Canada Blooms has come and gone — amid promises of a spectacular spring that, as this issue goes to press, we are yet to experience. The industry is now fully geared up to begin work on creating masterpieces where none had existed before, or simply to spruce up what was. The fifth instalment of Canada Blooms came at a perfect time – for the gardeners excited about getting their hands in the soil, and for the industry, which after a long winter’s rest, was set to showcase to the public the joys of the natural world and the benefits of extending their living space.

     It was at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building, March 14 to 18 that this occurred. Thirty-nine spectacular, and attainable, gardens went from design to reality, created by master designers and contractors, forcing bulbs to bloom at a time of year when they are still asleep, creating water gardens to dream by and garden patios on which to relax. Over 117,000 visitors came through Canada Blooms, A Celebration, and witnessed an array of seminars and hands-on demonstrations, shopped for the seasonal accessories in the jam-packed Marketplace, and viewed garden-inspired art. Sponsored by Canadian Gardening, seminars and demonstrations by knowledgeable and recognizable garden personalities held people’s interests and prompted them to try something new in their own gardens. The Garden Club of Toronto’s Floral Competition, with entries showcased in the Floral Hall, provided much welcomed scenery and showcased the talents of horticultural society members and students in floral design.

     Developed as a partnership between Landscape Ontario (LO) and the Garden Club of Toronto, Canada Blooms showcases the best of the horticulture and floriculture industries, unveiling to the public the joys of practical gardening with how far they can go in realizing their dream of creating their own unique oasis. Many of the 39 feature gardens, all with the “celebration” theme in mind, are designed and constructed by LO member firms. Appreciated by the public for its beauty, many of these gardens and their contractors are recognized further with a Canada Blooms award.

     Proceeds from this year’s Canada Blooms will celebrate horticulture, gardening and environ­mental stewardship with funds being donated to community projects across Ontario. LO would like to personally thank all those members and volunteers who donated time, material and expertise in putting together this awe-inspiring event. Without their support, LO’s initiative of promoting gardening to the public would not be realized.

     Return for another assault on the senses when Canada Blooms comes back for their 2002 show, Canada Blooms – A Walk in the Park, March 13 to 17 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building.

Canada Blooms 2001 Feature Garden Award Winners

Montreal Botanical Gardens
• Canada Blooms Outstanding Garden Award
• Leslie L. Solty Memorial Award
• Sheridan Nurseries Award

Humber College
• Landscape Ontario Award

Earth Inc.
• The Garden Club of Toronto Award
• S. G. Ulbright Award

Allweather Landscape
• National Post People’s Choice Award

Oriole Landscape Ltd.
• W.E. Bridgeman Trophy
• Gordon A. MacEachern Award

Canada Blooms 2001 Best Bloomin’ Booth Awards – Marketplace
The Copper Leaf

Canada Blooms 2001 Best Bloomin’ Booth Award – Horticultural Happenings
• The Water Garden Society – First Place
• The Rhododendron Society – Second Place
• Canadian Wildlife Federation – Third Place