Bright zinnas are winners in the trial gardens for Landscape Ontario.

10 hottest and oddest 2017 gardening trends

I don’t normally associate gardens with hotbeds of revolution but a lot of researchers, journalists and horticulture pros believe that the way people garden is radically changing–some might say in wonderful ways, others might say in ways that are a tad odd. Which of these 10 gardening trends for 2017 might change how you garden? TREND…

A screen capture of a frame from a video by Peaceful Belly Farm.

A belly full of LOL garden video tips

The growers at Peaceful Belly Farm in Dry Creek Valley, Idaho, want you to know that “No vegetables were harmed in the making of this video.” Indeed, their musical promotion for a past garden sale is as much a celebration of peace, love and bad velour pants as you’re ever going to see. But for…

A mix of colour and texture in a garden bed with pale pink Gaura as a focal point.

This gardener’s promise (and invite) to keep boldly growing

I no longer have a garden. As a firm believer in truthful publishing, I need you to know that I am now a gardening blogger without my own personal garden and I’m not sure how long it’ll be before I have another one. But I promise you this blog will continue to boldly grow where…

Fast forward to spring in 90 seconds

The new year has arrived and we’re well past the winter solstice but in case you’re not convinced that the days are getting longer, this remarkable video takes only 90 seconds to transport you from the dregs of winter to a mezmerizing spring.

Blooming clematis vine on a twig support.

Upholster your garden with Clematis pillows and more

There’s nothing like appalling winter weather to make you think about upholstering every square inch of your home in softness. Nesting writ large. If you go that far–giant pillows scattered everywhere and you sunk up to your chin in layers of loopy afghans–consider that cozying up your garden next spring can be done much the same way.…

Small, shade garden ideas with surprising Maidenhair fern

Ferns are having a moment not just because they’re sharing airtime with Zach Galifianakis during his hilarious/shockingly irreverent celebrity interviews on Between Two Ferns. Their general gorgeousness, lush but not overpowering, make them a popular choice for small gardens and many have an impressive hardiness that’s earning them starring roles in high profile places like New…

How trees talk

You’ll never experience a walk in the forest the same way again after viewing this eighteen minute TED Talks lecture (June, 2016) by professor of ecology Suzanne Simard who explains how she used hard science (while out-running grizzlies) to discover trees talk to each other. From identifying “mother trees”, the hubs of vast symbiotic mycorrhizal…

The niceness of newer unnatural Norway maples

A pruned Norway Maple, shot at the Connon AVK Nurseries, September, 2016. Norway maples (Acer platanoides) have a bad rep in Canada and the U.S. these days and there’s no denying that they’ve earned it. Introduced to North America from continental Europe in the mid-1700’s, the tree’s impressive adaptability (see What’s Not To Love, below)…

A doorway leads from one outdoor garden to another at Sissinghurst.

Garden design trick: Start hunting a spirit at Sissinghurst

There’s a spirit in your garden and I think I can help you find it. But, first, we’ll need to back up…a lot. In ancient Rome, everyone had their own personal guiding or guardian spirit called, in Latin, a genius. (Love that.) And there were protective spirits for a place, too. Guess what one of those…

Invasive species used ornamentally in an urban garden.

Invasive plants: Truce or consequences?

Please check one or more of the following: ___ Do you have a yard or land near you under invasion? ___ Is it possible that you have an alien invader living in your front or backyard and you don’t know it? ___ Are you in cahoots with an invasive plant and happily providing it with…

The shade loving evergreen shrub called Birds Nest

The first time you see Tsuga canadensis ‘Jeddeloh’, a shade-loving evergreen shrub, there’s only one thing that comes to mind–a bird’s nest. The arching branches of this dwarf eastern hemlock naturally grow into the shape of a roundish bun with a top that’s flat save for a depression right in the centre. In fact, one of its common…

Examples of flower heads and stems that should be left as is during fall garden clean up.

The lazy gardeners ultimate guide to Fall Clean Up Day

Is this the ultimate guide for the lazy gardener? If your ideal Fall Clean Up Day is to do as little as possible, you’ve come to the right place. But what if I told you that by doing far less, you’re actually helping your garden’s health and wildlife way more? That’s a real win-win. Here’s…

Tulips planted in fall for good spring colour.

6 out of the box fall bulb planting ideas

Ok. You just bought a brand new box of bulbs. Now what? How about shaking things up a bit by: • breaking the rules. • helping bees some more. • easing a new bed into the garden. • inviting a family of fairies to stay awhile. • protecting a neighbouring ravine. • sending a signal.…

A bouquet of roses, mums and small ornamental cabbage heads with a fall decor theme.

Fall decor ideas with fab cabbages

Are you tired of potted mums and asters? Can’t bear to look at another white pumpkin? Ornamental cabbages (Brassica oleracea) might reignite your flare for fall decor. Sure, these tasteful (if not tasty) plants have shown up in grocery stores and garden centres every fall since Martha Stewart first caused an outbreak of Obsessive Seasonal…

Trees that feed bees

In spring, you can’t swing a bat in a garden centre without sending a display of bee-friendly flowers flying. Everyone’s on the bee-saving bandwagon and that’s a good thing. But even though we’re heading into autumn, you can still plant for beauty and the bees. Add a nectar-producing tree to your garden. Some of the…