It’s an oddly shaped, purple-blue berry that is native to northern Russia, northern Japan and parts of Canada, but now also grows wild from Alberta to Newfoundland and in northeastern Europe. It’s touted as having high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants, and is more popular in many other parts of the world because of its distinctive flavour. Meet the blue honeysuckle … [Read more...] about Meet the haskaps
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Ornamental strawberries and peppers in pots
Growing ornamental edibles in containers is high on my agenda this summer. For the garden beds, I’m providing more nectar- and pollen-rich plants for the crowd of pollinators I hope to attract, but for myself, I’d like to have beautiful edible plants in containers where I can admire them — and also take a bite! I’ve got plans for pretty pots of strawberries and … [Read more...] about Ornamental strawberries and peppers in pots
Tree & Twig Heirloom Vegetable Farm tasting
On a hot, sticky day last week I found myself in Wainfleet, a small township in the Niagara region of Ontario. We all know that delicious things come out of Niagara, and I took the opportunity to visit Tree and Twig Heirloom Vegetable Farm, the home of a huge vegetable garden (not to mention a wonderful pig named Joey). I've grown tomato seedlings from Tree and Twig for the … [Read more...] about Tree & Twig Heirloom Vegetable Farm tasting
Old and new tomatoes to grow
With spring in sight, I’m focused on plants that love the warm season, and tomatoes are first on my list. Tomatoes to grow were a big part of my childhood gardens, and once bitten…. I like the pungent aroma of the foliage, and enjoy pruning and staking the few suckers I allow on each plant. I grow only one or two plants for myself, but this year I’m starting seeds of several … [Read more...] about Old and new tomatoes to grow
Dwarf vegetables in containers
I have a bright, hot spot on my front stone steps with enough space for three containers to greet visitors as they come up the path. The stone holds heat, which in turn is radiated into the containers and heats the soil. Many plants prefer cool soil around their roots and wouldn’t like this location, but for two years I’ve done well with ‘Tropicana’ canna lilies. Their breeding … [Read more...] about Dwarf vegetables in containers
