If you’re looking for light, airy perennials with a naturalistic feel to mix in with echinaceas and ornamental grasses, consider sanguisorbas (a.k.a. burnets). Many varieties are hardy down to Zone 2. Depending on the variety, you can have sanguisorbas blooming from early May to early October. Lorraine Flanigan talks about a few favourite varieties in “Getting to know … [Read more...] about Sanguisorbas offer much to admire
Bulbs: spring, summer and fall
Bulbs are on my mind these days. I’m awaiting the arrival of an order of spring-blooming bulbs, hoping the weather and my energy will be in synch when they do arrive. Everyone has their least-favourite garden task; planting bulbs in the fall is one of mine. If you haven't purchased your bulbs, here are suggestions from gardeners across the country, compiled by Heather White: … [Read more...] about Bulbs: spring, summer and fall
Time to take stock
Before your vegetable beds and containers are emptied and perennials cut back (if you choose to do that), take a few moments to walk around your garden to see what worked and what didn’t. Some crop failures may have been weather or pest related, but if a few cultivars you tried for the first time this year were flavourless or not to your liking, now is the time to jot down … [Read more...] about Time to take stock
Talking about trees
We have a special appreciation for the University of Guelph Arboretum in Ontario. Several of the native trees and shrubs in our backyard came from plant sales held at the arboretum. The trees we purchased at the arboretum were no more than a couple of feet tall when they went in, but established quickly. Although our yard is relatively small, we've added more than two dozen … [Read more...] about Talking about trees
Cimicifugas for next year
In late summer, I start to empty any containers with annuals beyond resuscitation, note where spring-blooming bulbs can be squeezed in and make lists of perennials to seek out next year. This looking forward helps me look past the crisp lawn and fading roses that just make me sad. As our garden trees mature, the increasing shade they cast means several sun-loving perennials … [Read more...] about Cimicifugas for next year