The Bowen Island Garden Club is proud to present Gary Lewis as speaker for our February meeting. Gary is owner of Phoenix Perennials in Richmond and February, without a doubt, is his busiest month. This is the start of the exciting hellebore hurrah at Phoenix; they now carry close to 100 different hellebore species and cultivars gathered from around the world.
Not too many years ago, gardeners were often only familiar with one white hellebore, known simply as the Christmas rose. The hellebore has gained popularity and is possibly the favourite woodland perennial at this time of year. This much loved flower comes not only in white, but also in red, pink, yellow, green, purple and black.
In his presentation, Gary will introduce the best and most interesting hellebores. He'll talk about botany, ecology, and the hellebores' complex breeding history.
Gary has been 'botanizing' from the age of four -- first in Germany, then in Nova Scotia and Ontario. He began seriously gardening at 15 and his enthusiasm led eventually to a Masters of Science degree in Plant Ecology from the University of British Columbia.
Gary will bring along a good variety of hellebores for sale as well (cash is preferred, but a credit card would be accepted). Join us on Monday, February 18, at 1 p.m. at the Gallery in Artisan Square.
