Much has been written about how to plant a tree: dig a proper hole for trees that’s at least twice the diameter of the rootball and don’t amend the soil. Mulch is good. Using a weed whacker near the trunk is bad. What’s often overlooked is how important it is to plant a tree at the right depth. A tree is planted too deeply if the bottom section of the trunk where it begins … [Read more...] about Plant a tree at the right depth
Raised beds for gardening are great
In a garden, raised beds — beds with soil higher than the surrounding area — are a popular way to corral the chaos when growing vegetable or cutting flowers. Making a raised bed can be as simple as mounding soil up and then planting in it. However, without some sort of barrier to keep the soil in place, the depth of a raised bed is limited, and the edges of the bed … [Read more...] about Raised beds for gardening are great
What’s a garden coach?
There are people who coach people in sports, business and many other activities. Garden coaches help people become better gardeners. A coach is an extra tool for people who like to garden, but need some expert guidance to help them make the most of their landscape. Coaching is a collaborative process with personalized advice and hands-on training. How is a garden coach … [Read more...] about What’s a garden coach?
Bindweed must be cut — not yanked
Meet my nemesis: Convolvulus arvensis, commonly called field bindweed. I commonly call it something much, much worse. Related to the lovely annual morning glory, field bindweed is a creeping perennial with roots that can penetrate up to 5 metres and produce more than 500 seeds per plant per year. If that doesn’t scare you, consider that bindweed seed can remain viable in … [Read more...] about Bindweed must be cut — not yanked
Tree peonies in your garden
A way to extend the all-too-short but oh-so-glorious peony season is to include tree peonies in your garden. Paeonia suffruticosa hybrids bloom a week or two earlier than P. lactiflora and P. officinalis hybrids. Their exoticism may make you think they’re temperamental, but that’s not the case at all, although they are slightly less hardy—Zone 4 versus the common peonies’ … [Read more...] about Tree peonies in your garden
