Have you ever wondered what those black, knotty masses are on the branches the tree and shrub species belonging to the Prunus family (cherry and plum family)? It is the fungal disease (Apiosporina morbosa), known as Black Knot, but us foresters call it “#@&% on a Stick” as it resembles […]
Melanie Mathieson – Gardening Guru
I receive many calls throughout the growing season to identify problems with plants. The most common “disease” I identify is lack of water. Gardeners are often under the false impression that their garden is moist enough to support the plants in their gardens. Containers and hanging baskets often fall victim […]
Asparagus is spring’s most luxurious vegetable. It was once cultivated for medicinal purposes as a natural remedy for blood cleansing and diuretic properties. During the Renaissance, asparagus was also promoted as an aphrodisiac and banned from the tables of most nunneries. Botanically, asparagus is a member of the lily family, […]
Maples are definitely one of the more colourful shade trees that can be hardy in our zone 3. Although most maples start their leafing period in hues of green or red, every type of maple has an incredible range of autumn tones once they prepare to enter their dormant stage […]
Root maggots are a common garden pest, but there are several remedies available Sometimes gardeners are very disappointed to find that when they harvest some of their of vegetables such as root vegetables and/or those from the cruciferous family (turnips, rutabagas, radishes and parsnips) as well as other vegetables such […]
Siberian irises are the most maintenance-free species of the iris family. In our area, they typically bloom in late May and early June. Siberian irises can be identified by the fact they have smooth, thin, grass-like leaves without a distinct rib that runs lengthwise down the middle and no beards […]
A previous column outlined the difference between bulbs and corms and this column will tackle tubers and rhizomes. Like bulbs and coms, tubers and rhizomes are also usually considered perennial plants which have a period of growth and flowering, followed by a period of dormancy where they die back to […]
Bulbs or bulb-like plants are usually considered perennial plants which have a period of growth and flowering, followed by a period of dormancy where they die back to ground level at the end of each growing season. The end of the growing season for spring flowering bulbs occurs in the […]
Clematis wilt is a major disease of clematis and one that is feared by most clematis growers. But before you panic, you need to determine if your plant definitely suffering from clematis wilt? Most people think they have this disease in their garden when actually they don’t. A clematis can […]
The clematis vine is an all around winner for the garden. It is a climbing vine with many varieties that are hardy in this zone and is a prolific grower each season in this area. It is an attractive plant when it is just a vine of leaves but the […]
Container gardening is very versatile and rewarding. You can purchase containers in many materials or you may have something around the house that could be an interesting planter. You are only limited by your imagination. Make sure your container has a few holes in the bottom to ensure good drainage. […]
Spring is coming – I promise!!! Now is a great time to start dreaming about what to add to the garden. Hydrangeas are widely known and admired for their large, showy blossoms that lend fabulous colour to gardens from mid- to late-summer. Although, Hydrangeas are native to parts of Asia, […]
