390381_992281_882412_n.jpg" width="148" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">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? </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qEw0sPBLCIU/Tz3klb4DFqI/AAAAAAAAAb0/CfqBmlxhCAY/s1600/2012-01-29+001+2012-01-29+047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qEw0sPBLCIU/Tz3klb4DFqI/AAAAAAAAAb0/CfqBmlxhCAY/s320/2012-01-29+001+2012-01-29+047.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aDhK6VFrw6k/Tz5QxFpaxQI/AAAAAAAAAcE/zEEd6zimuAk/s1600/DSC08908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aDhK6VFrw6k/Tz5QxFpaxQI/AAAAAAAAAcE/zEEd6zimuAk/s400/DSC08908.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photograph by Angel W.</span></td></tr>
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<br /></div>Paul Gellatlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300334343111890219noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152908570581519920.post-26525846818465229832012-02-04T00:30:00.000-05:002012-02-04T00:30:40.590-05:00Abutilon... My First 'Must Have Plant' for Your Home AND Garden<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V6bYshVqhj4/Tyy6zO0fRYI/AAAAAAAAAa4/cH9A5Gh3W9k/s1600/2012-02-03+001+2012-02-03+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="331" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V6bYshVqhj4/Tyy6zO0fRYI/AAAAAAAAAa4/cH9A5Gh3W9k/s640/2012-02-03+001+2012-02-03+022.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3wSLIpmDCNE/TyvdveBYyNI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/eV3FBC5OxaQ/s1600/2012-01-28+001+2012-01-28+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3wSLIpmDCNE/TyvdveBYyNI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/eV3FBC5OxaQ/s320/2012-01-28+001+2012-01-28+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly<br />Abutilon 'Bella'</td></tr>
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For quite some time I have been enamored with the Abutilon, also commonly known as a flowering maple. I currently have 6 different varieties, all of which do particularly well in both my south, and west facing windows. Given the right conditions these plants will flower frequently throughout the year with quite a display of blooms. The leaves are light to medium green in colour, and shaped like that of a maple leaf. The flowers look like a cross between a hibiscus and a single hollyhock flower; flowers are orange, red, yellow, white, pink, and everything in between. Because of their varied colours they work well with any colour scheme in your home or garden.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xfg5EG-ciHw/TyvegkJXGSI/AAAAAAAAAaY/dxRZctb6N1k/s1600/kelly4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xfg5EG-ciHw/TyvegkJXGSI/AAAAAAAAAaY/dxRZctb6N1k/s320/kelly4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Kelly Butts<br />Abutilon 'Savitzii'</td></tr>
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Best kept indoors in a south, or west facing window; Plants can be kept outdoors after the risk of frost is over in the spring, and back in before the risk of frost in the fall. They should be in a sunny location, where they are sheltered from the hot mid-day sun. You can also opt to enjoy this plant strictly as a houseplant. When keeping it indoors, it is a good habit to mist the leaves every once in a while to keep up the humidity. (Your plants will thank you)<br />
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Depending on variety, this plant can be anywhere from 2 to 10 feet in height... however it responds very well to pruning and shaping. I have trained mine into standards. (small trees)<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hFZgG96HNXY/Tyy6XF6jKfI/AAAAAAAAAaw/-EWjclMO35M/s1600/2012-02-03+002+2012-02-03+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hFZgG96HNXY/Tyy6XF6jKfI/AAAAAAAAAaw/-EWjclMO35M/s320/2012-02-03+002+2012-02-03+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly<br />Abutilon 'Bella'</td></tr>
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Water the plant thoroughly, and then let the surface soil dry to the touch, before watering again. I water mine every 7 to 10 days in the winter, and more frequently in the spring and summer. Remember that given this plant flowers so prolifically it needs regular fertilizing. I fertilize half strength every 2 weeks (every other time I water), with a balanced fertilizer.<br />
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Only transplant this plant when you have roots growing out the bottom of the pot. When transplanting, move it to a pot only slightly larger than the pot its currently in. This will ensure you keep your plant healthy and happy. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F6Nzs_7MlWc/Tyy79LtmqtI/AAAAAAAAAbA/hHFUMqV5VCM/s1600/2012-02-03+001+2012-02-03+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F6Nzs_7MlWc/Tyy79LtmqtI/AAAAAAAAAbA/hHFUMqV5VCM/s200/2012-02-03+001+2012-02-03+017.jpg" width="188" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly<br />Abutilon 'Savitzii'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ek-lMD4ICHA/Tyy_A-2W4PI/AAAAAAAAAbI/XbeWTXoNKQs/s1600/2012-02-03+001+2012-02-03+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ek-lMD4ICHA/Tyy_A-2W4PI/AAAAAAAAAbI/XbeWTXoNKQs/s200/2012-02-03+001+2012-02-03+013.jpg" width="165" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly<br />Abutilon 'Savitzii'</td></tr>
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One variety I particularly like is Abutilon 'Savitzii'. Grown for its beautiful variegated cream and green leaves. I've had one in my collection for 3 years. It may not be quite as easy to find as some of the more common varieties, so if you do happen to run across it, definitely pick it up! <br />
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To add some interest to your garden, balcony, or home... an Abutilon is a beautiful choice.<br />
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</div>Paul Gellatlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300334343111890219noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152908570581519920.post-60674566812829460512012-01-31T00:20:00.000-05:002012-01-31T00:20:22.232-05:00Veseys... 73 Years... and Still Growing<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gf_4acetxSE/TydoU1GWD0I/AAAAAAAAAZg/mPLVGdGtQ7I/s1600/veseys+Golden+Japanese+Forest+Grass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="423" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gf_4acetxSE/TydoU1GWD0I/AAAAAAAAAZg/mPLVGdGtQ7I/s640/veseys+Golden+Japanese+Forest+Grass.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> Photograph by Vesey's Seeds Ltd. (Golden Japanese Forest Grass)</span></td></tr>
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Following up to my post a few weeks ago, my mail order catalogues have started to arrive. I think I've received close to 20 now... I continue to be impressed at what is available. Its time to start comparing, planning, ordering, and getting excited for spring! Believe it or not... its right around the corner! <div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ulCEM7V9bnQ/Tydo0PI58VI/AAAAAAAAAZo/OEvZPbRTzlI/s1600/veseys+Empress+Clematis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ulCEM7V9bnQ/Tydo0PI58VI/AAAAAAAAAZo/OEvZPbRTzlI/s200/veseys+Empress+Clematis.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Vesey's Seeds Ltd.<br />'Empress' Clematis</td></tr>
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One company that particularly caught my eye is Veseys. A company from Prince Edward Island, growing since 1939. They have a beautiful catalogue full of colourful pictures and enough information to make a good decision on buying the right plants for the right places in your garden. Their website (listed at the bottom of this blog) is also very user friendly, and packed full of great plants. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IzjAWnyv3h8/TydviC4qMjI/AAAAAAAAAZw/9RqnHe-LWDg/s1600/veseys+Peony+'Celebrity'.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IzjAWnyv3h8/TydviC4qMjI/AAAAAAAAAZw/9RqnHe-LWDg/s320/veseys+Peony+'Celebrity'.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Vesey's Seeds Ltd. Peony 'Celebrity'</td></tr>
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I have no doubt you will be able to find more than enough options to add a plant or 6 to your garden this year. Take the time to look over and compare the differences in flowering time, height, colour and shape of the plants offered. Finding plants that overlap in flowering time will ensure you have interest in your garden year round. </div>
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They have various collections well worth checking out... including:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hd2GuFj4uMs/Tyd3JofR20I/AAAAAAAAAaI/ue-5tuR-Rv0/s1600/veseys+gladiolus+'Laguna'.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hd2GuFj4uMs/Tyd3JofR20I/AAAAAAAAAaI/ue-5tuR-Rv0/s320/veseys+gladiolus+'Laguna'.jpg" width="284" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Vesey's Seed Ltd. Gladiolus 'Laguna'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-01BE_rgH2MU/Tydv9gedeaI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/CG-_H_5vD7g/s1600/veseys+Dahlia+'Smarty'.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-01BE_rgH2MU/Tydv9gedeaI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/CG-_H_5vD7g/s200/veseys+Dahlia+'Smarty'.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Vesey's Seed Ltd.<br />(Dahlia 'Smarty')</td></tr>
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Dahlias, Begonias, Oriental Lily, Asiatic Lily, Gladiolus, Elephant Ear, Canna, Crocosmia, Coneflowers, Butterfly Garden, Day Lily, Clematis, Peony, Hosta, Fern, Shade Garden, Rose, Climbing Vines and many more! </div>
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Check out the Mason Bee House. This funky bee house can attract some great pollinators to your garden or fruit trees! </div>
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You can easily request a catalogue, order, or inquire about products on their website <a href="http://www.veseys.com/">www.veseys.com</a> and follow them on facebook at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Veseys">http://www.facebook.com/Veseys</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TKNYdM-n32k/TydyVayjoTI/AAAAAAAAAaA/ygnJcnBdPQ4/s1600/veseys+Black+Magic+Elephant+Ear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="558" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TKNYdM-n32k/TydyVayjoTI/AAAAAAAAAaA/ygnJcnBdPQ4/s640/veseys+Black+Magic+Elephant+Ear.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Vesey's Seed Ltd. "Black Magic" Elephant Ear</td></tr>
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</div>Paul Gellatlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300334343111890219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152908570581519920.post-67529645236767900842012-01-29T23:51:00.001-05:002012-02-05T22:23:27.374-05:00Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia Milii)<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A_s1EqJ_Yeo/TyYYhczvcWI/AAAAAAAAAYo/D77RVKweZ4U/s1600/2012-01-28+001+2012-01-27+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A_s1EqJ_Yeo/TyYYhczvcWI/AAAAAAAAAYo/D77RVKweZ4U/s400/2012-01-28+001+2012-01-27+004.jpg" width="296" /></a>One plant I have truly grown to love is the Crown of Thorns. The beautiful flowers that are produced from unique spiny stems make then an interesting choice for a sunny window in your home. There are a few different varieties available, although you may have to spend some time looking for ones that are out of the ordinary. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ND8Jif9heek/TyYamOIW06I/AAAAAAAAAZA/wmVqlJ5vGow/s1600/2012-01-24+001+2012-01-24+026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ND8Jif9heek/TyYamOIW06I/AAAAAAAAAZA/wmVqlJ5vGow/s200/2012-01-24+001+2012-01-24+026.jpg" width="178" /></a>Many garden centres offer the small red flowering variety of this plant... until a few years ago, I thought this was the only variety; as it was all I ever saw. After poking around at a few too many greenhouses. (I'm not sure that's even possible) I discovered how misinformed I was! There are some very beautiful variations available. If you see one out of the ordinary... pick it up!<br />
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Related to the Poinsettia, although looking nothing like it, the crown of thorns blooms frequently, throughout the year. I have seen red, white, pink, green, as well as mottled blooms.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FL4m1tClGGs/TyYY1pzsTSI/AAAAAAAAAYw/yfcWYoDkGmI/s1600/2012-01-28+001+2012-01-27+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FL4m1tClGGs/TyYY1pzsTSI/AAAAAAAAAYw/yfcWYoDkGmI/s320/2012-01-28+001+2012-01-27+003.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
The leaves of the Crown of Thorns are found on the new growth, normally at the end of the spiny branches. The leaves are oblong and dark green, although I have seen variegated foliage as well. Inside the branches is a white sap, that is toxic, and should be handled with care. The spines definitely help to keep pets away from this plant. Although it is considered toxic, I do have pets, and have never had issues.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hUwhOWRPjTo/TyYZ3DU2ORI/AAAAAAAAAY4/P9ovrCP3VVo/s1600/2012-01-24+001+2012-01-24+027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hUwhOWRPjTo/TyYZ3DU2ORI/AAAAAAAAAY4/P9ovrCP3VVo/s200/2012-01-24+001+2012-01-24+027.jpg" width="186" /></a><br />
Originating in Madagascar, this plant prefers full sun (south facing window if possible) and temperatures between 60-75 degrees f. Water the plant well, and then allow the top of the soil to dry out, before watering again. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wsCUOUGiVcE/TyYgohQWUEI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/lVk2jbeJXBQ/s1600/2012-01-12+001+2012-01-12+037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wsCUOUGiVcE/TyYgohQWUEI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/lVk2jbeJXBQ/s200/2012-01-12+001+2012-01-12+037.jpg" width="200" /></a>This plant acts like a succulent and should require less water than that of your other houseplants. I water mine every two weeks at this time of the year, and slightly more frequently in its active growing season (Late Spring - Fall) Fertilize with Cactus fertilizer diluted at 1/2 strength bi-weekly during the growing season. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dBFMj25qIyc/Ty9Hb6U9AtI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/L43L_UrQamo/s1600/2012-02-03+001+2012-01-30+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dBFMj25qIyc/Ty9Hb6U9AtI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/L43L_UrQamo/s200/2012-02-03+001+2012-01-30+003.jpg" width="169" /></a>This plant will only need to be re-potted every couple of years. When this is done, only go one size larger than the pot it is currently in. Use a cactus potting mix to ensure success, and don't forget your gloves! <br />
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This plant can reach (depending on variety) anywhere from 2-4 feet in height, although they can be kept smaller. <br />
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Try something different... Get thorny for this plant! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All photographs on this blog by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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</div>Paul Gellatlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300334343111890219noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152908570581519920.post-61750049085497387352012-01-24T20:16:00.000-05:002012-01-24T23:03:41.352-05:00Houseplants to Clean the Air<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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It is common knowledge that plants can add beauty and life to any room in your home. There are a number of plants that not only look beautiful... but also work to clean the air in your home or office. Many of the plants that I will mention in today's blog have been mentioned in previous blogs. I have put together a list of plants that are all known to create cleaner air and produce oxygen... in addition to being beautiful.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5K30XUm_iO4/Tx8yG9JDc6I/AAAAAAAAAXM/hLggu_-Fopg/s1600/2012-01-24+001+2012-01-24+088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5K30XUm_iO4/Tx8yG9JDc6I/AAAAAAAAAXM/hLggu_-Fopg/s200/2012-01-24+001+2012-01-24+088.jpg" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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NASA concluded in a 1989 NASA Clean Air Study, that it is good to have 15-18 plants in a 1800 sq/ft home, to clean the air in your home properly. Basically one plant for every 100 sq/ft.<br />
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I guess having over 200 houseplants not only keeps me busy... but also keeps me healthy!<br />
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Growing houseplants may seem like a bit of a task at times, but when they improve the air we breathe, and fill our homes with beauty..., it seems worth the effort. People often come into my condo, look at all the plants and comment on how much work it must be. I'm the first to admit the number of plants that I have IS a lot of work; but it is definitely worth it. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c5-4wF5EDv4/Tx8xx5hUbvI/AAAAAAAAAXE/vgGI61xeOnE/s1600/2012-01-24+001+2012-01-24+050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c5-4wF5EDv4/Tx8xx5hUbvI/AAAAAAAAAXE/vgGI61xeOnE/s320/2012-01-24+001+2012-01-24+050.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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Plants are well known to absorb carbon dioxide, and release oxygen; in addition to this, they also remove significant amounts of benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. ( I have no clue what some of these are... BUT i'm glad to know I have fewer of them in the air I breathe!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tX6s_yP2AIM/Tx80hChLqzI/AAAAAAAAAXc/ug1vZqAThF8/s1600/2012-01-24+001+2012-01-24+025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tX6s_yP2AIM/Tx80hChLqzI/AAAAAAAAAXc/ug1vZqAThF8/s200/2012-01-24+001+2012-01-24+025.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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Although I'm sure most plants clean the air to some extent, below is a list of 20+ plants that are proven to clean the air, and keep you healthy in your home. Why spend a money on an air filter when you can do it naturally with plants?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R64b0EmAFAc/Tx8w31XgxEI/AAAAAAAAAW8/hM3dSDTmWe0/s1600/2012-01-24+001+2012-01-24+033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R64b0EmAFAc/Tx8w31XgxEI/AAAAAAAAAW8/hM3dSDTmWe0/s320/2012-01-24+001+2012-01-24+033.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)<br />
Boston Fern (Nephrolepsis exaltata bostoniensis)<br />
English Ivy (Hedera Helix)<br />
Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)<br />
Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)<br />
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)<br />
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema modestum)<br />
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hhgb6J5Cmaw/Tx82KyozirI/AAAAAAAAAX0/CaTwqNNgnNs/s1600/2012-01-24+001+2012-01-24+036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hhgb6J5Cmaw/Tx82KyozirI/AAAAAAAAAX0/CaTwqNNgnNs/s320/2012-01-24+001+2012-01-24+036.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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Dracaena<br />
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum Sp.)<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oA3Rw-gzSoQ/Tx81ewtTXuI/AAAAAAAAAXk/J6vMe4ysZBM/s1600/2012-01-24+001+2012-01-24+034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oA3Rw-gzSoQ/Tx81ewtTXuI/AAAAAAAAAXk/J6vMe4ysZBM/s200/2012-01-24+001+2012-01-24+034.jpg" width="147" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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Rubber Plant (Ficus robusta)<br />
Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera Sp.)<br />
Orchid Phalaenopsis<br />
Chrysanthemum<br />
Philodendron<br />
Schefflera (Brassaia actinophylla)<br />
Ficus (Ficus benjamina)<br />
Most Varieites of Palms<br />
Bromeliad Sp.<br />
Peperomia<br />
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Take this list down to a local garden centre and pick out some plants that will not only look beautiful, but also give you peace of mind and cleaner air. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0YUZJtXOWTQ/Tx5M4g_k9wI/AAAAAAAAAWs/T269GOnSO-w/s1600/kelly+clean+air.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="473" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0YUZJtXOWTQ/Tx5M4g_k9wI/AAAAAAAAAWs/T269GOnSO-w/s640/kelly+clean+air.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Kelly Butts</td></tr>
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<br />Paul Gellatlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300334343111890219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2152908570581519920.post-75118922028306399942012-01-16T23:07:00.001-05:002012-01-16T23:30:56.052-05:00Plants and Pets... (Non-toxic houseplant options)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RElAxW8MiU8/TxO3o42jb5I/AAAAAAAAAWQ/0UxCvoWPYAQ/s1600/bubbame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RElAxW8MiU8/TxO3o42jb5I/AAAAAAAAAWQ/0UxCvoWPYAQ/s320/bubbame.jpg" width="320" /></a>Being a plant lover and an animal lover don't always mix. A blog reader asked me to write about safe (non-toxic) plants that you can keep in your home without worrying about your pets health and safety.<br />
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As a pet lover, and a plant lover, I have to admit, I have many toxic plants in my home, living in perfect harmony with my 3 cats and a dog. I have never found my pets to bother with many of my plants.<br />
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The cats occasionally chew at my spider plants or dracena when I have them down to water. They tend to like the grassy-type leaves of these plants. In order to keep these types of plants safe... I keep them on a shelf that the cats can't get to.<br />
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Providing cats with cat-grass (easily grown from seed) or purchased at a pet store can help to curb your cats appetite for your houseplants. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4LOb81NSMic/TxO15f1fWCI/AAAAAAAAAWI/YynxXS0R-AI/s1600/268617_1720492672719_1850390381_1144062_1815280_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4LOb81NSMic/TxO15f1fWCI/AAAAAAAAAWI/YynxXS0R-AI/s320/268617_1720492672719_1850390381_1144062_1815280_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bubba and Vader</td></tr>
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I will do another blog shortly on toxic plants to avoid...and in the early spring, on plants to stay away from in your garden.</div>
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The following list of plants are non-toxic, and safe around pets. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Yt7V9fDWtk/TxOqD0NQlRI/AAAAAAAAAVw/u8IGsNbTQUI/s1600/2012-01-09+001+2012-01-09+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>African Violets (Saintpaulia)<br />
Aralia (False and True)
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Aluminum Plant (Pilea cadierei)
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Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)<br />
Wandering Jew (Tradescantia Zebrina pendula)<br />
All houseplant type ferns<br />
Jade Plant (Crassula argentea)<br />
Prayer Plant ( Maranta leuconeura)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aNsSP0KxeIg/TxOprwZacyI/AAAAAAAAAVo/C0FoRMOU6y8/s1600/2012-01-09+001+2012-01-09+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aNsSP0KxeIg/TxOprwZacyI/AAAAAAAAAVo/C0FoRMOU6y8/s200/2012-01-09+001+2012-01-09+020.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gynura aurantiaca</td></tr>
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Coleus<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FTlY3NkHTF0/TxO43PS96lI/AAAAAAAAAWY/GBYy7AmPVnM/s1600/2012-01-15+001+2012-01-15+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FTlY3NkHTF0/TxO43PS96lI/AAAAAAAAAWY/GBYy7AmPVnM/s320/2012-01-15+001+2012-01-15+009.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saintpaulia</td></tr>
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Dracena and Yucca plants<br />
Hoya<br />
Banana Tree (Musa species)<br />
Kalanchoe<br />
Baby Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)<br />
Norfolk Island Pine<br />
Peperomia<br />
Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus australis)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Yt7V9fDWtk/TxOqD0NQlRI/AAAAAAAAAVw/u8IGsNbTQUI/s1600/2012-01-09+001+2012-01-09+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Yt7V9fDWtk/TxOqD0NQlRI/AAAAAAAAAVw/u8IGsNbTQUI/s200/2012-01-09+001+2012-01-09+040.jpg" width="181" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maranta leuconeura</td></tr>
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Begonias<br />
Sanseviaria<br />
Air Plant (Tillandsia species)<br />
Bromeliads<br />
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Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)</div>
Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera species)<br />
Cattlaya, Phalaenopsis, and Cymbidium orchids<br />
Gloxinia (Gloxinia slyvatica)<br />
Goldfish Plant (Nematanthus gregarious)<br />
Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus species)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RhSgeSIyFG8/TxOwMlgmpJI/AAAAAAAAAV4/2LTMp0GhFHc/s1600/2012-01-09+001+2012-01-09+036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RhSgeSIyFG8/TxOwMlgmpJI/AAAAAAAAAV4/2LTMp0GhFHc/s320/2012-01-09+001+2012-01-09+036.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Nephrolepis exaltata '</span><em style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Tiger Fern</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">'</span></span>
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</tbody></table>
Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)</div>
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Purple Passion Plant (Gynura aurantiaca)</div>
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Ficus </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DswPYrmljeA/TxTws4CSssI/AAAAAAAAAWk/PxDg8mtGQBM/s1600/2012-01-12+001+2012-01-12+024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DswPYrmljeA/TxTws4CSssI/AAAAAAAAAWk/PxDg8mtGQBM/s320/2012-01-12+001+2012-01-12+024.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Echeveria</td></tr>
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Echeveria </div>
Living Stones (Lithops aucampiae)<br />
Zebra Plant (Calathea zebrina)<br />
Most Cactus<br />
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This is in no way a complete list, however it does give you a good starting point towards creating a safe environment for your pets without jeopardizing the beauty of plants in your home.
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Take this list down to a local garden centre, and bring home some peace of mind...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o42BI5trGOg/TxOwt40iCZI/AAAAAAAAAWA/LrJLkSvPgfs/s1600/2012-01-12+001+2012-01-12+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="475" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o42BI5trGOg/TxOwt40iCZI/AAAAAAAAAWA/LrJLkSvPgfs/s640/2012-01-12+001+2012-01-12+008.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All photos on this blog by Paul Gellatly</td></tr>
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</div>Paul Gellatlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300334343111890219noreply@blogger.com8