Rose lovers short on space need not give up growing these beauties. Instead, try miniature roses. These dainty plants have all the qualities of their larger siblings, but on a smaller scale. They’re also easy to grow and hardy, and their dwarf habit makes them versatile enough for not only in-ground growing, but containers as well; some varieties are even scented, … [Read more...] about Miniature roses: simply irresistible
Overwintering
4 steps to overwinter tender plants
Dahlias, begonias and other summer-flowering bulb-like plants are as common in our gardens as tulips, daffodils and crocuses are in the spring. But unlike their hardy cousins, these tender plants that grow from corms, rhizomes and tubers hail from warmer parts of the globe — Mexico, South and Central America, Asia and South Africa — and can’t withstand our deep-freeze … [Read more...] about 4 steps to overwinter tender plants
How to overwinter perennials in pots
Herbaceous perennials in pots — plants that die back and are dormant in winter — that have been part of your summer container displays need to be protected over the winter if they’re going to survive and bloom again next year. Here's how to overwinter perennials in pots. Hardy perennials have roots that sleep until next spring, which is when they begin to put on new growth. A … [Read more...] about How to overwinter perennials in pots
Overwintering succulents
I made the trip from Toronto to Niagara-on-the-Lake last week to visit Garden Making's offices for some meetings, and took a few photos of my pretty succulents. I shipped them off to the office once the temperature was dipping below 10°C on a regular basis, about a month and a half ago. They need to live in a sunny spot over the winter, and while I have lots of windows in … [Read more...] about Overwintering succulents
Winterizing woody plants
When we're on the verge of hard frost in the garden, decisions need to be made about how to protect plants. Some gardeners make it a policy not to grow anything that isn’t comfortably frost-resistant in their gardens, and they have no worries about winter’s lowest temperatures. Then there are the risk takers, gardeners who grow plants at the edge of their hardiness zone (myself … [Read more...] about Winterizing woody plants
