Here are some handy garden tips to keep in mind this gardening season:
Melanie Mathieson – Gardening Guru
Epsom salts can be a way to help green up your garden naturally. Epsom salts contain magnesium and sulfur, two elements that are found in nature and are important for plant growth. Magnesium helps form chlorophyll in plants and is essential for photosynthesis, various enzyme reactions and other plant growth […]
At first glance, you may think that the words ever-blooming and perennials would not occur in the same sentence. I assure you that there are some perennials that are considered ever-blooming, many of which will grow in Zone 4. For those who garden because they love flowers, they want their […]
I am always seeking unusual plant species and varieties. Even with the many two plant species already in my garden, I never stop searching for the rare and unusual to add. Unfortunately, some of those plants always don’t survive my conditions (soil and/or growing zone) but I at least enjoy […]
As we all know, there is nothing like the first scent of the lilac to tell us spring is officially here. What we refer to as the common lilac in North America is actually native to mountainsides in southeastern Europe, but was brought across the Atlantic to North America in […]
It is true that weeds and unwanted plants are present in almost every garden, but there are some ways to control weeds without them getting out of hand and taking over the garden. With some patience, diligence and some early attack methods, you’ll soon be keeping weeds at bay and […]
Shrubs can be excellent additions to your landscape design. Once you have the shrub(s) planted, like many gardeners, you may have a question concerning a specific problem. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers, for your information. This can happen often with shrubs and has probably happened due to […]
A previous column indicated the benefits of earwigs in your garden. Although you may be disgusted by earwigs, remember they are considered beneficial insects, so they should only be treated as pests when their damage becomes excessive. This column offers some safe-to-humans-and-pets and effective methods to help you reduce their […]
Due to the mild winters of recent years, earwigs have successfully migrated north and established themselves in the yards and gardens of Northwestern Ontario. By far, earwigs seem to be the insect that makes humans cringe the most. When mentioned in conversation, even those that have never seen an earwig […]
Have you ever noticed that our food does not have the same flavour intensity as it did around a decade ago? Food today does not seem to have that tastebud popping flavour that we remember. The reason is that much of our food has been engineered and hybridized to emphasize […]
Part two of this column of unusual plants for the shade garden includes descriptions on how to grow Jack-in-the-pulpit and the lady slipper. Although a little less common or available in nurseries than trilliums, I strongly encourage you to try either of these plants if you can find them. Jack-in-the-Pulpit […]
The coleus plant has been available to gardeners for decades in a large variety of colours. In the past, they were a favourite for planters and shade gardens because they are durable and easy to grow and are best known for their bright colours and variety of foliage forms. It […]
