GROW IT
Grow it: Fascination Culver's Root
March 18, 2010
Sonia Day
SPECIAL TO THE STAR
Fascination Culver's Root; Veronicastrum.
Wow, two gardening shows in Toronto. At this time of year, who could ask for more? The only trouble is (don't ask me why) the organizers always see fit to stage both at the same time.
Canada Blooms gets the lion's share of attention. Yet the "other" show, Successful Gardening (opening today), is worth checking out. More modest than Blooms, the show, which is part of the International Home and Garden Show, features an interesting floral design and plant competition that any ordinary home gardener, anywhere in the province, can take part in.
There are also some good speakers at Successful Gardening. The CBC's Ed Lawrence will be there and so will Marjorie Mason, who with her son Jeff runs a nursery near Uxbridge that specializes in hard-to-find plants.
One they recommend highly is Fascination Culver's Root.
"It's a neat plant not seen enough," says Mason. "An Ontario native, too, and one of our favourites."
This particular Culver's Root boasts lilac flowers that are sort of shimmery and iridescent. They form in mid-summer on big branching spikes that can reach 1.2m high. It grows well in most soils (but prefers some moisture) and, hurray, is even hardy in my area northwest of Toronto. So I'm definitely trying it come spring.
Order this sparkler (for spring pickup) at: 905-649-3532 or online at www.masonhousegardens.ca.
Successful Gardening runs today to Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the International Centre, 6900 Airport Rd. in Mississauga. Tickets at the door cover entry to th e International Home and Garden Show, too: $14 ($10 for seniors).
Soniaday.com.
Visit our full Canada Blooms guide.
Toronto Star