Sunday, January 30, 2011

Get A Jump On Spring 2011

Take a break from winter and start planning for this year's growing season!
Gardeners  who are  counting the weeks until Spring arrives can look forward  to one of the earliest harbingers of the season at the Toronto Botanical Garden's Annual event, Get the Jump on Spring, on Saturday, February 19, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is FREE, but  a $2 donation to the TBG will give visitors chances at great, garden-themed hourly prizes!

Put on in partnership with the Ontario Horticultural Association, District 5 and the Toronto Master Gardeners, the event  offers a chance to find out more about horticultural societies, garden clubs and environmental organizations from across Ontario. Master gardeners will be on hand to answer questions and there are fascinating  hourly lectures and demonstrations, a popular floral design competition and  a marketplace with spring flowers and  many garden-themed products for sale. Indulge in a delectable treat at the Jump Cafe.
PRESENTATIONS AND DEMONSTRATIONS
Every hour, starting at 10:30 a.m. well-known gardening experts and members of the Toronto Master Gardeners will give free 45-minute presentations and demonstrations on subjects ranging from Bee Keeping in the City and Balcony Gardening  to  tips on cooking with and preserving herbs.
FLORAL DESIGN COMPETITION
Enjoy the creative efforts of local clubs and societies with this year's theme Signs of Spring with four classes including a water-viewing design, growing and cut flowers in a basket, miniature landscapes in a dish garden and a design in an eggshell.
MARKETPLACE
Shop for gorgeous flowering bulb basket arrangements and  great garden-related products from a variety of interesting vendors.
Location: Toronto Botanical Garden, 777 Lawrence Avenue East (at Leslie) Toronto. Free parking.
For more information call 416-397-1341 or visit www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca 

Want to get rid of the winter blahs, get involved and volunteer for a couple of hours at this event with the Canadian Peony Society.  Contact Marvin Belfour @  mbelfour2007@rogers.com