Download pdf - RBG ExperiencesrBG experiences Summer 2018 3 While there are Plenty of reasons for RBG to celebrate plant colour this year (or any year for that matter!), one reason (and one colour)

Let your mind grow

Course Calendar — May to september 2018

RBG Experiences

GardeninG Health & Wellness Green Living BotaniCal arts & Crafts nature Lovers Hiking Canoeing SpeciaL eventS learn by doing! Sustainable Living Family environmental education

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eduCation Mission: education at royal Botanical Gardens encourages environmental stewardship by providing meaningful and diverse learning experiences that connect people with the wild and cultivated plant world and help them to understand the crucial role that plants play in sustaining and enhancing our lives and the environment.

ContaCt us:

1-800-694-4769; 905-527-1158, ext. 270

rBG is committed to providing exceptional and accessible service to our visitors — our programs are designed to be inclusive. please contact our program coordinator at 905-527-1158, ext. 510 to discuss specific program requirements, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

royal Botanical Gardens is dedicated to offering lifelong learning opportunities that relate to our mandate, including programs that help people move towards a greener lifestyle.

Certificate ProgramsWatch each issue of our program calendar for our certificate logo, highlighting programs or workshops that include a certificate of attendance upon completion. Use the certificate for your own

enjoyment, for continuing education or to add to a résume when seeking employment.

contentsEducation Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Master Your Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Into the Wild . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Arts in the Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Health and Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Taste of the Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Kids and Families . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Policies / Program Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9The Spirits of Paradise, Monarch Awards, Edible Weekends . 11Plant Quiz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Herbarium Brain Teaser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13From the Archives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Garden Music Nights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Events at the Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Printed on paper containing 100% post-consumer fibre

2017 suMMer fun —

day CaMPs for kids ages

3 to 13

Get outdoors and explore the “wild side”of RBG with nature hikes, games, crafts, summer canoeing, camp-outs and more! Summer camps include half-day programs for ages 3 and 4, full-day programs for 4- to 13-year-olds, and Environmental Leadership Development Program for teens ages 13 to 17 . Themes vary each week . Extended care available .

Space is limited — register soon! www.rbg.ca or call 905-527-1158, ext. 270

neW Cootes to Cliffs

camp and leadership

development for ages

13 to 15 have space

available. all other

camps sold out!

rBG experiences Summer 2018 3

While there are Plenty of reasons for RBG to celebrate plant colour this year (or any year for that matter!), one reason (and one colour) is especially worth celebrating. Green, the colour of the plant pigment known as chlorophyll, is the colour of life. Without it, our world would be a very different and desolate place.

Tiny though they may be, chlorophyll molecules enable the biggest biochemical process on Earth. Photosynthesis powers our planet. It creates oxygen, drives ecosystems and forms the basis of food chains

that feed animal life, us included. No doubt there are people who cringe when reading the word (perhaps it’s those memories of labelling diagrams on high school biology exams - Calvin cycle anyone?). Sadly, what is commonly missed from the teaching of this process is the reverence due to plants and their amazing pigment molecules for what they give to the world. Breaking photosynthesis into a flow chart doesn’t inspire a sense of awe for the almost magical process by which a living thing can actually capture and store sunlight energy in the form of sugar, making that energy available to other living things. Oh, and while doing that, plants also happen to generate a byproduct, oxygen, which is conveniently also the building block of the ozone layer that protects us from excessive solar radiation. When we eat plants (or animals who have eaten plants), we break down and burn that solar energy. When you think of it, we’re all just bottled sunshine!

So, considering the role that green plays in these basics of life, we can all agree that we have a pretty special relationship with at least one plant colour. But plant

colour goes beyond green, and our relationship with plants goes beyond the kitchen table. Plant colour

influences and engages us on many levels, from our enjoyment of the arts to the colours we choose to wear and surround ourselves with, inside and outdoors. People harness the living energy of plant colour by using plants as a

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Barbara mckeanHead of education

Green is in the middle of the spectrum as shown on the colour wheel. This artist’s tool is formed by taking the visible spectrum, or rainbow, and bending it around so that the two ends are joined. it’s an equally useful tool for garden planning.

Life — brought to you by the colour green

Warm

Cool red

red-orange

orange

orange-yellow

yellow-green

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green-blue

blue

blue-purple

purple magenta

yellow

creative medium. When we design, create and care for a garden, we are, in a sense, painting with plants; in doing so we benefit physically and emotionally from hands-on connections with the life forces that sustain us.

In the hands of a skilled garden designer, plant colour and combinations can express feeling, create an image or enhance atmosphere and mood, engage the emotions or trick the eye through illusion. This is where colour really comes alive at Royal Botanical Gardens. RBG is always bursting with colour, but this summer, you’ll see that we’ve been much more deliberate in our attempts to play with your eye and demonstrate the power of colour. By mid-June, you’ll find special annual display beds and containers in Hendrie Park and at Rock Garden that are all designed to bring the colour wheel to life. Pick up a guide and use it to help you explore the displays and find the colour combinations you like best. Watch for a colourful array of special programming, tours and events that will take us through the year. Regardless of whether you’re here or at home though, remember that plants give us life and take the time to say thanks to something green each day.

4 rBG experiences Summer 2018

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Master your Garden

rBG’s new rose GardenGrowinG Up wiTH CLiMBinG roSESWednesday, May 30; 7 to 9 p .m . at RBG Centre .Fee: $30 (M 10% off)MAXIMUM 30. PRE-REGISTER BY MAY 20.

Climbing roses can form a colorful backdrop for borders and are great for covering structures or screening unwanted views. Training roses on fences, walls, trellises, or arbors can transform a structure into a dramatic focal point. Rene Schmitz, from Palatine Fruit and Roses, outlines the varieties for different situations as well as care and pruning techniques.

FALLinG in LoVE wiTH roSES AGAinWednesday, June 27; 7 to 9 p .m . at RBG Centre .Fee: $30 (M 10% off)MAXIMUM 30. PRE-REGISTER BY jUnE 17

Roses are one of the favourite flowers but growing roses is often another story. RBG’s new Rose Garden showcases roses that are hardier and less trouble to grow. join Alex Henderson, curator of collections, to learn new varieties, care techniques, and why you should incorporate roses in your garden. A tour of the new Rose Garden is included, weather permitting.

Member appreciation event FREE To MEMBERS oNLY . Members are allowed to bring one guest free of charge . “Plus” members can bring one additional guest beyond the guest allocation noted in their Plus Membership .

wHAT’S noT To HiKE: LAUnCHinG LoopS & LATTESThursday, May 17; 7 to 8:30 p .m . at RBG Centre .

join nicola Ross, author and hiker, as she tells the story of launching her Loops & Lattes Hiking Guides. Describing the adventure in words and photographs, nicola brings alive the rich beauty of hiking that has become her career and vocation. Discover what hiking adventures are available on RBG trails and in our area.

CLiMATE CHAnGE: poLES ApArT AnD in-BETwEEnThursday, october 11; 7 to 8:30 p .m . at RBG Centre .

In February 2017, Grant Linney was part of a nine-day expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula. Later that same year, Grant was a staff member for an 18-day Students on Ice Arctic expedition which began in Resolute Bay, nunavut, travelled east through the northwest Passage and then explored the west coast of Greenland. In this presentation, Grant shares impressions of these experiences as well as his resulting perceptions of global climate change.

LEArninG, SHArinG AnD ADApTinG: indigenous peoples’ Knowledge and Use of plantsFriday, September 28; 7 to 8:30 p .m . at RBG Centre .Fee: $18; Members: $6

Plants have supported Indigenous peoples’ survival and well-being for over 13,000 years, providing them with necessary food, materials, medicines and ceremonial items. How did people acquire the rich knowledge about their environments, including plants, algae, and fungi? How did they pass on and adapt their knowledge, practices, and beliefs? How can this precious knowledge be recognized, maintained, and perpetuated for the benefit of future generations? join Dr. nancy Turner, author and emeritus professor of ethnobotany at University of Victoria, to explore the answers and more.

nicola ross

Grant Linney

Dr. nancy Turner

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speakers series

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all courses require pre-registration. Book your sPot today!


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Master your Garden

into the Wild

MEMBEr BEnEFiTS RBG members receive a 10% discount off the listed fee for eligible programs . Single members receive one discounted spot per program . Dual and Dual-Plus members receive up to four discountedspots per program . Refer to program descriptions for discount eligibility .

Grow your own foodFee: $35 (Members 10% off) . join nancy Lee-Colibaba in RBG’s Veggie Village. Get your hands dirty and learn the fundamental skills needed to grow your own produce at home. It doesn’t get any more local than your own backyard!

2. pLAnTinG THE GArDEnThursday, May 17; 7 to 9 p .m . at RBG Centre . MAXIMUM 15. PRE-REGISTER BY MAY 7.

3. GArDEn MAinTEnAnCEThursday, June 28; 7 to 9 p .m . at RBG Centre . MAXIMUM 15. PRE-REGISTER BY jUnE 18.

4. HArVESTinG THE YiELDThursday, September 13; 7 to 9 p .m . at RBG Centre . MAXIMUM 15. PRE-REGISTER BY SEPTEMBER 3.

in the Garden with CharlieLearn first-hand while walking through the garden. Charlie Briggs, RBG native plants gardener, explains various gardening topics — a great opportunity to ask questions.Fee: $20/evening (M 10% off)

pLAnTS AnD TECHniQUES For THE SHADE GArDEn Monday, June 4; 7 to 9 p .m . at RBG Centre . MAXIMUM 15. PRE-REGISTER MAY 26.

TrEES AnD SHrUBS For THE HoME GArDEn Monday, June 18; 7 to 9 p .m . at RBG Centre . MAXIMUM 15. PRE-REGISTER jUnE 8.

pErEnniALS To ConSiDEr Monday, July 9; 7 to 9 p .m . at RBG Centre . MAXIMUM 15. PRE-REGISTER jULY 1.

nATiVE pLAnTS For YoUr GArDEn Monday, July 23; 7 to 9 p .m . at RBG Centre . MAXIMUM 15. PRE-REGISTER jULY 13.

nATUrE STUDY: ADULT EDUCATion SEriES noT JUST A BirDinG CLUBSaturday, May 19; 9 to 11:30 a .m . at the Nature Centre .Fee: $20 for each class (M 10% off)MAXIMUM 20. PRE-REGISTER BY MAY 9

We walk. We look. We listen. We observe. We talk. We explore. We note. We seek. We bird! join jackson Hudecki and the Club of like-minded birders, while helping contribute to bird conservation and RBG’s efforts to support these wonderful creatures. Location sometimes varies. All skill levels welcome.

GET BACK To nATUrE wALKSFree every Sunday, June to August; 10 a .m . Locations and details at www .rbg .ca/hike or call 905-527-1158 ext . 270join a Back to nature volunteer leader for a family-friendly hike through the vast ecosystems of RBG’s lands. Every 1.5 to 2 hours walk is a different adventure. Our trails are rocky and muddy and not suitable for most standard strollers, except those meant for off-sidewalk use.

SprinG wiLDFLowEr wALKSaturday, June 2; 9 to 11:30 a .m . Meet outside the Nature Centre .Fee: $20 (M 10% off)MAXIMUM 20. PRE-REGISTER BY MAY 24.

Explore the north shore trail of Cootes Paradise to look for late spring/early summer wildflowers under the guidance of Dr. jim Pringle. Dress for the weather and walks are geared for intermediate hiking levels. Rain date: june 3.

TICK TALK! Hamilton, including all of RBG, is now recognized as an at-risk area for Lyme disease . Both Dog and Deer Ticks are found at RBG, though only the latter are known to carry the disease . Please check Hamilton Public Health website and take precautions to avoid getting ticks on you and your pets .


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UrBAn BEEKEEpinG SEriESVeteran beekeeping instructors and honey bee breeders, Luc Peters and Dan Douma, give you hands-on experience with managing hives and provide you with simple steps to support honeybees and other important pollinators, to keep your own bees or just learn about their care. Fee: $45 for one session (M 10% off) at RBG Centre .

3. pLAn THE SEASon & CHECK THE SprinG HiVE Saturday, May 26; 2 to 4 p .m . (Rain date: May 27; 2 to 4 p .m .)

4. THE SUMMEr HiVE CHECK Saturday, June 16; 2 to 4 p .m . (Rain date: June 17; 2 to 4 p .m .)

5. prEpArATion oF THE HonEY HArVEST Saturday, July 21; 2 to 4 p .m . (Rain date: July 22; 2 to 4 p .m .)

6. HonEY HArVEST Monday, August 20; 7 to 9 p .m .

7. pUT THE BEES To BED Saturday, September 15; 2 to 4 p .m . (Rain date: September 16; 2 to 4 p .m .)

8. rEViEw Monday, october 1; 7 to 9 p .m .

TrEES in BLooM Sunday, June 3; 1 to 4:30 p .m . at the Nature Centre .Fee: $20 (Members 10% off)MAXIMUM 20. PRE-REGISTER BY MAY 25.

Learn to identify trees that grow in our area. nadia Cavallin, field botanist at RBG, focuses on the flowers, characteristics of the leaf shapes and how these leaves are arranged. Indoors, learn the features that botanist use to identify trees, then go outside to learn how to use botanical keys to identify trees. Dress for the weather.

inTroDUCTionTo CAnoEinGSaturday and Sunday, June 9, 10;9 a .m . to noon at the Nature Centre .Fee: $80 (M 10% off)MAXIMUM 12. PRE-REGISTER BY jUnE 1.

What is the bow and where is the stern? Going straightis easy but how do I turn? join us for two half days ofcanoeing as our ORCKA-certified instructors teach safety,techniques and much more. Master the quintessentiallyCanadian j-stroke. Spend the mornings paddling andexperiencing Cootes Paradise. Recommended to bringwater bottle and pocket snacks.

FAMiLY CAnoEinGSunday, July 15; 9 to 11:30 a .m . oR Saturday, July 21; 9 to 11:30 a .m . at the Nature Centre .Fee: $10 Child (age 4 to 12) Fee: $15 Adult, (M 10% off)MAXIMUM 20. PRE-REGISTER jULY 5 OR jULY 11.

Recommended 2 adults and up to 2 children passengers. (not recommended for under age 4) Enjoy a guided canoeing adventure as you learn about Cootes Paradise. Life jackets, paddles and canoes are provided. Canoes have single bench seats only so bring pads to sit on for extra comfort. Water bottles and pockets snacks recommended. Please arrive 15 minutes early and be prepared to paddle rain or shine. In the event of high winds or threatening weather please call the Weather Update Line at ext. 404.

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into the Wild Prices include HST .

pADDLinG in pArADiSEMeet at the Nature Centre 15 minutes before start time .Saturday, May 12; 1 p .m . Tuesday, May 22; 6 p .m .Sunday, May 27; 1 p .m .Tuesday, June 5; 6 p .m .Saturday, June 16; 6 p .m .Tuesday, June 19; 6 p .m . .Saturday, June 23; 7 a .m .Sunday, July 8; 1 p .m .Tuesday, July 17; 6 p .m .Saturday; July 21; 6 p .m .Tuesday, July 24; 6 p .m .Saturday, July 28; 7 a .m .Fee: $45/person/tour(M 10% off)MAXIMUM 15/TOUR. PRE-REGISTER 5 DAYS In ADVAnCE OF EACH DATE.Come and explore Cootes Paradise by canoe to get a glimpse of the astounding life that depends on the health of the marsh for its survival. We supply the canoes, paddles and life jackets, you bring your camera and binoculars. Canoes have single bench seats only so bring pads to sit on for extra comfort. Water bottles and pockets snacks also recommended. Arrive 15 minutes early and be prepared to paddle rain or shine. In the event of high winds or threatening weather, please call the Weather Update Line at ext. 404. new

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CoLoUr CoMES ALiVE wiTH A HAnD-TiED BoUQUET Thursday, June 14; 7 to 9 p .m . at RBG Centre . Fee: $60 (M 10% off)MAXIMUM 20. PRE-REGISTER BY jUnE 4.

Let your décor be filled with colourful flowers by creating your own hand-tied bouquet. RBG volunteer designers teach floral design principles and techniques while you work with three types of fresh floral material — focal flowers, filler flowers and foliage. You can achieve a professional-looking bouquet to take home at the end of the workshop. All materials are provided.

CoLoUrS oF SUMMEr: FiVE-DAY wATErCoLoUr LAnDSCApE worKSHopMonday to Friday, July 16 to 20; 10 a .m . to 4 p .m . at RBG Centre .Fee: $325 (M 10% off)MAXIMUM 15. PRE-REGISTER BY jULY 6.

It’s like day camp for grown-ups! This is the experience you’ve been looking for, an artist’s holiday. Spend five full days painting outdoors, enjoying our Gardens at their peak. Shelley Prior provides plenty of demonstrations and handouts. Some previous experience in watercolour will help you get the most from this intensive program. Sign up early as this course fills quickly. Unique supply list is provided at registration.

oriGinS oF CoLoUr:introduction to natural DyeingSaturday, August 25; 2 to 4 p .m . at RBG Centre .Fee: $45 (M 10% off)MAXIMUM 20. PRE-REGISTER BY AUGUST 15.

Madeleine Carere introduces how flowers, roots, nuts and leaves hold potential to produce colours that can be used to dye wool, cotton and many other things. She outlines gathering materials for dyeing, making the dye solutions, preparing the fabric for the dye bath as well as colour fixatives. There is an outdoor tour of RBG to observe plants often used for natural fabric dyes.

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newSCEnT SEnSiTiViTiESVisit our gardens for some magnificent scents . However, when attending programs kindly refrain from wearing scented products as some individuals are very sensitive to them .

CoLoUr in nATUrE: photography for BeginnersTuesday, June 19; 7 to 9 p .m . oR Saturday, June 23; 8 to 10 a .m . oR July 21; 8 to 10 a .m . oR August 11; 8 to 10 a .m . oR September 15; 8 to 10 a .m . at RBG Centre .Fee: $40 (M 10% off)MAXIMUM 15. PRE-REGISTER jUnE 9, jUnE 13, jULY 11, AUGUST 1, SEPTEMBER 5.

Let the colour of nature inspire you. This program is ideal for anyone who is just starting out in photography or someone who wants to improve their skills. join Matthew Tiegs outside as he provides the tools to build up your photography knowledge and assists in advancing participants to the next level. He covers the basics of consistently capturing better quality images including camera settings, shutter speed, aperture and ISO, composition basics and much more.

CAroLiniAn wiLDFLowErS in nATUrE AnD in THE GArDEn Sunday, July 15; 2 to 4 p .m . at RBG Centre/Kippax Garden .Fee: $20 (M 10% off)MAXIMUM 20. PRE-REGISTER jULY 5.

Take a guided walk through RBG’s Helen M. Kippax Garden featuring many Carolinian wildflowers. nadia Cavallin, field botanist and herbarium curator, talks about how to identify these species, their natural habitat, and conservation efforts underway to protect them. Charlie Briggs, horticulturist, discusses and demonstrates the benefits and how-to of native plant gardening.

ADULT MoonLiGHT HiKE Sunday, August 26; 8 to 10 p .m . at the Nature Centre .Fee: $20 (M 10% off )MAXIMUM 20. PRE-REGISTER AUGUST 16.

Here is an opportunity to come out and experience nature at night. This is the start of a full moon and if clouds cooperates, your path with be illuminated. night time provides a very different experience and your guide will point out many pertinent and fascinating points as you go along. Please bring a flashlight and proper footwear.

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if you are registered for an outdoor program and the weather looks threatening, please check our program Update Line, 905-527-1158, ext. 404. weather updates are posted at least two hours before program start time and in the event of weather postponement or cancellation, participants are notified via email/phone at the time of posting.


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taste of the Gardens

A MAnLY TEATiME For FATHEr’S DAY Sunday, June 24; 2 to 4 p .m . at RBG Centre .Fee: $65 (Members 10% off)MAXIMUM 20. PRE-REGISTER BY jUnE 14.

Pamper the special man in your life with a wonderfully crafted, hearty, afternoon tea menu, prepared by Linda Barnett of The Travelling TeaRoom, paired with delicious hot or iced teas. Perhaps this important person is your father, brother, uncle, grandfather or special friend — share a memorable afternoon tea together with savoury and sweet delights and perfectly brewed teas.

health and Wellness

YoGA AT THE GArDEnSTuesdays, July 17 to September 185:30 to 6:45 p .m . at RBG Centre .Fee: $125 (M 10% off) MAXIMUM 20. PRE-REGISTER BY jULY 7.

Louise Vien focuses on lengthening the spine, extending and opening the body, and quieting the mind through stretching poses, breathing and grounding exercises. Suitable for all levels. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat. 10-week session.

YoGA FUnDAMEnTALS: rooTED in TrADiTionThursdays, July 19 to September 20;5:30 to 7 p .m . at RBG Centre .Fee: $125 (M 10% off)MAXIMUM 20. PRE-REGISTER jULY 9.

Chelsea Curran covers the fundamentals of yoga — Pranayama (proper breathing) and Asana (poses). This class is geared to intermediate practitioners. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat. 10-week session.

THE LoVE oF CYCLinG Saturday, June 23; 9 to noon at RBG Centre .Fee: $35 (M 10% off)MAXIMUM 20. PRE-REGISTER BY jUnE 13.

june is bike month! join us for this unique learning opportunity on bicycle care, followed by a guided cycle tour around RBG. Chris McAnally and new Hope Community Bikes demonstrates how to fix common issues and provides some tips to maintain your bicycle. Complete a hands-on tube replacement and get comfortable changing your own tires. Please bring a bike lock with you. There is some hilly terrain. And please note there is no cycling on any of RBG’s trails as part of our policy to protect our natural areas.

VinEGArS, oXYMELS AnD SYrUpSWednesday, July 18; 7 to 9 p .m . at RBG Centre . Fee: $45 (M 10% off)MAXIMUM 12. PRE-REGISTER BY jULY 8.

Learn to make delicious and nutritive herbal honeys, vinegars and oxymels as nourishing tonics and digestion aids. Zoe Hayes leads this workshop, supplying fresh garden herbs, and teaching how to adjust flavours to create sweet and savoury remedies that support the digestive system. Create your own herbal blends. Recipes are provided.

HErBAL AroMATiCS worKSHopWednesday, August 15; 7 to 9 p .m . at RBG Centre .Fee: $45 (M 10% off)MAXIMUM 12. PRE-REGISTER BY AUGUST 5.

Locally aromatic herbs can be made into herbal preparations that can aid in self-care wellness. Enjoy the scents of mid-summer through tea tasting and working with fresh plants while learning about the beneficial properties of herbal aromatics. In this workshop Zoe Hayes guides participants in making an herbal hydrosol (floral water) and aromatic herb bundles for tea or bath.


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taste of the Gardens

SEnSATionAL SAKE TASTinGThursday, July 26; 7 to 9 p .m . at RBG Centre .Fee: $55 (M10%)MAXIMUM 35. PRE-REGISTER BY jULY 16.

You think you know sake? Come to our very first RBG Sake Tasting. Ontario Spring Water Sake Company outlines four of their best, fresh, unpasteurised, locally brewed sake plus a sake cocktail. Fall in love with japan’s favourite drink that has been brewed in the junmai style. Enjoy finger food that complements each serving.

TEA AnD TALKSundays, September 16, october 21, November 18, December 16; 1:30 to 4:30 p .m . at RBG Centre .Fee: $30/class or $100 for all 4 (M 10% off)MAXIMUM 20. PRE-REGISTER BY SEPTEMBER 6, OR OCTOBER 11 OR nOVEMBER 8 OR DECEMBER 6.

This is a unique opportunity to exchange your tea experiences with other tea enthusiasts while enjoying some excellent tea samples. Edward Qu, Chinese tea sommelier, certified tea reviewing specialist and a tea lifestyle enthusiast, takes you on a tea journey and encourages round table discussion on various topics of tea. With this series, Oolong tea and its subtypes are covered. Learn about this popular tea from plant to cup. September 16 — northern Fujian style Oolong (Rock Tea): Da Hong Pao/Big Red Ropeoctober 21 — Southen Fujian style Oolong (Green Oolong): Tie Guan Yin/Iron Goddess, ZP narcissusnovember 18 — Guangdong style Oolong (Pheonix Dan Cong): Mi Lan Xiang/Duck poop teaDecember 16 — Taiwan style Oolong (Champagne Oolong): Oriental beauty

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reGistrationAdvance enrollment is required for all events with a registration fee. Participants may register online, in person or by telephone. Full payment must accompany each registration. To register by phone, please call 905-527-1158, ext. 270 (open Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Telephone registrations require payment by VISA or MasterCard. RBG reserves the right to cancel any event if the minimum number of registrants is not reached by registration deadline. Registrations may be accepted after the registration deadline provided the minimum registration number has already been reached. non-member (public) fee applies to all after registration deadline.Online registration at: www.rbg.ca/publicprograms

MeMBershiPRBG members receive a 10% discount on course fees (M 10% off), provided that registrations are received on or before the registration deadline. The family membership category enables children to become active participants in all RBG family programs. Please visit our website at www.rbg.ca for membership information, or call 905-527-1158, ext. 514.

CanCellation, refunds and reCeiPtsUp to ten days prior to a program start date or the indicated program registration deadline, all cancellations by registrants are subject to a 25% cancellation fee if a refund for that program/course/event is applicable. Check specific program descriptions for refund-excluded programs. no refunds of any kind are made after the registration deadline. Should RBG cancel a program, registrants are notified by telephone and refunds issued. It is vital that you supply phone numbers where we can reach you both daytime and in the evening or on weekends,

directly or by recorded message. We do not accept responsibility for inconvenience caused to those we cannot contact, whatever the reason.

weather cancellations: Call the program Update Line at ext. 404.Most of our programs are offered rain or shine. In the event of severe weather some courses, especially outdoor workshops and guided walks, may be postponed or cancelled. If you are unsure about conditions on the day of your program, please call our Program Update Line at ext. 404. A message will be posted there at least two hours before the program is due to start. It is your responsibility to verify that your program is being offered; though we try, we are not always able to reach participants.

liaBilityRBG assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to property, or for personal injury or mishap; all activities are at the risk of the participant.

Arboretum and Nature Interpretive Centre

Exit York Road to Plains Road

Exit Waterdown Road

Exit Fairview/Plains Road25 minutes fro

m BRANTFORD

45 minutes from TORONTO45 minutes from KITCHENER/WATERLOO

45 minutes from NIAGARA and bridge to U.S.A

All listed prices include HST .

details and Pre-reGister: call 905-527-1158, ext. 270 or online at www.rbg.ca/public programs


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kids and families

FAMiLY FUn DAYSFees: $10 Child (4 to 12 years), Free child (3 and under), $15 Adult, (M 10% off)MAXIMUM 40 PEOPLE.

FroG CHorUSSaturday, May 26; 6 to 8 p .m . at the Nature Centre .PRE-REGISTER BY MAY 16.

Love is in the air for frogs and toads as they make their very distinct calls. Come out and listen to the music. Sarah Richer, species at risk biologist, identifies the different calls and tells you about each amphibian’s life cycle and what is being done to save frogs that are on the species-at-risk list.

GArLiC MUSTArD MEnUSunday, June 3; 2 to 4 p .m . at the Nature Centre .PRE-REGISTER BY MAY 24.

As far as plant ecologists are concerned, Public Enemy number One in our area is an invasive weed called Garlic Mustard. Learn the history and life cycle of this yummy weed — we harvest it and use it in some recipes for you to try! Come prepared to hike the trails.

LiFE BEnEATH THE EArTHSunday, July 22; 2 to 4 p .m . at the Nature Centre .PRE-REGISTER BY jULY 12

Is anything living beneath our feet? Is soil alive? Let’s get down and dirty and learn about the wonderful world under the ground or under logs and rocks. What happens to the leaves when they fall to the ground? join us!

EnCHAnTED EVEninGSaturday, August 18; 6:30 to 8:30 p .m . at RBG Centre .PRE-REGISTER BY AUGUST 8

join us for an enchanted evening with fairy stories and fairy folklore. “If your eyes are quick and the light is just right…you may see the fairies about to take flight.” Keep your eyes peeled and you may spot a fairy about to fly — don’t miss the magic.

SKooTCH, CrAwL or wALK Thursday, June 21; 9 to 10:30 a .m . at Rock Garden .Fee: $12 (Dual M 10% off)MAXIMUM 40. PRE-REGISTER BY jUnE 11.

PRESCHOOL PROGRAM Child aged 2-5 years (must be accompanied by an adult — fee includes one caregiver per child). Welcome little ones! This is the time of year that baby animals and birds start to venture out of the nest and explore their wild surroundings! Let’s get moving, just bring your feet, hands and knees and prepare for fun! Games, yoga, stories and more.

oVErniGHT AT rBG:nATUrE AnD JAMMiESSaturday and Sunday, September 15 and 16; 5 p .m . to 10:30 a .m . at the Nature Centre .Fee: $55 (individual) or $200 (family of 4) (M 10% off)MAXIMUM 6 FAMILIES. PRE-REGISTER BYSEPTEMBER 6.

join RBG for a fun adventure that lasts all night. Bring your sleeping bag, a grownup and your jammies for a sleepover in the woods. There’s pizza and salad for supper, a night hike, campfire, continental breakfast and morning games. You have all the fun and we do the work and supply the tents. Ages 5 and up. A list of supplies is provided prior to program start date.


if you are registered for an outdoor program and the weather looks threatening, please check our program Update Line, 905-527-1158, ext. 404. weather updates are posted at least two hours before program start time and in the event of weather postponement or cancellation, participants are notified via email/phone at the time of posting.

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July 7 & 8 discover edible flowers: add a fun floral splash of colour to your plate

July 14 & 15 discover salad: colourful salads — nutritious and delicious

July 21 & 22 discover Peppers: Spice things up with peppers from sweet to red hot

July 28 & 29 discover Pickling: How to pickle and incorporate pickled garden goodies in vibrant dishes

august 11 & 12 discover tomatoes: explore the many uses and unique history of our favourite savoury fruit

august 18 & 19 discover Brassica: Uncover the link between broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale

august 25 & 26 discover squash: discover a wide variety of colourful squashes and their uses

does your garden buzz and flutter with life? residents of Hamilton (from Wards 1–10 and dundas) who care for their soil, use native plants, conserve water, cater to pollinators and follow other sustainable practices can apply for a Monarch award. rBG is proud to be a partner in this program that recognizes gardeners who contribute to a biodiverse and sustainable environment. Find out more and apply online by June 24 at monarchawardshamilton.org.

2018

saturdays and sundays, July 7 to august 25; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Veggie Village, Hendrie parkvisit our discovery cart in veggie village to learn more about nutritious plants that are easy to grow and add a splash of colour to your plate and garden. rBG’s Greenhouse café presents cooking demonstrations on Sunday afternoons. Greenhouse café recipes are available at our discovery cart. www.rbg.ca/edibleweekends

edible Weekends — cooking with colour

July 5 to 21; 8 p.m.; arboretumtake part in a unique moving theatre experience along the shoreline of cootes paradise as we bring the past to life. the post-settlement history of this area has much to say about the evolving relationship between settlers and nature over the last 200 years. See events unfold through the eyes of historical characters who have been a part of this changing landscape. details and tickets at www.rbg.ca.

the Spirits of paradise


1. One of the most dazzling and sought-after plant colours is found in the flowers of this species. native to the Himalayan Mountains, this species requires cool temperatures in sheltered locations with moist soils and impeccable drainage. this short-lived herbaceous perennial produces rosettes of hairy leaves which bear large, silky, four-petaled flowers with the most amazing colour.

2. native to andes Mountains of chile and argentina, this species grows in dry forests to become a large shrub. it features nearly square stems and grey-green velvety leaves. the vibrant coloured and fragrant flowers appear in tight-packed spherical clusters which bees and butterflies love. although not hardy in this climate, a close relative of this species is very popular in gardens of Ontario.

3. this beautiful biennial species is native to most of north america and features colourful flowers that

open quickly in the evening and last until the following day around noon. the flowers consist of four bilobed petals which have a nectar guide pattern that is invisible to the naked eye but is visible to moths, butterflies and bees. all parts of the plant are edible for humans and the seeds are an important food source for birds.

4. this liana is native to stream sides in the tropical forests of the philippines and is a member of the Fabaceae (pea Family). the pale green foliage consists of three leaflets but it is the flower and its colour that is most remarkable. the cascading inflorescences consist of 75 or more flowers which can reach three metres in length. the flower colour is produced by anthocyanins and is reminiscent of the colour of some minerals. the flowers are pollinated by bats eager to drink the nectar, and drawn to the glowing flowers at night.

in plantsBy Jon L. peter, curator and Manager of plant documentation

When we think about colours in plants, the first colour to come to mind is green. the green in plants is produced by the pigment chlorophyll and is essential for photosynthesis. Other pigments in plants help to capture more of the light spectrum and definitely provide more interest and beauty in the plant world. carotenoids are red, orange or yellow pigments, which are responsible for many of the colours found in fruits and vegetables, like carrots and mangoes. Flavonoids are a group of pigments commonly represented by anthocyanins (which means “flower blue”), that appear red, purple or blue and produce many of the colours that we see in flowers and fruits. Betalins are pigments that produce red to violet and also yellow to orange colours and play an important role in attracting animals to flowers and fruits. Let’s look at some of the magnificent colours found in plants. can you guess the species and match the descriptions to the images? anSWerS On paGe 14.

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acidic soils. it often grows in bogs or other acidic wetlands and sometimes along lake borders.

this plant has a long history of use by people of europe and north america. in europe, the leaves and occasionally flowers had a variety of culinary uses, including as an additive to beer! prior to the 16th century, most beers in western and northern europe were not brewed with hops (this drink is known as gruit). instead, they were brewed with a variety of herbs with flavouring and preservative qualities. Our mystery plant was one of the chief plants used in gruits. it was favoured for its bittering qualities and aromatic fragrance, and because the essential oils found in the resin helped preserve the beverage. the plant’s essential oils were also used to repel biting insects, and several companies still offer an insect repellent containing the mystery plant’s essential oils! the fruits of this plant were boiled and the wax was collected to make candles. additionally, it has been said that drinking a tea made from the leaves will give you lucid dreams!

if you think you can identify this specimen, send your answer to [email protected] or Paradise Found, c/o editor, 680 plains road West, Burlington, On, L7t 4H4. the first correct answer wins bragging rights in the next issue of Paradise Found.

can you guess the name of the plant in this rBG herbarium specimen? Believe it or not, this specimen was collected back in 1891! it was collected by andrew alexander, a horticulturist, botanist, and member of the biological section of the Hamilton association. canada’s oldest not-for-profit cultural organization, it still exists to this day, offering free public lectures on the spirit of canada as well as on exploration. the mystery plant was collected at Lake Medad, which is just north of Hamilton.

the mystery plant is a small, multi-stemmed shrub which grows close to the water’s edge. its twigs are slender, dark purple-brown, and alternately arranged. the leaves are widest above the middle, and taper at the base, with small teeth along the upper half of the leaf margins. On the underside of the leaves, as well as on young twigs, numerous small, yellow resin glands can be seen. these resin glands have a sweet, aromatic fragrance. Our mystery plant has clusters of male and female flowers which differ in size, shape, and colour. Male flowers are small, and bright pink. Female flowers are larger, and are greenish-yellow to reddish-yellow. Flowers appear in the spring. the fruits of this plant occur in small cylinder-shaped clusters and form in late summer. the fruits are encased in a spongey bracteole (a fancy botanical term for a small modified leaf), which allows them to float on water. this is how the fruits disperse to new homes. the mystery plant is a part of the Myricaceae family, also known as the Gale family or the Wax Myrtle family. Most plants in this family have fragrant resin and have the ability to fix their own nitrogen with the help of bacteria found on their roots.

the mystery plant can be found in western and northern europe, as well as northern north america. it prefers

Herbarium Brain teaserBy corey Burt, Field Botany intern

Jennifer Lobo successfully identified last issue’s specimen as the herbaceous parasitic plant, Epifagus virginiana (beechdrops). congratulations Jennifer!

mailto:[email protected]


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Answers to plant quiz, p . 12

ninety-nine years ago, a young plant breeder at the Ontario agricultural college released a lily that would go on to take the world, or at least the lily world, by storm. this plant breeder was isabella preston, and the lily is known as the “George c. creelman” lily or Lilium × imperiale.

While once an incredibly popular lily, especially in the canadian climate it was bred for, this lily has vanished. alex Henderson, our curator of collections, has been in pursuit of this cultivar for over a decade now, and it appears as though that pursuit might be coming to a close. Several bulbs of a possible creelman lily have been donated to rBG and are ready to bloom at our propagation house. We are all waiting on tenterhooks but no one more so than alex.

a snapshot from royal Botanical Gardens’ archives

creelman Lily1. c. Meconopsis betonicifolia – Blue Himalayan poppy2. B. Buddleja globosa – Orange Ball tree3. a. Oenothera biennis – evening-primrose4. d. Strongylodon macrobotrys – Jade vine

ready to bloom. is it the creelman lily or a lesser variety?

a page from a 1932 journal written by isabella preston. she describes a visit to the oac and the creelman lilies that were planted there.

Front cover of the 1933 Lily Yearbook which holds a vital piece of the puzzle.

a person stands in front of a bed of creelman lilies.

isabella preston stands behind a new rose species she bred.


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regular admission applies, Free to rBG members. Held rain or shine. For lineups, schedule updates, and online ticket purchases, visit www.rbg.ca/musicnights

gardEn music nights

Country and roots Music nightstuesdays, June 26 to august 14; 6:30 to 9 p.m.; hendrie Park

red-hot Jazz & Cool Blues Wednesdays, June 13 to september 5;6:30 to 9 p.m.; hendrie Park

an rBG tradition continues with another stunning lineup of entertainment returning to the Hendrie park stage. enjoy a cold drink and BBQ and get set for some award-winning jazz, blues, country and roots musicians in our lovely garden setting.

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Jazz Brunches*sundays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; rock Garden rBG’s summer concert series moves inside with Jazz Brunches! experience a sumptuous weekend brunch together with live jazz and the tranquility of the Gardens. www.rbg.ca/jazzbrunch

Biodiversity Celebrationsunday, may 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; arboretumthere is no better place to celebrate the diversity of life than rBG, canada’s biodiversity hotspot! Join us for a day of exploration and hands-on fun with local animals, plants, and ecosystems.www.rbg.ca/biodiversity-celebration

Benefit Concert: Matt dusksunday, June 3, 7:30 p.m.; Hendrie parkSee www.rbg.ca/benefitconcert

Garden Music nightsWednesdays, June 13 to september 5Tuesdays, June 26 to august 146:30 to 9 p.m.; Hendrie parkSee www.rbg.ca/musicnights

Cootes to escarpment ecoPark system BioBlitzFriday and saturday, June 22 and 23; arboretumthe lands and waters of the cootes to escarpment ecopark System are a canadian biodiversity hotspot. We need your help to inventory what lives here. Become a citizen scientist and learn from our experts as we blitz these properties around the clock!www.rbg.ca/bioblitz

rose Garden opening Weekendsaturday, June 23; Hendrie parkWe’re excited to present an innovative, sustainable and inspiring experience, the quintessential rose garden for canada’s largest botanical garden. See page 16.www.rbg.ca/rosegarden

annual rose showsaturday and sunday, June 23 and 24; rBG centreHamilton and Burlington rose Society annual rose Show, the largest juried rose show in the area. this year’s show features an exhibition of cut roses and garden design.

* visit www.rbg.ca for pricing, menu, reservations and ticket purchase.

edible Weekendssaturdays and sundays, July 8 to august 2710 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Hendrie park visit our discovery cart in veggie village for recipes and enjoy a Sunday afternoon cooking demonstration. See page 11

the spirits of Paradise Thursdays to sundays, July 5 to 21; 8 p.m. nature centre, arboretumticketed event. See page 11

the royal Quest*

saturday and sunday, July 14 and 15 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; arboretumthe royal couple needs your help! Grab your map and embark on a quest of epic proportions. You and your team are faced with many obstacles that test your mental and physical strength. are you up for the challenge? children under 8 years must be accompanied by an adult. the Quest is fun for all ages!

Plants to dye Withsunday, July 22; 1 to 4 p.m.; Hendrie park

lily showsaturday and sunday, July 14 and 15; rBG centreexperience the fragrant blooms of the Ontario regional Lily Society’s annual show. Marvel at the beautiful lily designs from amateur designers.

the enchanted Gardensaturday to monday, august 4 to 6; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; rock Gardencalling all gnomes, fairies, pixies, and sprites! Make your way to rBG where a touch of magic awaits you. Meet mystical creatures, participate in delightful activities, and learn the secrets of our enchanted Garden.

shakespeare at the rock*

august 13–17, 20–24, 27–31; rock GardenMacbeth, third-annual Shakespearean production at rBG by local professional theatre company, tottering Biped theatre.