I use the winter for garden planning and one of the best ways to plan, is by using seed catalogues or viewing websites. There are many mail order seed and plant suppliers in both the United States and Canada so the number of catalogues and websites you can use for […]
Melanie Mathieson – Gardening Guru
Although there are many different species of irises, the bearded iris is one of the most popular perennial flowers. Not only a popular garden plant, but also often seen in artwork and logos. There are hundreds of varieties of bearded irises available on the market today, including a range of […]
The table beet (also known as garden beet, blood turnip or red beet) is a popular garden vegetable. Beet tops are an excellent source of vitamin A and the roots are a good source of vitamin C. The tops can be cooked or served fresh as greens and the roots […]
Most often called a Christmas cactus you may also see this variety of cactus on sale at other holiday times of the year like Easter and Mother’s Day, this is a very rewarding house plant to try no matter what time of year you purchase one. This type of cactus […]
Whether a beginner or seasoned gardener the right tools make the job much easier. I recommend that you purchase the best quality tools that you can afford. While some tools may be considered a bit pricey, good quality is worth the price. I still have most of my best quality […]
Light, temperature, humidity and ventilation are chief home environmental factors affecting plant growth. Any one of these factors in incorrect proportions will prevent proper plant growth indoors. Before purchasing any houseplant you need to do your research and take a look at your home and its environmental conditions before you […]
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 […]
Light, temperature, humidity and ventilation are chief home environmental factors affecting plant growth. Any one of these factors in incorrect proportions will prevent proper plant growth indoors. Before purchasing any houseplant you need to do your research and take a look at your home and its environmental conditions before you […]
Fertilizing always seems to stump even the most experienced gardener. This column will explain, in general, some techniques for applying fertilizers in your yard or garden. Broadcast Fertilizing Broadcast fertilizing means to spread your fertilizer evenly over your garden or lawn. A granular fertilizer is best spread out in this […]
This is the time of year when many gardeners start to lose their enthusiasm for gardening and yard chores, but the actions you take now, can affect the success of your garden next season. The Flower Garden: Watering in the perennial garden is a must. Although perennials may be slowing […]
There are a few common mistakes that gardeners make when installing mulch prod- ucts. Review the following tips so you don’t make these mistakes too. Improper Mounding Be careful to ensure that the layer of mulch is not too thick around the tree and piled up against the stem. This […]
Gardeners often hear the word ‘zone’ frequently during conversations with other gardeners or when reviewing plant tag descriptions. “What zone are we in?” or “what zone is that plant good for?” are often asked by fellow gardeners. What exactly are the answers to these questions and what do they really […]






