Not many students studying horticulture at my community college stay in the industry, a horticultural instructor told me today. Since the comment was said in confidence, I will leave names and serial numbers out the blog!

Written on Saturday, October 29, 2011 in Real Gardeners

Be the first to comment! | Read 144 times | Read more...

Written by Cristina da Silva

I love going to trade shows. One of my favourites is Landscape Ontario’s Expo 2011. I zoomed down Thursday morning only to find out that the show started at 10:00 am rather than 9:00 am. I had to wait, but it was a good thing. I got to meet John and Lee Dickie.

Written on Thursday, October 20, 2011 in Real Gardeners

1 comment | Read 169 times | Read more...

Written by Cristina da Silva

I met Suzanne Wylie when her garden was on the annual Brampton Garden Tour. I was lucky enough to get an hour long interview with her. Authentic and outspoken, Suzanne reveals how she worked and thrived in a male-dominated landscaping business as well as her philosophy on creating fabulous gardens.

Written on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 in Real Gardeners

Be the first to comment! | Read 161 times | Read more...

Written by Cristina da Silva

Brampton, Ontario, my city. Although I only moved to Brampton 3 years ago, I consider it my hometown. It’s a city for horticulturists: Canada’s Flower City.

Written on Tuesday, July 5, 2011 in Real Gardeners

Be the first to comment! | Read 530 times | Read more...

Written by Cristina da Silva

Don’t get me wrong, I love winter as much as the next person (maybe even more). But there comes a time when a gardener really needs their green. It’s either green or deep blue depression. But there’s no need to go into a funk. There are numerous ways to scratch the green itch. Try these on size, from the inexpensive to the ultimate splurge…

Written on Monday, January 10, 2011 in Real Gardeners

3 comments | Read 1,028 times | Read more...

Written by Cristina da Silva

On Thanksgiving long weekend, I went to the International Home Show to hear Frank Ferragine (aka Frankie Flowers, Citytv’s resident horticulturist, and Breakfast Television’s morning weatherman) give a presentation on “10 Things to do in Fall to Save in Spring.”

The talk was informative, interactive and fun. It was a great way for Frank to introduce his first book (spring 2011): Get Growing. An Everyday guide to High-impact, Low-fuss Gardens. If the book is anything like Frank’s presentations, it’s a keeper.

Written on Monday, October 18, 2010 in Real Gardeners

2 comments | Read 1,480 times | Read more...

Written by Cristina da Silva

A month ago, I read  Neil Pasricha’s “The Book of Awesome.” I was so inspired by the book.

Written on Tuesday, August 24, 2010 in Real Gardeners

Be the first to comment! | Read 472 times | Read more...

Written by Cristina da Silva

“I wanted it to sound personal, like you’re going to a friend’s place,” says Stephanie Judge about the name of her growing/retail greenhouse, Stephanie’s Country Greenhouse located in Caledon, Ontario.

Written on Friday, June 11, 2010 in Real Gardeners

Be the first to comment! | Read 401 times | Read more...

Written by Cristina da Silva