Does your garden tend to make it to mid-season and then fall flat? You may be setting yourself up for failure by buying the wrong plants! Here are a few tips to help you make sure you get full value for your garden budget: Don’t buy plants that are dried out, spindly, or yellowing. Choose… Read more »
Ground covers are attractive alternatives to turf, and a solution for areas in your garden where nothing else grows well. Ground covers are low-growing perennial plants such as periwinkle, ivy, stonecrop, thyme, pachysandra, and cotoneaster. These plants are usually more costly to install than grass, so it’s worth making the extra effort to choose the… Read more »
Many of our favourite summer flowers are annuals, or plants that live for just one season. They are a great addition to any garden and when planted and cared for correctly can give you colourful blooms from spring to late fall. Follow these simple planting directions to start your annuals off on the right foot,… Read more »
They are among the first to bloom in spring, bringing a much needed punch of colour to an otherwise dormant garden. Step 1 Choose the right time to plant. Spring flowering bulbs should be planted in the fall before the ground freezes. They generally require exposure to the winter cold to bloom in spring. Step… Read more »
Perennials are beautiful, hardy plants that come back year after year. Some of the gardener’s most beloved plants — like hostas, clematis, and peonies — are perennial. They require less care than annuals do and can even help to prevent soil erosion with their deep, extensive root systems. Step 1 Plant your perennials as soon… Read more »
Known for their rich greens, shade gardens are inviting in the heat of summer, providing a cool respite from the sun. Shade plants usually have more chlorophyll than plants adapted to the sun. They’re sensitive to light — too much will burn them or turn leaves yellow. The first step to building a successful shade… Read more »
Moving your precious seedlings into the garden is one of the most nerve-wracking times of the growing season. You don’t want to be too hard on them, but you also don’t want to baby them. Follow these short steps for peace of mind and happy, healthy plants. Step 1: For vegetable & herb seedlings till… Read more »
Plants are happiest when their soil is at the right pH. Adjusting pH isn’t rocket science. Soil pH test kits, such as C-I-L® Soil Test Kit, and adjusters like C-I-L® Dolomitic Limestone or GreenEarth® Granular Gypsum are widely available and easy to use. Follow these short steps to help your plants thrive. Step 1 Test… Read more »
People are increasingly aware of the environmental aspects of lawn care. For many, “natural” or “organic” options seem to be the way to go. There is a lot of confusion in the lawn and garden market about exactly what is meant by these terms. What people mean by “natural” or “organic” fertilizer is either blood… Read more »
Soil texture will influence how you use fertilizer. Soil with good texture can hold adequate water, oxygen, and nutrients for plants. Soil with poor texture can’t. Use this guide to help you evaluate what type of soil you have in your garden. Sandy Soil Sandy soil is very common. It has large particles, which allow… Read more »
There are several types of fertilizers: granular, water soluble, and liquid. You can easily tell them apart just by looking at them. Granular Fertilizers Granular fertilizers are the most commonly used type of fertilizer and generally come in a dry pellet form. They provide convenience plus good value. Many granular fertilizers are formulated… Read more »
Perennial plants offer the gardener many years of enjoyment, and many get bigger and better each spring. There are a tremendous number of perennial plants available today. Having a plan in mind when shopping at the garden center will help you keep your quantities, and your budget, under control. Also, remember it’s important to resist… Read more »
