Karen York – Garden Making

Punctuation in the garden

March 7, 2022April 17, 2018 by Karen York

Two tall cedars act as punctuation in this large garden, and also signal where the entrance is to the vegetable garden on the other side of the hedge.

Punctuate your garden to create a compelling narrative. Here’s how to use trees and plants as exclamation marks, periods, commas and other signals.

Designing with dwarf conifers

February 4, 2019April 28, 2017 by Karen York

Dwarf conifers such as columnar blue spruce offer focal interest. (Photo by Brendan Zwelling)

Available in a huge range of textures, shapes and colours, dwarf conifers are nothing short of striking and can make a big impact in any-sized garden.

Allergy-free gardening

January 2, 2019July 19, 2016 by Karen York

If you wheeze and sneeze when you set foot in the garden, just think about sex — plant sex, that is. Tips on how to make an allergy-free garden.

Provide home for mason bees in your garden

January 2, 2019June 22, 2010 by Karen York

Solitary bees, especially mason bees (Osmia lignaria), are buzzing to the rescue. These native bees are easy to attract.