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SPRING 2015

MAPLE LEAF GARDEN CENTRE

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4 • MAPLE LEAF GARDEN CENTRE - 604-985-1784 - MAPLELEAFGARDENCENTRE.CA

9 Growing your Herbs Indoors this Winter

10 5 Tips for a Healthy Holiday Season

12 Stocking Stuffers for Gardeners

14 Fashions are in Full Bloom

16 Sparkling Table Settings for the Holidays

18 The Forgotten Helper

20 A Festive Trifle

22 Hyacinths, Paperwhites, & Amaryllis

24 A Seed by Any Other Name

28 Welcome Home for the Holidays

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This publication may not be reproduced, all or in part, without written consent from the publisher and DeGroot’s Nurseries. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all content in the publication, however, the publisher will not be held accountable for omissions or errors. Note that products may vary between retailers and regions, and supplies may be limited. Pricing is subject to change and is not valid with any other offer. Home & Garden Showplace is a registered trade mark for use by its members, of which the Garden Centre Group Co-Op is an alliance member.

NEEDS UPDATING

SPRING 2015 • 5

Welcome to our first edition of Maple Leaf Garden Centres’ Home and Garden Showplace Magazine. Maple Leaf Garden Centres in West Vancouver and Lynn Valley have been rooted on the North Shore for almost 45 years. In 1970 our parents, Albert and Rik, purchased the West Vancouver location in Dundarave. This property has been a nursery in one form or another for over 85 years. The house of the original owner still stands on the property though converted long ago into The Store. The Garden Centre has undergone many improvements and renovations over the years. We are pleased to be able to carry on this West Vancouver tradition.

The Lynn Valley property was purchased in 1971. It was once home to the Knox Presbyterian Church and its manse. At first the Garden Centre operated out of the basement of the church. In 1990-91, the site was completely renovated resulting in a new nursery, glass greenhouse and a large store. Since then even more improvements have been made and the garden centre has become a popular destination for garden enthusiasts inside and outside the community of Lynn Valley.

Over time we have established a reputation for providing a large selection of quality products and a friendly rapport with our customers. Our knowledgeable staff are here to make it easy for you to select the right plant for the right place in your garden no matter how big or small. We are here to help out both avid and aspiring gardeners alike.

Gardening these days goes hand-in-hand with a healthy lifestyle. Reflected in this is the enthusiasm for grow-your-own vegetables and fruits. At Maple Leaf Garden Centres we have everything you need to grow a successful edible garden. From soil amendments, organic fertilizers, seeds, vegetable starts and berry bushes, we carry a full selection.

Of course we should not neglect to mention our fine selection of nursery stock. We strive to provide our valued customers with top quality Shrubs, Trees, Perennials and Annuals. We search for and hand pick our plants from highly qualified professionals and concentrate on supporting local B.C. growers.

These days Maple Leaf Garden Centre is not just a place you go to buy your plants. We have branched out to reflect another popular trend for 2015. Outdoor living is more popular than ever. Backyards, patios, decks and even balconies are now furnished with comfortable outdoor furniture and embellished with garden ornaments and lush container plantings. This spring we will have lightweight fountains, statuary, bistro sets, lanterns, garden accents and more. We also offer a fine selection of pots and planters including pre-planted ones to make it easy for you to personalize your space.

Come and pay us a visit this spring and see what we have in store. We look forward to seeing you. Sincerely,Rob, Ed and Steve Duynstee

FROM THE Owner

Mint – Strawberry ™

MENTHA X PIPERITA ‘STRAWBERRY’

An exciting new herb for 2015 from Fragro! Strawberry Mint has an unusual fruity aroma with a unique strawberries and chocolate like flavor. It has delicate light green leaves and soft pink flowers throughout the summer, that attract beneficial insects to the garden. A versatile herb for refreshing summer cocktails, teas with a hint of strawberry, or added to desserts, fruit dishes & salads.

Strawberry Mint Cocktail 3 Cups sliced strawberries

½ Cup fresh strawberry-mint leaves ½ Cup lime juice ¼ Cup of water

¼ Cup of agave nectar

Put these into a blender and blend for about 1 minute, until the mixture is of a smooth consistency.Once prepared, add a half cup of the concentrate to a glass, slowly stirring in a half cup of sparkling wine. Garnish with a fresh strawberry and a sprig of strawberry mint leaves.

© Stephen Head


Gardening Lingo

ANNUALAn annual is a plant that is grown from seed, flowers, sets seed and dies all within a single year. Petunia, Lobelia, Sweet Alyssum,

Marigold

BIENNIALA plant that grows from seed, forms a set of leaves its first year and flowers during its second year. After that the plant dies but often self-seeds thus repeating the cycle.

Foxglove, Forget-Me-Not, Sweet William, Parsley

PERENNIALA non-woody plant that lives for an indefinite period of time. Most die to the ground in autumn and return to bloom

during their appropriate season the following year, Peony, Delphinium, Shasta Daisy,

Echinacea

Some perennials have evergreen foliage and are attractive throughout the year. Hellebores, Heuchera, Euphorbia,

Bergenia

CONIFERWoody plants with narrow needle-like leaves or foliage composed of tiny scale-like leaves. Not all conifers are evergreen but all bear seeds in cones or modified cone-like structures.

Cedars, Junipers, Pines, Cypresses

BROADLEAF EVERGREENWoody shrubs or trees that keep their leaves throughout the year but are not conifers.

Rhododendron, Evergreen Azalea, California Lilac, Evergreen Magnolia

HERBACEOUSRefers to any plant that does not form a persistent woody stem. Chiefly associated

with perennials which die to the ground in autumn and reappear the following spring.

DECIDUOUS Applied to a plant that loses its leaves at the end of a growing season. The term particularly refers to woody trees and shrubs.

Maples, Dogwoods, Forsythia, French Lilac

BOTANICAL NAMEThe Latin name of a plant is its Botanical name. Unlike common names, of which a plant may have many, a plant has only one Botanical name, which it shares with no other. Asking for a plant by its Botanical name assures you of getting the plant you want. It’s not really being a garden snob!

One more thing:Tomato plants are often labeled Determinate, Indeterminate or Dwarf Determinate. Here is what those terms means.

DETERMINATE (Bush Types)• Compact plants that set fruit more

or less all at once.• Benefit from the support of a

tomato cage or stake.• Good for growing in containers.

Patio, Oregon Spring, Celebrity.

INDETERMINATE (Vine Types)• Tall growing plants that bear fruit

continuously.• Need the support of the sturdy

stakes or large tomato cages.• Best grown in the ground or in

large containers. Sweet 100, Super Fantastic, Big Beef.

DWARF INDETERMINATE• Combines the best attributes of

the above.• Compact size, no pruning,

continuous supply of fruit.• Best for hanging baskets, window

boxes, smaller pots. Tumber, Cherry Falls.

By the Maple Leaf Garden Centre Staff

As a beginner gardener are you ever confused by all those long-winded words that more experienced gardeners use? Read on to learn what on earth some of that lingo means

SPRING 2015 • 7

Do you ever look at those perfectly manicured planters in magazines and then look at yours and think; “My planters don’t look like that. How can I get that ‘magazine’ look?” The trick is to start simple and choose annuals that are strong performers. Some annuals prefer lots of sun and some are shade lovers. If your container gets more than four hours of afternoon sun, you are looking for sun-loving plants, anything less than 4 hours and usually morning sun, then look for shade-loving plants. The next step is to decide on your colour scheme such as lavender and pink, yellow and orange, or try an all red combo or a white combo. Once you’ve chosen a colour scheme, then you will need to choose one or two plants as your main focal point (Thrillers) that will give your container height. Geraniums (10-12”) bloom all summer and there are plenty of colours to choose from; Marguerite Daisies (10-16”) are strong performers and come in carmine, yellow or white; or you can go simple and put a red or green dracaena spike (18-24”) in the middle. I’ve also seen lovely Sonata Cosmos (16-18”) or blue Salvia (16”) as the centerpiece and these flowers bloom from mid-summer to late summer. The next step is to choose some trailing plants (Spillers) and the choices are endless: Bacopa (pink, blue, white), Lacy Verbena, Calibrachoa (Million Bells), Supertunias, Techno Trailing Lobelia, etc…

Now you have your “Thriller” and your “Spillers”, the next step is to choose a few annuals as “Fillers”. You could do foliage plants like Coleus, Helichrysum Icicles, Ipomoea (Sweet Potato Vine) or you could do plants that have an upright habit, like Euphorbia Diamond Frost, Black Petunias, Sunpatiens, Prelude Begonias, Marine Heliotrope etc…

Once you’ve chosen your colour scheme, pick five to seven plants to fill your planter (remember to leave some space between your plants, as they will grow and fill your planter by mid-summer). Use Planter Box Mix or ‘Pro’ Potting Soil as your soil and fill your container and then plant your flowers. Remember to water your container once you’ve got it all planted, you may need to top it up with a little more soil once everything settles. Every couple of weeks, check your plants and see if they need to be deadheaded (remove spent flowers) and fertilize with a bloom booster 15-30-15 (Miracle Gro) or a slow release fertilizer 14-14-14 (Smartcote). Relax and enjoy your colourful summer planter.

ANNUAL CONTAINERS 101: Thrillers, Spillers and Fillersby Katrina Sedaros


New Plants

@ The LeafTO LOOK FOR

‘Pixie’ Dwarf GrapesNatural dwarf grapevine that produces miniature clusters of sweet grapes in summer. Small size makes it easy to grow in a container on your patio or deck.

These are just a few NEW featured plants we will be carrying in 2015. Both locations will be well-stocked with Nursery plants, Trees, Perennials, Vegetables and Herbs, Annuals, Soils, Gardening Tools and Fertilizers. Stop by this spring to say hello and see what’s new at your local garden centre.

Pink Icing BrazelBerryFeatures breathtaking spring and fall foliage and a crop of sweet, robust flavoured blueberries in summer. Plant in decorative patio pots, in mixed garden beds or as mass planting.

‘Scentsation’ Honey-suckleShrubby vine producing large clusters of beautifully fragrant ivory and golden-yellow flowers in late spring to early summer. Attracts hummingbirds, bees and butterflies to the garden.

Bounce ImpatiensNew Impatiens hybrid displaying masses of beautiful blooms in a range of several in-demand colours all summer long. Resistant to downy mildew; will ‘bounce’ back from a missed watering or two.

SPRING 2015 • 25

Lavender has long been admired for its intoxicating scent, wand-like flowers and grey-green foliage. Plus lavender is an easy-care plant that enjoys hot, dry conditions making it an excellent candidate for areas prone to drought.

Types of Lavender:English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

• Compact mounding plants with the classic sweetly fragrant lavender-blue to deep purple flowers and silvery-gray-green aromatic foliage.

• Blooms in early to mid summer. French Hybrid Lavender Lavandula x intermedia)

• Long whip-like stems hold spikes of strongly fragrant flowers high above aromatic foliage.

• Blooms in mid to late summer.

Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)• Fat spikes of deep purple flowers crowned with showy

purple tufted bracts.• Deadhead throughout the season for almost continuous

flowers from late spring to fall.

Using Lavender in the Garden• Scattered through a mixed perennial border.• In a mass planting on its own.• As a low informal hedge.• Planted in easy drifts along pathways.• At seaside.• In containers for patio or deck.

Growing and Pruning Lavender• Lavender loves sun so plant them where they will receive

at least 6 hours of mid-day sun.• Lavender thrives in ordinary, not too rich, neutral to

alkaline very well-drained soil. If your soil is acidic add lime to make the soil sweeter.

• Lavender does not need fertilizer.• Prune Lavender immediately after flowering. Do not

be afraid to shear them back to 25cm (10”) from the ground. They love it!

Harvesting Lavender for Drying

• Harvest stems of Lavender just before full bloom. Do it after a few days of dry weather and in the late morning after any dew has evaporated.

• Hang bundles of Lavender stems upside down in a cool, dry, dark place for best results.

Lavender CompanionsLavender grows well with and is complimented by:

• Roses of all types• Ornamental Grasses such as Miscanthus and

Pennisetum• Herbs like Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme and Sage.• Drought tolerant plants such as Russian Sage

(Perovskia), Daisy Bush (Senecio greyi), Artemesia, • Lavender Cotton (Santolina), Cinquefoil (Potentilla

fruticosa), Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) and others.

One more reason to grow Lavender:• Lavender attracts beneficial insects like Honeybees,

Bumblebees, Butterflies and Hoverflies all of which are good to have in the garden.

English Lavender

by Nadine Poole

AlluringLavender

Spanish Lavender

French Lavender

Drying Lavender


Brazo Walking SticksWe are excited to introduce our customers to this line of walking sticks and canes. Each stick or cane is crafted individually from the finest wood and is an original, unique creation. So walk out in style with a Brazo walking stick or cane!

San Diego HatsThe sun is coming and what better way to protect your eyes than with these stylish hats. We have men’s, women’s and children’s hats available. Look sleek and hip while gardening or just relaxing in your backyard with these fashionable hats.

Nature’s GalleryDo you love animals? Now is your chance to own these life-like animals from adorable puppies, charming kittens to majestic looking owls. We have a large selection to choose from and they are a perfect addition to your garden or balcony.

Items @ The Leaf

2015 is proving to be the giftware season at Maple Leaf Garden Centre. We have Outdoor Lanterns, Wall Art, Outdoor Clocks, Gazing Balls, Fountains, & Concrete Statuary – come see what’s new at Maple Leaf Garden Centre.

The Fiddlehead Fairy GardenThese miniature fairy garden objects are perfect for your outdoor or indoor garden. Create a magical place with your children. All you need is a spot in your garden, or a large pot, some succulents, moss, and rocks and then place your miniatures and voila - you’ve created your own fairy sanctuary.

SPRING 2015 • 27

Vegetable Gardening

101Vegetables require deep, loose, moist and well-drained

soil, rich in organic matter. Adding garden compost, steer or mushroom manure, sea soil or soil amendment

into the top 3-4” of your soil every year or two will supply you with a great base for producing high yields of wonderfully delicious vegetables. In spring it is important to wait until your soil is ready to be worked. If conditions are too wet the soil will compress and become too dense for delicate new roots to penetrate and also cause seeds to rot. If conditions are too dry, there will be a lack of structure and moisture in the soil that is necessary for seeds to germinate and roots to establish. Is your soil ready? Pick up a handful and gently squeeze it into a ball. Applying light pressure with the other hand, it should break apart into loose pieces without being dusty and dry or flattening and breaking apart into large clumps. Knowing when to plant and harvest your vegetables depends on what you decide to plant. Some examples:

• Peas prefer cooler temperatures and can be direct sown as soon as soil can be worked from March to the end of May. Harvest when pods look plump and are bright green.

• Beans germinate quickly when soil temperatures are warm. Wait to sow seeds until mid-May and as late as the beginning of July. Harvest the beans when they are 10-15cm (4-6”) long.

• Tomato seedlings grow best when temperatures are consistently warm. Set out plants in late May or early June. Grow in full sun and keep evenly watered for best results. Harvest tomatoes when the fruit is the desired colour and is between firm and soft when lightly squeezed.

• Leaf Lettuce is easily grown from seed in early spring and early fall, germinating only when the air temperature is below 26 degrees C. Keeping your soil evenly moist will provide the sweetest most succulent leaves and fastest growing plants. When lettuce leaves reach 10-15cm (4-6”) long pick individual leaves from the outside of the plant or wait and harvest full heads.

Companion planting in your vegetable garden helps with pest management while achieving greater success with yields. Planting Basil close to tomatoes improves their flavour and helps repel insects. Planting Sage with bush beans deters many bean pests. Perennials such as Dicentra (Bleeding Heart), Penstemon (Beardtongue), Gaillardia (Blanket Flowers) and Agastache (Giant Hyssop) attract pollinators and predatory insects which eat detrimental insects. Marigolds as well deter unwanted bugs.

Using soaker hoses preferably before noon to water vegetables keeps leaves dry and can help to prevent fungal diseases caused by wet leaves after nightfall. Happy Planting!

by: Karla Mayer


Just as a few ornaments, throw rugs and toss pillows can warm up the interior of your home so can the garden be decorated to reflect your personal style. Here are some suggestions:

• Lanterns hanging from trees or standing on tables or walls bring the ambiance of soft light to the garden on warm summer evenings.

• Obelisks and arbors add elevation making an otherwise flat landscape more exciting.

• A garden bench placed just so in an inviting place provides a place to sit and read or just contemplate.

• Statuary adds a personal touch making the garden a reflection of your own taste.

• The sound of water from a trickling fountain conveys a feeling of serenity and closeness to nature.

• Containers planted with colourful annuals or simply with shrubs or ornamental grasses contribute beauty and eye appeal and even privacy.

• Garden furniture provides comfortable seating to entertain family and friends.

• Birdhouses, birdbaths and hummingbird feeders invite our feathered friends to the garden which in turn feed on pesky insects.

Utilizing just a few of these suggestions will help you to create the outdoor space that defines your lifestyle and personality.

Embellishing the Garden

by Nadine Poole

Athena, the goddess of your garden, with its Wave™ patterned nitrile coated palm will be with you to fight to the end of the toughest job. The nitrile provides abrasion and puncture resistance. The Wave™ pattern will give you the surest grip around in dry, wet or even oily conditions. The 13gg nylon shell will provide both strength and dexterity while the snug-fitting seamless knit wrist will keep dirt out. Sizes S-L

SUGGESTED PRICE $7.99

325 Athena

SPRING 2015 • 29

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MAPLE LEAF GARDEN CENTRE1343 Lynn Valley Rd., Vancouver, BC604-985-1784

www.mapleleafgardencentre.ca

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