Spring flowering bulbs can be planted anytime in the fall after temperatures cool down, but before the ground freezes. Bulbs need to establish strong root systems before winter sets in. The end of September or early October is a good…
The Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
The Eastern Redbud (Cercis ) tree provides a delicate supplemental beauty to early spring gardens in southern Ontario. It welcomes spring with clouds of deep magenta blossoms that cover its branches before leaf buds start unfurling. During summer it has…
Get Crackin’: How to Grow Seedlings in Eggshells
Save your eggshells & egg cartons as perfect containers for your seedlings! Wash in hot water, and keep large darning needle by sink to punch drainage hole in bottom (it is easier to punch thru from the inside/out). Put back…
The Halifax Public Gardens
A gentle Victorian-era garden in the middle of the city The chance to go to Halifax, Nova Scotia, presented itself to my husband and me in July 2015, so we happily pulled out the maps, updated the GPS, and took a…
Electrify Your Garden: Grow Artichokes and Cardoon!
I have always been attracted to gigantic perennials to add both structure and architectural interest to our garden. This is true of both the borders and kitchen garden on our property. Two plants that I have constantly returned to when…
Heritage Apples
When we started eating with our eyes instead of with our taste buds the availability of some excellent apples took a serious hit! Thousands of apple varieties have been named and grown in North America, but today 80 percent of the…
April is Hummingbird Month
I have never met a gardener who didn’t also love the birds. We are date-driven as gardeners … plant annuals after May 24; prune in the early spring; plant spring-flowering bulbs in the fall. But it wasn’t until I read…
Garden Friends
As recently as the turn of the Millennium, we were still trying to control nature; to do all the work ourselves and allow only those creatures we LOVE inside the garden. Thanks to this being the United Nations Decade of…
Tips To Improve Curb Appeal
Creating a welcoming and well-kept appearance to the entrance of your home is the most significant part of pride in home ownership. Not only is it the first point of entry that is experienced by visitors and prospective buyers, it…
Paperwhites: Fast and Festive!
As the holiday season approaches, put paperwhites on your list to bring floral cheer and decoration into your home. They are easiest of all the bulbs to force into bloom. Paperwhites are quick to grow, fragrant and beautiful. Bulbs are…