Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens

Transplanting Peonies : Rejuvenating the Peony Garden

2012-01-07T11:44:00.003-05:00

Saving the Peonies: In late Summer, 2011, many of the peonies in the Peony Garden located along the Waterfront Trail just south of the building (bunker) were covered in mildew, and not looking at all healthy. Clearly, something had to be done to save these plants, and soon.

The Problem: Peonies love sun and well-drained soil, and about half of the three-year-old peony bed was now in the shade of a thriving Kentucky Coffee tree at the south end of the bed. As well, irrigation for a new rhododendron and azalea bed adjacent to the peony garden had increased the moisture levels to both. Wet plus shade equals mildew.

The Solution: BRG Head Gardener, Para Kanp, outlined a plan of action to rejuvenate the entire Peony Garden: Remove the mulch and all the plants, modify the shape of the bed away from the Kentucky Coffee tree and extend towards the Rose Garden, add more soil to raise the bed above the surrounding lawn and improve drainage, then replant the peonies and relocate shrubs to other beds.

Volunteer David Culham Digging Peonies

First, you dig up the peonies, as David Culham demonstrates. About 200 plants were lifted and placed at either end of the bed to await transplanting. Water had started to stagnate in the bed, causing the peonies to wilt.

Cutting Back Peonies before Transplanting

Root balls were kept out of the sun, and foliage is cut back before re-planting. Peonies were placed on plastic sheeting to aid ease of movement (drag them around) and to keep soil from piling on lawn.

Volunteer Terry Butt Helping rebuild Peony Bed

City staff with machines turn over soil and bring in new Triple Mix to top up and raise the bed. The finishing touches to leveling the new raised bed were done by hand and rake.

Terry and Para Leveling Raised Peony Bed

Tractor and trucks did most of the heavy lifting involved in this re-do. Peonies were transplanted as fast as new sections of the bed were ready, as seen in the photo above; Peonies with foliage pruned back are spaced on 24 inch centers and watered in. Peonies must be planted at the correct depth; Too deep or too shallow means no blooms.

New Border Peony Garden Outlined in Landscape Paint

The orange paint line marks the new south edge of the Peony Garden, about 6 feet in from the previous border. The lost garden space was recouped by adding onto the west side of the bed (photo below).

Extending the Garden Bed

The west side of the Peony Garden was extended as shown above to keep the total garden bed area about the same, or slightly larger than before. Staff and volunteers removed all the plants within a few hours of fast work. The large shrub in the foreground is one of several relocated to other shrub beds.

Para Kanp (foreground) Leveling New Bed

As fast as plants are being dug up, Para is already preparing the new part of the bed for receiving the transplants.

Revamped Peony Garden

David Culham supplied this photo showing the new, improved and totally redone Peony Garden. The grass in the foreground covers a large area formerly part of the bed. After the peonies were transplanted, a layer of mulch (make sure mulch does not touch stems) provides winter protection. New drip irrigation was laid among the plants.

A large, healthy iris that came from the garden center with the original peony plants has thrived at the south end of the bed; It's now in the center of the revitalized peony garden.

The bulk of the work (machinery, trucks) took place over two intensive days; The finishing touches (mulch, irrigation, hand-checking depths) took place over several weeks.

Everyone involved in this project, as well as many from the surrounding community, look forward to this popular part of the garden providing a great display next June.

Related Peony Posts: See Yellow Peony post and Peonies in Bloom.

Vandalism Peonies January 2012:

Burned Burlap Fencing BRG

Garden staff discovered vandalism that occurred the evening or night of Thursday January 5. About 30 peony plants were uprooted from the partly frozen soil and left with roots exposed. Though the peonies were replanted as soon as possible, Para does not expect them to survive. As well, burlap snow fencing on the adjacent rhodo bed was removed and burned at the base of this light pole in front of the peony bed.

To alert the community to watch for future vandalism, David Culham spoke to the Mississauga News (see story):

'[We] know police can't protect the garden at night, so we hope locals will keep their eyes peeled and report anything suspicious,' he told the News.

Blooms on the Roses at Brueckner Rhododendron Garden

2011-12-01T09:37:00.001-05:00

The end of November, and the blooms are still on the roses at the BRG in Port Credit! Brother Cadfael, Evelyn, Sutton Place, Iceberg, and The Ingenious Mr Fairchild reward garden visitors with a splash of white and pink. At this time of year, any flower in bloom anywhere in Canada is a real treat!

Late Blooming Pink Rose ~ Brother Cadfael

Fallen leaves blanket the ground, a nice contrast to a late-blooming Brother Cadfael.

Brother Cadfael ~ Pretty in Pink in December at BRG

Here's another blooming Brother Cadfael; though the occasional frosty morning has taken a toll on the summertime roses, this is still a good show.

Brother Cadfael Pink Rose and Rose Bud

One rose bud coming to bloom in December: Will the snow flurries stop the roses, or will the forecast of a sunny weekend keep the blooms alive? Time will tell.

The Ingenious Mr. Fairchild ~ Pink Rose

Not to be outdone, The Ingenious Mr Fairchild sported a few blooms of its own!

Perfect Pink Rose ~ Still Blooming Long After Summer

The occasional rose in bloom can be seen most years at Brueckner, but the mild weather this year brought forth more roses than usual. November, 2011, is the second warmest on record.

Evelyn ~ Peach Pink Late Fall Blooming Rose

Most Evelyn roses are done for this year, but a few are still flowering.

Iceberg White Rose in Bloom in Early December

True to its name, Iceberg seems to laugh at the cold, and several plants still had flowers.

Sutton Place Rose ~ White with Pink Edges

In summertime, Rosa Sutton Place shows more deep pink on its edges, but even in late November, it's still a gorgeous bloom. Several Sutton Place are over-wintering with Evelyn, and will be moved to a new bed in the spring.

On The Waterfront at Brueckner: Bouquet Blossoms on Beach

The fall color is not limited to the rose garden: The lakeshore at BRG showed some flowers of its own. A few days before, a strong wind and rain storm roared through, with resulting high waves on Lake Ontario crashing ashore at the BRG waterfront. The waves brought in remnants of a large bouquet of flowers.

Close Up of Blossoms on Beach at Brueckner

At first glance, it was hard to tell if the blossoms on the stones were real or artificial. A closer look proved they were indeed real live flowers.

Not to be outdone, a few Herb Roberts nestled under the rhododendrons were showing pink flowers.

The reds, golds, yellows and oranges of fall leaves may be over for the season., but how lovely to see flowers in the garden at this time of year.

High School Students HELP Garden Grow

2011-11-15T11:04:00.001-05:00

Students in the Humanitarian Experiential Leadership Program (H.E.L.P.) at Archbishop Romero made Brueckner Rhododendron Garden (BRG) their classroom on Thursday, September 22. Students and teacher worked with Garden volunteer David Culham to assist intransplanting dozens of Helianthus 'Lemon Queen'.

Students transplanting Lemon Queen

Lemon Queen is a perennial sunflower that provides a tall, bright-yellow show in late summer and early fall. The goal is to divide these sunflowers, then transplant them to border areas. These border areas tend to become invaded by thorny thistles that are difficult to control.

Lemon Queen in situ BRG West Garden

The students began their morning's work learning about 'Lemon Queen' (yellow, lower left in photo) in the west area of the Garden near parking lot entrance. Presently, thistle seed from these areas blows into established garden beds, and many hours of scratchy weeding is needed to remove it. As thistle and other weeds are removed, Lemon Queen (and other wildflowers or perennials) is planted.

Preparing to Transplant Lemon Queen

Mature sunflower plants are pruned back then dug up and placed in pots prior to moving to new location. Lemon Queen is hardy and fast growing, and provides an ongoing source of new plants for 'free'. David has been instrumental in volunteering his time and effort in relocating many wildflowers and perennials into heretofore bare and weedy areas. This class is another form of volunteering to expand and improve the Garden. See also Volunteers Archbishop Romero Sept 2010.

Perennial Bed BRG Main Entrance

A large stand of Lemon Queen located in the Perennial Bed located between the Garden office building and the parking lot was one of several plantings selected to be pruned, divided and potted. September is one of the best times of year to divide and transplant perennials; happily, this time frame coincides with the availability of these students.

Pots of Lemon Queen ready for transplanting

Plastic pots originally filled with nursery plants are used to hold Lemon Queen between uprooting and re-planting. These individual pots also make it easier to lay out and space plants prior to transplanting.

Lemon Queen Along Waterfront Trail near Lakeshore Road

Still damp with dew, mature Lemon Queen are cut back prior to digging and dividing. The plantings shown in the above photo are located along the Waterfront Trail west of Tecumseh Creek that divides the West and East gardens.

Students South Bridge at Lake Ontario

Nearly done their morning's class work, students head across Tecumseh Creek south bridge. Over the past several years, City staff and volunteers have been beautifying this area in the south east garden near the outlet of Tecumseh Creek into Lake Ontario. This south bridge is the main access from Godfreys Lane south entrance to the BRG, and as such, is seen by many visitors. Lemon Queen is a great addition to this area.

Planting Lemon Queen East Garden

This natural area is in the East Garden backing onto Godfreys Lane and close to Lakeshore Road. The border of this natural area was first cleared and tilled in preparation for new plants. The planting area is marked with stones as a temporary measure to alert lawn cutting crews that new plants are located here.

As the Lemon Queen grows next season, and becomes established, these rocks will be removed.

Over the past few years, City of Mississauga staff, with help of volunteers where and when possible, have 'moved mountains' to bring this once-neglected park into its position as Mississauga's first designated public garden, with one of Canada's largest rhododendron collections; A true showplace for the 'rhodies' and a year-round Garden for visitors and residents alike.

Thanks to Archbishop Romero HELP class for 'helping' the Garden grow!

Summer Fall Brueckner Rhododendron Garden Pictures

2011-10-11T10:15:00.000-04:00

Summer time and early fall are busy times at Brueckner Rhododendron Garden, and with much work to do to get the Garden ready for next year, there's not much time for taking pictures.

And so, it's with special thanks to BRGSC chair and hardworking volunteer gardener, David Culham, for submitting a few of his photos taken this summer of the Tzu Chi volunteers, and the flower beds of annuals, perennials and wildflowers, and the new swale.

Tzu Chi Volunteers Brueckner Rhododendron Garden

Tzu Chi volunteers met near the main annual flower garden near the entrance to begin their morning work of weeding several flower beds and cleaning the Lake Ontario shoreline. The tall, burgundy-brown leafed tree shown to the right is a weeping beech transplanted last summer. (Click on photo to enlarge, then click Back button to return to this page.)

Tess of the D'Urbervilles Red Rose

The Rose Garden enjoyed its best year ever, and many roses, such as Tess of the D'Urbervilles shown in the photo, are still blooming in mid October, notably Chuckles, a prolific charmer.

Tess in Full Bloom

David took these photos early one morning when the dew was still sparkling on the petals and leaves. This is the third full year for the Rose Garden, and fairly consistent care and cultivation over the past few seasons are now paying dividends in gorgeous blooms.

Native Wildflower Jewelweed BRG Natural Area

The delicate, late summer blooming jewelweed is also making a show of itself, thanks to diligent removal of thistles and other non-native wildflowers and weeds.

Lemon Queen and Jewelweed Native Wildflowers

Lemon Queen, variety of sunflower (in front of the jewelweed), is another 'good' wildflower that offers visitors a splash of colour in late summer. Hardy and pretty 'Lemon Queen' can grow up to 6 feet tall, transplants well, and is a favourite of birds.

Hostas in Bloom at Brueckner Rhododendron Garden

The Hosta Bed, located just to the west of the Garden office building near the parking lot, has also enjoyed its best season ever. In fact, the hostas have flourished to the point where staff and volunteers are splitting and transplanting dozens of hostas to other areas of the Garden.

Head gardener Para Kanp chose the hostas for this garden (most were sourced from the Netherlands) and designed the bed with massed plantings for maximum impact. Bonus: This hosta bed will provide all the hostas the BRG is likely to ever need.

Annual - Perennial Garden Bed at BRG

This is the view of the main annual garden from the path linking the parking lot and the garden office building (bunker). The pink and white balls are, of course, the lovely cleome, that's drought and heat and pest tolerant/proof, tall and comely: in short, a great annual that thoughtfully seeds itself.

A very tall and bushy canna lily is peeking out top right, and will be lifted before winter. Geraniums (pink) and Dusty Miller (pale gray), and a clump of ornamental grass complete this picture.

Perennial Bed Brown-eyed Susans, Lemon Queen, Cleome at BRG

This perennial bed just north of the bunker is known to staff and volunteers as 'Daphne's Bed' in honour of BRGSC member Daphne and her contribution to this flower bed. In June, the peonies (located on the far side in this view), offer a striking early summer show.

Successful Swale Solves Drainage Issues

With high water tables under much of this Lake Ontario shoreline Garden, drainage can be a problem. Here, head gardener, Para, and staff created a shallow swale (ditch) to direct rainwater away from plantings towards Tecumseh Creek.

Grass seed sprouted in short order, and the new swale blends into the landscape, yet it can handle with ease the heaviest rainstorm.

As Fall progresses, more winter preparations for next year's Garden display are underway, such as transplanting shrubs and perennials, and planting hundreds of tulips.

If you can spare an hour or two here and there, drop by the Garden weekdays and ask Para or David (chances are, both will be there, working away!) what you can do to help.

There are always thistles, dandelions and other weeds to be pulled, and diligent weeding will have most of them eradicated over the coming years.

Yellow Orange Flowers Late Summer, Fall Blooms at BRG

2011-09-06T19:12:00.004-04:00

Late summer -- early fall bloomers offer a yellow and orange 'Fall Colours' preview at Brueckner Rhododendron Garden (Mississauga): Helianthus "Lemon Queen" (yellow perennial sunflower); Rudbeckia (Brown Eyed Susans); Impatiens Capensis (Orange Jewelweed; and Physalis alkekengi (Orange Chinese Lanterns).

Helianthus "Lemon Queen"

Lemon Queen, also known as perennial sunflower, are the tall flashes of bright lemon yellow gracing the garden perimeter as well as making a show of themselves in the perennial beds near the main Garden entrance on Lakeshore Road West.

Helianthus "Lemon Queen" in Perennial Bed

Lemon Queens are easy to care for and to transplant. Some plants grow up to six feet high, and provide a lavish display at the back of a garden for minimal effort. They are pest and disease resistant, and drought tolerant. Honey bees and hummingbirds love them!

Lemon Queen Close Up Flowers

Here's a closer look at the daisy-like flowers with deeper yellow center. Note the clear lemon colour.

Rudbeckia (Brown Eyed Susans)

Another summer into fall bloomer is the perennial Rudbeckia, also known as Brown Eyed Susans. Like Lemon Queen, Rudbeckia is a hardy, prolific bloomer that is very easy to grow. If Rudbeckia has any faults, it's that it grows so well and spreads readily enough that it will want to take over.

Lemon Queen with Rudbeckia, Purple Coneflower

But Rudbeckia's prolific growth is a bonus, as plants can be divided or split off and transplanted to other parts of the garden. In the picture above taken at the main perennial bed, tall Lemon Queen is at the back of the bed, Brown-Eyed Susan at the front, and a glimpse of Purple Coneflower (also a member of the Rudbeckia family) to the left center.

Impatiens Capensis ~ Orange Jewelweed)

You know it's September without looking at a calendar when you see Impatiens Capensis in bloom. Also known as Orange Jewelweed, jewelweed or Touch-Me-Not, the tall plants can been found along the naturalized areas in Brueckner Rhododendron Garden (BRG).

Annual Jewelweed ~ Native North American

The North America native plant Jewelweed likes to grow along creeks and waterways, and can be found along Tecumseh Creek in both the East and the West Garden. This gorgeous plant in the photo found root at the BRG nursery, near a clump of yellow-blooming Goldenrod. See this site for interesting facts and trivia about Jewelweed.


Physalis alkekengi (Chinese Lanterns)

A small grouping of Chinese lanterns (Physalis alkekengi) are in fruit now near the south bridge across Tecumseh Creek. Also called Bladder cherry, Japanese lantern and Winter cherry, Chinese lanterns are a relative of Cape Gooseberries.

Wild Aster family ~ Blue flowered Chicory

In ditches along roadsides, at the garden's edges, along trails and into woodlands, the pale blue Cichorium intybus (wild chicory, in the Aster family) complements the yellow and orange fall blooming plants. (See Wikipedia for details.)

White Flowered Rhododendron September Blooms

As if to remind us that this is, after all, a Rhododendron Garden, this white rhododendron set forth a few blooms this week. Each fall, one or another of the rhodies opens a few flowers just to stake a claim.

In Bloom Now at BRG Port Credit

As well as Lemon Queen, Jewelweed, Brown-Eyed Susans, coneflowers, chicory and Chinese lanterns, look for these blooming plants:

Roses -- still putting on a fairly nice display this late in the season
Hydtangeas
Russian Sage (feather fronds in light purple)
Chrysanthemums all in bud and ready to pop
Coleus
Cleome (those tall round pink and white flowers in the annual bed)

BRG: Annual Flowers in Full Bloom At Brueckner Mississauga

2011-08-31T18:54:00.000-04:00

Annual flowers are in full bloom at Brueckner Rhododendron Garden, and the flower beds near the BRG and Port Credit signs at Godfreys Lane and Lakeshore Road West in Mississauga are especially stunning.

Yet if you usually enter Brueckner Rhododendron Garden via the parking lot or the Waterfront Trail, chances are you've yet to see one of the prettiest flower beds in the Garden.

As well as annuals such as coleus, lobelia, geraniums and vincas, there are perennials and shrubs, including a stunning PeeGee hydrangea.

And right now, all these flowers and plants are at their peak. Have a look:

BRG Sign at Lakeshore Road West and Godfreys Lane

This annual flowers garden is on the south side of Lakeshore Road West (west of Mississauga Road and the Credit River -- see map). It marks one of three main entrances into Brueckner Garden. (The fluffy white area to the left of the sign is a PeeGee hydrangea. Other hydrangeas are located to the right of the sign.)

Perennial Grasses, Coleus, Chrysanthemums

Coleus in full bloom are truly stunning! While bright sunlight sets the colors ablaze, these stunners even glow on overcast days. There is a vibrant stand of perennial grass adding architectural interest. Chrysanthemums are still in tight buds, promising a good show in a few more weeks.

Coleus Full Bloom at Brueckner Rhododendron Garden

Although rhododendrons and azaleas are the 'Stars of the Garden', selected annuals, (including these gorgeous coleus pictured above), and perennials, shrubs, trees and wildflowers play their parts in making the BRG an all-season garden. (Don't forget to check the Rose Garden for some late summer blooms.)

Lakeshore Road West Annual Flowers Garden

In this view, I stood on Lakeshore Road West (south side) and looked west towards the creek, Waterfront Trail and parking lot (Main Entrance). This area between Godfreys Lane and the creek (Tecumseh Creek) is known as the East Garden.

BRG East Garden Rose of Sharon

Rose of Sharon is in full bloom in the former Lily Garden east of Tecumseh Creek and close to the Lakeshore Road sidewalk. Two footbridges connect this East Garden to the main Garden, as does the sidewalk along Lakeshore Road.

If you walk west along Lakeshore, you'll also notice more perennials, shrubs and wildflowers (native plants) as you near the Main Entrance. More wildflowers are in bloom along the creek as you walk south towards the Lake (see wildflowers pictures here).

Rose of Sharon, Waterfront Trail, Tecumseh Creek

Lushly foliaged and covered in flowers, Rose of Sharon shows how well it responded to hard pruning last Spring (see prune Rose of Sharon details here). There are several of these late-summer bloomers in the Garden. Look, too, for the bright red, pink and mauve phlox in this area, as well as in the Peony Garden.

Coleus End of Summer Stars in the Annual Garden

Day lilies foliage makes a fine backdrop for the bright lights of coleus. This particular annual flower bed is also dressed up in spring with flowering bulbs, and even a fritillaria!

Perennial Grass, Coleus, Landscape Stones in East Garden BRG

One final photo of the annual - perennial - shrub garden near the Port Credit sign at Godfreys Lane and Lakeshore. If you're out for a walk at Brueckner Rhododendron Garden, do take the time to visit the East Garden and take in the wonderful annual show!

Lake Ontario Lookout Brueckner Rhododendron Garden Port Credit

Located almost directly diagonal across the Garden from the Lakeshore-Godfreys Lane flower bed is the Lake Ontario lookout in the south west Garden. Though this wonderful spot has always been referred to as the Lookout, that will soon change.

Another Lake Ontario lookout is being established a few hundred meters east of here.

My thoughts are that the lookout (photo above) become known as the Top Lookout; the new lookout will become known as the Lower Lookout. Right now, a split rail fence is being built at the Lower Lookout, and three new benches will be added to the concrete bases already in place.

Tzu Chi Volunteers at BRG: Roses, Waterfront, Rhododendrons

2011-08-28T15:02:00.004-04:00

Volunteers from Tzu Chi West Toronto Office cultivated the Rose Garden, cleaned up the Lake Ontario waterfront, and tended rhododendron and azalea beds on Saturday August 28, 2011.

Here are some pictures of this much appreciated group of volunteers who make such a difference to the look and health of the BRG garden beds.

Tzu Chi West Toronto at Brueckner Rhododendron Garden

Early yesterday morning, about 65 Tzu Chi West Toronto members (teens to seniors) gathered at Brueckner Rhododendron Garden, ready to begin a morning's work as volunteer gardeners. The sign in the left foreground marks their participation in the City of Mississauga's 'Litter Not' program, with the BRG as their special project.

What began a few years ago as a Garden and Lakeshore litter pick-up has grown into working in the rest of the Garden as well. Several times each year, members of Tzu Chi come out to the Garden, doing whatever tasks Para Kanp, BRG head gardener, asks of them. Their work in the Garden is just one of many philanthropic projects for this busy group.

Tzu Chi West Toronto in Rose Garden

The volunteers split into three groups. One group worked in the Rose Garden. Though the roses had been weeded a few weeks earlier, hot summer days encouraged weed growth as well as rose growth. Behind the fence, you will see another group who worked in the Heritage Rhododendron garden.

Tzu Chi Volunteers at Heritage Rhododendron Garden

Here's another look at the second Tzu Chi group working in the heritage rhododendron beds behind the split rail fence. The third group can be seen at the gazebo as they get ready to walk over the hill to clean up litter and debris on the Lake Ontario shore line.

Lake Ontario Shoreline Clean Up Tzu Chi Group

Here's a closer look at the Tzu Chi group busy cleaning up the western part of the BRG lake shore. Lake Ontario has high water levels due to summer rains, so to get around the large rock breakwater, this group had to walk back up the steep bank to continue with the clean up of the eastern area.

Rhododendron Azalea Bed Clean Up

Their cultivating and weeding in the Heritage Garden completed, this group of Tzu Chi volunteers moved across the garden trail to work in the hillside rhodo and azalea beds that overlook the Rose Garden. Morning mists lend an ethereal look to this shady hillside.

Rose Garden Tended by Tzu Chi West Toronto

Behind a large pile of weeds and pruned rose canes (lower right, photo), Tzu Chi volunteers work steadily in the Rose Garden. After the rose garden weeding, there were about a dozen of these large weed piles waiting to be removed by City staff.

Para Kanp (right), David Culham Thank Tzu Chi West Toronto

Para Kanp (far right), and David Culham, chair of BRG Stewardship Committee (BRGSC) (shown here standing near white pail) thanked the Tzu Chi group for their hard work, done cheerfully. He expressed appreciation for their contribution to the overall appearance and health of the Garden, and applauds their giving back to their communties.

Tzu Chi accomplished in a few hours what would take a few volunteers several days, he said, adding, "Many hands do indeed make light work."

Tzu Chi West Toronto is a fine example of the volunteerism and community participation that are hallmarks of Canadian society, said Culham.

BRG Mixed Bed Rose Garden Before Weeding

Here''s a picture of the Mixed Bed in the Rose Garden before Saturday's weeding. Though weeded only a few weeks earlier, the soil is barely visible through the prolific weeds.

BRG Rose Bed After Weeding

Here's the same Mixed Rose Bed after Tzu Chi completed weeding and cultivating. This is great preparation for fall compost and in-fill rose planting in the Rose Garden. (The dark lines on top of the soil in the photo are drip irrigation lines.)

Tess of the D'Urbervilles Rose with Japanese Beetles

The volunteers noted the presence of Japanese beetles, shown here on Tess of the D'urbervilles red roses. Where possible, these beetles were hand picked. Persistent beetle control seems to be making a difference, as many healthy buds are evident.

Tess of the D'Urbervilles Red Rosebud Blooming

With the weed removal and cultivation, it's hoped the Rose Garden will continue to attract visitors over the coming months as Summer moves into Fall.

Thanks again to Tzu Chi West Toronto Office for another job well done!

Read how to volunteer at BRG here.

Hydrangeas Blooming Brueckner Rhododendron Garden : Rhododendron Companion Plants, Mississauga Ontario

2011-08-04T19:42:00.005-04:00

Hydrangeas, companion plants for rhododendrons, are in full bloom now at BRG. Look for them throughout the garden, including the heritage (Brueckner) rhodo beds, the woodland areas and the entrances off Lakeshore Road West at Shawnmarr and at Godfreys Lane.

PeeGee Hydrangea Godfreys Lane at Lakeshore Rd. West Mississauga

Look for PeeGee hydrangeas throughout the Garden. This hydrangea is at the BRG sign near Godfreys Lane, at the large annual bed. Opposite this PeeGee are the pink hydrangeas in the picture below.

Pink Blooms Hydrangeas

Pink hydrangeas at the large annual bed near the Port Credit and BRG sign south of Lakeshore Road West at Godfreys Lane. This area is considered part of the East Garden, so if you are parked in the main lot at Shawnmarr, walk across the bridge or along the Lakeshore Road sidewalk to have a look. (see bottom photo)

Pale Pink Hydrangea Blossom Close Up

Close up of large pink hydrangea blossom.

White Hydrangeas Interim Place Memorial Plaque Garden

Just east of the main parking lot at Lakeshore Road West, look for the memorial garden in honour of Interim Place original location. Stop and rest a while on the benches located here.

Standard PeeGee Annual Bed Main Entrance BRG

Look for this standard PeeGee hydrangea in the main annual bed just south of the parking lot entrance to the Garden. It's in a sea of pink geraniums.

Blue Mauve Pink Hydrangea Brueckner Heritage Rhodo Garden

The hydrangeas in the main heritage Brueckner beds on the west hill side are easy to spot from the main trail as you head into the Garden.

White Hydrangeas BRG Heritage Rhododendron Beds Mississauga

Walk through a gate in the split rail fence to enter the hillside garden. The rhododendrons won't be blooming again until next spring, but their companion plantings -- hydrangeas, holly, Pieris Japonica (Japanese andromeda) are stepping up to the Blooming plate.

Blue Pink White Hydrangeas Split Rail Fence Rhododendron Garden

This is the view of the hydrangeas behind the split rail fence, and below the hillside garden, near the Rose Garden (The Roses are now signposted according to type.)

Annual Garden Lakeshore Road Godfreys Lane Mississauga ON

Annual flower bed at Port Credit, Brueckner Garden sign, Lakeshore and Godfreys Lane. Though referred to as an 'annual bed', the plantings in this area include roses, lilies, shrubs and grasses. The coleus are truly amazing this year. This photo doesn't do them justice!

The recent heat wave --- all of July and into August -- coupled with good soil, irrigation and fertilizer has set the weeds into a massive growth spurt as well.

Weeding is underway throughout the Garden, but if you'd like to volunteer your help, please do drop by and pull a few (hundred).

I also took a short video of the Japanese beetles that are finishing off the meal they made of the rose garden.

Rose Garden Design Legend Map: Name That Rose

2011-06-28T17:08:00.003-04:00

Almost four years in the making, the Rose Garden design has a legend to help name that rose!

It's not perfect, but this map of the rose beds at Brueckner Rhododendron Garden will serve the purpose for now. And just in time, as the Rose Garden is in fine bloom this week. Have a look:

Rose Garden Design and Legend for BRG Rose Beds

Click on the above image to view this legend / map in a larger size, then click the Back button to return to this page. Before you visit the Garden (BRG map), you may want to print out the legend to bring with you.

Brueckner Rhododendron Garden Mississauga Ontario

The Rose Garden is just over the rise from the parking lot entrance on Lakeshore Road West at Shawnmarr, and so is not readily visible. Note, too, the hosta beds (next to No. 9) as they are coming into bloom as well.

Rose Garden Design Legend No. 4: Scentimental Rose

Here's a closer look at No. 4 in the legend: Scentimental. It seems no two Scentimental blooms are the same. And they are very fragrant! Just to the rear of Scentimental is Brother Cadfael; past that, in No. 2 is Evelyn. See in detail on this post. I see by the date, the roses are in bloom almost to the same day as they bloomed last year. Last year this time, most of the rhodos and azaleas had finished blooming; this year, there are a fair number of rhodos still in bloom.

Scentimental Roses in Full Bloom BRG Port Credit

Here's another picture of Scentimental. This year and for the first time, all the roses in the Garden were hard pruned, and they are looking great. The white roses seen in the right background are Iceberg.

Eglantyne Pink Rose in Full Bloom

The roses in this bed in the picture above were the subject of a lively discussion amongst Garden committee members: Was this Brother Cadfael? Eglantyne? The Ingenious Mr. Fairchild? All those roses are pink. (It's likely apparent why we were in need of a rose garden design map and legend.)

But Para's (the BRG head gardener) memory and rose knowledge trumped the committee's as he proved that this rose bed is Eglantyne.

Tess of the d'Urbervilles (Red Rose) and Iceberg (White Rose)

Some of the original Tess of the d'Urbervilles roses didn't make it through the past few winters, so Iceberg (white) roses were planted on the perimeter of this bed (No. 11). The red-and-white roses mimic the colors of the Canadian flag, and bloom in time for Canada Day, July 1.

Abraham Darby Yellow Rose No.6 BRG Rose Garden Layout

Abraham Darby (No. 6) is the other yellow / apricot colored rose in the Garden, and shows a deeper orange/ apricot center. Evelyn (No. 2) can look the same when it first blooms, or is in bud, but Evelyn fades to pinky-peach, or peachy-pink.

Iceberg White Rose in Full Bloom at Brueckner Garden

White rose Iceberg is looking fine in its own bed (No. 5) as well as framing the crimson Tess in No. 10. With any or all of these pictures, click to enlarge, then click Back.

Rose Garden Viewed from Waterfront Trail

Here's how the roses look from the Waterfront Trail along Tecumseh Creek.

Do stop by and 'smell the roses' this Canada holiday long weekend! Especially if you are planning to come to Port Credit to take part in the July 1 parade, entertainment and fireworks.

The Rose Garden The Early Years: See how the rose garden looked when first it was laid out and designed.

Pink, White, Red Peonies Blossoming This Week

2011-06-22T11:23:00.001-04:00

The peonies are in bloom at Brueckner Rhododendron Garden but rain in the forecast could make for a short blooming period this year. Here are some pictures of a few of the stellar blossoms showing their true colors of pink, white and red this week. See pictures of the rare yellow tree peony in bloom here.

Peony Blossom Deep Pink Border Light Pink Center

This gorgeous deep pink bordered peony flower has a double lighter pink center. Look for it (hopefully it's not been knocked about by the rains) in the main peony bed along the Waterfont Trail near the garden building.

Blooming Peony Garden with Blooming Rhododendrons

This unusual cool spring weather shifted the blooming times to a few weeks later in the season. Last year, the peonies were blooming on June 10 -- see these peonies in bloom here. There are still rhododendrons in bloom (background hillside), much later in June than usual.

Pink Tree Peony in Bloom

Several tree peonies have already bloomed and gone for the season, but a few tree peonies can still be seen amidst the bushier peonies.

Pink White and Red Peonies in Bloom on First Day of Summer 2011

Delicate pink peony, deep red peonies with two double white peonies in the Peony Garden along the Tecumseh Creek trail. Mulching last fall went a long way to keeping out weeds, and City of Mississauga park staff did a thorough weed earlier this year. As the peonies fill in and grow larger, extensive weeding should no longer be necessary. See the hosta garden near the peony beds to see how well hostas do their own weed control.

Peony with White Frilled Outer Petals, Double White-Yellow Center

Look at this beauty! At first glance, this white frilled peony with the pom pom white and yellow center may seem to be one white peony among many. Take a close look at every peony to see variations according to variety. These flowers are a photographer's delight!

White Peony with Yellow Daisy Center

This yellow daisy center white peony is likely a Top Brass peony but I couldn't be certain. See Peony Top Brass from June 25 , 2009, which was a later blooming season two years ago, the first season for the Peony Garden. The white space at the photo bottom left is also a white peony.

White Peony Blossom Opening

Here's another white peony with frilled outer petals and double center, but the center on this flower has less yellow than the one in the photo above. While these peonies all had name tags when planted, over the past two years, most labels are gone. Some got lost or blew away over the winters, and others were taken by peony fanciers looking to buy the same plants for their own gardens.

Deep Pink Bush Peonies in Bloom

An early morning sprinkler left its mark with water drops on these deep pink peonies. These pink peonies as well as some red peonies can be found in the perennial bed on the north west side of the Garden office building (washroom building). In this sunnier location, these peonies are the first to come into bloom at the Garden. Since they line the perimeter of the perennial bed, they do need a bit of staking to keep them from drooping on the lawn (outside) edge of this bed.

Roses In Bloom at Brueckner Garden

This week, the roses are coming into bloom as well, despite the best efforts of aphids to munch the blossoms. Early bloomers are Evelyn, Scentimental, and the mystery deep orange rose.

The Peony Garden has been re-vamped: See This Post January 2012.

Yellow Tree Peony in Bloom (Sort of)

2011-06-21T14:44:00.004-04:00

The only yellow tree peony in Brueckner Rhododendron Garden is in bloom. Sort of.

On Friday, this unusual yellow peony had three fat buds. Today (Tuesday), only one yellow peony flower is blooming. The other two buds that would have opened yesterday or Sunday have been cut off in their prime; all that's left is the cut on the stalk that marks their spot.

Thanks to a light-fingered flower thief, all that's left for the rest of us to admire and take pictures of is this one flower. And so, in case this last yellow tree peony flower is cut off in its prime, here are a few pictures to show how gorgeous it is. And how gorgeous the other two blossoms would have been.

Yellow Tree Peony Three Buds

Here is a picture I took on Friday. The first peony bud is front and center, and the second bud at the top of the bush directly above it. These are the two peony blossoms that were removed over the past few days.

Who would do such a thing? Someone who is simply thoughtless, or perhaps disassociated from the community around them. Or someone with an undeserved and unwarranted sense of entitlement.

Whatever prompted someone to think, "Oh ! Pretty! Let me just cut off those flowers and take them home with me," likely never thought that this yellow tree peony was more than just a pretty blossom, that it might have a history. And it does.

Why get upset about two peony flowers? It's what they represent: All the time and effort to get this unusual plant to bloom. That's reason enough in a public garden where plants are meant to be enjoyed by all. Three years of waiting for it to bloom and when it does, and before everyone can see it, someone cuts it off.

Yellow Tree Peony With One Bud Removed

Here is the yellow tree peony with a red circle marking where the first bud and flower used to be.

Time and effort and public garden issues aside, we are upset because this is Rob's Yellow Tree Peony. Two summers ago, Rob, a longtime volunteer and plant donor (Rose Garden, Peony Garden, Lily Garden), came across this yellow peony. His first thought was to buy it and bring it to Port Credit. It would be a wonderful addition to the peony garden at the BRG.

Yellow Tree Peony with Second Bud Removed

But then he reconsidered: Several tree peonies in the peony garden had already been dug up and removed by plant thieves. This unusual yellow tree peony would surely be a target. Instead, he put it in the care of a friend while he thought about when and where to plant it at Brueckner.

The friend put the yellow tree peony, pot and all, into the ground in a sunny location in her garden. As it was mid-summer, there would be no room to plant it until fall. In October, the yellow tree peony was given its own spot in a location that would see good spring and summer sun, yet be protected from the worst of the winter winds. Well mulched, the peony settled in for the winter.

Last June, the friend was moving, so the yellow tree peony was dug up and transplanted into Brueckner Garden.

But this yellow peony would not be planted in the peony bed, Rob decided. Instead, he chose a sunny location in the main annual bed, close to the path where visitors enter the garden. In this location, he reasoned, everyone would be sure to see it, and to admire its unusual color.

With this second transplanting in less than a year, the yellow tree peony didn't bloom. But it came through the winter in fine shape, and we all waited to see if it would finally bloom during this, its third year.

And so this spring, with Rob now too ill to come to the Garden, head gardener Para Kanp kept special watch on the yellow tree peony, likely the last plant Rob will ever donate. Bush peonies throw out buds like they are free, but tree peonies are more frugal with their blossoms, so we were happy with these three.

Yellow Tree Peony ~ Third Bud in Full Bloom

And finally, here is the yellow tree peony in full bloom. This one blossom is all that remains. But isn't it gorgeous and well worth waiting for! What a wonderful addition to the Garden!

One bloom is better than none, I suppose. It's likely that the thief simply didn't see the third flower, tucked in the back as it is, so we are lucky to have it.

Yellow Tree Peony Red Center, in Flower at BRG Port Credit

This yellow tree peony will be moved to a new location, says Para Kanp, a location less visible to passing eyes and sticky fingers. Those who know where it is can enjoy it.

Like so many plants and trees in Brueckner, this is a memorial plant, one of dozens in the Garden. Some garden beds, plants and trees are marked with plaques, though many are not. But every plant is precious, and represents years of nurturing and care, of waiting for it to grow, to blossom. That's the payout for gardeners: Seeing the fruits of your labours.

Why steal plants from a public garden? I don't know. Last summer, the Toronto Star did a story about plant thieves in that city. Apparently stealing plants is more common than most of us would think, and it's not a high priority crime situation. Even when thieves are caught in the act on video, likely nothing will be done.

But gardeners are nothing if not optimistic, and there's always next year. And with a bit of care and lots of luck, next June, I can post photos of this yellow tree peony with lots of buds and gorgeous blossoms.

Then we can all admire Rob's yellow tree peony, the last and rarest of all the hundreds of plants he gave to the Garden, and the people of Mississauga.

See pictures of pink, white, red peonies in the Peony Garden here.
See pictures of previous peony blooms and another peony theft here.
See picture of Revamped peony garden, and new vandalism here.

Be aware that interfering with anything in our city parks is contrary to this by-law, which states, in part:
THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF MISSISSAUGA PARKS BY-LAW 186-05

15. While in a park, no person shall:

Plant, prune, remove or damage any plant, shrub, flower, flowerbed, bush, sod,
grass, or any other vegetation unless otherwise authorized by the Commissioner;
or (133-06)

Mississauga Mayor McCallion Rhododendron Garden Tour

2011-06-17T20:02:00.008-04:00

Mississauga's mayor, Hazel McCallion, toured Brueckner Rhododendron Garden this afternoon. Today's visit had been rescheduled from a planned tour several weeks earlier. To the delight of all, and thanks to this cool spring season, many rhododendrons and azaleas were still in bloom.

David Culham, Mayor McCallion in Brueckner Garden

David Culham, chair of the BRG stewardship committee, outlined for Mayor McCallion the progress that had been made since her visit last year, showing her the hundreds of additional plants moved from the former Hancock Nursery last season.

Mayor McCallion, BRG Visitors in Heritage Garden

With the rhododendrons and azaleas in full bloom, and the peony and rose buds opening, there were many visitors to the Garden, like these fellows who stopped to chat with the Mayor McCallion in the Brueckner Heritage Garden. A wedding party limo pulled in shortly after, and members of the wedding party asked to pose for photos with Her Worship, who as always, graciously complied.

David Culham, Mayor McCallion at Brueckner Memorial Garden

While touring the hillside slope of the Brueckner memorial garden area on the west border of the BRG, Culham pointed out new plantings done over the past year. Currently, a number of hostas, Sweet William and Solomon Seal plants are being transplanted from this area to other parts of the Garden.

David Culham with Mayor McCallion

Culham, who also oversees Garden volunteers, shows Mayor McCallion where he had recently dug up some Solomon Seal to make room for rhododendrons and azaleas.

McCallion, Culham Tour BRG East Garden

Since Brueckner Rhododendron Garden covers nearly 18 acres (7.19 hectares), Culham used the golf cart to take the mayor to tour the East Garden. The pale purple Herbert azaleas can be seen middle right in this photo. Mayor McCallion was seeing these seven new East Garden rhodo and azalea beds (planted last summer and fall) for the first time.

Para Kanp (Head Gardener), Mayor McCalllion, David Culham

BRG head gardener, Para Kanp, and the Mayor discussed plantings and planting methods, as well as projects planned for the Garden. Upcoming improvements not directly related to gardening include signage for the Garden, an interpretive map, signs for important Carolinian forest trees and the new seating area overlooking Lake Ontario.

Culham, McCallion at Interim Place Garden, BRG Port Credit

Mayor McCallion spent some time at the Interim Place Garden, near the main entrance, where a plaque marks this as the site of the first Interim Place women's shelter, of particular interest to the mayor.

Mauve PomPom Rhododendron with Variegated Leaf Hosta

The still-blooming, late-blooming rhododendrons, like this mauve pompom, backdropped the more serious, business side of the tour of this unique City of Mississauga garden.

BRG Lake Ontario Lookout, Mississauga Ontario

Another addition since Mayor McCallion's last visit are the three new benches at the lookout over Lake Ontario. Firmly placed on solid concrete footing, these benches are set to serve visitors for many years to come. The new lake lookout seating area is planned a few hundred meters to the east, across the south bridge.

Other issues of interest : Dogs off leash in the Garden (it's NOT a Mississauga leash free zone, despite the beliefs of several dog owners); picnic tables are located only in the East Garden and only for as long as space permits; and the work done by volunteers such as weeding and removing thousands of spent rhododendron blossoms.

Pilfered Plantings: The mayor was plainly shocked to learn that someone had dug up and taken away one of the new rhododendrons the night before. While this type of plant removal or taking of cuttings is rare and contrary to a City of Mississauga bylaw, unfortunately, it does happen. See two instances of plant pilfering: Yellow Tree Peony flowers and peony plants.

Overall, the Mayor expressed her appreciation of the work done by staff and volunteers since last year, and said that she looks forward to seeing the Garden in bloom next year.

And the Garden looks forward to showing itself off to her!

Marta Brueckner Rhododendron Garden Tour

2011-06-14T18:34:00.001-04:00

Marta Brueckner visited the family namesake garden in Port Credit today to enjoy the rhododendrons in full bloom, including the Brueckner hybrid Hot Dawn. David Culham, who worked closely with the late Dr Brueckner to establish this Rhododendron Garden, accompanied Mrs. Brueckner through the Heritage Garden beds.

David Culham and Marta Brueckner at BRG Port Credit

Perfect weather for a special tour with Marta Brueckner, shown above with David Culham, chair of the Garden Stewardship Committee. Mrs. Brueckner, a longtime Mississauga resident, tours the Garden several times each year to see how the rhodos are faring.

Marta Brueckner with David Culham, Heritage Rhododendron Garden

This year's cool spring weather has extended the rhododendron and azalea blooming season beyond the usual first week in June. A number of rhododendron varieties are still in fat buds likely to open by this weekend. If the weather remains fairly cool for the next week, rhododendrons may still be blooming by Canada Day, July 1, the latest date in recent memory.

David Culham, Marta Brueckner with Para Kanp, Head Gardener

BRG Head Gardener, Para Kanp, joined Culham and Marta Brueckner to talk rhododendrons, a favourite subject for all three. About eight years ago, Kanp was instrumental in identifying a fungus attacking the rhodos. Prompt treatment saved dozens of rhododendrons.

BRG Visitors Chat with Marta Brueckner

Culham introduced Marta Brueckner to this group who happened to be visiting the Garden at the same time. To their delight, she chatted with them and posed for photographs, and confirmed when asked that yes, she was formerly a piano teacher.

Marta Brueckner and David Culham in Rhododendron Garden

Another picture of the nonagenarian 'Lady of the Hour' Marta Brueckner in the Heritage Rhododendron Garden chatting with visitors. While she toured this rhododendron bed on foot, Culham continued the tour through the rest of this extensive garden by golf cart.

Rhododendrons, Azaleas in Brueckner Memorial Garden

Rhododendrons in full bloom are what all concerned had come to see, and they put on a glorious show. Early bloomers such as the Brueckner hybrid rhododendron Bluenose (photos) and PJMs (photos) had flowered a month ago, and were finished for this year.

Rhododendron and Azaleas in Full Bloom BRG Port Credit Ontario

Extensive plantings in 2010 resulted in a spectacular blooming show this year, thanks to the addition of hundreds of rhododendrons and azaleas, plus other trees and shrubs. Most of the new plantings were transplants from the former Hancock Nurseries on Camilla Road.

Brueckner Rhododendron Hybrid 'Hot Dawn'

Of special note is the fully blooming though still diminutive Brueckner rhododendron hybrid Hot Dawn, shown here in its bright red glory. The blooms almost overshadow any foliage, with many blossoms on each plant. A number of Hot Dawn are planted on the hillside that slopes down towards Lake Ontario near the three-bench lookout.

If you haven't yet seen the rhododendrons in bloom, then do come visit in the next week or 10 days. While we can't promise a chance to meet Marta Brueckner, you may run into Mayor McCallion. But even without celebrity appearances, we can safely say you'll enjoy this rare, late-season blooming treat.

(But should you miss the rhododendrons, the peonies are popping open as I type. )

Lemon, Mandarin, White Lights Azaleas Blooming at BRG

2011-06-07T19:37:00.008-04:00

Three related azaleas are currently in bloom at BRG in Mississauga: Lemon Lights, Mandarin Lights and White Lights.

As you may infer from their names, they reflect the colors of their blossoms: Yellow, Orange and White. Here are this week's pictures.

Lemon Lights Azalea in Bud East Garden

Here's a photo of Lemon Lights in bud; look for this yellow azalea across the foot bridge(s) in the East Garden. From the first -- north -- bridge (closest to Lakeshore Road West), the bright blooms in new rhododendron and azalea beds will show you the way.

Lemon LIghts Azalea in Full Bloom

Most of the garden beds in the East Garden were added late last summer, so this is the first blooming season for the rhodos and azalea since transplanting. Good planting techniques, good mulching and winterizing helped every plant make it through the winter in good condition.

Mandarin Lights Azalea at BRG Port Credit ON

Mandarin Lights Azalea is a real attention grabber no matter where it's located. This beauty can be seen from the Garden office building south side; it's the blaze of orange on the hillside beds facing the office.

Mandarin Lights Azalea Full Blooms

Here's a closer look at Mandarin Lights azalea from the hillside north-facing bed. In this photo, the view is south east towards the East Garden.

Azalea Mandarin Lights in bed with Rhododendrons

Looking in the opposite direction from the photo above, here's Mandarin Lights and friends blooming in a bed that faces west towards the Brueckner Heritage Rhododendron beds.

White Lights Azalea in Bud ~ Port Credit ON

A few weeks ago, White Lights azalea was the first of the 'Lights' to show buds, but now all three 'Lights' azaleas are in full bloom. Look for White Lights and Lemon Lights near each other, in the East Garden, and both types helpfully sporting large clear name tags!

Three White Lights Azalea Blossoms

The 'Lights' azaleas all have large, exotic looking blooms, and are all hardy in colder climates. White Lights tinge of salmon pink will turn to pure white as the blossom matures. White Lights can handle full sun, too.

White Lights Azalea With a Pink Tinge

The White Lights azaleas are especially gorgeous, and in this picture, still showing their blush of youthful pink. And their short stature underscores their youth: White Lights can grow up to seven feet tall.

BRG Head Gardener, Committee Members Garden Tour Group

While the weather wasn't clear and sunny for the annual Rhododendron Garden Tour, the rains did hold off for the afternoon.

Head Gardener, Para Kanp, and Brueckner Rhododendron Garden Stewardship Committee members led an enthusiastic group (shown here in the East Garden near the 'Lights' azaleas) throughout the various plantings.

The focus, of course, was on the rhododendrons and azaleas, now in full and glorious bloom.

See maps, location and if you'd like to come help grow the garden, get in touch!

But come back often throughout the year to see what else in in bloom: The peonies are bursting any day now, the Rose Garden is in bud, and the wildflowers throughout the Garden are in bloom now and throughout the summer and fall.

Hot weather this week will accelerate rhodos and azaleas blooming, so plan a walk in the Garden as soon as possible to catch this once-a-year Rhodie Show :-)
See Mississauga News article for more.

Japanese Cherries, Apple Trees, Redbuds, Rhodos, Azaleas in Bloom This Week For the Annual Garden Tour On Sunday

2011-05-25T12:03:00.006-04:00

Along with the ancient apple trees and the redbuds at Bruecker garden, the Japanese cherry trees have burst forth into glorious blossoms this week! Here are some pictures on I took on Tuesday. I really hope the winds stay fairly calm so the blossoms can last until this weekend's garden tour.

Brueckner Heritage Rhododendron Garden

Some varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas are in bloom now, or will be coming into bloom over the next few weeks. The early blooming PJM rhododendrons, though, are fading fast, as are the Bluenose rhodos.

Rhododendrons and Japanese Cherries ~ Pink Blooming Time!

The pink blooming rhododendrons in the foreground are in the Brueckner Heritage beds marked by the large sign. If you walk through the gate in the split rail fence, you can get up close with these plants. From that spot, you are treated to gorgeous views of the Japanese cherries in bloom, with white apple blossoms in the background.

Redbuds in Bloom at Brueckner in Port Credit

Not to be outdone by the much older Japanese cherries, the redbuds burst forth in gorgeous mauve pink blossoms of their own. Located close to the parking lot entrance on Lakeshore Road West, they seem to say. "Me first!" The apple trees in the garden are a legacy of orchards past.

Redbud Trees in Bloom Along Waterfront Trail

Here's a closer look at the redbuds in bloom. I love their habit of blossoming on each branch, outlining the tree. The Waterfront Trail passes just behind these trees along Tecumseh Creek.

Japanese Cherries and Apple Trees in Bloom

From atop the hill in the west garden, the Rose Garden is framed with Japanese cherries to the left, redbuds and apples in the background, and apple trees to the the right.

Apple Trees in Full Bloom Port Credit Ontario

This apple tree along the Waterfront Trail is located just southeast of the Garden office building (restroom building). Yesterday, the perfume from the apple blossoms was almost overpowering. If you possibly can, go to BRG and smell for yourself. They should bottle this fragrance! And the delicate, profuse blossoms are a visual treat as well.

Lake Ontario Lookout Benches and Rhodos

Over the top of the hill and down, you come to the seating area at the lookout to Lake Ontario. Pink rhodos and azaleas are blooming nearby, and the day lilies are sprouting fast along the split rail fence. There is still access through the fence to a path to the beach if you want to look for pretty rocks and get a closer look at the shore and water birds.

Million Dollar Views Free at Brueckner Garden

Here's the view from the benches at the Lake Ontario lookout. Sometimes it's just as shown in this photo; other times, sailboats and yachts, tankers and freighters pass by on the lake. The view is always and never the same :-)

Garden/ing Questions?
Do you have questions about growing rhododendrons, azaleas and companion plants? Want to know how to prune and when? What to use for fertilizer or pest control? Come to (FREE!!) Brueckner Rhododendron Garden tour this Sunday, May 29, from 2-4 p.m. and Ask The Master Gardener !

See the map link in the right menu. Free parking in the lot south side of Lakeshore Road West at Shawnmarr. If the lot is full, look for parking on side streets such as Shawnmarr.

Bluenose Rhododendron, Japanese Andromeda, Fritillaria Lily Now In Bloom at Brueckner Garden in Port Credit

2011-05-20T18:55:00.003-04:00

If you're visiting the Garden this weekend, look for these three early bloomers at their peak: the pale lilac Brueckner hybrid 'Bluenose', the glorious white clusters of Japanese Andromeda, and the exotic orange bells of the Fritillaria lily.

Heritage Garden Rhododendron Bluenose Brueckner Hybrid

Bluenose is a hardy Brueckner hybrid with flowers that are more blue than lilac or mauve. This rhododendron is blooming in the Heritage garden (Brueckner Memorial Plaque, west side of garden) in the midst of the deeper mauve PJM Rhododendrons.

Hillside Garden Lilac Flowers of R. Bluenose in Full Bloom

Several additional Bluenose rhodos were planted in the newer hillside garden beds that face the Rose Garden and the garden office building (background).

Standard Rhododendron Bluenose Heritage Garden Port Credit

Here's a wider shot of Bluenose in the Brueckner bed near the top of the hill, west of the path that comes straight south from the parking lot entrance at Shawnmarr and Lakeshore Road West in Port Credit.

Close up of Bluenose Rhododendron Full Bloom

Here's a closer look at the Bluenose flowers. The lighter green color foliage is new growth on branches that did not bloom this year. Rhodos should be 'deadheaded' -- their spent blossoms removed -- when the blooms die off to encourage full budding for the following year.

Rhododendron Bluenose in Bloom with White Pine

Here's another view of Bluenose in the Heritage bed, with the white magnolia tree in the background. Magnolias at Brueckner are almost finished blooming for this year; this long weekend, weather cooperating, should be a good time to see the last of the blooms.

Crown Imperial Lily Fritillaria in Full Bloom with Periwinkles

This stunning lily is in full and glorious bloom on the opposite side of the Garden; its name is (Ready?) Liliaceae Fritillaria Imperialis -- Crown imperial -- Fritillaria imperialis Rubra Maxima. It's on its own, and we're not really sure how it got here. It blooms first of all lilies, and when you are not expecting to see lilies in bloom, it's easy to miss it. The small blue flowers covering the ground around it are vinca minor, also known as periwinkles. Both plants do well in this part-shade location.

Close Up of Crown Imperial Lily ~ Deep Orange Red Bell Flowers

To locate this lily, go from the parking lot and cross the bridge closest to Lakeshore Road on the Waterfront Trail that runs along the creek to the East Garden. Alternately, you could walk east along the Lakeshore Road sidewalk to the benches near the large Port Credit sign. [Thanks to Martha Stewart.com for helping to identify this lily.]

Japanese Andromeda Mountain Fire ~ Rhododendron Companion Plant

Rhododendron companion plant Japanese Andromeda is in full bloom, too. In the picture above, it's the green bush bottom center, in the peony garden. (Peonies are all up and thinking of budding, so give them a few weeks and come back.) This photo was taken in late fall, and the variety of Japanese Andromeda [Pieris japonica] is Mountain Fire, that blooms deep pink - red.

Japanese Andromeda Pieris Japonica Karenoma Full Bloom

The Japanese Andromeda currently in full bloom is Pieris Japonica Karenoma and shows its white 'clusters' of blooms in the Brueckner Heritage garden, located on the west side of the split rail fence, and up the hillside to the left, near the Bluenose. This rhododendron companion plant is about 24 inches high.

Come out and see the Garden this long holiday weekend (Canada) and bring your camera!

PJM Rhododendrons Peak Bloom Mississauga Port Credit ON

2011-05-19T17:18:00.006-04:00

PJM Rhododendrons are in peak bloom at the BRG in Port Credit. PJMs are a little late this spring, as they usually bloom by the end of April or early May with a profusion of deep mauve pink blossoms. Since rain is forecast for the next few days, I took these photos to capture the best of the PJMs in case their gorgeous blossoms get washed away.

PJMs are hybrid rhodos named for P. J. Mezitt, who founded Weston Nurseries in 1923.

PJM Rhododendrons in Brueckner Memorial Bed

Hillside Garden Heritage PJM Rhodos Port Credit Ontario

New PJM Rhododendron Beds Blooming at BRG

Heritage Rhododendron Garden PJM Hybrids in Full Bloom

New PJM Rhododendron First Season Blooms

PJM Rhodos Overlook Rose Garden ~ BRG in Mississauga

Deep Mauve PJM Blossoms ~ Mississauga Ontario

Pink Rhododendron on Lake Ontario Shoreline Garden

Mauve Blossoms Cover Rhododendron Shrub on Hillside Garden

Fallen Blossoms Signal End of Blooming Time

A few of the rhododendrons and azaleas that bloomed before the PJMs have succumbed to the heavy rains and their petals carpet the hillside. And while the PJMs are in peak bloom this week, hundreds more rhodos and azaleas are covered with fat buds just waiting to burst forth.

If you want to see the PJMs, head to the Garden this weekend (address, map in right menu). Hopefully, some of the PJMs will still be in flower for the Garden Tour in 10 days time - May 29,

Bring your camera!

PS And if you're in the Garden on May 21, in the morning, and you see about a hundred very busy gardeners, then you are witness to volunteers from Zhu Chi West Toronto, who make an enormous contribution to helping the Garden grow!

Here's a photo of one of the largest rhododendrons I've ever seen, submitted by the photographer/blogger at http://we-love-rv-ing.blogspot.com/ and posted here with permission.

Blaylock Estate British Columbia Rhododendron

Blaylock Estate, where this enormous rhododendron flourishes, is near Nelson B.C., a large mansion on 13 acres with arboretum. Rhododendrons grow well at this lakeside location and throughout the Kootenays in B.C. as well as in the Maritime provinces on Canada's east coast.

Rhodos, Azaleas Bloom for Garden Tour Sunday May 29, 2011

2011-05-16T12:47:00.009-04:00

Brueckner Rhododendron Garden Tour promises a Blooming Good Show! Forsythia, Japanese Cherries, Apple trees, Spring bulbs, wildflowers

Just two weeks less a day until the annual (free!) BRG garden tour the afternoon of Sunday May 29, and it promises to be a blooming good show, despite the cool spring weather this year. But the cool spring means that the usual early bloomers will be part of the show this year, not long gone.

Brueckner Garden Entrance from Godfreys Lane Port Credit ON

Lake Ontario shoreline is barely visible through the trees coming into leaf at the south east entrance to the Brueckner garden on Godfreys Lane and the Waterfront Trail in Mississauga. This garden bed is only a few seasons old, but the rhodos are already doing their part to attract visitors.

Rhododendron Azaleas Forsythia in Bloom BRG Lake Ontario Lookout

These rhododendrons, azaleas and forsythia, located near the Lake Ontario lookout and seating area, are usually the first to bloom in Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens. I took this photo on May 9, 2011. Have a look at photos from April 26, 2011 - - two weeks earlier! Note the Japanese cherries in bloom in that post: They were still in bud May 9, 2011, but will hopefully be out in all their glory for the Garden Tour.

Early Blooming White Rhododendron Mississauga ON

This white rhodo is also one of the first to bloom each year. Look for it near the top of the hill in the West (Heritage) garden. Some of the mauve rhodos on the hillside south of the Rose Garden are also in full bloom in the new beds on this north-facing woodland bed.

Deep Pink Rhodos and White Magnolia Tree Bloom early May

This photo was taken near the top rear Heritage Rhodo Bed at the south edge near the fence. The large magnolia trees are in full bloom, framing the deep pink rhodos now in bloom. More magnolia trees, including the Brueckner memorial magnolia, are in bloom now just south of the entrance parking lot. In 2010 they were in bloom almost a month earlier!

Dr Brueckner Memorial Rhododendrons Bloom Early Spring

If Dr. Brueckner had been a chef, and the Garden a restaurant, then this Heritage rhododendron bed would be the signature dish: This rhodo bed contains the longest-established rhodos and azaleas in the Garden. This hillside bed framed by tall trees offers one of the finest photo locations in the City of Mississauga. Lucky the brides who have booked this location for the end of May and early June in 2011!

Rhododendron mucronulatum Blooms Along Waterfront Trail Mississauga

This rhododendron mucronulatum Cornell Pink was in bud a few weeks ago (see this post), and it's now in full bloom. Look for it in the bed along the Waterfront Trail path along Tecumseh Creek between the Interim Place seating area and the Garden office building.

Rhodos and Azaleas BRG Entrance Lakeshore Road Mississauga ON

This sign flanked by rhodos and azaleas directs visitors from Lakeshore Road West at Shawnmarr Road into the BRG parking area. There is a traffic light at this intersection. If you miss the turnoff into the Garden, it's easy enough to turn onto the closest side street and come back. If the parking lot is full, you can park on Shawnmarr Road where there is a 15 hour limit.

BRG East Garden New Mauve-Pink Rhododendrons Bed 1

The new beds in the East Garden (east of the creek and the parking lot, bordered by Godfreys Lane) has 7 new rhododendron and azalea beds coming into their first year of blooms. With the passing years, as the new plants become well-established, these East Garden beds promise to rival those of the West Garden!

If you aren't able to join the BRG head gardener and volunteers for the guided tour on May 29 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., do drop by whenever you can. Weekdays, as a rule, see fewer visitors. (Dog owners are reminded to keep dogs on leash and confined to the paths where possible to prevent damage to the rhodos and other plants.)

What's Blooming at BRG Port Credit Mississauga

2011-05-03T11:06:00.001-04:00

Forsythia, Rhododendrons, Scilla, Snowdrops, Violets, Primroses Early Spring Bloomers at BRG

Even with the unusually cool and rainy weather, Spring is starting to bloom at the BRG in Port Credit. Here's a look at some of the flowers and shrubs you can see on a walk through the Garden now, with more blooms arriving with each burst of warm sunny weather.

Deep Pink Rhododendron South Garden Near Lake Ontario

This rhododendron is one of the first to bloom each spring. Look for the splash of color in the bed close to the lake viewpoint with benches in the south garden, walking straight south of the parking lot.

Rhododendron Mucronolatum 'Cornell Pink"

Very excited to see the first blooms on this early blooming R. Mucronolatum in the new bed just north of the garden office building and east of the parking lot at the Waterfront Trail. This is a new bed, and the last one planted last fall. How nice to see about a dozen of these low growing rhodos all in bud with blooms opening daily.

Pieris Japonica - Japanese Andromeda

A companion plant to rhododendrons, Japanese Andromeda is also in bloom, in the Heritage beds on the west side of the BRG behind the split rail fence. See this post for more on this shrub.

Scilla Siberica - Wood Squill - Siberian Squill

Scilla is also known as Siberian Squill or Wood Squill is a welcome early spring bloomer in the Garden. Look for these plants along the Waterfront Trail west of Tecumseh Creek (the small creek that bisects the BRG). This large clump surrounds the base of a large tree.

Siberian Squill - Scilla Sibericus Close Up

Close up look at Scilla: Click on image to enlarge, click Back button to return to this post. See also Wikipedia Squill page.

Purple Wood Violets Blooming at BRG

There are not a lot of them but these tiny purple blooms are indeed a welcome harbinger of spring in Port Credit. Once you see them in bloom, you know the trilliums are about to open, too. BRG has only a few trilliums, the wildflower emblem of Ontario, though it's hoped more will be planted in the garden. These violets may be found along the Waterfront Trail, near the peony bed just south of the BRG office building.

Snowdrops in Bloom Around Interim Place Plaque at BRG

Enter the Garden by the parking area at Lakeshore and Shawnmarr in Port Credit, and look east: There's a seating area marking the site of the first Interim Place women's shelter, surrounded by snowdrops in a mass of white.

Yellow Primroses along Tecumseh Creek at BRG

Fat yellow buds were set to open a few days ago when I took these pictures. By now, despite the cold rain, they should be flashing yellow from their locations along Tecumseh Creek near the north bridge closest to the Garden office building. Stand on the bridge, and scan the creek banks in both directions. Another clump is located a bit further south, where the wire mesh safety fencing ends.

Forsythia Finally Beginning to Bloom

Bright yellow forsythia should be well in bloom by Mother's Day this weekend. There are several plantings in the BRG from near the nursery at Godfreys Lane to the viewpoint area overlooking Lake Ontario.

With the cool, wet spring, the azaleas and rhododendrons as well as the usual spring blooming plants are flowering a little later in the season. Here are pictures of the rhodos in bloom the end of May 2010, and May 12 2009.

Rose of Sharon : How To Prune, When To Prune

2011-04-01T10:45:00.003-04:00

Pruning Rose of Sharon [Hibiscus syriacus] Pictures, Video

Brueckner Rhododendron Garden Head Gardener demonstrates how to prune Rose of Sharon, a late summer blooming shrub in the hardy hibiscus family, and offers these How-to tips:

When to Prune: Now; early spring in Mississauga, Ontario
How to Prune: Open method, not closed
How much / how many canes (branches) to prune
How to control or maintain shrub height
When to fertilize: After Pruning, and regularly all season

Here are some pictures with more detail, and a video showing how these Rose of Sharon bushes were pruned, using the Open Prune method, not the Closed Pruning method.

Rose of Sharon shrub before pruning ~ Head Gardener BRG Mississauga

As you might infer from the warm-looking jacket and heavy gloves worn by the gardener, it's still chilly and wet in early Spring in Mississauga. Snow flurries still threaten, but generally the plants are thinking ahead to the coming summer blooming season.

This is the time to prune Rose of Sharon, and other summer flowering shrubs.

Tip: This is also the time to prune roses, so think Rose of Sharon = roses. (See Pruning Roses on this page.)

This long-unpruned Rose of Sharon was transplanted to its new home in BRG last summer, a mass of tangled and crossed branches. But, having survived the winter, it's now time to give it a good pruning, with a goal to open up the crowded interior of the plant to let air and sunlight in. This is the Open method; the Closed method is trimming off all branches on the outside of the plant, more suited to hedge plants and topiary.

Rose of Sharon ~ Count the Canes Before Pruning

The rule of thumb for pruning any shrub or tree is to remove no more than one third of the growth; Leave the plant with sufficient resources to nourish itself. Dead canes are already compromising the health of the shrub, so are included by default into the total canes to be pruned.

And to determine how many branches you may safely remove (prune), you must first count what is there, including any damaged or dead canes.

In the shrub above, there are 9 main canes (branches) coming from the ground, so three canes including dead and damaged canes could be removed.

Pruned Canes (Branches) Rose of Sharon

Using clean, sharp pruning shears or cutters, trim canes selected for removal. Note the angle of the cut: aim for a slant of about 45 degrees. This angled cut will make water run off the pruned cane; a Flat, straight across cut will create a bowl that collects water, and tend to pool water and encourage rot and fungus.

First decide which, if any, of the main canes to prune. Give priority to canes that have visible damage in the bark, or have been broken over the winter, or canes that are crossing or rubbing against their neighbours.

Prune to Open Center of Rose of Sharon

When you have removed the main canes from as close to ground level as possible (two cuts may be needed if canes are growing close together, making it hard to get close on the first cut), stand back and look at the canopy part of the shrub.

Determine which branches are growing inward, or rubbing against other branches, or show breakage or other damage. As well, prune out any weaker, smaller branches that will not produce healthy blooms yet will sap the shrub's strength if left in place. All of these should be pruned out.

Again, try to prune no more than one third of the length of any branch. Select a cane, look for an outward facing bud, and prune just above the bud on a 45 degree angle or slant.

Maintain or Control Height of Rose of Sharon

Once the shrub's interior has been cleaned of dead or crossing canes, decide how high you want the shrub to grow. This depends on personal preference, location in the garden, and how tall you are, if you want to be able to prune without use of a ladder.

The height of this Rose of Sharon in the photo is fairly low, around 6 feet high, and can be pruned when standing on the ground. Note not all branches are the exact same length, but generally the same height. Where each cane is pruned depends on where the outward facing bud is on the branch.

Rose of Sharon After Pruning Mississauga Ontario in Spring

After pruning, this Rose of Sharon has a neat, cared-for shape. Old, damaged canes have been removed, the interior of the shrub is open to sunlight and breezes that discourage fungus, and the plant is ready for spring fertilizing.

Rose of Sharon blooms on new wood, and regular feeding over the coming months will encourage lots of new growth and buds that will be a gorgeous show in mid to late August, about 4-5 months from now.

When Crocuses Bloom, Prune Rose of Sharon and Roses.

Here's another visual indicator of when to prune Roses and Rose of Sharon: Crocuses are in bloom. Blooming early spring bulbs indicate that spring is indeed on the way, even though days and nights are still cold.

Here's a video of the pruning this day:

Pruning Rose of Sharon

General Pruning Tips

These are good pruning tips for all shrubs, but do not prune Spring flowering shrubs and trees such as spirea, flowering almonds, cherries, etc., until AFTER they have bloomed this season.

Rhododendrons are spring bloomers, and will be pruned for shape and to remove dead wood in mid to late June. Rhododendrons also need spent blossoms removed after flowering, so it is a two-part process. Not all rhodos will need branches pruned, but all will need old blossoms removed.

Rose of Sharon August 2011

Rose of Sharon Full Bloom

Here are the Rose of Sharon shrubs pruned last spring. They are loaded with buds and blooming profusely in mid to late August, and now into September. Further shaping can be done, but best to wait until early next spring to allow for any damage to branches over the winter.

Mayapples, Primroses, Mauve Rhododendrons, Magnolias, Snowdrops : Waiting for Spring in Mississauga Ontario

2011-03-26T14:57:00.004-04:00

Flowers and shrubs in bloom, tamaracks in autumn, a rose garden ready for winter: Selected photos courtesy D. J. Culham, BRGSC Chair and Volunteers Co-ordinator.

While waiting for this interminable winter to end in Southern Ontario, let's look at pictures of blooms past to brighten these ersatz Spring days.


Mayapples (Podophyllum peltatum) in Brueckner Garden

Mayapples are native to eastern North America,and can be found in the Garden wooded areas. Look for the flower in May, and the 'apple' later in the summer. You may also know it by the name 'Mandrake' or 'hog apple'.


Tamaracks (Larch) in the Fall BRG Lake Ontario

The tamaracks at Brueckner Rhododendron Garden (BRG) can be seen on the south edge close to the Lake Ontario shoreline, south of the Waterfront Trail and east of the bridge. Already this spring, they are flushed with new growth green, and seem so happy in this location, plans are afoot to add more tamaracks (also known as Larch) this year.

Rose Garden Beds Ready for Winter

Here's a photo from the archives: The Rose Garden all prepped for Winter 2009. Last year - 2010 - volunteers and garden staff transplanted Iceberg and added new roses as well.

Yellow Primroses at Tecumseh Creek BRG

Early each spring, we look for these gorgeous yellow primroses that grow along the banks of Tecumseh Creek, the waterway that bisects the BRG. We looked hopefully last week, but in vain. And this week's snow and cold will only delay all spring blooming plants for a while.

Magnolia in 'Marta's Bed' at BRG Late April 2010

This gorgeous magnolia, a tall one, blooms faithfully each year, half hidden in the back of what we call 'Marta's bed', for Marta Brueckner, who along with her late husband, Dr. Joe Brueckner, donated many of the heritage and hybrid rhododendrons from their private gardens.

Magnolias in Bloom along BRG Garden Path

Several new magnolia trees were transplanted from Hancock Nursery to BRG last spring, close to the larger, more robust white magnolia closest to the path that runs south from the parking lot. The original magnolia at this location can be identified by the memorial plaque placed below it, honoring Dr. Brueckner.

Close up of Mauve Rhododendron Flower

And on to the raison d'etre for the BRG: The rhododendrons, like this gorgeous bloom photographed at peak bloom last year.

Mauve Rhododendron Shrub in Full Bloom

The name of this beauty escapes me, and as soon as I get the name, I will post it here.

Snowdrops at BRG First Blooms in 2011

And while we were disappointed that it was too early in the season for blooming primroses, we were quite chuffed to spot this very healthy clump of snowdrops in the Heritage Garden area, and I took its picture.

Other early bloomers, though not nearly as robust as these snowdrops, were the valiant few crocuses flashing pale mauve near Godfreys Lane and Lakeshore Road West.

Thanks again to David Culham for brightening these early spring days with memories of the Garden past.

Rhodos, Azaleas Promise Great Springtime Blooms

2011-03-04T15:06:00.005-05:00

Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Magnolias, Japanese Cherry, Forsythia, Tulips, Red Bud On Track for Great Spring Blooming Season April to June

A walk around Brueckner Rhododendron Garden today showed most of the rhodos, azaleas and magnolias sporting fat buds that promise a fantastic spring blooming season, thanks to a good winter -- not too cold, a bit of snow cover -- and a garden well-winterized with snow fencing, mulch and compost and good moisture level. Here are a few pictures of how the Garden looks in early March.

Brueckner Memorial Magnolia in Full Bud

Near the Lakeshore Road West parking lot, the buds on this memorial Magnolia promise another great blooming show this Spring. See pictures of this tree from last April.

Magnolia Tree in Bud ~ Port Credit Ontario

Several more magnolias were planted near the Brueckner memorial magnolia last summer, and this spring will be their first blooming in the BRG. These new trees, too, seem to have weathered the winter in fine style. Sadly, one beautiful magnolia in the east garden did not fare well, and was removed last fall.

Rhododendron in Bud ~ Brueckner Rhododendron Garden

This wonderfully shaped rhododendron is the centerpiece of a shrub bed just south west of the parking lot and the Kennedy Memorial Plaque. Virtually every twig and branch ends in a fine healthy looking bud. And as we walked the Garden, almost every rhododendron and azalea, be they large or small varieties, showed the same healthy looking buds.

BRG East Garden Bed 1 Rhododendrons Azaleas

Para Kanp, head gardener, BRG City of Mississauga, surveys the newly-labeled Bed 1 in the East Garden. All the new beds in the East Garden are now identified with a number marker. This picture shows mulch that was added around these new rhododendron and azalea bed to conserve moisture, acidify and protect them, especially in winter.

Broken Branches Rhododendron Shrub Damage ~ Port Credit Ontario

One rhododendron in Bed 2 appeared to be victim to random vandalism, as all branches had been snapped off and lay on the ground. Another rhododendron in this same area had been uprooted. With frost still in the ground, a proper replanting was not possible, but by loosening the soil, it was possible to set the plant upright, and replace the soil around the base. With above zero temperatures and heavy rains forecast for the next two days, this 'replanting' should be enough to protect it before the next freeze.

Brueckner Rhododendron Garden East Garden Shrubs

This spring will be the first blooming season at Brueckner for hundreds of new rhododendrons and azaleas, most of them planted in the new beds in the East Garden, and Para expects them to be spectacular! Last summer and fall, irrigation was extended into the East Garden; This spring, installing drip irrigation to these new beds will be a major project.

Mallard Ducks at BRG ~ Lake Ontario Shore

Mallards and winter ice with bits of driftwood and branches along the BRG Lake Ontario Waterfront make a pretty picture. It's too early in the season to see what debris winter waves and winds may have washed ashore. The beach at the Garden is usually treated to a clean up once or twice a year, often by volunteers.

Clump of Elm Trees Removed BRG Port Credit

A clump of Dutch Elm diseased elm trees was cut down in late Fall; you can see the stumps in the picture (click on it to enlarge, then click back button to return to this page). These elm trees were near the clump of tamarack and beech trees on the east side of the South bridge on the Waterfront Trail near Godfreys Lane. This area is to be improved with the addition of shrub beds, and hopefully, some Japanese Cherry trees. These new plantings will also protect nearby shrubs from winter winds coming in from the Lake.

Rhododendron 'Hot Dawn' in Full Bud at BRG

'Hot Dawn' is a recent rhododendron addition to Brueckner, in the West garden, overlooking Lake Ontario. Its fat buds are irresistible to squirrels; One can only hope that they find an alternate treat, as we look forward to seeing this variety bloom this spring.

Holly Bushes Red Berries Add Winter Interest

The red berries of holly add winter interest to the BRG Heritage Bed, site of the Brueckner Memorial Plaque. The rhododendrons and azaleas in this well established bed appear to have come through the winter with flying colours.

As much as this morning's walk indicated a great blooming season, it also served as a To-Do list of tasks to be done this spring and into summer.

The Peony Garden could use a good early season weeding as soon as it's possible, and before the peonies get serious about growing. Once they've bloomed, it will be time to start thinking about weed control measures such as landscape fabric and mulch.
Garlic mustard, greatly reduced thanks in large part to the years-long efforts of volunteer David Culham, still needs to be uprooted wherever it surfaces.
Wildflowers need to be planted and transplanted, as do perennials like hostas, coneflowers and black-eyed Susans.
Winter winds have dropped branches around the Garden that need to be piled up for chipping.
There's mulch to be spread, weeds to be pulled, but these tasks are always with us.

It's still too early to be gardening and cultivating, but while we wait for this winter to end, it's a breath of fresh air, literally, to be out in the Garden, planning and dreaming of Spring.

Naturalizing Wildflowers New Rhododendron Beds Brueckner Rhododendron Garden Mississauga

2011-02-23T10:36:00.007-05:00

Cardinal Plants, Orange Jewelweed, Bioswale plants, New Rhodo Beds

While waiting for Spring at Brueckner Rhododendron Garden, we can enjoy these pictures of greenery and flowers from BRG Stewardship Committee member David Culham.

Bioswale East Garden at BRG Port Credit Ontario

The bioswale finished its first full year in lush greenery. See how the bioswale began here. The bioswale is planted with native plants that don't mind 'wet feet'.


Red Cardinal Plant in Bloom at Brueckner Rhododendron Garden

Red Cardinal plant (Lobelia cardinalis) is a native plant that is attractive to hummingbirds. It grows from 2 ft. to 5 ft. tall, and blooms from July to September. Look for Red Cardinal plant along the west bank of Tecumseh Creek east side of the Waterfront Trail as you enter the Garden from the Lakeshore parking area.

Orange Jewelweed ~ Touch-Me-Not ~ Impatiens capensis

Orange jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) is another native plant in Brueckner Rhododendron Garden. Look for it to bloom in mid to late summer along the west bank of Tecumseh Creek. Another common name is Touch-Me-Not, named for the way its seed pods 'explode' when touched.

Brueckner Rhododendron Garden East Garden

The East Garden at BRG is on the east side of Tecumseh Creek that roughly bisects the Garden and to the west of Godfreys Lane that marks the eastern boundary of the Garden. The picnic table (lower left) is immediately north of the bioswale and east of Tecumseh Creek. Before the installation of the bioswale, this area was prone to flooding.

New Rhododendron Bed BRG East Garden

In this picture, Godfreys Lane is to the right, out of view, and the new rhodo bed can be seen to the left middle of the frame. All new rhodo beds were mulched in the fall (pictures this post).

More New Rhododendron Gardens in BRG East Garden

In 2010, the long-neglected BRG East Garden was cultivated and 7 new beds planted with rhododendrons and azaleas, along with new shade trees to filter the sunlight and provide protection from cold winter winds. Garden staff, volunteers and visitors alike are looking forward to Spring (late March to June) to see for the first time these new plantings in bloom.

White Pine and Rhododendron Beds East Garden

Another view of one of the new rhododendron beds in the East Garden at BRG. This photo was taken looking towards Godfreys Lane that marks the eastern boundary.

East Garden BRG Picnic Tables

Currently there are picnic tables set up throughout the meadow lands of the East Garden. The trees in the background line the east bank of Tecumseh Creek, and are part of the naturalization area. This photo was taken from one of the new rhodo beds in the north east area of the BRG.

2010 saw the addition of many new beds with new plantings throughout the Garden (see details here). There are now more than a thousand rhododendrons alone, making the Brueckner Rhododendron Garden one of the largest collections in the country.

There is still more work to be done (with gardening, there's always more work to be done!) and volunteers are more than welcome to come help grow the garden. Contact us if you and/or your group would like to volunteer.

BRG 2010 Year End Garden Report / Newsletter

2011-01-26T10:22:00.002-05:00

2010 Busy, Productive Year at Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens in Mississauga

Here are the details from the year-end newsletter compiled by David Cullam, BRGSC (Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens Stewardship Committee):

1. New City of Mississauga Councillor Jim Tovey toured the BRG with us January 7, 2011, despite the chill in the air. We were pleased that Jim showed a very positive interest. We welcome his input and assistance in getting more volunteers to help maintain and grow the Garden. We will add Jim to the annual Mayor’s tour during the spring floral display. We thank the out going councillor Carmen Corbasson for all her efforts over the years.

2. Putting the BRG to bed for winter: By late September, our efforts at weeding subsided. In October, while continuing transplanting various shrubs and perennials, we distributed and spread 20 tonnes of free compost from Peel Region. In addition we distributed and spread as mulch some 60 cubic yards of pine needles that had been picked up by staff from designated areas in the neighbourhood. Former councillor Terry Butt planted some 1000 tulip bulbs for spring. Archbishop Romero Catholic Secondary students planted shrubs in the Tecumseh Creek zone aided by former councillor David Cook (Bioswale plantings). Students helped with the wild flower plantings this fall that included donated cardinal plants.

3. Dogs off leash! In response to complaints, staff sent Animal Services into the BRG twice in the first week of December, and handed out 3 tickets. Visitors are reminded that dogs and rhodos are a bad mix.

4. BRG Volunteer hours in 2010: In 2010, an incredible 1427.35 volunteer hours were logged at the Garden. We wish to thank all the volunteers, great and small, for their efforts in making the BRG a place of beauty for all Mississaugans. That also extends to the two Co-Op students who also get course credits for their work in the Garden. Volunteers are involved in every aspect of the garden operation noted below. Put in another way, this amounts to 36 work weeks at 40 hours per week.

Looking Back on the Garden : How It's Grown!

2006: I am reminded of how far we have travelled from my start in June 2006 after retiring. I got involved because Marta Brueckner, wife of the late Dr. Joseph Brueckner, called me greatly concerned about the terrible decline in the Garden and wished to have Joe’s plaque removed because of her disappointment in the state of the Garden.

Hundreds of rhododendrons and azaleas had died without replacement. Much of the Garden was without irrigation. The East Garden (east of Tecumseh Creek) was in total decline. Despite having a naturalization designation for the Tecumseh Creek area that bisects the Garden, nothing had changed or improved. No full time gardener was assigned. The “garden” had returned to a “park” with cut grass.

2007 :The City responded in 2007 by assigning Master Gardener Para Kanp and assistant Joe DeCoste with immediate positive results.

2008 - Present:The Stewardship Committee (BRGSC) started in February 2008 with a gardening, planning and advisory role to the City staff. Our “sweat equity” encourages the Mississauga City Council and staff to do more. The BRGSC has greatly improved the level of maintenance with weeding, trimming and cultivating. Committee members donated plant stock from their gardens and one member purchased all the roses and peonies. We have planted hundreds of donated wild flowers and shrubs and have planted hundreds of shrubs out the City’s naturalization budget.

Here's part of the report by City of Mississauga Area Manager Frank Buckley to the Cranberry Cove Ratepayers Association who abut the BRG in Port Credit Mississauga for work done in 2010:

New Plantings : Removal and transplanted plant materials from City-onwed Hancock nurseries property to BRG. The plant materials including some rare varieties of plant materials from the former Hancock property include:

1000 Rhododendron / Azaleas in 7 new beds in the East garden
200 Companion plants for Rhodos
50 Shrubs
25 Trees

Other new Garden plantings in 2010 include 200 in-house, head gardener-propagated Rhodos/Azaleas and 10 in-house propagated standard roses with several colours grafted into one stem and four new beds planted with Rhododendrons and Azaleas in the main collection (West side) which used to be Rhododendron beds (One in particular for Dr. Breuckner Cultivars).

Other BRG work in 2010:

New cedar split rail fence installed to keep the dogs away from the main collection. Soil test shows the soil chemistry is changing to alkalinity which is a dangerous situation for Rhododendrons and Azaleas.
Bio Swale, naturalization plantings and a new foot bridge were installed to the maximize usage of the east garden.
Waterfront viewing area upgraded with 3 new high-end benches on concrete pads, new foot trail for beach access now altered via addition of a low split rail fence along which a perennial shrub garden was installed.
3000 annuals and 25 fall mums were planted.
Perennial beds including hostas, peony and Black-eyed Susans bed upgraded. The hostas were imported from Holland for unique colour and varieties. Peony bed has high end tree peonies to expand the flowering season. The Black-eyed Susan bed has very minimal maintenance because of the type of plant materials used in the bed.
Rose Garden drainage systems upgraded and redesigned and new rose plants added. A total of 600 plants are now located in the Rose Garden. One of the highlights is the Hazel McCallion rose. All the cultivars of the roses were carefully selected to maximum resistance of pests and diseases.
Undertaking of tree pruning and elevating was carried out throughout the year allowing more sunlight for the woodland plants such as Rhodos and Azaleas.
New roof for the bunker/ tool shed / office.
New drainage system installed along the waterfront trail near the south bridge area.
10 zones of underground automated sprinkler/drip system had been installed to keep the operating cost down and the maximum health to Rhododendron / Azalea plants. This is part of the IPM program.

Looking Ahead to 2011

Focus on existing beds and material. Some in-fill planned.
Expand volunteer efforts to help staff and Stewardship Committee members maintain Mississauga's first public garden.

Gardening is one of the best forms of exercise. Come and volunteer and put this exercise programme within your future life planning. Our vision is to maintain a four season garden.

If you would like to join the volunteer effort and/or the mailing list for this monthly newsletter, please leave a comment below.

David Culham
BRGSC

Happy Holidays from Brueckner Rhododendron Garden

2010-12-07T13:03:00.002-05:00

Settling into Winter, Eager for Spring that promises to be the best blooming time ever!

It's been a very busy and productive year at this City of Mississauga (Ontario, Canada) public garden. Many new rhododendron and azalea beds were added, along with companion plants.

As well, new sitting areas were installed, dozens of perennials added, new fencing installed, and drainage improved. Many new trees were planted (including some of the wonderful spring blooming magnolias) and a few old soldiers, like one grand but damaged American Chestnut, were removed.

2011 promises to be one of the BRG best blooming seasons ever, weather and a gentle winter permitting, and staff and volunteers are eagerly awaiting the Spring 2011 season to see the fruits of their labour over the past few years.

Many thanks to the dozens of volunteers who came to help maintain and build this showcase public garden, with its hundreds of rhododendrons and azaleas.

The 'growing' of the Garden has been a monumental task, and special thanks go out to head gardener, Para Kanp, and to tireless volunteer labourer, David Culham. Thousands of visitors over the decades to come will reap the colourful rewards of all your hard work.

Thanks, too, to the City of Mississauga staff who oversee this garden, and make the large projects possible.

If you'd like to help us grow, or to get the email edition of the BRGSC newsletter, leave a comment below, with your contact information (will not be published).

To all our visitors, a very Happy New Year! We look forward to seeing you in the Rhodo Garden in the spring!

Pine Needle Mulch, Compost ~ Rhododendron Azalea Winter Preparations at Brueckner Garden

2010-11-06T11:29:00.009-04:00

November 8 Monday: Volunteers to spread 20 tonnes of compost

The countdown is on to the first snowfall of the winter: Will the compost get spread before winter sets in? Happily the weather forecast for the second week in November is for sunny and fairly mild days. With the weather cooperating, all that's needed is a bit of help from our Friends of the Garden to spread the 20 tonnes of compost coming November 8!

Pine Needle Mulch New Rhodo Beds East Garden Port Credit

This past week, volunteers David, Lynne and Karen (moi!) worked on several mornings adding pine needle mulch around the rhodos and azaleas in the East Garden. A few hardy azaleas rewarded us with mauve blossoms. These plants were new to the Garden this year, and all are looking very healthy and happy in their new location.

Wheelbarrows full of Pine Needle Mulch for Winterizing Rhododendrons

Spreading pine needle mulch is one of the easier garden tasks: the mulch is light, and it smells wonderfully pine-y! Toss in a sunny fall day, and the work goes fast. Not only does mulch acidify the soil, among other things, it also helps keeps weeds at bay and conserve on water.

Landscape Fabric Rhododendron Azalea Bed Pre-Mulch

Volunteers also worked on this bed near the new benches overlooking Lake Ontario adding a patchwork of landscape fabric first to help keep weeds out, water in. New plantings were added to established rhodos and azaleas this season. Landscape fabric and mulch added this year will help in the goal to make the Garden beds lower maintenance in the years to come.

Re-Locating Iceberg Roses, Planting New Roses Fall Garden

Volunteer and Garden stewardship committee member Terry demonstrates his hole-digging skills as the Iceberg roses from one bed were moved to another bed of Iceberg to fill it in. Then volunteers and staff planted several new rose varieties in the newly-emptied bed.

Head Gardener and Volunteers Get the Rose Garden Job Done!

Here's another view of the 'new' rose bed. Almost all the plantings, new and established, shrubs and perennials and trees, are looking very healthy and happy this fall. They promise to give a wonderful show of blooms next spring and summer.

What better way to say goodbye to a glorious Autumn that to spend time out of doors with a congenial group helping grow the Garden?

If you can help, call 311 and let us know. Or leave a comment below. Or just come by the Garden (Lakeshore and Shawnmarr) on Monday November 8 as close to 9 a.m. as you can. Bring gloves if you have them, a snack and a drink.

See 20 tonnes of compost unloaded, shifted and spread in record time by men, women and machines. Have a look at photos of compost spreading photos from last fall and fall garden prep and planting.

Lake Ontario Viewpoint Makeover ~ Benches, Fence, Plants Improve Great Photo Location in Mississauga

2010-10-05T09:30:00.003-04:00

Popular Brueckner Rhododendron Garden lookout gets new seating, split rail fence

The Lake Ontario lookout at BRG, a great favourite with many Garden visitors, has been given a makeover and is now sporting three new benches, a new split rail fence and new plantings. With a total of four benches in the immediate area, there's room for more to sit a while, and admire the fabulous lake and garden views. Beach-goers will access the waterfront area from a new entry point.

Lake Ontario Viewpoint Brueckner Rhododendron Garden

One of the most romantic spots in Mississauga is here at the Garden, overlooking Lake Ontario, near a large rhododendron and azalea bed. The above photo shows a couple sitting on one of the old benches. The other old bench was located to the right, out of view in this picture, and looked directly into shrubbery. Over the years, the trees had grown, and the beach cliff eroded. This lookout makeover was well due!

New Concrete Pads Poured for New Benches At BRG

City staff inspect new concrete pads prior to installation of new benches. The new bench locations were sited on the perimeter of a large circle. Plans allow for creating a new circular shrub and flower bed of low-growing plants in the middle area.

New Black Garden Bench, Old Wood and Steel Bench Support

The old benches and supports (photo: steel, red painted wood and concrete footing) were cut and removed. The new black benches were affixed to the new concrete pads. In periods of wet weather or snow melt, the ground around the old benches would get muddy. The new concrete should give much firmer and safer footing.

The BRG Stewardship Committee agreed with the city staff proposal for these new installations. While access to the beach below is still available, it will be via a gentler, safer trail across the slope. Some existing lilies on the edge of the embankment had to be transplanted out of the way of the new path and closer to the fence.

Concrete Pads for Park Bench Overlooking Lake Ontario

Here's another view of two of the three new concrete pads, with one of the old red-brown benches in the background. Grass seed was sown in the bare areas. [Note the absence of fencing between the grass and the drop off to the Lake.]

One of the new benches is sporting a memorial plaque. (City of Mississauga sponsor a tree, bench info here). As you walk through this Garden, take note of these plaques, most often on benches or at the base of trees. A lovely and lasting memorial!

City Crew, Tractor Remove Old Bench Supports, Footings, for Recycling

Remains of two older benches were hauled away in short order to make way for the new benches. The old wood will be separated from the steel supports, the old concrete footer will be broken off, and the steel recycled for other uses.

New Benches, Split Rail Fence, New Perennial Plantings

Note the grass has sprouted and is filling in bare areas around the concrete pads. The new split rail rustic fence, IMO, is a great addition. It serves to frame this lovely view, and provide a barrier for those who may be looking more at the view than at where they are stepping. The new beach and lakeshore access can be seen in the background, directly behind the bench.

Million Dollar Lake Ontario Views Free to All at Brueckner Garden

Though this day, no sailboats, power boats, tankers or even flocks of migrating birds were in sight, this gorgeous scene is constantly changing, not only with water craft traffic, but also with the passage of the sun, the monthly phases of the moon and each new season.

The view also changes as volunteers add new plantings, like Black Eyed Susans, transplanted from existing beds to this location

Here's a video of this viewpoint in the midst of an early winter storm:

Brueckner Rhododendron Garden is already a popular location for wedding photos and special occasion photos. The makeover of this viewpoint provides yet another gorgeous location for picture taking!

Archbishop Romero Catholic SS Students HELP Grow Brueckner Rhododedron Garden

2010-10-04T13:13:00.008-04:00

Mississauga Secondary School outreach initiatives program benefits BRG

Sept 29, 2010: Brueckner Rhododendron Garden was a classroom for the day for Mississauga high school students in the Humanitarian Experiential Leadership Program (H.E.L.P.) at Archbishop Romero Catholic Secondary School.

About a dozen students came to the Garden with H.E.L.P. teacher, James Scott Neil, to plant wildflowers and shrubs under the direction of Gardens volunteer David Culham.

Archbishop Romero Catholic SS HELP Naturalize Tecumseh Creek

On a crisp Fall morning, H.E.L.P. students with garden gloves and shovels got some hands-on experience with soil and native plantings in the Wild Flower Bed, a naturalized green space located between the Waterfront Trail and Tecumseh Creek.

"The students planted all 36 Cardinal plants and dug 50 holes for new shrubs," said David Culham, Brueckner Rhododendron Garden Stewardship Committee volunteer member. "They then dug another 10 holes for rhododendrons, and then they cleaned out the Garden nursery. They packed a trailer load of plastic for recycling."

Volunteer Student Gardeners ~ Waterfront Trail Wildflowers

David Culham distributes T-shirts to Archbishop Romero H.E.L.P. students. Gardening is messy work and clean clothing is appreciated at the end of a hard day's work. The students and teacher came to the Garden at 7 a.m. and worked for 5 hours.

"We reorganized our existing Cardinal flowers that had been planted in 2008 to a more visible front row in the flower bed," said Culham. "The Cardinals had been planted behind the taller, bushier Sky Blue wild asters, and so they couldn't be seen from the Waterfront Trail. Now they are very visible. These three dozen new plants will add a needed splash of bright red."

Archbishop Romero SS Students ~ Interim Place Memorial Bed

The area of Brueckner Rhododendron Garden where the students were working is the site of the original Interim Place shelter for women and children. A memorial bed and plaque commemorate the work of this local charity. Said Culham:

"It seemed appropriate to show the students the memorial for the house that had been on the site where they were digging and planting cardinal plants. That discussion came up because of nails they found in the soil and asked me how they came to be there."

"The students did an excellent job and they were great company."

James Scott Neil (above photo, far right) administers the H.E.L.P. program at Archbishop Romero Catholic Secondary School, located at 90 Dundas Street West in Mississauga.

'Environmental stewardship is only one aspect of the H.E.L.P. program designed for senior-level students (completing Grade 10 or 11) who will thrive in an experiential learning environment, and are looking to make a difference in the world through a variety of community and international social action. It appeals to young people who seek adventure, and are inspired to contribute positively to local, national and global communities in the spirit of catholicity.' Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board.

On behalf of City of Mississauga garden staff and volunteers, a big Thank You to the teacher and students for your work in the Garden!

Cardinal Plant - Native Wildflower Added to Naturalization Area

Brueckner Rhododendron Garden is in its final year of major expansion and upgrading, says Para Kanp, head gardener. About 95 percent of the work is done, said Kanp, with about one year's work ahead to completion. Groups and other volunteers such as these students are an enormous help with the work yet to be done, and with ongoing garden cultivation.

Brueckner Rhododendron Garden Archives - DJ Culham

For more information on how you can help grow the Garden, call 311 [within Mississauga / Brampton.]

Volunteers Tzu Chi West Toronto Office Cultivating Brueckner Rhododendron Garden

2010-09-26T12:03:00.005-04:00

If you saw a hundred or so people hard at work at Brueckner Rhododendron Garden in the middle of a holiday long weekend, the last long weekend of the summer at that, then you were witness to some of the volunteer work of Tzu Chi West Toronto Office, a non-profit charity that tends the Garden about three times each year.

Their generous contribution of time and effort makes a huge impact on the overall appearance of the Garden beds, and is testament yet again that 'many hands make light work'.

Here are some photos of the Tzu Chi volunteers at the Garden in September.

Volunteers from Tzu Chi West Toronto Office

For several years now, the Tzu Chi West Toronto Office volunteers have come to tend the Brueckner Rhododendron Garden as part of the City of Mississauga’s Litternot Program. Usually some 50-70 volunteers, many of them families, show their love for the earth by weeding and cleaning the Garden, while enjoying the beautiful scenery and peaceful surroundings.

Tzu Chi Volunteer Gardeners Cultivating Rhododendron Beds at BRG

At present, the West Toronto Office has over 160 active volunteers, and about 600 supporters. Tzu Chi volunteers serve their community in many ways, including helping at senior homes, food banks, and with the City of Mississauga’s LitterNot program.

Tzu Chi Volunteers Clean Lake Ontario Beach Brueckner Rhododendron Garden

Brueckner Rhododendron Garden is sited on the north shore of Lake Ontario. Storms, winds and waves, as well as thoughtless visitors, can toss lots of litter onto the shoreline of the Garden. Several times a year, garden staff and volunteers such as Tzu Chi West Toronto Office make a concerted effort to clean up this beach.

Tzu Chi Volunteers at BRG Mississauga Ontario

On the Labour Day weekend alone, 120 Tzu Chi volunteers weeded 9 flower beds and cleaned up the lake shore in two hours. Because this larger than usual number of volunteers were able to attend, much was accomplished. Over the next week or so, other visitors to the Garden commented on how lovely and well-tended the garden beds were.

Tzu Chi West Toronto Office Group Photo at Brueckner Rhododendron Garden

After a few hours' work, it was time for lunch, a bit of socializing and a group photo.

"We had a very good time [at the BRG], said Adrienne, Tzu Chi Volunteer Coordinator. "Work and play is the greatest combination of life, isn't it?"

Update August 28 2011 Tzu Chi Day at the Garden.

Tzu Chi’s 'Four Missions, Eight Footprints' are Charity, Medicine, Education, Humanities, International Relief, Bone-Marrow Donation, Community Volunteerism, and Environmental Protection. Through volunteer activities, Tzu Chi members blend Buddhist teachings into their daily lives.

To learn more about Tzu Chi Foundation Canada, see http://en.tzuchi.ca/canada/home.nsf/home/index

For Tzu Chi West Toronto, see http://academy.tzuchi.ca/canada/academy/mississauga/home.nsf/

For Tzu Chi Global, see http://www.tzuchi.org.tw

Thank you, Tzu Chi volunteers!

On behalf of Gardens staff, volunteers and visitors, a great big THANK YOU! to Tzu Chi. Your work is much appreciated !

If your group would like to help cultivate Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens, call 311 from anywhere in the cities of Brampton and Mississauga and let us know. Or post a comment and we will get back to you. Students looking to fulfill community service hours should also call for information.

Much work (compost, mulch, weeding, planting, etc) is scheduled to be done this fall to get the Garden ready for winter.

American Chestnut Mississauga Port Credit Gone with the Winds at Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens

2010-09-13T14:49:00.007-04:00

One less American Chestnut in Southern Ontario as grand old tree became a storm casualty at Brueckner garden in Port Credit Mississauga.

A short but violent windstorm on Friday September 3 claimed one of the few remaining American chestnuts in Brueckner garden, and indeed in all of southern Ontario. And the saddest aspect, perhaps, is we never knew it was 'sick'.

Here are some pictures that show this chestnut tree in full and glorious bloom, and after the wind storm brought it down. Click on an image to enlarge, then click Back button to return to this page.

American Chestnut in Bloom

Here's a picture of this America Chestnut tree (middle, tallest tree) taken in early June, 2010. If you visit the Garden, you may recognize its location as the west garden between the heritage Brueckner Rhododendron garden and the entrance parking area.

This chestnut leafed out beautifully, and was laden with blooms on every branch. It gave no hint that it was stressed. It had survived / avoided the chestnut blight that decimated most of these trees last century, and countless storms. it appeared the picture of chestnut health.

Close Up Photo of American Chestnut Flowers

These are the chestnut flowers of this same tree. Almost overshadowed by the featured rhodos at the height of their bloom, these chestnut blooms added to the overall lushness of the spring blooming gardens.

Wind storm claims a Grand old American Chestnut Tree

Here's the picture I took the evening following the sudden violent wind and rain storm that swept through this part of southern Ontario the Friday afternoon start to the Labour Day weekend. This storm brought a large amount of rain, and high winds, but little or no lightning or thunder.

Chestnut Tree Fallen on BRG Trail

This picture is taken from the start of the trail from the parking area entrance, looking south towards the Heritage Rhodo beds. The blooming flowers are in the Annual Bed. I had entered the Gardens from the (opposite) southeast entrance, at Godfrey's Lane, and several visitors, noticing I was taking pictures, mentioned the large tree down at the west entrance.

American Chestnut ~ Rotten at the Core

As this damage occurred at the start of a long weekend, city crews could only mark the chestnut with tape until workers could remove it. City staff I spoke to said that although a number of trees and branches had fallen in the storm, this chestnut was the largest tree they had seen.

It's difficult to appreciate the girth of this tree, but the remaining sawn-off stump is almost 3 feet across. And in the core, you can see the cavity damage that weakened it, fatally.

American Chestnut Backdrop for Kennedy Plaque Dedication

This chestnut was in bloom when the Kennedy Memorial Plaque was unveiled in June 2009 (white flowers, top left).

Kennedy Memorial Plaque Safe Between the Chestnut Branches

Incredibly, the Harold Kennedy Memorial stand with plaque emerged unscathed in the midst of the enormous fallen Chestnut canopy.

Chestnut takes out Plantings around Kennedy Plaque

One of the shrub beds around the Kennedy Memorial Plaque was collateral damage from the falling chestnut tree. The shrubs to the right in this photo are fine, but the ones to the left, including a new standard rose tree, are gone but one, and will be replaced as soon as possible.

Willow Tree Branch ~ Waterfront Trail at West Side, South Bridge

Coming in via the Southeast garden, as I had, I first encountered this willow branch that had fallen across this part of the Waterfront Trail. Willows are notorious for losing large bits or entire trees during windstorms. See this post for one of the fallen willows.

As with much else, so too with this late, great American Chestnut tree at the Garden: You don't know what you've lost until it's gone. Indeed, I didn't even realize until now that American Chestnuts are on the endangered species list.

There is one other large chestnut tree in the Garden, and I posted the link to a previous post about Carolinian forest trees below. Also for reference are links to American chestnut tree information.

More New Rhododendron Gardens, Flowers Bloom BRG

2010-08-13T13:17:00.005-04:00

Brueckner Rhododendron Garden Stewardship Committee (BRGSC) Meets On Site at the Garden to tour new rhodo beds

The BRGSC August meeting was on site at the Gardens to tour the new rhododendron beds added this season. Para, head gardener and BRGSC member, led the group tour to talk about what work had been done, and what new projects are still to come. Here are some photos of the new gardens and some of the annual and perennial flower beds that give color all summer.

BRGSC Garden Tour ~ Annual Flower Bed

Stewardship committee members David and Daphne at the annual bed, with mauve flowered Russian sage in bloom. This flower bed, located just south of the Garden parking lot at Lakeshore Road West and Shawnmarr Road, has perennial and shrub plantings, but the annual plantings change each year.

Flower Garden Bed - Brueckner Rhododendron Garden

Another flower bed located just east of the parking lot is a riot of yellows. This garden is largely perennials with some annuals added each season. The trail in the background is the section of the Waterfront Trail that runs along Tecumseh Creek in this area.

Florida Dogwood in Bloom ~ Mississauga Garden

Committee member David with Florida Dogwood. This stunning blooming tree is located on the far side of the hill trail that leads from the parking lot. This evening meeting meant the light was dim for photo taking, but the white dogwood blossoms still stood out. This dogwood is located close to the west fence, with the lake view in the background.

Florida Dogwood Close-Up

A closer look at the Florida Dogwood. The green centers turn red as the bloom matures, and are filled with seeds. This particular tree has some stressed branches that are starting to leaf out again.

White Rhododendron in Bloom in August ~ Mississauga

Follow the Waterfront Trail towards Lake Ontario, then cross the south bridge (closest to the lake) towards Godfrey's Lane. To the left, there is a large rhododendron that sent out a late season white bloom. (Rhodos usually bloom in spring, not mid-summer).

New Rhododendron Garden - BRG East Garden

BRGSC seeing first hand the new plantings in a rhodo bed in the East Garden. About 9 new rhodo gardens have been added in this area of the BRG. To shade and shelter the rhododendrons, staff planted a number of new trees. This East Garden, previously under-developed, has been the target for many of the new plantings.

Annual Bed Lakeshore Road ~ BRG East Garden

This annual flower bed at Lakeshore Road West near Godfreys' Lane and the Port Credit sign is perhaps the most visible to passing traffic. Again, some perennials and shrubs are grown here, but the annual flower show changes each year. This year, the coleus are giving a superb show, even at twilight.

New Rhododendron Bed ~ West Garden BRG

City staff and volunteers planted most of the new rhodos, etc. in the East Garden beds, but they also in-filled existing beds in West Garden, adding dozens of new plants and trees, including rhodos, azaleas, white pine and magnolias. Here, Joe, city garden staff, rototills under the trees where another new rhodo bed, with shade trees already in position, will soon be planted.

And to give you a spot to rest a spell and admire the views, several more Garden benches are being replaced, and a few new ones are to be installed.

For a map to Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens, see the googlemap link in the right menu. BRG is open daily, year round and admission is free!

Rhododendron

2010-07-31T11:59:00.005-04:00

New Rhododendron, Azalea Plants Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens

Eight new rhododendron gardens! Eight! All new beds, with hundreds of rhododendrons and azaleas and companion plants have been planted at Brueckner Rhododendron Garden in Port Credit (Mississauga, Ontario).

And the established beds around the Garden have been topped up with dozens of new rhodos and azaleas. Next spring promises to be spectacular with blooms!

Here are some pictures showing how the new rhododendron gardens came to be, thanks to hard work from the head gardener and staff, with help from the team at the City of Mississauga.

Breaking Ground ~ New Rhododendron Garden ~ Mississauga

One of the new rhodo gardens is located in the northeast corner of BRG, where Godfrey's Lane meets Lakeshore Road. This part of the Garden was once the site of several homes, the structures long since demolished and and the land filled in. As the Gardens team cut the new beds, concrete parts of old foundations came to the surface, and were removed from the site.

East Rhododendron Garden ~ Godfrey's Lane

Another of the new rhododendron beds was established in the East Garden. In this picture, the staff is removing stones and debris, and raking the bed to level the ground.

BRG Staff Preparing New Rhododendron Garden

The above photo is a closer look at the slope in the East Garden as staff (and a volunteer) prepare one of the new rhodo gardens. In the background, you can see a front end loader doing a lot of the heavy lifting on another of the new rhodo beds.

City Of Mississauga Crew At Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens

A group photo of the crew, with head gardener, Para, second from right, and volunteer Don, third from left. The usual complement of gardens staff on site at Brueckner is 2-4; For the new rhododendron plantings, extra staff were brought in to help with this huge project.

Delivering Peat Moss for New Rhododendron Garden Port Credit

After the crew prepared the new rhodo gardens, their work was only partly done. Then came the trucks with tonnes of compost and bales of peat moss that had to be carted to the newly prepared gardens.

Truckload of Compost for New Rhododendron Azalea Gardens

The front end loader and cart moved the huge pile of compost and dozens of bales of peat moss to the new rhodo and azalea beds. A monumental task! Makes me weary just looking at the photo!

City of Mississauga Gardeners BRG Moving Compost, Peat Moss

Using the front end loader and cart, staff moved compost and peat moss to the new rhodo gardens, then spread them on, tilled them in and raked the new beds smooth in preparation for bringing in and planting hundreds of rhodos, azaleas and companion plants.

New Rhododendron Garden Plantings ~ East Brueckner Garden

And so the new rhododendron gardens took shape, with rhodos, azaleas and shade trees planted and mulched. The rhododendrons planted in these sunnier locations are more heat and light tolerant varieties.

New Rhododendron Plants, Azaleas, Shrubs

This new rhododendron garden pictured above is the same one shown being prepared in the top photo on this page. Although these new rhododendron gardens are not particularly lovely to look at this summer (mostly just a bed of greenery), by next spring, the rhodos and azaleas should start pulling their weight with the established rhododendrons, and give a blooming good show!

Blooming Hydrangeas ~ Heritage Rhododendron Garden

But now, this summer, the hydrangeas step up their blooms to cheer us along until the rhodos and azaleas bloom next spring (late March to mid June, depending on weather and growing conditions). The annual beds and wildflowers, too, are in full bloom, and the hostas are lush and lovely.

Do stop by and walk around this wonderful public garden! Here's a googlemap.

And for as lovely as Brueckner Rhododendron Garden is now, imagine how gorgeous it will become over the coming decades. A wonderful legacy for future generations!

(If you'd like to come help us grow, here's how on this post.)

Wedding Pictures Mississauga ~ Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens a Great Location

2010-07-05T18:00:00.001-04:00

With the roses, lilies and hydrangeas now in bloom, Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens is a great location for taking wedding pictures. Or any other kind of photo, for that matter. Come to think of it, the Gardens roses and lilies would make gorgeous wedding bouquets :-) But don't be tempted: All flowers, shrubs, trees etc in Mississauga parks are public and for all to enjoy.

Have a look at some pictures of what's in bloom now at the Gardens: RosesTess, Captain Samuel, Iceberg and Evelyn, and hydrangeas and lilies.

Roses in Bloom at Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens

Captain Samuel Holland rose bed, pictured above, is at the top of the rose garden; the rose bed closest to the parking lot on Lakeshore Road and Shawnmarr.

Captain Samuel Holland Bright Pink Rose Close Up

This hardy Canadian rose is resistant to black spot and fungus. But notice the dark spot in the center of the smaller rose? Japanese beetles are back. Time to get hand-picking before they do damage!

Evelyn ~ Yellow Rose ~David Austin Roses

Evelyn shows different shades of yellow and apricot, depending on the stage of the bloom and the light at the time of day.

Iceberg White Rose ~ David Austin Rose

Iceberg is a beautiful white rose from David Austin Roses; there are two beds of Iceberg in the Rose Garden, and plans call for them to be merged into one bed. Canadian winters are not always kind to roses, and some Icebergs did not survive.

Tess of the D'Urbervilles ~ David Austin Red Rose

Tess Of The d'Urbervilles is another David Austin beauty, a red rose that begins as a gorgeous bud then opens to a double full bloom.

Stargazer Lily

The lily garden was decimated by red weevils last summer, but these Stargazer lilies in the main 'annual' bed just south of the parking lot at Lakeshore Road West in Port Credit are in full bloom now. If you visit, take note of the weeping beech and Japanese maple, both new to this bed.

Captain Samuel Holland Red Roses ~ David Culham Photo

David Culham, chair of the BRG Stewardship Committee, sends along this photo of Captain Samuel Holland roses. If you'd like to volunteer, see details this post.

Hydrangeas, Geraniums, Stargazer Lilies ~ Summer Bloomers

The annual bed at the front of the Gardens is a picture right now, with chubby white hydrangeas, pink and yellow lilies, and salmon pink geraniums making a nature bouquet. The cleomes are just starting to open their buds.

There's a google map for the BRG in the right menu. Come walk through the Gardens, and bring your camera! (And your bride, if you have one!).

To book BRG or other Mississauga parks, get a permit : Details on City Mississauga site.

Roses Brother Cadfael, Eglantyne, Scentimental, Hazel McCallion : What's in Bloom at Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens

2010-06-24T17:28:00.003-04:00

In a show of pink, red and white, the roses at Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens are in bloom now.

Here are some pictures of roses Brother Cadfael, Eglantyne, Scentimental,and Rosa Hazel McCallion. Click on image to enlarge, then click Back button to return.

Brother Cadfael Pink Rose Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens

This Brother Cadfael rose is just beginning to open fully. Note the tightly curled petals in the center.

Rose Brother Cadfael ~ Pink bloom on Bush

Brother Cadfael rose fully opened looks like a delicate pom-pom.

Close Up of Fully Open Pink Rose Brother Cadfael

Is there any flower more lovely than a healthy blooming rose? Most of the rose varieties at Brueckner Gardens were chosen partly by scent, so stop and sniff when you visit.

Eglantyne - Elegant Pale Pink David Austin Rose

Another lovely pale pink rose, Eglantyne is in full bloom now at the BRG.

Eglantyne Pale Pink Rose ~

Still one of the most beautiful English roses! See more pictures of Eglantyne taken last year: Blooming Roses post.

Rosa Hazel McCallion ~ Red White Rose

Named for the long-serving mayor of Mississauga, Rosa Hazel McCallion is in its second year at Brueckner Gardens. Nursed through the winter by Para Kanp, head gardener, this new variety rose is still in its infancy.

Hazel McCallion Rose Bushes

Several of the plants survived and are beginning to bloom. Originally described as a pink rose, these red and white roses may not be true to form. Look for these roses in the center front rose bed.

Scentimental Roses ~ Sweetly Scented Sentimental Favorite

Each Scentimental, like each snow flake, is unique. It's a constant marvel to see how many different ways a Scentimental can look, and how each bud changes as it blooms. Some are mostly red, others pink, and most are variegated with white tossed in.

With the roses fully in first bloom at the BRG, you might think the rhododendrons are finished blooming for the season. Most rhodos are finished blooming, but they need your help:

Rhododendron Help Needed:
Each and every rhododendron flower needs to be dead headed: This means that every rhodo that bloomed this year has to have its dead blossoms removed by hand before the new buds that will bloom next year get too large.

If you can help, see Volunteer post (Mayor Hazel McCallion photo there too!), and call, or drop by the gardens weekdays 8-5 and talk to the Gardens staff.

'Many hands make light work' was never truer than it is of dead-heading thousands of rhodos!!

Peony Garden ~ White Tree Peonies, Top Brass White Peony, Pink Peonies

2010-06-10T20:06:00.003-04:00

White, pink, tree and bush: Peonies are in glorious full bloom in the Gardens in Port Credit Ontario Canada! Click on image to enlarge; Click Back button to return to this page.

Peony Garden in Bud

Here's how the peony garden looked on May 24, with the peonies tall and in bud, white or pink tips showing. One precocious white tree peony was almost done blooming.

Peony Garden in Full Bloom

Here's how the peony garden looked today, with all the buds now open.

White Peonies ~ Pink Peonies

Note the white peony with yellow center in the photo above: Its name is Top Brass, and it's a beauty!

Top Brass White Peony Close Up

A gorgeous peony, with a blooming habit of doubling its petals back on itself to show its yellow core.

Dark Deep Pink Shrub Peony

Only a few of the peonies are this deep pink, almost red color, and this one sets off the paler pinks and whites.

Two-toned Pink and Deep Pink Peony Flower

I don't know the name of this stunner, but will ask the Peony Man or Head Gardener if they can label it.

Pink Tree Peony Bud

Tree Peonies announce themselves in their buds, which look more like a rose bud than a shrub peony bud. Scroll up to the photo of the peony garden in bud, and see how non-tree peonies have buds that resemble a cabbage.

White Tree Peonies in Full Bloom

Note too that the tree peonies have fewer petals - usually only 6 or 7- than do shrub peonies. And tree peonies will grow taller, and appear less shrub-like.

White Tree Peony in Full Bloom

Here's a close up of this gorgeous white tree peony.

Peony Garden ~ Port Credit Mississauga Ontario

The Garden as a whole: a magnet for photographers and artists, and a joy to behold.

Heavy rains and strong winds over the previous weekend did take a bit of a toll on the blossom-heavy peonies. Luckily, the plants grew and filled in considerably from last year, their first, and provided a self-support system.

Here's how the peonies looked last year: Top Brass and Tree Peonies. I notice with some interest the dates of those posts; they are blooming this year almost to the date they bloomed last year.

Now lest you think that you've missed the peony garden in full bloom, take heart: The Rose Garden is entering stage right! And some azaleas and rhodos are still blooming, and the wildflowers are starting to get really wild with blossoms!

Rhododendrons, Azaleas Peak Blooming Time Port Credit Mississauga Ontario

2010-05-31T15:36:00.006-04:00

Blooming Update June 8, 2011: Peak Blooms this week at Brueckner for azaleas and rhodos.

Though the Rhododendron Gardens tour took place a week ago, the rhodos and azaleas are still in glorious full bloom and make a spectacular show!

Here are some pictures taken over the past few days. [Click on photo to enlarge, then click Back button to return to this page]

Lake Ontario Micro-Climate Great for Rhodos!

The Gardens location on Lake Ontario in Port Credit (Mississauga) suits rhodos and azaleas to a T. Visitors find this setting spectacular, too. This view is looking south towards Niagara Falls and St Catharines.

Rhodos and Azaleas ~ Close-up on Lake Ontario

This bed of azaleas and rhododendrons is just steps from the Waterfront Trail through the Gardens, just west from the south bridge. Overlooking the beach, with several comfy benches, this spot is a great favorite with visitors. Especially on hot sunny days, watching the boats on Lake Ontario.

Waterfront Trail Views to Brueckner Heritage Garden

The Waterfront Trail runs along Tecumseh Creek through the Gardens. This is the view across the lawns to the Heritage bed on the west side of garden.

Waterfront Trail Cyclist at BRG Heritage Garden

This Waterfront Trail cyclist didn't even bother following the Trail around to the Heritage Beds: He made a bee-line across the lawns to get a closer look. Such is the power of rhodos and azaleas in full bloom: Charms the cyclists off the paths!

Yellow Azaleas near Waterfront Trail Rhododendron Gardens

There are several yellow azalea bushes throughout the Gardens; I found this one close to the South Bridge (bridge closest to Lake Ontario). There are currently three bridges in the Gardens that cross over Tecumseh Creek that separates the West Garden (Heritage beds) from the East Garden, where 7 new rhododendron beds are planned.

Orange Rhododendron Waterfront Trail South bridge

As well as yellow azaleas, BRG has several large orange rhododendron shrubs. This one in the picture is beside the yellow azalea, at the south bridge, west side.

White Rhododendron with yellow freckles

This white rhododendron stunner (especially in close up), is located outside the nursery fence, near the Godrey's Lane entrance to the Gardens, closest to Ben Machree Park and the Lake.

From a distance, the rhodo flowers appear white or pale pink. Leave the path and get a close up look at the large shrub up against the wrought iron fence, and you'll see the lovely yellow freckles on the blossoms.

Over the past week or two, Mississauga has enjoyed unseasonably warm weather. It's been gloriously sunny and dry, even along the usually cooler lakefront.

Since the hot weather makes the plants bloom faster, the flowering season will be over all too soon. Don't miss the show: Head out to the Gardens (See the link for the map in the right menu).

Catch a cool breeze from the lake, sit a spell, and admire the stunning rhododendrons and azaleas while they're in full bloom! One serious thunderstorm, and they could be done.

Next Up: The Peonies!

Chestnut, Redbud, Weeping Cutleaf Beech, Japanese Cherry Maple: Trees at the BRG

2010-05-18T15:33:00.003-04:00

Lake Ontario's north shore micro-climate is a perfect location for the spring-blooming rhododendrons and azaleas, and for Carolinian forest trees and other shrubs and ornamentals.

Here is a sampling of the latest trees in bloom and leaf at the BRG in Port Credit, Ontario: Chestnut, Redbud, Weeping Beech, Cutleaf Beech, Japanese Cherry, Japanese Maple.
Click on photo to enlarge, then click Back button to return to this page.

Chestnut Tree BRG South Bridge Lake Ontario

A large chestnut tree is in full bloom south of the bridge closest to Lake Ontario at the Waterfront Trail in the Gardens. There is another chestnut tree located close to the Kennedy Memorial Plaque at the parking area on Lakeshore Road West.

Chestnut Tree Flowers - BRG Mississauga Ontario

Here's a closer look at the Chestnut Tree in full bloom. Squirrels can look forward to a good crop of nuts this year.

Japanese Cherry Trees in Bloom Late April

The Japanese Cherry trees are finished blooming for this year, but a few weeks ago, they were the Gardens Stars beside the walking path in front of Heritage rhododendron beds.

Redbud Trees in Bloom ~ Port Credit Ontario

The mauve - pink flowers of the redbud trees close to the Gardens parking area bring to mind the spring blooming jacarandas of Argentina and Australia. See more redbuds in bloom now in Port Credit, too, on the east side of the river near Snug Harbour.

Cutleaf Beech Trees - BRG East Garden Near Godfrey's Lane

The cutleaf beech were in full flush new leaf green in a grove of their own in the East Garden close to Godfrey's Lane. Cutleaf Beech are a smaller variety than Copper Beeches (see my other blog post for copper beech pictures).

Weeping Beech ~ Japanese Maples New at the BRG

Garden staff added a new dimension to the annual and perennial shrub bed with a rather unlovely, at the time, weeping beech. The weeping beech, left center in the above photo, looked like a pole strung with vines. The Japanese Maple trees, to the right, were lovely right away.

Weeping Beech Breuckner Rhododendron Gardens

Within a few weeks, though, the Weeping Beech is looking a lot better than when first transplanted. In fact, I think it's marvellous. The Japanese maples, to the right rear in the picture, also seem to have taken to the transplanting well. Kudos, Para and Joe!

Related tree pictures: Tamarack Larch; Kentucky coffee Tree (not in leaf yet this spring), magnolias (finished blooming).

Be sure to come visit this Sunday, May 23, for a tour of the Gardens from 2-4 p.m. More rhododendrons are coming into bloom day by day!

Rhododendron Gardens Tour Date May 23 ~ Rhodos, Azaleas, Japanese Cherry

2010-04-28T10:28:00.010-04:00

BRG Tour Date 2011: Sunday May 29, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Free!

The Gardens Tour date has been changed! The new Rhododendron Gardens tour date is Sunday, May 23, 2010.

Magnolia, Japanese Cherry, Rhododendrons

The magnolias (white, photo) are almost finished blooming. The rhodos, azaleas and the Japanese cherry trees are coming into bloom earlier than usual so the garden tour has been advanced one week from the original date May 30.

Mauve Rhododendrons in Bloom - Port Credit Mississauga Ontario

Even the apple trees, legacy of the original Cranberry Cove farmland where the Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens now flourish, are popping buds open as fast as they can. The forecast weather over the coming weeks is for more sunshine and seasonably warm temperatures, which will encourage many of the flowering shrubs to bloom earlier than usual.

Pink Rhododendron Flowers - BRG Mississauga Ontario

The Rhododendron 'Heritage Bed' is marked with split rail fencing, and signed with information about Dr. Brueckner and his legacy rhodos. These pink rhododendrons can be seen in the Heritage Bed, and in one of the beds closer to Lake Ontario.

Split Rail Fencing Marks the Brueckner Heritage Garden

The gate in the split rail fence that separates the paved trail (path) from the parking lot and the heritage rhodos is now open so that photographers, wedding parties and rhodo fanciers can get close to the beautiful rhododendrons. However, do leave your dogs on leash outside the fenced area. Cyclists: Park your bikes outside the heritage bed.

Pink - Mauve Rhododendrons - Brueckner Heritage Gardens

These early blooming rhododendrons provide a good show for visitors now, and over the coming weeks. There is some concern that even with the Gardens tour date being advanced one week that warm weather in the interim will force all the rhodos into unusually early bloom, and that they may well be in the final stages of blooming by May 23.

White Rhododendron with Pink Tinge - Port Credit Ontario

This rhododendron blooms white, with a pale pink tinge to the flowers. Look for this tiny shrub amidst the larger rhodo plants; it's easy to overlook. This rhodo can be found in the heritage bed, and at the top of the hill heading towards the lake, and in the beds in the south garden area overlooking Lake Ontario.

Mauve Charmer! Azalea in Bloom Mississauga Ontario

Look for azaleas in bloom, too. I took these pictures at the BRG on Tuesday, April 27. Here are pictures and two post dates from previous years (posted on my own blog that predates the BRG blog by 2 years) and pictures of blooming rhododendrons from last May.

Snapshot rhodos May 17 2007
Snapshot rhodos May 17, 2008
BRG blog Rhodos May 12 2009

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Update: May 10, 2010: Japanese Cherry Trees BRG

Japanese Cherry Trees In Bloom ~ BRG Mississauga Port Credit

High winds and rain over the weekend in Port Credit ON did not to any favours to the blooming Japanese Cherries at the Gardens. Luckily, Para Kanp, head gardener, had a few days earlier taken this photo of the trees in full bloom (Click on any photo to enlarge; click Back button to return to this page).

Rhododendrons, Magnolias, Forsythia in Bloom, Rhodos in Bud, Rose Garden, Gardens Tour, and Volunteers Needed!

2010-04-14T17:48:00.002-04:00

Spring has Sprung at the BRG in Port Credit, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada! Here's what's new at the BRG this week:

Rhododendrons, Magnolias, Forsythia in bloom
Rhododendrons in bud
Rose Garden Layout
2010 Garden Tour May 2010
Spring bulbs in bloom and bud
Volunteers Needed Now, and June 3, 2010

Magnolias Starting to Bloom

Most of the magnolias are still in fuzzy buds, but with a few days of warm weather, they'll be in full flower soon.
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Magnolia Tree - Brueckner Plaque at Base

The Brueckner memorial magnolia tree is first to bloom (see pictures from last year). Note the white magnolias near here, just south of main parking lot Lakeshore Road west and Shawnmarr Road.

Rhododendron Early Bloomers at the BRG

Mauve Rhododendrons in the Heritage Garden area are in flower behind the split rail fence added last fall to deter dogs from harming the rhodos.

Many dog owners seem to be under the impression that the BRG is a park, and an off-leash one at that. It is not. Nor is the BRG a soccer pitch, a ball park, or any kind of sports field. It is a Garden.

Rhododendron with Forsythia Overlooking Lake Ontario

The early blooming rhodos in the Gardens are a sure sign of spring, and the booming period depends on the temperatures. If the weather stays warm, or gets warmer, then the rhodos (and much else) will bloom earlier; If there is a cold spell over the next few weeks, the blooming will slow down.

Mauve Rhododendrons

More Rhododendrons are in the beds overlooking Lake Ontario. Early blooming rhododendrons are Doricum and Isola Bella.

Rhododendrons the Star Attraction ~ Garden Tour May 30, 2010

Many of the rhodos are in bud now, and seemed to have enjoyed the mild winter. With the garden tour set for May 8 or 9, and if the weather cooperates, there should be many rhodos still in bloom, as well as azaleas. Update: the weather is not cooperating as expected and the shrubs and trees are coming into bloom several weeks ahead of schedule: thus, the rhodo garden tour date has been advanced several weeks.

The View From The Hill ~ Rose Garden Layout Design

The Layout and Design of the Rose Garden is best appreciated before the roses begin to grow and flower. Volunteers will edge the rose beds to delineate paths between beds, and keep the bark mulch away from the plants.

Spring Bulbs in Bloom Throughout Rhododendron Gardens

Look for all the usual spring bulb suspects: daffodils, tulips, crocuses, snow drops and more throughout the gardens. Stay on the paths and trails, as you might not notice you've crushed a plant until it's too late!

Call for Volunteers at the Gardens June 3 2010
Volunteers -- 9 will do, but more would be nice -- are needed to help plant 1,000 plants and shrubs in the ecoswale in the East Gardens on Thursday, June 3, 2010 (See this post).

If you want to help make Mississauga beautiful, call David 'Sweat Equity' Culham at 905-608-2886 to let him know you are ready to dig in and help out!

Prune Trees, Raise Canopy, Improve Sightlines, Bioswale Watch, Canada Geese

2010-02-22T19:19:00.005-05:00

Still in the grip of winter, things are pretty quiet at Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens here in Port Credit.

While we wait for the dog fence to fade and blend into the scenery, here are some pictures from the past year when garden staff pruned many of the large trees, raising the canopy and improving the sightlines throughout the Gardens.

Evergreens at BRG Pruned, Canopy Raised

Purists may indeed have a point when they state that lovely Copper Beech trees should be left to their natural growing habits (see pictures this post on Snapshot Travel).

Copper beech send out branches almost at ground level, a distinctive trait. But the selective pruning of a number of trees, including the beech, means that one can see through the gardens from the Waterfront Trail along Tecumseh Creek to the top of the hill by the main rhodo beds.

Pruned Maple Tree Near Rose Garden

Also getting their limbs trimmed were several maple trees, like this one to the west of the Rose Garden. Again, the raised canopy will make the roses more visible from a greater distance, but more importantly, the higher canopy will allow the sun-loving roses to get their fix of sunlight.

Pruned Branches Mulch Ready

All the pruning was done by one younger, strong garden staff chap, who used an extendable power saw pruner to do all the work in one day. Part of the reason he was able to prune so many trees in such a short time is that he could do all the work from the ground, without needing to use a ladder.

Bioswale in Winter - BRG East Garden

As well as these pruning pictures from late August, I took some new ones yesterday showing Canada Geese foraging and squabbling on the east side of Tecumseh Creek near the area where the bioswale was added late last fall.

Water still seems to be pooling above the bioswale, so some fine tuning may be called for this spring.

Canada Geese in East Garden at Bioswale

It's unusual for Canada Geese to venture this far into the Gardens. Most often, they forage along the Lake Ontario waterfront. This day, I counted 15 geese in this area.

With Port Credit, known for its micro climate, experiencing an even milder winter interspersed with sharp cold spells, I am thankful we (volunteers and staff) took the time last fall to mulch the rhododendrons and azaleas throughout the Gardens.

Rhododendron Gardens Winter, Split Rail Fence for Dogs, Photographer Challenge

2010-01-08T12:57:00.002-05:00

Love rhododendrons? Love dogs? Then keep them apart, for the rhodos' sake. Rhodos and dogs doing what dogs do when outdoors are not a good mix, at least from the rhododendrons' point of view. Rhodos can be decimated by dogs answering the call of nature, and once one dog leaves a message, all future doggie visitors want to add their own notes.

And since not all dog walkers keep their dogs on leash, as required by Mississauga by-law, or, even if on leash, keep them far enough away from the rhodos, the city has installed a new split rail fence at the BRG in Mississauga, Ontario.

Here are some pictures of this rustic split rail fence that is actually a very long and handy message board for dogs.

Drilling Post Holes for New Fence BRG

Rhododendron and garden purists, and, likely, brides and photographers may bemoan a man-made structure spoiling the view of the main Rhododendron bed, a favourite location for wedding parties to take pictures.

Main Rhododendron Garden ~ Plaque Dr Brueckner

This is the oft-photographed view, near the plaque commemorating Dr Brueckner's gift to Mississauga. The micro-climate in this location in Port Credit is ideal for rhodos and azaleas.

Fence Construction View Towards Parking Lot

It's thought that this bright new split rail fence will weather to a faded gray shade within a few months and blend more naturally into the surrounding woodlands.

Rails Added to Fence Posts

Two gates have been added to the fence to give access to the rhododendron bed from the main path leading from the parking lot. As always, visitors can get close to the rhodos from the top of the hill (left, out of view in this picture). But please, Dog Walkers, do not bring your dogs into the rhodo beds.

Hand-Digging Holes for Fence Posts

The new fence starts just below the crest of the hill and runs northwest around the main rhodo bed to enclose the newer rhodo bed planted last spring.

New View Main Rhodo Garden with Gate

The completed fence, with gate, does change the view of this established rhodo bed. Brides and bridesmaids wearing very full skirts will have to take care when walking through the gate.

Winter Snows ~ Rhododendron Garden Fence

Winter weather and spring rains should help to change the new looking rails and posts to a pale gray. A rustic wood fence was definitely the best choice for the location.

Rhododendrons in Winter ~ Lake Ontario

Rhododendron beds sited on the Lake Ontario side of the hill are more exposed to the winter winds, and sulk to show their displeasure with cold winds. Winter snow fencing wrapped in burlap was erected in late fall to protect the more exposed rhodos.

Large Tree Removal Part Three : Final Cuts, Logs Removed, Peace Restored

2009-12-18T13:38:00.001-05:00

Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens, a City of Mississauga park, was used as access to remove a large poplar tree on private property that abuts the gardens at the Lakeshore Road entrance.

This page is Part 3 of large tree removal at the BRG in Port Credit, Ontario, where the final cuts are made, the logs hauled awy, and peace restored to the Lake Ontario garden park. See also Part 1 and Part 2 for earlier photos.

Crane Truck Mississauga Ontario

In this photo, the wheels of the level crane truck clear the lawn. This truck was moved into place to hoist a working platform for crew.

Crane hoists platform for crew

The two man crew worked in tandem, measuring and marking the new cut lines, then chain sawing through each section.

Close Up look at crew with chain saw

Close up of crew cutting trunk with chain saw.

Log crane drops in lot

Crane lifts large section of tree to place in parking lot. Brown debris is what's left after earlier sawn sections had already been removed to the chipper truck.

Logs Stacked BRG Parking Lot

The large logs were cut and stacked pending removal in the BRG parking lot. Some sections were to be recycled into pallets.

Close Up Cross Section Logs

The logs shown in cross section view appear to be in fairly good shape, but this was definitely not the case. One large branch might still appear healthy, but overall the tree was rotted out.

Wildwood Tree Service Mississauga Ontario

Thanks to the crew for their graciousness and attention to safety towards the myriad photographers and onlookers who attended the tree removal.

Winter Sun Lake Ontario

And then the trucks, cranes, chippers and chain saws were gone, and the Gardens peaceful once again.

Winter Sun Lake Ontario Birds

Another view of the winter sun low in the sky, overlooking Lake Ontario in Port Credit Mississauga.

This bay in the picture -- Cranberry Cove -- is one of the areas that is included in the Christmas Bird Count on Saturday, December 19, 2009. See South Peel Naturalist site for details of this and other bird counts.

And then there were none - Logs Removed at BRG

The next day, another truck and crew removed the logs, and one returned to take away the steel plates used to make a 'road' across the lawns.

See Tree Removal Part 1 and Part 2 for earlier photos.