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 […]
Melanie Mathieson – Gardening Guru
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 […]
Cherries are classified as either sweet or sour. Sweet cherries are the cherries that as a consumer we cannot wait to find in late spring to early summer in our local grocery store. Sweet cherries from the western United States and Canada (for example: Bing and Ranier) are appreciated for […]
The Prairie Garden Committee is excited to announce that they are now taking pre-orders, just in time for the holiday season, for the latest Prairie Garden book! The 2021, 82nd annual edition, entitled, “Flowering Shrubs – with a special feature on roses”, is scheduled for release in early November. Reserve […]
Although gardening doesn’t need a lot of fancy equipment, having some proper tools can make all the difference in the making the job easier and more efficient. I have listed some of the best garden tools that I have invested in over the years. For watering chores I use the […]
Even if you have very dry soils, you can still successfully grow trees, shrubs and perennials without constant watering in the Rainy River District. The secret lies behind the concept of xeriscaping (Xeriscape landscaping), which by definition, is landscaping designed specifically for areas that are susceptible to drought or for […]
Now that you know what you can plant for a xeriscaped (drought tolerant) garden it is time to prepare the garden. Here are the seven principles that xeriscaping is based on and can easily be adapted to any type of garden. Planning and Design Planning is key, as you […]
Xeriscaping (pronounced zera –skay-ping) is the term given to landscaping and gardening that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water. It is most often promoted in regions in North America that do not have easily accessible, plentiful, or reliable supplies of fresh water but it is gaining acceptance in […]
