Spireas are generally bulletproof shrubs, easily found at most garden centres. Many of us are familiar with the ubiquitous bridal wreath variety (Spiraea x vanhouttei), blooming in early June. New cultivars of Japanese spirea (S. japonica) are popular, too. “There’s something about spirea” describes some of the best varieties of these compact, long-blooming shrubs. I like … [Read more...] about Pink wands of early spirea
growing vegetables
Taste-testing veggies at Stokes
Last week, I visited Stokes Seeds’ trial gardens in St. Catharines, Ont., where I ate veggies, learned about a new way to grow tomatoes, and then ate more veggies. I’m convinced that a tomato eaten while standing in the garden right after it has been picked is far more delicious than a tomato eaten in the kitchen just a few feet away. Along with other gardeners who had … [Read more...] about Taste-testing veggies at Stokes
‘Fooled You’, too
Recently, I wrote about ‘Sangria’ edible ornamental peppers, a small container hybrid with the mouth-burning capsaicin bred out, leaving tasty sweet flesh. Well, it wasn’t a singular idea, and now I’ve found ‘Fooled You’ hybrid Jalapeno peppers (damseeds.com), full of that variety’s characteristic flavour, minus the heat. Tissue-burning capsaicinoid compounds are … [Read more...] about ‘Fooled You’, too
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
