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. In […]
Melanie Mathieson – Gardening Guru
One thing that is for sure is that Mother Nature is consistently inconsistent. Spring weather can be so unpredictable with an unseasonably warm day one day and a late season snowfall the next. In order to provide come consistency in your garden, I have compiled a list of products that […]
It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or a seasoned gardener, gardeners all want to fill their gardens to the brim with all the enticing plants available. That is why gardeners get very excited when the nurseries open in the spring and the planting season starts. I write this […]
Dahlias are considered one of the most spectacular garden flowers as they can provide the colour and excitement of exotic species that we are unable to plant in our zone. There are thousands of varieties of dahlias that range, from the showy dinner-plate size to the bright, little single ones. […]
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 taste bud popping flavour that we remember. The reason is that much of our food has been engineered and hybridized to […]
I don’t know of one person that isn’t mesmerized when they see a humming bird. Hummingbirds make their home in both forested and urban areas and you can increase your visits from the petite hummingbird by planting a few of their favourite sources of nectar in your yard. Like butterflies, […]
The African violet (Saintpaulia species) is a popular houseplant because it grows and flowers under natural or artificial light conditions found in the average home. Many different varieties, types and flower colours, that range from white, pink, lavender to vibrant purples, exist. Drainage is one of the most important considerations […]
I have some more Gardening Guru tips to share with you as you start planning for your 2021 gardening activities. Next to irises, my next favourite perennial that easily grows in both Zones 3 and 4 are perennial poppies. As there are a few species (Oriental, Alpine, Icelandic) of perennial […]
With the many varieties of plants for the garden available on the market today, many gardeners are often confused between the term, annuals and perennials, and which plants belong in each category. Life-cycle is used to determine if a plant is an annual or a perennial. The life-cycle of an […]
I spend a great deal of time planning the design of my container planters every season, keeping in mind that at least ten of them are in full sun all day long. Over the years, I have had many trials and tribulations trying out different combinations to get the best […]
The Poinsettia is a true symbol of Christmas and each year many people can hardly wait to add one or more to their Christmas decor. Because they are only available to us in Canada at Christmas, you’ll want to maximize the amount of enjoyment you get from your Poinsettia. The […]
In most areas across the Rainy River District, the soils tend to be clay predominant with a few interspersed sandy or loamy soils. All of these are perfect conditions for a cherry tree. Cherry trees can also tolerate drier conditions – great for our area during those hot and dry […]