we are sad to learn of the passing of Ruth Staal. Her articles will continue to remain on the site as a reminder of her wonderful ease of explaining all things gardening to us. 'I wrote to Donna a few or perhaps even several years ago when my mom, Ruth Staal, went into a nursing home because of dementia and aphasia.

Although she was physically healthy for the past several years, while living in the nursing homes, she contracted a lung infection and stopped eating. She passed away quietly on January 10th. I thought that you would be sad but interested to hear this news.

You can see a memorial page to her here:
http://www.hffs.ca/sitemaker/memsol.cgi?page=profile§ion=info&user_id=554583

The family have been thinking about having some sort of memorial to her - like a bench in a large park that she enjoyed walking in. I've given some thought to publishing some of her writings that are not currently available in book form.'
David Marshall B.Ed. (Son of Ruth Staal)
 

The most expensive snowdrop Galanthus woronowii 'Elizabeth Harrison'
has just been bought at auction by UK grower Thompson & Morgan
http://inbalancemagazine.com/2012/02/19/a-snowdrop-to-die-for-elizabeth-harrison/
 

The City of Victoria is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2012. The town site of Fort Victoria was incorporated as the City of Victoria on August 2, 1862 and in celebration several events have been planned over the course of the year. The 2012 Victoria Day Parade (May 21) and Symphony Splash (August 5) celebrations will incorporate heritage-themes to honour the occasion. On August 2, there will be a public ceremony followed by a community celebration in Centennial Square featuring music, performances, cake and many more activities. The past 150 years has seen Victoria mature and change into the world class city we know today. Victoria is a city of beautiful contrasts, where the elegance of history mingles with the panache of modern life. For more information visit www.victoria.ca
 

The International Herb Association
Rose (Rosa): Herb of the Year™ 2012 Compiled by Susan Belsinger
280 pages; over 50 b&w photos & illustrations; perfect bound, color cover, 8-page color insert; retail $14.95.

The International Herb Association proudly presents a preview of our Herb of the Year™ Publication. http://iherb.org/hoy2012.htm
 

Basil enjoys a rich history in folklore. In many cultures it is common to use basil as a symbol for love, holiness, purity, and sanctity, among many others.
 

Marjorie Harris is one of Canada's best known and most widely read garden writers. Her new book THRIFTY GARDENING FROM THE GROUND UP will be published in March 2012 . To get more information check out her blog: www.marjorieharris.com .

Don't Miss Marjorie 3:00 pm on March 16th
on the Gardening Solutions Stage in Salon 105.
 

Step back, relax and discover a world of exotic tastes in the Twinings of London® Tea Tasting Area, next to the Pick Ontario Floral Area. No matter what your mood, Twinings has over 40 distinct and mouth watering varieties of tea for you to enjoy. Nine master blenders travel the world seeking only the finest teas, spices, herbs and fruit infusions available, then expertly blend each one using techniques perfected for over 300 years. Whether you're in the mood for a refreshing Black, soothing Green or flavorful herbal, enjoy every sip while you take in the breathtaking sights of Canada Blooms: the magnificent professional florists, the innovative feature gardens, the Garden Hall floral competition with both domestic and international competitors and so much more.
 

Calling all Culinary Tourists

On March 22, 2012, visitors to B.C.’s capital city are invited to bring their appetite and immerse themselves in the wonderful world of fine cuisine at Culinaire, Victoria’s Premier Food Tasting Experience. Celebrating its third year at The Crystal Garden part of The Victoria Conference Centre, the event brings together the region’s best restaurants and purveyors of fine foods. From iconic Victoria landmarks like The Fairmont Empress and The Butchart Gardens, to the new Big Wheel Burger and local purveyor Hilary’s Artisan Cheese, learn about menu offerings, indulge in samples of amazing cuisine and enjoy the chance to rub shoulders with the chefs themselves to learn about their backgrounds, their vision and food concepts. This food event is for all to enjoy, from the restaurant novice to the most refined foodie. Guests have a choice of two seating times; the first runs from 5:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. and the second from 7:30 p.m. to 9:35 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.ticketrocket.org and are $32 CDN.

Tickets include 10 food tastings from the presenters on hand with extra tickets for food and beverage tastings available for $1 CDN each. Wine and spirits are available for purchase during the event. For more information visit www.culinairevictoria.com.
 

Purple is a color of royalty and nobility, so consider growing some purple Iris as a symbol of faith, and a reminder that nobility of the heart is the greatest aspiration. Our new Chilled Wine sounds like it’s made for this holiday, sporting red-violet flowers with a bold splash of cobalt blue. The rich violet ruffled flowers of Gypsy Romance will attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Ruffled Velvet has the most irresistible, deep purple flowers and they are breathtaking when planted in mass.
http://www.monrovia.com/
 

Elements of Design In the Garden

http://www.icangarden.com/document.cfm?task=viewdetail&itemid=5621
 

hopefully you are all reading the latest articles put up each week on the site. They are listed on the home page. If you have written any articles that you would like to share with us, please do!! send to me at my email donna@icangarden.com