News
Second annual open house at Colonial

Nov. 18, 2010, St. Catharines, Ont. – This is the fourth in a series of
photo features posted this week covering plant trials I toured this year
throughout southwestern Ontario. Today's tour features Colonial Florists.

Nov. 18, 2010, St. Catharines, Ont. – This is the fourth in a series of photo features posted this week covering plant trials I toured this year throughout southwestern Ontario. This series does not cover all the trials, and hopefully we can expand our coverage next year.

Colonial Florists welcomed a steady stream of growers to their second annual open house in St. Catharines.

Featured were the company’s 2011 variety lineup of vegetative cuttings, as well as the varieties being considered for the future. Head grower Rob van der Zalm was discussed growing tips and suggestions on certain varieties with the many growers that attended. Assisting him were representatives from several breeding companies answering questions about their varieties. 

Also taking part were six suppliers invited by Colonial to take part in a mini trade show of their products and services. The suppliers enjoyed the casual atmosphere that allowed growers to interact with each other and enjoy food and refreshments.

Part-owner Paul van der Zalm said they were happy with the turnout and the customer feedback. Colonial products can be purchased by contacting him at pvdz@colonialfloristsltd.com.

Calimero petunia is a true trailing series. It is excellent by itself, or in mixed containers. Above is 'Purple Vein.'

‘Pure White’ (foreground) and ‘Orange’ (background) are two newcomers to the Impatiens Musica double impatiens series. Like the others in the series, they flower quite early and feature a medium to vigorous growth habit. They work well in either mono baskets or small pots.

Brachyscome 'Brasco Violet' has a much larger flower than traditional brachyscome varieties.

Petunia Littletunia varieties: clockwise from front left – ‘Violet,’ 'White Grace,' 'Rose,' 'Purple,' 'Merlot' and 'Purple Blue Vein.' The Petunia Littletunia series is especially floriferous, quite compact and semi-trailing.

A sampling of selections from the Colonial foliage lineup. These are most often used in combination plantings.

Alternanthera is an ideal landscape plant, combining structure, vigour and garden performance. Like others in the series, ‘Partytime’ is an excellent accent plant.

The Mega Revolution works well in 6" gerbera production. The series features many colours, including Formula Mix (pictured).

This was the second year Colonial Florists Ltd. hosted an open house. A steady stream of visitors toured the display area throughout the day.

'Sparkler Scarlet' was in this year's Colonial Plant Trials. The company conducts extensive trialling each year before finalizing its catalogue.