Although my neighbourhood streets aren’t lined with manicured gardens and pristine perennial beds, there is still horticultural gold to be found. This week I came across a real beauty: tucked away under a large pink peony, its vibrant purple globes bursting through the dense peony foliage.  

Written on Thursday, June 14, 2012 in Plants

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Pesticide-free insect control has become especially important for Ontario homeowners after the provincial government introduced the Cosmetic Pesticides Ban on Earth Day, April 22, 2009. Luckily there is a natural way to control the pest population: birds. Many naturalistic/wildlife gardeners have known this little secret for years. By providing the bird basics – food, cover and nesting sites –you will attract all the pest-devouring birds you yearn to see in your backyard. The key to providing this bird nirvana is selecting the right plants.

American Robin Snapshot By Lee Karney

Written on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 in Plants

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A couple of weeks ago, gardeners in northern North America were worried about the buds breaking prematurely. Gardeners on social media were wringing their hands in worry. But really it’s not a huge problem. Sure, there may be a few less flowers in spring, but most shrubs and trees will survive. The real problem is the numerous freeze/thaw cycles, which damage plants if garden beds haven’t been mulched.

Written on Thursday, February 9, 2012 in Gardening

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It has been a weird winter so far. Up and down temperatures, freeze and thaw. It’s the freezing part that worries me. Freezing means having to use salt on walkways. And as I gardener I try to minimize my salt use. Salt damages most plants.

Written on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 in Gardening

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I cheer when temperatures dip below 7 degrees Celsius (45 degree Fahrenheit) and stays above 0 degree Celsius (32 degree Fahrenheit). No, I haven’t completely lost my mind. It’s the magic temperature range that many deciduous plants require to flower abundantly in the spring.

Written on Friday, December 2, 2011 in Plants

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Five best fall shrubs Part 2 of 3

With trees front and center, it’s understandable why shrubs get overlooked. But this fall, let us remember some amazing understated shrubs. My five favourite fall foliage shrubs include:

Written on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 in Plants

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Part 1 of 3

At this time of year it’s hard not to get distracted with all the intense, vibrant gold, yellow, orange, red and burgundy foliage along the park’s trails and along the freeway.

Written on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 in Plants

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Went to see Avatar to see what the fuss was all about. If you haven’t seen it, go.

Written on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 in Plants

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