When choosing a new plant for your garden, there are many factors to ponder: Does it have the colour, size and bloom time you desire? Does it suit the site? Is it fussy or easygoing? Fragrant, long blooming, pest resistant? One often-overlooked attribute, though, is the ability of some plants to animate a border. These botanical Baryshnikovs gracefully sway, swish or sashay in … [Read more...] about Plants that move
grass
Ornamental grasses in bloom
I’m glad to have both roses and ornamental grasses in the front garden, where they continue to bloom and prolong the seasonal display. It never occurred to me that they would possibly be most appreciated in autumn, when so many other perennials and shrubs are finished blooming. The one rose shrub is fluorescent red Double Knock Out, back in bloom now that the Japanese beetles … [Read more...] about Ornamental grasses in bloom
How to seed a new lawn
Not all new lawns begin with rolls of sod. Thick, green grass can be started from seed, too. In addition to saving money, another benefit to a seed-sown lawn is the ability to select a mixture customized for your particular site and climate. Learn how from this free Garden Know How tip sheet on how to seed a new lawn. The secret to success is preparing the site and choosing the … [Read more...] about How to seed a new lawn
Drought relief for lawns
Had enough yet? The drought continues and the few isolated bursts of rain have done little to relieve moisture-stressed plants and lawns. Many lawns and parks in my neighbourhood are crispy brown, and certainly don’t invite a picnic or barefoot romping with the dog. Turfgrasses protect themselves by going dormant during drought, and will grow new green blades when rain returns … [Read more...] about Drought relief for lawns
Ornamental grass bomb
We’re down to the last week or two before the ground freezes, and there’s one job I’ve saved for last, because it’s the most frustrating. Several years ago I planted three small pots of silver feather grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Silberfeder’, Zone 5) in front of a cedar hedge. The five-foot (1.5-m) silvery plumes were beautiful against the dark green conifers, and stood out … [Read more...] about Ornamental grass bomb
