Modern Mass Design for Autumn

Michael Erdman developed his keen interest in gardening and horticulture when he bought his first house in Toronto’s Riverdale neighbourhood in the late 80’s. Although his grandfathers in Waterloo had tutored him as a child in the culture of roses and growing vegetables, there was a long interlude between opportunities to get his hands dirty. With a blank slate of a yard at his new house and being a researcher by trade, Michael threw himself into learning about perennials, roses, shrubs and within a couple of years had no grass left in his yard. Without his knowledge, a friend entered him in a couple of garden contests, and in two years his garden won first prizes in the Riverdale ward and White Rose Nursery’s city-wide garden contest.

Moving to the Beach neighbourhood in the ‘90’s for more arable land, Michael co-authored books on perennial gardening and indoor gardening, and eventually became president of the Beach Garden Society. His Beach garden has been featured in local summer garden tours, and in numerous magazines, newspapers and TV programs. He tends hundreds of houseplants,including camellias and orchids. Always looking for new challenges, he completed the RBG and Garden Clubs of Ontario horticultural and floral design judging certification courses. Michael’s floral designs have won many awards at major juried shows such as Canada Blooms, the CNE, and the Garden Clubs of Ontario Triennial Shows.

He is currently president of Milne House Garden Club, heads up the Greater Toronto Bulb Society, and is a member of the Garden Club of Toronto.