h&g vermeer spring2014

SPRING 2014

VERMEER'S

Rob Sproule

Container Gardening Secrets Bernie Whetter

Something New Under the SunKen Beattie

Respect the RedMike Miller

Landscape with Confidence

Feature:

Great New Perennials for 2014Brian Minter

2 ) SPRING 2014 HOME & GARDEN MAGAZINE

HOME & GARDEN MAGAZINE SPRING 2014 _ 3

Container Gardening Secrets 9 Gardening author Rob Sproule

Yes, There is Something New Under the Sun 10- Bernie Whetter

Feature: Great New Perennials for 2014 12- Brian Minter

How Does Your Garden Glow? 14- Ken Paulusma

Respect the Red 16– Canada's favourite gardener, Ken Beattie

Demystifying Your Tomatoes 18- Henry King

Create Your Landscape With Confidence 20 – Mike Miller

Welcome the Warmth: Trends to Inspire 22- Jackie Cornwall

Fashion: Dare to be Bold 24- Erin Van Raay

Tapas Trend 26- Mark DeWolf

CONTENTS

editor in chief publisher

creative & direction

senior designer content coordinator

contributors

advertising

coordinators photography

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Graphic Design and Layout Provided By: Carle Publishing Inc. Fredericton, NB

Andy Buyting Carle Publishing Inc. Carle Publishing Inc.John ChristensonStacey Cowperthwaite Rob SprouleBernie WhetterBrian MinterKen PaulusmaKen BeattieHenry KingMike MillerJackie CornwallErin Van RaayMark DeWolfAndy Buyting (National)Jackie Cornwall (Local)All images sourced from thinkstockphotos.ca unless otherwise identified.

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684 South Pelham RdWelland, ON L3C 3C8

(905) 735-5744www.vermeers.ca


From the Owner

Welcome to the 2014 spring edition of Vermeer’s Home & Garden magazine. After such a cold

winter with temperatures dropping way below normal, I am thankful for the environment in which I work each and every day. As I am writing this, it is a blustery day outside, but stepping into the greenhouses the view and fragrances that surround me are sure signs that the promise of spring arrives in a few months.

This time of year we begin to anticipate getting our hands in the garden and dream of setting up our outdoor spaces. Meanwhile inside at Vermeer’s; we have been busy growing hanging baskets, potted plants, and veggies. We ensure everything gets a good start so plants are ready for the garden during planting season.

We love to add new and unique varieties to our collection each year. One of the new introductions this year is called “Crazytunia Petunia”. This variety consists of seven unique colours and patterns. Ranging from ‘Sparky’ a rose and yellow blotch to ‘Twighlight lime’ a lime and blue pattern.

As much as we love to offer new varieties, we hold true to the varieties that have become yours and our favourites.

We strive to keep an excellent selection of containers in all shapes, sizes and colours. We also have patio sets, home décor and gift ideas for every occasion. Last summer we hosted the Niagara Etsy Artisans group. After such a positive response, we will celebrate again with the vendors at this year’s Heirloom Festival. Plan to attend this wonderful event on June 21st in support of Pelham Cares. We have a great line-up of seminars and workshops this spring for all ages to enjoy.

Come in and visit, stay for a while, and be inspired for a wonderful season that lies ahead!

Happy Planting,

Gerry Vermeer


News & EventsWe’re thrilled to announce our Spring 2014 lineup of specials, demonstrations & workshops!

Please call us at 905 735 5744 to rsvp to any of our events.

Spring & Summer Hours at Vermeer’sApril 28th – June 14th: Monday – Friday 8am – 8pm, Sat 8am – 6pm

Open Victoria Day: Monday, May 19th from 8am – 4:30pm

June 16th – August 2nd: Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm, Sat 8am – 5pm

Closed Canada Day Tuesday, July 1st

August 4th – October 25th: Monday – Saturday 9am – 5:30pm

Monday May 5th – Saturday May 10thMother’s Day Hanging Basket Bonanza!Swing into spring with an excellent sale just in time for Mother’s Day! All 10” hanging baskets are $9.99 this week only, regularly priced at $14.99ea

Tuesday May 13th, 5pmKids Club – Veggie HeadsJoin us to make veggie heads – fun planters chock full of lettuce, onions and spinach with a decorative face that you can take home and watch grow. Easy care and fun to watch grow, these planters are a great introduction to the world of veggie gardening!$10, Please RSVP by phone to 905 735 5744

Saturday May 17th, 10amTropical Impact Containers with Cynthia VermeerIf you’re looking to make a tropical statement this season, this is the seminar for you. Big bold planting combinations are fresh and fun. Join Cynthia to learn the art of creating tropical outdoor containers for your porch and patio. No cost, Please RSVP by phone to 905 735 5744

Saturday May 24th, 10amVeggie GardeningLearn the basics of veggie gardening - the types of plants that will work for you, the easiest crops to grow at home, and some fun ways to grow veggies – like potato bags and bucket tomatoes! For this seminar, it's beneficial to know the area you plan to grow in, as well as the amount of sun in that area. Come armed with questions, we have the answers!No cost, Please RSVP by phone to 905 735 5744

Tuesday May 27th, 5pmKids Club – Dino PlantersThis fun workshop will let your little ones create a planter full of fun! We’ll use small plants, rock pathways, and of course toy dinosaurs in a container garden that can be taken home and enjoyed all summer long. Space at this seminar is limited, so sign up early! $20, Please RSVP by phone to 905 735 5744

Saturday May 31st, 10amAnnual Planter WorkshopCreate a urn insert planter perfect for your home, with custom colours and plants designed for your sunlight requirements. Let our experts help you with placement, colour coordination and care tips. Containers will be provided for this seminar.$30, please RSVP to 905 735 5744

Tuesday June 3rd, 5pmKids Club – Flower Sun CatchersJoin us to explore the blooms, buds and foliage in the garden centre, and use them to create stunning sun catchers to take home. We’ll explore plant names and the differences in shape and texture of plant parts.$10, Please RSVP by phone to 905 735 5744


Saturday, June 7th, 10amContainer Gardening with ReginaWhy would you ever put your urn away? Join Regina for a seminar on creating a planter or urn that can be changed to reflect the season – from spring blooms right through to fall. Regina will show many options of container creation, from simple to extravagant, with lots of examples on display to inspire you and match your budget. No cost, Please RSVP by phone to 905 735 5744

Saturday June 14th, 10amExploring Hydrangeas Join Jeff as he takes a walk through the world of hydrangeas – from choosing the right one for your garden to pruning and maintenance of the many different varieties. Learn about this year’s new varieties and how hydrangeas are becoming a more popular and versatile garden staple.No cost, Please RSVP by phone to 905 735 5744

Saturday June 21st, 10am – 8pmHeirlooms : Niagara Etsy Artisans Festival

After a rousing success last year, we’re thrilled to be the hosts once again of this year’s Heirlooms Festival. A day of crafts and creativity, come stroll through the garden centre and explore the

works of over 40 local artisans. Non –perishable food items or monetary donations will be taken at the door to benefit Pelham Cares. For more information about the show, vendors, and pictures of last year’s event, visit www.heirloomshow.blogspot.ca or “like” Vermeer’s on facebook!

June 23rd – 28th Summer Solstice Customer Appreciation WeekCheck our website at www.vermeers.ca or like us on facebook for more great deals!We love a great sale-a-bration to kick off the summer, and this year we’re stretching out the festivities into a week of wild and wonderful specials!Madness Monday the 23rd kicks off the week with amazing deals on all our annual plants. We’ll also be having our yearly staff container contest, where you can watch our staff create a container in 30 minutes and then judge your favourite for a chance to win. More details will be available soon on our website.Tasting Tuesday the 24th brings the fine folks from the wine rack to our garden centre, sampling regional wines as you shop through our spectacular specials. In addition to our solstice sales, all things edible will be on sale this day.We’ve Gone Wild Wednesday the 25th is a day for décor! Fantastic specials on fashion and giftware all day long!Thirsty Thursday the 26th is a spectacular sale on all plants that are great for xeriscaping (gardens meant to conserve water). Foliage Friday the 27th – Love a great leaf? We do too! Join us for specials on all perennials that are not currently in bloom.Sale-a-bration Saturday the 28th – Let us help you create your outdoor paradise with sales on all patio furniture, concrete statuary & fountains!

Thursday July 3rd , 6pmGirls in the Garden Ladies NightJoin us for a fantastic ladies night, featuring delightful summer party tips, exciting gift ideas, interesting floral design creations, great giveaways and of course delicious appetizer and drink ideas. More details on our website at www.vermeers.ca soon!$15 Please RSVP as soon as possible to 905 735 5744, as our ladies nights fill up quickly!


Rob Sproule Excerpted from “Edible Container Gardening for Canada”, 2013, Lone Pine Publishing

Container Gardening Secrets

Gorgeous containers aren't just found in glossy magazines and

Martha Stewart specials. They're within our grasp no matter how black our thumbs may be, and I

have a few secrets to help you along.

Here are two things I've learned from my years in the gardening trenches. You don't often read about these tips, but they're essential in my book. You’ll notice that both of them are about maintaining healthy roots, which are the key to good plants.

Choose your Container WiselyContainer gardens are like icebergs. We Ooh and Ahh at what we see, but it's the complex structures below the surface that keep the whole thing afloat.

Savvy gardeners know that terrific containers are all about moisture and heat management at the root level. The type of pot you use, which is the material in direct contact with the roots, is often an afterthought but can be pivotal to how your flowers perform.

For starters, I'd avoid terra-cotta or clay unless you have a shady, humid spot. While amazing in England, our air is so dry that the porous material will act as a wick and suck the moisture right out of the roots, leaving your poor pansies parched.

When it comes to plastic or glazed ceramic, consider the pot's colour. Reserve dark colours, which get exceptionally hot in direct sun, for heat lovers like peppers and gazania.

Synthetic pots, usually made of lightweight, high-end fiberglass and resin, are the best for the root systems but, with their steep price tags, the worst for your wallet. Keep an eye on them though, as they grow the best performing plants and are consistently coming down in price.

MulchHeat loving annuals and edibles, like petunias and tomatoes, are thirstier than Bavarians at Oktoberfest. Containers are enclosed systems, and big, aggressive plants often become root-bound by mid-summer, every drop of water being greedily sucked up by parched moisture lovers.

The stress that repeated drying out causes tropical species (which comprise the majority of trending annuals and edibles), can quickly lead to a lackluster look. Savvy gardeners are saving from twice a day watering by harnessing the moisture-retaining advantages of mulch.

Once reserved only for perennial beds and strawberry fields, organic mulches like cedar and straw help keep the soil moist by decreasing evaporation into our dry, hot summer air. More consistently moist soil, which is what tropical species love, will result in better summer performance and a less exhausting watering schedule.

Make sure to stick to untreated, organic mulches (ie. were once alive), and avoid treated inorganics like rock and rubber, which can dry the soil by heating in the sun and/or leech nasty chemicals down to the roots. A couple inches of mulch are all you need.


Bernie Whetter

Gardening in a country like Canada demands that a plant must be adaptive

to a wide range of environmental conditions if it is to be used successfully from coast to coast. Canadians experience the extremes of flood to drought, hot to cold, fertile to sour. These conditions can even occur in a single location within a short time period. Just try gardening in southwestern Manitoba!

Photos courtesy of Sakata Seed

Yes, There is Something New Under the Sun!

Breeders of floriculture have a challenge to find those rare plants that are tolerant to our wide range of conditions and yet maintain visual appeal. Here on the prairies, a colourful plant with drought tolerance is a welcomed bonus to most gardeners. Up to the present time, selecting a new plant for the garden meant first determining the conditions of the location, particularly as it relates to shade or sun. Sun lovers exhibit intensely coloured flowers with less significant vegetation whereas shade plant flowers are less colourful but display lush, vivid vegetation. That all being said, there were a few exceptions. Impatiens performs only in shady locations but it also has brightly coloured flowers presented in a dense cover.

The advent of New Guinea impatiens 20 years ago allowed for some exposure to sunshine but still with poor performance under hot conditions. And now, Sakata Ornamentals introduces SunPatiens®, the newest member of the Impatiens family. It is a sun tolerant variety of the tried-and-true favourite annual. One of its parents is the New Guinea type, but unlike it, this new sun lover does not wilt in full sun. Much of the information presented here is gleaned from the website www.sunpatiens.com.

A revolutionary new hybrid, these remarkable plants represent a breakthrough in flower breeding: robust, sun–loving, heat–loving impatiens that thrive in full sun or part shade. Described as blooming earlier in the spring and keeping the profuse bloom until frost, these beautiful but tough plants combine massive flower power with low maintenance.

SunPatiens® offer a myriad of possibilities in beds, planters, hanging baskets and commercial landscapes.

Their ability to tolerate a broad range of light and temperature conditions allows for seasons of enjoyment. Three season performance is the hallmark trait for the full series, so regardless of which variety you select, your SunPatiens® will be covered with beautiful flowers from spring, through the heat of summer, right up to the first hard frost. All types produce flowers that are 2 to 3 inches wide. The SunPatiens® family consists of three unique series, each offering a distinct growth habit that is perfect for nearly every garden application.

SunPatiens Spreading


1. Vigorous - plants are upright, V-shaped and will fill out aggressively. They will grow 36 to 48” tall and up to 36” wide. Ideal for the landscape or mass planting.

2. Spreading – plants have mounding, spreading habit. They will grow 30 to 40” tall and up to 36” wide. Expect smaller plants when containerized. This type is recommended for hanging baskets as well as beds.

3. Compact – plants are bush type and well branched. They will grow 24 to 36” tall and equally as wide. Expect smaller plants when containerized. Recommended for containers as well as beds

These plants want to grow so don’t crowd them. A 12”to 15” spacing is ideal. You may notice some wilting during hot, dry weather but the plants respond quickly to watering and because of their aggressive growth, they are hungry. Supplemental feeding is necessary. Healthy plants will develop thick leathery leaves giving the plants tolerance to cold weather and resistance to disease. As with any new introduction, gardeners should experiment in their own environment. You’ll be delighted with the colour and performance of SunPatiens®.

SunPatiens Compact

SunPatiens Vigorous


Perennials are continuing to play more significant roles in home gardens for many reasons. The newer varieties are being bred to bloom over a longer

period of time and with fewer disease and pest problems. For the most part, they are becoming more compact, making them ideal for small space gardens and especially containers. Many new perennials are also bee, butterfly and hummingbird attractors which greatly adds value to their role in the garden.

So many new varieties are being developed each year that it’s hard to keep up, and many have not had enough time in various trial gardens to fully measure their versatility in a number of climatic and weather situations. So it’s important to check with your garden centre authorities for advice on some of the newer varieties. Here are a few superstars that will make a significant contribution to your garden this year.

It’s been around for a number of years now, but the perennial geranium ‘Rozanne’ (zone 5) is in a class by itself. We grow them and use them in our gardens and in summer containers with other annuals. Their beautiful

blue flowers just never quit. They also have great weather tolerance in heat, cold and even rain. ‘Rozanne’ is a favourite of our native bee population which will help greatly with pollination in your garden.

Rudbeckia ‘Goldstrum’ (zone 4) is, without a doubt, the standard against which all other perennials are measured, but two great innovations have come along that have made a significant difference. Rudbeckia ‘Early Bird Gold’ (zone 4) is an identical looking variety I have watched for three years now, and it truly blooms two weeks earlier than ‘Goldsturm’ and flowers just as long into the fall. It is more of a spreader, and in a few short years it will give you a ‘wow’ backdrop border all summer long, and if you mix in some more compact miscanthus grasses, you’ll create a very sophisticated look. To keep things

Great New Perennials for 2014 Brian Minter

Geranium Rozanne

Rudbeckia Goldstrum


a littler shorter, the compact (16x16 in./40x40cm) R. ‘Little Gold Star' (zone 4) is simply superb in small spaces and in container gardens. It also blends well with dwarf pennisetums and miscanthus.

We’ve all had a little difficulty with some of the fancy new echinaceas these past few years. They look stunning, but many are not the best repeat performers. Two types, however, have certainly caught my attention. The Pow Wow Series ‘Wild Berry Pink’ and ‘Wild Berry White’ (zone 4) are stunning with their

slightly smaller blooms that never seem to quit. They will both really power up your summer garden. Try them and you’ll see what I mean. The other new echinacea series, called ‘Cheyenne Spirit’, (zone 4) has that ‘prairie look’ for which we’ve all been waiting. This AAS Selections winner has beautifully blended colours of yellow, orange, salmon and red and is a very tough and resilient plant with a ‘no quit’ attitude.

Japanese anemones (zone 5) are wonderful plants to extend the summer season into fall, but often I find they grow quite tall and become just a little sloppy. Well, no more!

The new ‘Lady Series’ of ‘Emily’, ‘Diana’ and ‘Susan’ all grow about 18 inches (45cm) tall and bloom just like the tall ones. There are more on the way too: A. ‘Cinderella’ and A. ‘Pocahontas’ (zone 5) will both add a great pink punch to late summer and fall. Morning sun with afternoon shade is their preference.

‘Jack Frost’ and ‘Looking Glass’ brunnera (zone 3) certainly revolutionized the brunnera market, and there are more to come. Brunnera ‘Sea Heart’ and ‘Silver Heart’ (zone 4) will add very large, unique silver foliage patterns to your shade garden, especially in dry shade areas under trees and around buildings. They are both fabulous container plants and look great with hostas.

One stunning plant that no one seems to know or talk about is a very hardy aralia called ‘Sun King’ (zone 3). The name is ironic because it likes shady areas like you wouldn’t believe … but even more curious is the fact it will tolerate full hot sun once acclimatized and will be the ‘eye popper’ in your garden. It grows to about 1m x 1m.

Heleniums are great for late summer colour, and I love their autumn hues that help transition

summer into fall. Most are tall but there’s a new shorty out there this year called ‘Short and Sassy’ (zone 4). It grows only 18x18 inches (45x45cm) high and wide, and in our trials last year it just kept blooming well into fall. It’s a significant improvement in heleniums.

Coreopsis are simply great garden performers

with long lasting colour from early summer through fall. For the most part, they are hardy and tough, but the colour range has been virtually all yellows and golds with a blotch of red and burgundy. Red is a terrific garden colour, and coreopsis ‘Mercury Rising’ (zone 5) is one of the first truly hardy and resilient red coreopsis. It’s quite compact, growing 18x18 inches (45x45cm) and blooms continually in diverse weather conditions. We trialed this one too and are very happy with its performance.

There are many other great new perennials this year but these are a few outstanding garden performers. So make some room for them in your beds and containers, and you’ll be delighted.

Echinacea Pow Wow Wildberry

Japanese Anemone Fantasy Cinderella

Brunnera Sea Heart


While your yard and garden are basking in the rays of the sun throughout the day, many forms of solar lights are absorbing these rays to charge up

their rechargeable batteries, providing you with many forms of decorative and practical lighting throughout the evening.

Solar lighting has come a long way through the years from lights that would only light for a short period of time after a full day’s charge, to lights that now charge up on cloudy days and hold their charge through adverse conditions, staying lit overnight and into the next morning.

Some of the most unique solar lights I have come across are 2 and 3 head yard lights that provide a very useful light when placed in an appropriate position on a deck or pathway. They utilize a much larger battery to sustain the higher intensity light and home owners are thrilled with the ability to have lighting just about anywhere without the aggravation of cables and wiring.

Other forms of smaller solar lights can be used on pathways, steps, gazebos, docks, under patio umbrellas and even as a lamp you can carry to light your way.

The design of some of the lights used on steps is a surface mount that can be simply attached to the step to light each stair. The same light can be used on a deck or a dock to light up the perimeter, or to just accent a specific area.

More styles now have higher intensity and multiple Leds to really highlight an area in the form of spotlights. A popular form of this is a security light that is motion activated and extremely bright. Even a shed light is available to light up a small garden shed while the charger sits on the roof where it will charge the batteries during the day.

With the evolution and improvement of Led lighting has come a year round light string called crab lights. The most popular model is 9 feet long and consists of 240 small wide angle lights in clusters. The effect is dramatic and can also be set up to chase or fade with the help of an added controller which can now be controlled by a blue tooth function on a cell phone. These lights can be used to highlight gazebos and pergolas, decorate fencing, divide property etc. Keep in mind that Christmas is not the only time to use lighting to accent areas of your yard. The crab lights are available in cool white, warm white, blue, or red and are powered by a small 24 volt transformer.Lanterns with timers are another form of landscape lighting that has gone solar. Coming on when you decide, these lights make deck and garden accenting a breeze. For a dramatic effect twig lights that are available in solar, as well as battery and plug in. These look amazing in outdoor arrangements and can be used for highlighting entranceways, stairs and driveways.

Using solar lighting in your landscaping will make it as attractive at night as it is during the day, so go solar and give your garden a healthy glow!

How Does Your Garden Glow?Ken Paulusma


Red is often a colour associated with heat, anger and in many cultures it means good luck also. I for

one have found red in my landscape one of the more difficult of the array of hues to incorporate, at least in the early years. After several decades of planning, planting, huffing and puffing I have come to admire and respect the red end of the spectrum.

Some of the first thoughts may be to jump to the common annual herbaceous plants such as the salvias and petunias with vibrant reds in a great range, but there are oodles of other choices in foliage as well.

For the shadier nooks of the garden there is the coleus gang with its many hues and combinations of colour. Recently, in the past decade or so, coleus have made a steady, trending comeback on the retail scene. I for one am very impressed with the range, and of late, durability of this

plant. Coleus are found in many shapes and sizes and have made their way into mainstream container gardens too.

As a child I was introduced to coleus by my maternal grandmother who just loved to garden; I’m pretty sure that her passion was a huge influence on me. There was a tidy wee spot in our front garden that was in rather deep shade for the most part of the day. My job was to select, plant and of course maintain this little portion of the garden. Trial by fire indeed: as a clumsy kid I broke off many a chunk of coleus landing securely on the horns of a dilemma. Do I come clean and let others know my misadventure or do I hide the evidence? Door number two: I hid the evidence in the moist, shady soil. Lo and behold the dismembered pieces rooted and the wee garden plumped up beautifully. The point of my story is that even if you have never gardened before, or perhaps are as clumsy as I was, coleus are great plants to consider, sun or shade.

The range of reds that is available in coleus is astounding! Deep maroons of the ‘heritage’ varieties have regained popularity, particularly when paired with lime green. Some of the older varieties actually have borders and venation in this contrasting green. Brick red is very popular also, one variety, ‘Sedona’, has been on the market for about five years now, sporting large leaves that are fairly

Respect the Red Ken Beattie


Ken Beattie is the Manager of Habitat Programs with the Canadian Wildlife Federation

sun tolerant. Check with your garden centre or greenhouse staff to learn which of their available varieties are sun tolerant, as the list is ever expanding.

Red foliage is also common in many tropical plants. Don’t overlook crotons, the brightly coloured, extremely sun loving plants. Check in the tropical plant section for these bold coloured tropicals, typically in a range from 10cm pots up. Crotons will make a delightful, centre bold feature in a container or as a backdrop for smaller ground coverings. Striking and very tolerant, crotons however tolerate no frost, so judge yourself accordingly. A great substitute for the “spike” or dracaena that appears so systematically in the centre of many Canadian planters, is phormium or New Zealand Flax. Looking very much like a broader leafed dracaena, its twin sister could be the red dracaena which is rather more burgundy or deep red. Both plants are very tough and can actually survive some drought but, alas, are not hardy in most of Canada. I have overwintered many of these plants in the cool of the basement as I don’t have enough room with sufficient light (not already taken up by other plants).

Finally you might consider the deep venation and markings on varieties of geranium. Mrs. Cox and Skies of Italy are predominantly yellow with red to maroon blotches: beautiful! These geraniums have salmon shades of flowers but by my optics are insignificant. Combined with bright, candy apple red these plants will just pop in the border as with light blue and purple partners.

Colour preference is, of course, very subjective, but bear in mind, that it’s ok to change your palette and your mind periodically. Reds can be used discriminately or in a full blown explosion of colour. It all works. It’s your garden after all!


Henry King

OMG – it must be GMO if it is not an heirloom variety! The goal of this article is to demystify the various types

of tomatoes that are available to you, the consumer, so that you are able to make an informed decision when you arrive at the garden

centre to buy your tomato plants or seeds.

Let’s start with the heirloom varieties. There is discussion about the exact definition of what constitutes an heirloom variety, but in general an heirloom is a variety that existed before the Second World War. If you think logically, what is a family heirloom? It is something that has been passed down from generation to generation. This also means that heirloom varieties are open-pollinated--meaning that, unlike hybrids, seeds you collect from one year will produce plants with most of the characteristics of the parent plant. And that’s key to

their survival. The drawback to some of the heirlooms is the exact dichotomy of their strength; there have been no “improvements”

to them over the years. Sometimes (big generality here) heirlooms may produce smaller crops and take longer to mature, though you may rest assured that no breeding has

taken place that may jeopardize flavour. Some of the most common heirloom varities are Mortgage Lifter, Black Krim and Brandywine.

A hybrid tomato is created when plant breeders intentionally cross-pollinate two different varieties,

aiming to produce an offspring (hybrid) containing the best traits of the two parents. This does not mean they are GMO. A simple way of explaining it is that a hybrid variety is one that has been cross bred from a Mother tomato and a Father tomato (by the birds

and bees method) so that the best traits of each are preserved and you get the best qualities of both parents.

Usually hybrids offer some combination of the favorable traits that breeders and home gardeners are looking for -

dependability (you always get the same size of plant and fruit), early maturity, better yield, improved flavor, specific plant size, or

disease resistance. Some very strict organic gardeners will suggest that a hybrid is taboo, suggesting that it’s a genetically modified plant.

That is incorrect. In hybridization, pollination is carefully controlled to ensure that the right plants are crossed to achieve a combination of characteristics and the process of developing a hybrid typically requires

many years. Cross-pollination is a natural process of crosses within the same plant species. Hybrid tomatoes tend to be very consistent within

each plant, whether it’s tomato size, taste or number of days to maturity. In

Demystifying Your Tomatoes

Essentially there are 4 types available: Heirloom types, Hybrid, Grafted and Genetically Modified.


Henry King

contrast to an heirloom, you cannot keep the seeds from year to year as they will not produce a consistent tomato plant from generation to generation. Examples of great hybrids include Early Girl, Supersteak, Sweet Baby Girl and Sweet Million.

Most gardeners are familiar with grafted roses, or grafted fruit trees. Grafting takes the top of a popular plant and deftly pops it onto a root that has demonstrated strong vigour and often resistance to diseases and pests. Just as grafting apple and grape varieties to hardy rootstock produces more productive, disease-resistant fruit, grafting the tops, or scions, of tomato varieties to a vigorous rootstock that has been chosen for its ability to resist or tolerate disease can produce a similar result. Planting grafted tomatoes is a simple technique that home owners can use to increase soil borne disease resistance in tomatoes without chemical fumigants or pesticides. Grafting tomatoes is recognised as an acceptable practice amongst organic growers as an effective way of increasing yield through much enhanced disease resistance. You will definitely notice increased yield and plant vigour when you grow a grafted tomato plant.

Some home gardeners have reported double or triple yields from grafted tomatoes when compared to heirlooms or hybrids. Grafted vines can grow 8 to 12 feet or more. Now here is the kicker. You can get both heirloom varieties and hybrid varieties on grafted rootstock. So if you love the taste of Brandywine, or Mortgage Lifter but have been disappointed with their meager production, get a grafted one!

There is one very important thing to remember when planting grafted tomatoes. Although you grow grafted plants in the same way as non-grafted plants, it is vital not to plant them too deeply. We often recommend that you plant tomatoes deeply, right up to their first leaves. Never do this with grafted plants. Roots will grow out into the soil from above the graft and then pick up all the diseases to which the rootstock is resistant .

I have not left much room to talk about genetically modified tomato plants that you might be able to get at your local garden centre. That is because there are no varieties that I am aware of that are genetically modified that are sold at the retail level in the plant or seed form. Period. So relax, whether it is hybrid or heirloom, grafted or seed, none of them are genetically modified.


Create your Landscape with Confidence!

I remember a time when almost everyone would work outside with the elements

to create and enjoy with nature. Too many people have lost their connection to the land, and are afraid to get involved in case they do something wrong! Growing our confidence will help us grow great gardens.

Mike Miller


Here are some important basics to help you be at home in your gardens.

Planting perennials, shrubs or trees: not too deep or too shallow!Knowing the mature size, sunlight requirements, and seasonal highlights of a particular plant will help you determine where to dig the hole. Avoid planting in low or wet areas where water can sit for extended periods of time, or under overhanging structures. Dig a hole wider and slightly deeper than the root ball, removing clods of grass, roots, and stones. In cases of very sandy conditions or if your soil is like mine and you discover heavy clay or gravel, you’ll will want to dig the hole a little larger yet to accommodate amendments needed to get the plant off to a good start.

Remove the pot and place the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is even with or slightly higher than the top of the ground. Mix in ample amounts of loam, peat moss, or coir (coconut fibre) when backfilling. Include nutrients like water soluble plant starter or bone meal to promote root growth. Use your shovel handle to pack down the soil as you backfill. With any extra soil, create a wide basin around the plant to hold water or rainfall close to the roots.

Watering: not too much, not too little!The initial watering is the most important one. Following planting, let water run slowly into the basin settling the soil down and around the roots. When water lies in the basin you’ll know the soil around the roots is fully saturated. How often you water depends on many factors. If hot, dry, windy and sunny conditions exist or if your soil is very sandy, you’ll need to water more frequently. Remember, you’ll do more harm than good if you water when the soil around the plant is still wet. We want the roots to follow the moisture down. Watering every few days for

we’ll recognize when they need our help to look their best.

While we may not want to talk to our plants, we should try to listen to what they are saying to us!Hopefully all you’ll ever notice are nature's gifts to you! The buds bursting, the leaves unfurling, the growth spurts, the colour changes with rain and drought, the seasonal flowers, the autumn blaze, and even the clinging snow on the foliage and stems.

larger trees and shrubs is plenty unless the plant wilts and shows signs of stress- this is important for smaller shrubs and perennials which may need watering daily. Most plants only need watering during the first season while they’re establishing a strong root system. Unless very dry conditions are experienced, they will be fine on their own afterwards. Mulching is effective at keeping moisture in the ground, but it’s important not to cover the stem or foliage!

Maintenance: seeing is knowledgeWhen we have an interest in something, we naturally pay attention to details. Details are very important in every aspect of our lives and they should be of no less importance in our landscapes! Try to take the time to enjoy regular leisurely strolls through your gardens while keeping an open eye for signs of drought, insect or rodent infestation as well as over crowding and overgrowth of the plants. It is much easier to deal with problems like these before they get out of hand. The more familiar we become with our plants, the more

Where to go when you need to know!Your local Independent Garden Centre is your best resource! You can always count on quality plants, great service and value and they can supply you with all you need for success in your gardens. They will always know which plants will grow best for you along with everything that is new and happening, in the gardening world. They want you to be confident and comfortable as you invest in your home and garden.


Welcome the Warmth:Trends to Inspire for the Season Ahead

MIke Miller

No matter what part of Canada you hail from, there’s a collective sigh of relief and buzz of excitement that the long snowy winter is finally behind us.

It’s winters like this that remind all Canadians to embrace and enjoy every minute of summer, to get outside and soak in the season.

This spring, inspiration isn’t hard to come by. Take advantage of these great trends and make the most of every summer moment!

Big, Bold Colour

Put away the grey! Enliven your outdoor décor with bursts of yellows, oranges, pinks & blues in bright strong shades. A colour boost can

be as simple as painting old furniture, adding throw pillows to your patio set, or hanging fun and funky wall décor.

Jackie Cornwall

Look for: • Bright pots of planted annuals as patio table centrepieces • Indoor / outdoor throw pillows with graphic and floral patterns • Container gardens and tropical plants in brightly coloured ceramic pots


MIke Miller

Growing Superfoods Heart healthy, nutrient packed superfoods are high on the radar this season. These sometimes unusual, but fairly easy to grow veggies and fruits are becoming a welcome addition to veggie patches across the nation. Find them on the benches of a garden centre near you!

Look for: • Super tasting berries like Goji & Haskap • Old favourites like kale and garlic that pack a nutritional punch • Wheatgrass seeds and sprout kits for fast and fun growing

Just Add Water Fountains have been gracing the pages of every design and home magazine this season. Once strictly large, concrete, middle-of-the-garden features, today’s fountains allow adaptation to any size porch, patio or yard. Sit back and listen to the therapeutic sounds of water washing your cares away this summer!

Look for: • Lightweight resin fountains - great durability but easy to manage • Low fountains that can be incorporated into the garden beds as an easy pond substitute • Table top models for smaller spaces, that can be moved easily for special occasions

Planting for the Birds, and Especially the Bees Many people already have a patch set out in the garden planted with flowers for hummingbirds and butterflies. Full of tubular, nectar rich flowers, these gardens really bring beds to life! As the increasing awareness of the importance of the diminishing honeybee population rises, gardens planted specifically for our buzzworthy friends have become all the rage.

Look for: • Native wildflowers, flowering herbs and vegetables, and flowering berry bushes. Fruit trees, if you have the space, are a fantastic honeybee food source • Long blooming or successive blooming perennials (More flowers… more food!) • Avoid using pesticides and herbicides in any bee, butterfly or hummingbird garden Using the Sun…at Night! The world of solar lighting has developed leaps and bounds in the last few years. Solar powered lanterns, branches, globes and more allow you to stretch those warm summer nights into hours of long talks, great laughs and good times. Use them to highlight your favourite part of the garden, guide guests to your front door, or simply add ambiance to your evening entertainment.

Look for: • Lanterns designed for elegance during the day and soft warm light at night • Functional spotlights and motion sensitive lighting

There’s so much to look forward to in the season ahead – make the most of it!

Jackie Cornwall


Spring is always the most anticipated season of the year!Not only because we just can’t wait for the warm weather, blossoming gardens and outdoor activities but also because we can wear our light and bright wardrobe once again. Erin Van Raay,

Betula Boutique Manager

Dare to be Bold!Colour is the headline this spring. Rich, Bright, Bold & Beautiful.If you are like me and have been watching all our favourite clothing stores transform into a whole new colour palette, the new 2014 spring colours are to die for... I mean it’s really a whole new ball game! We’ve moved from introducing beautiful pastels into our wardrobe to incorporating them with every bright and bold colour out there!

You’ll see lime green, rose petal pink, royal blue, fiery orange and soft violet all mixed together in the same prints. Every colour and

shade possible is being used. For those of you who can’t seem to pull yourself away from black and white, it’s right back on trend this spring!

Be adventurous and add a hint of colour to your outfit with a pastel scarf or a bold coloured handbag or necklace.

This year the perfect denim colour is snow white. Whether you go for the cozy and casual boyfriend or skinny jean, straight leg or boot cut you’ll want

to add that white pair of jeans to your wardrobe! White bottoms compliment the bold patterns and colours in your tops and give you a fresh and clean look!

Don’t shy away from white jeans just because you think they’ll ‘show everything’- new fabrics from the top brands have solved that issue completely. Brands such

as French Dressing & Not Your Daughter’s Jeans have styles and stretches that will have you re-thinking what looks good, cool and comfortable…even in the bend over!

Throw back to all things 80’s & 90’s inspired. It’s all about the ‘relaxed look.’ Faded jeans and denim jackets, loose flowy blouses, cropped boxy tops, lace and embellishments. Everything from feminine and flowy to borrowed from my boyfriend's closet with button down shirts.

Do the terms Tribal, Nautical & Tropical Fever spark an interest? Be ready to see tribal inspired jewellery and graphic prints everywhere. Designers are bringing back the nautical faze with anchors on dresses, scarves and jewellery. Incorporating navy, white and red is in, but this spring we’re adding hints of ivy green.

Now Let’s Talk Accessories!If you want to affordably introduce all of these exciting trends to your

existing wardrobe, jump on those accessories you’ll find out there now! Scarves, necklaces, handbags, and shoes in all of these top trends will freshen

up your existing wardrobe. As for the metals, you’ll find almost everything in Gold or Rose Gold this year, from your bright and colourful jewellery, hardware

on your purse, buttons on your blouse or embellishments on your jeans. Silver is becoming less popular and even being replaced with onyx or gun metal.

Just like last spring, get ready to throw yourself right into bright, bold, and colourful prints!

My recommendation after this long brutal winter… just unwind and go a little crazy!!!


The wine industry, more than many industries, is rife with trends. In the 1990’s California

and Australian winemakers impressed a nation just learning about wine with Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon of which many showcased a bold, oaky - some might say ‘just hit by a 2 by 4’ – style. As our collective taste for wood-laden styles waned, fresh and vibrant New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, fruity California Pinot Noir and eventually Argentinean Malbec emerged as new favourites. While the “New World” dominated store shelves for the better part of two decades, Italy, France and now Spain are reclaiming their position as favoured wine nations. I for one am glad.

Savvy sommeliers have identified Spain as one of the next “it” wine countries as tapas (small plates) style restaurants become increasingly en vogue across North America.

Sherry, Cava and Rioja continue to be that country’s most familiar wine styles but thanks to an influx of skilled

winemakers familiar with modern winemaking techniques other

historically relevant Spanish wine regions are emerging

as sophisticated choices for savvy wine

buyers.

Tapas Trend Mark DeWolf is a food, wine and travel writer. He owns By the Glass which conducts epicurean travel adventures to destinations around the world including Spain.

Many of these styles are tapas friendly. Here are just a few worth exploring.

Albariño: The hottest new Spanish whites are the cool, crisp wines made from Albariño grapes

grown in Spain’s cool and wet Galicia region. The most popular of these offer a seductive perfume full of citrus, grapefruit, lemon peel and white peach aromas along with pronounced floral and almond notes.Tapas Partner: Fresh seafood dishes such as clams or mussels steamed with Chorizo, white wine and thyme. Good Example: Martin Codax Albarino, Rias Baixas ($18 (Ont.) - $23 (NFLD))

Bierzo: An ancient wine region located in Northwestern Castilla Y Leon. Best wines are medium-bodied reds with fragrant red fruit and herbaceous tones; not dissimilar to Cabernet Franc. Tapas Partner: Just about anything with tomato sauce. Most Bierzo reds make a simple but effective pairing to the tapas staple, Patatas Bravas (cubes of roasted potatoes served with a tomato, pimenton sauce) Good Example: Descendientes de J. Palacios Petalos, Bierzo ($25 (Ont.) - $34.50 (NS))

Garnacha: Traditionally most often relegated to blending partner status but more wineries are producing single varietal wines from Garnacha (aka Grenache) grapes sourced from old vines (some up to a 100 years in age). The best have dense fruit flavours and complex mineral-like notes.Tapas Partner: Lamb meatballs Good Example: Las Rocas Garnacha, Calatayud ($16 (NS) - $20 (BC))

Rosado: Spanish Rosado (rosé) is really coming into it’s own. The best are Grenache dominated wines from

Rioja and Navarra. The wines are loaded with ripe berry flavours and tend to be on the drier side, at least compared to New World alternatives. Tapas Partner: Shrimp sautéed with garlic

Good Example: Marques de Caceres Rosado, Rioja ($15 (QC) – $17 (BC))


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Verdejo: Verdejo isn’t new to Spain. In fact, this white grape varietal has been grown in Rueda for almost a 1,000 years but until recently it was known for an oxidized style. Verdejo wines from Rueda are increasingly popular. The best are known for their lifted tropical and mild fennel aroma, flavours and refreshingly crisp finishes.Tapas Partner: Roasted cauliflower with fennel. Good Example: Lurton Hermanos Verdejo, Rueda ($16 (QC) - $17 (NS))

Paella Balls Serve with Marques de Caceres Rosado, Rioja DOC1 litre chicken stock 1 large pinch saffron 5 tbsp olive oil 1 small onion, diced 1 cup Arborio rice ½ cup white wine ½ cup fresh or frozen peas ⅓ cup grated Manchego cheese 1 (2-inch) piece Chorizo (Spanish), diced All-purpose flour Egg wash ¾ cup panko bread crumbs

Directions:Place chicken stock and saffron in a medium saucepan. Warm over medium heat. Place another pot over medium-low heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the onion to the pot with the olive oil and sauté until soft and translucent. Add the Arborio rice to the onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, making sure to coat the rice with olive oil. Stir to make sure the rice doesn’t stick. Add the white wine to the rice. Once the white wine has absorbed add the chicken stock a ladle at a time. Once a ladle of chicken stock has been absorbed by the rice, add another ladle. When there is only a ladle left of stock, add the peas, grated Manchego cheese and final ladle of stock. To finish add the diced Chorizo. Refrigerate for 24 hours. Form the rice into small balls. For each ball, dip them first into the flour, then shake off excess. Next dip them into the egg wash and finally into the panko bread crumbs. When all the balls are crusted with panko, place a non-stick saucepan over medium heat. Add remaining olive oil. When the olive oil is hot add the rice balls in batches and fry until golden brown on all sides. Add more olive oil as necessary.


Spring's Features DREAM CHAIRThe epitome of luxury, the dream chair is the ultimate choice for backyard lounging. An inspiring design that allows you to enjoy your backyard as you dream up your next vacation or simply relax in comfort while sipping a cool drink after a long hard day of work.

OUTDOOR LIGHTINGLight up your summer nights with our fantastic collection of indoor outdoor battery operated candles , lanterns, and new this year, flower lights. Pop these lit branches into your planters or beds for added daytime beauty, and watch them bring your gardens to life at night!

BAREFOOT VENUSBarefoot Venus is a delightful company out of Kelowna, British Columbia. Their lotions, bath products and cleansers have been featured in Lou Lou, Flare and Canadian Living magazines and are now available at Vermeer`s! The fragrance of Lilly Pilly & Lemon Freckle will whisk you away to beauty bliss.

CRAZYTUNIA PETUNIASWe`re always searching for the biggest, boldest annuals that will stand out in your garden. This year, we`re happy to announce

that we are growing 7 varieties of the new Crazytunia Petunia series. The incredible colour combinations of these petunias will make any bed, basket or container pop with excitement.

HGTV HOME PLANT COLLECTIONGet inspired by the style, beauty and colour of the HGTV Home Plant Collection, now on the benches here at Vermeer`s. HGTV Home`s shrubs are hearty, thriving and lush plants helping gardeners at every level achieve a beautiful landscape to achieve any outdoor look. Favourites include Hydrangea `Peppermint Swirl` and ``Sugar Puff` pictured here.


h&g vermeer spring2014

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