Garden Inspiration Workshops
2010 Weekly Winter/Spring Schedule 
Thursdays at 1:30 pm in the Parkwood Greenhouse
Workshop fee: $10.00 or $9.00 Parkwood Subscribers
Includes refreshments and scones
Register in advance by calling (905) 433-4311
February 18 Garden Heirlooms with Mary Brittain, The Cottage Gardener
- Discover the fascinating world of heirloom plants and learn how to grow them from seeds as well as getting helpful tips on pollination and seed saving techniques.
- Mary and Dan Brittain own and operate The Cottage Gardener, which is an heirloom seedhouse and plant nursery in Newtonville, just west of Port Hope. They have been providing rare and endangered heirloom varieties of vegetables, herbs and flowers to gardeners and market growers since 1996.
February 25 Your Start in Life with Nancy Lawrence, Parkwood Greenhouse Grower
- Learn how to grow bedding plants from cuttings (eg. geraniums, santolina, alternanthera) for your spring/summer flower beds. Bring your questions and see what you might grow on your windowsill.
- Nancy Lawrence has been a horticulturalist and greenhouse grower for over 25 years. She began her career as a greenhouse grower for the City of Etobicoke, before she joined Parkwood’s staff 14 years ago. Nancy combines her different interests to assist in making the estate’s gardens memorable for Parkwood’s visitors.
March 4 Sneak Previewwith Janice Shingler, Sheridan Nurseries Whitby
- See what is hot for this summer’s gardening season. Plant specimens of new varieties of annuals and perennials will intrigue you for those welcoming spots in your flower beds and planters.
- Janice Shingler is the Seasonal Plant Supervisor and Floral Designer at Sheridan Nurseries Whitby. She combines her interests in horticulture and working with the public to help people create beautiful surroundings, whether it be outdoors or indoors.
March 11 A Basket Case with Nancy Lawrence, Parkwood Greenhouse Grower
- Learn how to have successful baskets and containers and where you can use them in your garden.
- Learn more about starting annuals from seed and including herbs & vegetables for your cutting basket.
- Nancy Lawrence will share her years of experience as Parkwood’s greenhouse grower and help you to create beautiful garden features.
March 17 – 21 *Canada Blooms* See Parkwood’s display at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place
March 25 Cool Crops with Marjorie Mason, Mason House Gardens
- Learn which vegetables you can plant in cool weather to get an early start on your gardening season.
- Plant tomatoes from seed and Mesclun “baby greens” with Marjorie for your home grown salads.
- Marjorie Mason is well-known for her expertise in horticulture and for Mason House Gardens, formerly Mason Hogue Gardens, which is a specialty plant nursery. She has lectured widely and led garden tours since 1985. Marjorie can be heard on the radio every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. for Let’s Get Growing, on CKDO 107.7 FM.
April 1 Natural Oasis with Jake Hudson, Vandermeer Nursery
- Learn how elements like water, plants and wildlife can create another world. Whether it is a small pond or a container water garden, you will learn how to transform an outdoor space into a beautiful oasis.
- Jake Hudson is the Watergarden Specialist at Vandermeer Nursery in Ajax. With a degree in communication, Jake has combined his interests in horticulture, tropical fish and pond maintenance to develop an exciting specialty area for garden enthusiasts.
April 8 Showstopperswith Nancy Lawrence, Parkwood Greenhouse Grower
- Learn about historic Parkwood’s showstopper plants, cannas and fountain grasses, and their care.
- Learn about Parkwood’s unique mosaic culture gardens, their design and maintenance, and adapting for your own garden.
- Nancy Lawrence will inspire with her knowledge of horticulture and Parkwood’s heritage gardens.
April 15 The Real Dirt with Nancy Lawrence, Parkwood Greenhouse Grower
- Learn how to prepare your beds for the planting season.
- Weather permitting, you will also learn about early pruning.
- Nancy Lawrence’s experience with preparing Parkwood’s beautiful beds will help you with valuable tips.
Please call Parkwood (905) 433-4311 to reserve a spot in advance
and come to Parkwood’s Tour Entrance Door for the workshops.
Stay Tuned for other Parkwood garden and horticulture programs .
