Articles
Looking for something? Discover a reprise of a selection of articles that have appeared in the newsletter and others that may be of interest. We are just beginning to populate this site so please be patient. For pure enjoyment, take a peek at our unique brand of Flower Show Instructions by Joni Boyer–they are, as the saying goes “definitely not the opera”!
Dirty Dancing
Spring Flower Show May 2006
Come on everybody, let’s dance! And I don’t mean the hokey pokey (as much fun as that may be). Back in the sixties, when New York's Village Voice was probably the only newspaper I ever so much as glanced at, Jules Feiffer's lanky, seemingly boneless beatnik performing her annual "Dance to Spring" bore witness to winter's last gasp (among other things). In our Spring Flower Show, we pay floral tribute to her gazelle-like grace and the endearing habit she had of collapsing suddenly in a little pile of limbs. Because spring is like that: all surging energy and growth in the garden with the gardener a spent force at the end of the day from just trying to cope with it all.
So, come on let's dance! We'll improve by leaps and bounds...
Bring your entries early so we can have more time to take in the nuances of your creations.
1. PAS DE DEUX
Two achingly lovely bulb flowers in effortless and graceful contrast to each other.
2. LET'S TWIST (AGAIN)
Lavishly flowering vines and/or curvy blossoming branches will have us humming "Love me tendrils..."
3. (EVERYBODY) SALSA!
A gourmet gathering offers spicy colour and lively flavours that dance on the palate.
4. (SAVE ME) THE WALTZ
A ravishing confection of sumptuous spring flowers inspired by the elaborate gowns and elegance of the ballrooms of Vienna.
5. MODERN MOVEMENT
A dramatic and mystifying construct whose meaning, while not immediately apparent is nonetheless thought-provoking…
Joni Boyer
HINDSIGHT IS 20/20
Spring Flower Show – May 2007
Yes, the Hort [Toronto & Parkdale together] is now (gasp!) 20 years old. Will it have to cut its hair and get a job? Or will it simply carry on in its charming and idiosyncratic way, offering a warm welcome and wide range of 'growth' opportunities to any and all who enjoy the delights of the garden? We can only hope... In this year's spring Flower Show we pay tribute to ourselves and this thing we call the "HORT".
1. WE BRANCH OUT
An exquisite flowering branch or vine as an expression of our history when (deep breath), The Horticultural Societies of Parkdale and Toronto were finally entwined. Note: therein lies, I think, the origin of the term 'Hort' as our common name, with the other more unwieldy title representing the true botanical nomenclature, as it were.
2. A MATTER OF TASTE
A flavourful gathering of herbs and edible flowers to give honour to Kathy Andrachuk and Bill Cheng for their thoroughly enjoyable annual BBQ at St Christopher House (not to mention every thing else they do).
3. SIZE DOESN'T MATTER
Your carefully thought out miniature arrangement is the perfect metaphor for our celebrated Newsletter, an artful giant-killer in annual competition! Bravo to Editors past and present and to all contributors.
4. GARDEN VARIETY
A big, boisterous gathering of perennials, annuals, roses, bulb flowers and foliage. It's May in the garden and thus we are able to offer a reflection of our wonderfully varied and always scintillating lecture series. Always something for everyone. Thank-you to Mari-Lise Stonehouse and Barry Parker.
5. IN OUR THOUGHTS
For those who cherish the memory of Barbara Bell and Connie Maurice, an opportunity to express their particular grace in floral tribute. And, if you include a bloom from a plant they gave you, why, so much the better.
As usual, the plant material used must be from your own garden. Please enter any and all categories to ensure the acclaim you so richly deserve. Have it all ready for judging by 6:45 pm.
VIVE LA HORT!
Joni Boyer
THE SPIRIT OF '68
Spring Flower Show May 2008
Can it be true??? Yes, 40 years have sped by since Prague Spring, the Paris Student Riots, and Monterey Pop. Now we're all so sedate, swaning around all in black with our opera tickets and yoga mats. Well, I say let's get back the esprit of that exciting, anything could happen era. Only this time around, instead of Sex, Drugs and Rock'n'Roll, we'll say it with flowers (well, maybe a bit of Advil....). So, get in touch with your inner soixante-huitarde/'Flower Child' and, using (legal) plant material from your own spring garden, create an arrangement that revisits the Sixties, riotous colour, rules made to be broken, Jimi and Janis and the Age of Aquarius. Have your creation ready for admiration and judging by 6:45 PM. Peace, brothers and sisters.
Joni Boyer
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