WELCOME SPRING 2012

What better way to start the gardening year than visiting Canada Blooms? This year, it's currently being held at the Direct Energy Building at the CNE from March 16-25. They did something a little different this time around - they shared the space with another popular venue - The National Home Show.

I am not sure if I like the set up - I think it was a little bit disjointed to be honest. The National Home Show took most of the space and the vendors were stuck off to the side and some even were at the main hallway outside of the exhibit, sort of like an afterthought.

Nonetheless, it was special for me this year as my Dad was able to go with me. It was his first time and I would say he really enjoyed it. In the past, he just listened to me boast about all of the flowers and the amazing displays and this year, he finally experienced it himself.

I bought 5 Stargazers and 5 Casa Blanca daylilies and 3 peonies. I always admire the one and only peony vendor there as the display is truly stunning! She said it takes about 3 years to fully bloom and I can't wait.

Ever Changing Plant Inventory

Okay, so I took a quick count...here is a list of what are in my garden or at least on their way.

10 Double Peonies
1 Pee Gee Hydrangea
2 Japanese Maple
3 Star Magnolia
1 Rugosa Rosebud
1 Witch Tree Hazel
10 Dahlias
delphinium
chinese lantern
foxglove
Mystery Peony
6 Different Variety Daylilies
1 Large Daylily

French Lace Weigela
Clematis
Northern Gold Forsythia
Mystery Rhododendron
Amur Privet
10 different variety Roses (lost track of names)
5 different hydrangeas
hostas
dahlias
begonias
2 magnolia
trumpet vine
sunflowers
chicks and hens
hick's yew
Juddi Viburnum
Blue juniper
Japanese Barberry

NEW - more about these later.
Bluenose Rhodo
Ginny Gee Rhodo
Mary Fleming Rhodo
Landmark Rhodo
Purple Passion Rhodo
Mist Maiden Rhodo

Sunburst Yellow Rose
Salmon Rose
Intrigue Dark Red Rose
White Rose
Golden Yellow Rose
Red Rose
Pink Rose

5 Double Peonies for $39.99

My sister and I would constantly check out The Shopping Channel for their daily showstopper. It's a hit and miss - I normally pay close attention when they have Kitchen Aid products and some jewellery, others like clothing I avoid like the plague.

Last Saturday, the showstopper was Botanus' Spring Blooms Collection for $39.99. I chose 2 orders of 5 bare root double peonies. I was thinking of buying some while I was at Canada Blooms but it was going for $25 each! So I passed and here came straight into my living room another opportunity. I can't wait to receive them. It should be any time now.