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The Gardeners Friend The misuse of pesticides, reduction in agricultural lands and presence of parasites has resulted in the decline in the number of bees in Ontario. Bees are one group of pollinators and essential for the production of many crops such as apples, plums, blueberries, pears and many vegetables such as cucumbers, onions and tomatoes. Besides cross pollinating flowers, they collect nectar and evaporate it down, producing honey for themselves and us. Without bees many fruit and vegetables would not be produced and with less bees around, many vegetables and fruit would be mis-shaped or more slow growing resulting in tough skinned or less flavourful. Bees are very prone to starvation in spring especially when nights
are cold and the days are cloudy. To ensure a supply of nectar for
these hard working pollinators in spring, summer and the fall year,
the garden should include the following flowering plants: It is also very important not to tidy the garden up too much in the fall. Bees need a dry, undisturbed area that contains leaf litter or rough grass to over winter in. Gardening By the Month in the GTA Please note that the following garden calendar relates to the area of the Greater Toronto Region (roughly Zone 5-6). Seasonal variations (i.e. late spring, early spring) and microclimates could result in a three-week adjustment in timing, depending on the weather. We will try to alert you to these variations. More specific questions? Visit the Master Gardener Q&A Forum.
Through the seasons, tens of thousands of people visit the TBG who share a common bond - a passion for plants. They want to share interests, exchange information, swap stories and become more involved in the alluring world of our photosynthetic friends. Some are eager to become involved with a generalist club in the geographical area where they either work or live, while others have an interest in a particular plant type and want to join a specialty society. Whatever your level of expertise, interest or garden size, Horticultural Outreach is for you. Here's how it works. Gardening organizations are asked to send hard copies of its newsletter, membership brochure, and events listings to the TBG regularly through the year. We will make it available to the public in the library and a high profile display area in our front lobby. When the public seeks information on joining a horticultural group, the TBG acts as a conduit, connecting them with one or more of the close to 200 horticulture groups we track in our database. At the same time, the TBG will send a copy of our extensive Calendar of Events to participating groups. This is a win-win situation for all involved. Horticulture groups are actively promoted and provided with a regular stream of opportunities to increase their membership and events attendance. The TBG continues to deliver a service that is a fundamental part of our mandate - disseminating horticultural and gardening information to the community. At the same we expand awareness of the TBG is and what programs and services we offer. The horticulture industry benefits because a more informed public is one that frequents a garden centre, purchases gardening books and engages in the innumerable activities avid gardeners do. Let's spread the gardening spirit to others and expand our wonderful horticultural community. For details and to join
Horticulture Outreach contact Nicole at.
Horticultural societies and Specialty Groups at the TBG Many horticultural societies and gardening groups hold their meetings, shows and plant sales at the TBG including:
If you have a garden related group or organization, please send us an email and we will provide a link to your group. Click here to send an email. Co-sponsored by the Garden Club of Toronto and Landscape Ontario, Canada Blooms is a non-profit event to promote awareness of horticulture and to showcase outstanding floral and landscape designs, products and services. Success with Gardening
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