It surprises me every year at this time how many different containers have gathered in my basement to stay safe over the winter. For ten years, I’ve been growing amaryllis bulbs. This year, I have shamrock (oxalis) that grew outside all summer and pots of chives, rosemary, and sage that have had their stems cut … Read more
Having grown up in the countryside, nature and self-sufficiency have always been big part of my life. Nature is everything to me, and I got to learn even more about it while I was in college studying agricultural systems science. Favourite fruit: apples, blackberries and plums Favourite vegetables: potatoes, peppers and courgettes. Alocasia zebrina is … Read more
Maple trees are symbolic of strength, endurance, balance, and longevity. Unfortunately, sneaky thieves try to take these trees’ beauty, but we can help you figure out what diseases affect maple trees and how to treat them. Perfect as specimen trees or lining a long driveway, you can’t deny their beauty and majesty. Typically, maple trees … Read more
There is a group of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae that are called flea beetles. As their name suggests, they can jump because their back legs are very big. Overall they are not very large in size (described as small to moderately-sized, ranging from 1. 5 to 4 mm typically). Flea beetles can also … Read more
Tiny blue forget-me-not flowers carry a poignant message of remembrance. When given out at funerals, the seeds represent lasting love and honoring those we’ve lost. Forget-me-nots have become a touching funeral tradition. What are Forget-Me-Nots? Forget-me-nots are a flowering plant from the borage family. There are over 500 species with the common woodland forget-me-not (Myosotis … Read more
My indoor lime and orange trees have both had sticky leaves for a number of months. If i take them outside and hose the leaves the problem goes away for a week or so. Some leaves have things on them that might be the cause, but I don’t know what they are or how to … Read more
When caring for potted plants and gardens, most of us want to provide the best growing conditions possible. We look for ways to boost blooms, encourage healthy foliage, and extend the life of cut flowers. This often leads to questions about using commercial flower foods. Will these products benefit our houseplants and garden plants? Or … Read more
With its brilliant lemon-lime foliage, Lemon Coral sedum makes a gorgeous addition to container gardens. This low-maintenance succulent thrives in pots and planters, making it an ideal choice for deck and patio containers. Here’s everything you need to know about successfully growing Lemon Coral sedum in pots. Lemon Coral sedum (Sedum mexicanum ‘Lemon Coral’) is … Read more
Iris flowers are renowned for their elegant, intricate blooms in shades of purple, blue, yellow, pink and white. Their satiny petals and bright colors make them a favorite in many gardens. As with all flowers, iris blooms are fleeting. But you can preserve these lovely blossoms by drying them at home. With just a few … Read more
Gardeners looking for beautiful flowering vines may find themselves deciding between two classic clematis cultivars – ‘The President’ and ‘Jackmanii’. Both are long-time favorites cherished for their large, elegant blooms in shades of rich purple. But there are some key differences between these two popular clematis that are worth understanding when making your choice. First, … Read more