Ontario Chapter

Contact: Barbara Furlong
26 Alcaine Ct.
Thornhill (Markham), Ontario
Canada L3T 2G7

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Ontario Chapter Meets in the Country!

Between the Vines • Newsletter of The American Ivy Society, Inc. • Fall 2010 Vol. 22 No 2
Please contact AIS for content and image usage. NOT FOR REPRINT IN ANY MEDIA WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION

Toronto is surrounded by beautiful countryside and fascinating people who share our love for ivy and plants. This provided two unique days for our April and May meetings.

In April, Kate’s Garden in Unionville hosted a workshop and luncheon for our Annual Meeting. An expert in floral design, Kate showed us how to make seven floral arrangements from a bouquet of flowers purchased for $24 that morning from a local grocery store. As you know Monday morning flowers are not usually pristine, however Kate inspired us with her creativity using a variety of vases creating several different looks – some submerged, floating flowers and candles, topsy- turvy where the vase occupies two-thirds of the arrangement with the floral heads cresting over the top, domed arrangements and the usage of unique foliage of which ivy is always a favourite.

Seated around tables in Kate’s shop we enjoyed a delicious luncheon that was followed by our Annual Meeting and a chance to buy many of her unique gardening and floral gifts. Everyone was presented with a small planting of Hedera Helix “Ritterkreuz” – Ivy of the Year 2010. They were sent by Russell Windle, International Registrar of Hedera and we were encouraged to nurture and enter them in a special class for the Fall Show.

In May we explored another area - Tyrone and environs - an hour northeast from Toronto. Corinne van de Grootehveen of Brookside Cottages B&B in Tyrone was our enthusiastic guide for the day. It was easy to see why people travel from around the globe to visit her unique B&B. Nestled beside a tranquil salmon and trout spawning creek with whimsy concrete birdbaths and art throughout her home and gardens, bird watching areas and a breakfast area on a covered bridge, Brookside Cottages is a delightful spot situated on 3 acres of a natural park-like setting with over 60 varieties of trees.

In convoy we drove to The Tyrone Community Garden located behind the Tyrone United Church which features six garden rooms within old foundation walls. The gardens were built and are maintained by volunteers making it an ideal, restful place for anyone to enjoy.

Corinne then led us to The Old Schoolhouse (built in 1879) where the ladies of the Church provided a delicious dinner of ham, scalloped potatoes, salads and homemade strawberry rhubarb pie. Barbara Furlong led the meeting after lunch.
A quick stop at Stricklands Perennial Farm and The Country Market were the finale for a most enjoyable day. Ontario’s countryside is indeed a special place to meet, explore and discover!

Photos: Jeannine Essasy