November 11 brings back memories for many people and the poppy is one of the established symbols of Remembrance Day. However, they are useful for more than the beauty of their flowers and to remind us of the fields of poppies near European war memorials. Poppies produce beautiful seed heads and abundant seeds, both of
Poppies — a symbol of Remembrance Day
These beautiful flowers also produce seed heads and seeds for a variety of uses
Prepare evergreens for the winter
Evergreens behave differently than deciduous trees so need special care
There are essential tasks to do before winter arrives if our gardens are to be in good shape in the spring. Some of the most important features in many landscapes are the evergreen trees and shrubs that add beauty, not only during the growing season but during the winter months as well. Because evergreens are
Using decorative corn in Thanksgiving displays
This can be difficult to grow but you’ll be pleased with the results
In spring I admire pictures of decorative corn in seed catalogues, and in fall it appears at some farmers’ markets, where it is priced quite high. One reason is that it is very difficult to grow, particularly in my Zone 2 area. It demands a long growing season and a hot summer to mature before
Fresh garden vegetables — in the fall
With some planning and protection when needed some will produce well into October
The peas and beans have long ago been pulled up, the corn is about done, and other vegetables are objecting to cooler temperatures and light frosts. Although we can’t expect the same quantity of vegetables from our gardens as in midsummer, we can keep quite a few producing well into October. A bit of planning
Raspberries don’t have to be red
Why not try a yellow/gold or purple/black variety?
Many rural gardens have raspberry patches and the first fruits are eagerly anticipated as midsummer approaches. There is nothing quite like the taste of fresh raspberries picked off your very own patch. Most grown in Prairie gardens are red varieties, with “Boyne” being one of the most popular. The berries are large, sweet, and produced
Time to get those canna tubers out of storage
If you want to get the most out of them this summer, they should be started in early April
It’s time! If you are going to get the most out of your cannas this growing season, you should be getting them out of storage and planted in damp soilless mix to ensure that they are a good size by planting-out time. If the tubers have been stored in a cool, dark place for the
The perfect Mother’s Day gift?
If your mom gardens, a potted tea rose would be ideal
If you are looking for a Mother’s Day gift related to plants and flowers, you are faced with a myriad of choices. Will it be fresh flowers — roses perhaps? Maybe a gift certificate to Mom’s favourite garden centre? What about that fountain she has admired at every visit to the garden centre? Of course,
Dependable dieffenbachia
This plant is easy to grow and adaptable to many conditions
I am always intrigued by the common names of plants because they often tell much about a plant’s history or characteristics. Sometimes these names are based on old beliefs or superstitions and often better describe the plant than a proper botanical name can. Most people do not know any Latin and so common names, although
Need a quick pick-me-up?
This can provide continuous indoor bloom while you wait to garden outdoors
March can be one of the hardest months for an avid gardener to endure. It is still winter, not much can be accomplished yet in the outdoor garden, and we are tired of the same old, same old in the house. At this time of year, I look around for inexpensive and quick fixes to
Easy-care rubber tree
This large plant will adapt itself to most indoor environments
Large, individually potted plants add a hint of sophistication to the interior landscape because they avoid the clutter often associated with a collection of smaller ones, and can present a modern, sleek appearance. Even a smaller home can accommodate a large plant if it isn’t too wide and has a more vertical growth habit. By
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
