April 17, 2013 - Toronto Botanical Garden, 777 Lawrence Ave. E., Toronto. NANPS members: $10 (can bring a non-NANPS member for TBG member rate of $25); public: $32. 7 - 9 p.m.

When good plants go wild? On first impressions you might think this is about native plants getting fed up and finally taking back their territory. Well, it's really a talk about terrestrial invasive plant species and their inclination to expand their rootprint into areas beyond your property; be it urban, rural or cottage land.

Why the beautiful native iris in the lead picture? Well, we don't have a picture of an invasive yellow iris to catch your eye (but never your heart, of course). And we care about our readers' delicate sensibilities. It would be a jolt to the system to see an invasive plant up close and under a banner from a plant society that purports to be an advocate for native plants. We'd be concerned that your startle reaction might be to hit the delete button. Then you would miss the other news and events that are important. Then again, you might not recognize invasive species and be blissfully unaware that they are a threat. In that case you really should come to the talk to see some in full colour on the big screen. Those who know their stuff should come, too. Think of it as a primer to get you worked up enough to get out there to check your property or any property under your stewardship...as soon as the snow melts and you can find the ground.

The talk will also stir you to take it a step further and rip out those invasives and replace them with your recent online purchases from the NANPS Annual Spring Plant Sale. If you haven't perused the online list you had better hurry, as pre-orders are to be dead-headed at midnight April 21st.

Bring on the Plant Sale! The Scoop is definitely ready for it after battling the latest snow squalls and enduring a blustery spring day when a sudden gust turned my orange umbrella into a Turk's cap lily ... the native one of course!

NANPS online plant order sales Don't say we didn't warn you - last chance to pre-order is midnight, April 21... Plant Sale - advance orders will be delved out at 11 a.m. on the day of the sale.

2013 Winter Photo Competition - Native Plants in Winter Pick your best shots of North American native plants in winter and email them before the end of April.

Back Issues of Blazing Star - PDFs now available! So far, we only have 2010-2011, but we'll be working both ends to get it all together and online asap (as soon as planted). For non-NANPSters, "Blazing Star" is a quarterly magazine about native plants, published by NANPS. Members get it hot off the press, either in print by mail, or in full colour and faster as an electronic version delivered by email in pdf format. Those who aren't NANPS members will be at the mercy of the weather as to when the next issue will emerge.

NANPS updates lists of Native Plant Societies across North America

NANPS online bookstore If you're not lucky enough to win the book of your desire, as the Scoop did at the pollinator symposium at U of T, you can still buy it here.

City of Toronto News Release - Green Roofs & Biodiversity

Save the North Gwillimbury Forest North Gwillimbury Forest Alliance is asking for help with a petition so that Mayor and Council will listen to the people of Georgina about the importance of its natural areas and pass an Interim Control Bylaw preventing development in key woodland and wetland areas where development is currently permitted. Approximately 90% of Metrus' Maple Lake Estates property is designated as wetland or significant woodland by the new Regional Official Plan.The Forest is a buffer zone and the health of Lake Simcoe depends on it. They need to get 2,000 more names on a petition during the next 30 days. Please contact Erin and pass this message on to your friends.

Toronto Parks Plan 2013-2017 City of Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division has completed its 2013-2017 Parks Plan which will be considered by the Parks and Environment Committee on Monday, April 22, 2013. The Parks Plan is the result of public engagement, consultation, research and development: "Residents and stakeholders suggested that Parks, Forestry and Recreation should plant more native tree and plant species. Many comments referred to the need for strategies aimed at managing invasive species. Invasive species control was also frequently mentioned as an opportunity for public involvement in natural environment and park stewardship activities." (pg. 34) You can read the Parks Plan and Staff Report.

We have lots of events on tap - NANPS, City of Markham and others. The City of Markham has been very generous over the years, allowing us to host our annual plant sales, AGMs and Board meetings. It is only fitting that we showcase some events that should interest local Markhamite NANPSters. Details and links for all events can be found on the Scoop Calendar.

Wed. April 17 - NANPS Lecture - When Good Plants Go Wild (John Oyston, NANPS Vice-President) TBG, 777 Lawrence Ave. E., Toronto; 7 - 9 p.m. John will be talking about invasive species, with particular reference to those which are sold in nurseries and planted by gardeners who do not realise the problem they may be causing. He will also talk about removing invasive species from your garden or rural property. NANPS members: $10 (can bring a non-NANPS member for TBG member rate of $25); public: $32.

Sat. April 27 - Tours of TBG NANPS Exclusive - The Invasives Tour Foraying into Edwards Gardens and Wilket Creek (1:30 - 3 p.m.) NANPS Exclusive - The Natives Tour Focus on "Nature's Garden (Eastern Canadian Shield) and native Woodland Walk (3:30 - 5 p.m.) $8 per person per tour. Unreserved places will be offered to the public on April 13th. Meet at the main entrance to The Dembroski Centre for Horticulture, SW corner of the TBG parking lot. Rain or shine!

Tues. April 30 - April EnviroChats: Native Plant Gardens (Paul LaPorte, NANPS President) Queen Beans Coffee House, 180 Queen St., Port Perry; 7 p.m. Paul will discuss the definitive role that native plants have in the life cycle of insects/pollinators and the successive food chain that is supported by this relationship. He will also provide an example on how to establish a native plant garden. First 10 to arrive will be treated to a free coffee or tea courtesy of Queen Beans Coffee House!

Mon. May 6 - Pollinator Gardens Galore Workshop - NANPS TBG, 777 Lawrence Ave. E., Toronto; 7 - 9 p.m. Join us for the "How, Why and Where" of creating pollinator gardens in Toronto. Three experts from Toronto Master Gardeners, North American Native Plant Society and Scarborough Garden and Horticulture Society will share their knowledge. Free but register quickly as spots are filling up.

Sat. May 11 - NANPS Annual Spring Plant Sale & Fundraiser 101 Town Centre Blvd., Markham (Hwy 7 & Warden); 10a.m. - 3 p.m. Wildflowers, ferns, grasses and sedges, as well as trees, shrubs and vines are available for the largest one-day sale of native plants in Canada. Volunteers needed!

Sat. June 1 - Markham-Unionville Greens AGM & Native Plant Exchange Sheridan Nurseries, Heritage Room, 4077 Highway #7, Unionville; 2 - 4 p.m. Paul LaPorte, President of NANPS. Paul will cover the role of native plants in our ecosystem and food chain, how to establish a native plant garden, and NANPS's education, conservation, and cultivation activities. Following the talk is a native plant and seed exchange, and then an overview of this local Green Party riding association. Free.

Sat. June 8 - NANPS Markham Civic Centre Pond/Wildflower Planting

City of Markham - TRCA and the Healthy Yards Program Events

Greening Your Garden Workshops Markham Museum Transportation Hall, Markham Museum, 9350 Markham Rd. Free - courtesy of City of Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund

Sat. April 20 - Get Started! What is a rain garden? How does a rain barrel work? Why should I install a permeable patio? Learn about the newest trends in residential landscaping and how can you use them to add pizzazz to your property. Register

Sat. May 4 - Creating a Beautiful Garden with Native Plants Native plants can add dazzling elements of colour and shape to any garden! You will leave this workshop with the inspiration and know-how to create your own natural garden oasis. Register

Sat. May 25 - Creating Rain Gardens and Dry Riverbeds Rain gardens may look like regular gardens, but they are actually so much more! Dry riverbeds can add interest and function to an otherwise typical garden. Join us to learn how to create or update your garden. Register

Sat. June 15 - Rain Barrels Rain barrels are a simple, inexpensive way to make use of the rain water that falls on your property. Join us to learn how to install and use a rain barrel, as well as some ways to add a punch of creative flair to your barrel! Register

RBG Workshops - June through September

Get serious and learn the plants! Wetland Graminoid Identification (grasses, sedges, rushes), June 20-21 Grass Identification Workshop, July 11-12 Fern and Allies Identification Workshop, July 25-26 Aster and Goldenrod Identification Workshop, September 12-13 Non-members: $275, RBG Members: $250 and Students: $200 To register - click on bar on left: Botanical ID workshops

Ontario Nature - Our Special Spaces 2013 Our Special Spaces is a province-wide concurrent event held by Ontario Nature's Youth Council focusing on restoration/conservation projects in collaboration with local environmental groups. This year, we are holding 9 events across the province throughout the months of April and May. Details of the events

April 12-14 - Green Living Show Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, 100 Princes' Blvd., Toronto Lots of free tickets available from various green groups. Free for those with an April TTC pass, GO pass or bringing e-waste. Otherwise: Adults: $16; Seniors (65+)/students: $12.

April 18-20 - Urban Forests & Political Ecologies - Celebrating Transdisciplinarity Conference

Sat. April 20 - Pocket Tree Tour - Toronto 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Join LEAF arborist Michelle Bourdeau and the Pocket Community Association to learn about the trees in the neighbourhood. Registration recommended. Free!

April 22 - Earth Day

May 4-12, 2013 - National Wildflower Week

Sat. - Sun. May 4 - 5 - St. Williams Nursery Spring Public Native Plant Sale St. Williams Nursery & Ecology Centre, 826 Hwy 24, West, St. Williams Saturday. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Sat. May 11 - Out of the Ashes Tree Tour: Lessons From the Emerald Ash Borer 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Milne Park, Markham. LEAF's Melissa Williams teams up with Markham Parks Planner Nory Takata and Forest Entomologist Kathleen Ryan to explore the ways we can all play a role in the recovery and strengthening of our local environment. Registration recommended. Free!

Sunday May 12 - High Park Stewards Annual Plant Sale Greenhouse in High Park, Toronto; 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

May 22, 23, 25 & 29 - LEAF Tree Tenders Volunteer Training Toronto Toronto Northern District Library, Toronto

June 8, 12 & 15 - LEAF Tree Tenders Volunteer Training York Region Oak Ridges Community Centre, Richmond Hill. These multi-day courses are designed for individuals who want to gain tree-related knowledge and skills. Registration required. $70+HST (includes manual).

Details of all events are on the Scoop calendar.

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