The secret’s out. Long favoured by British and European gardeners, sanguisorbas are finally starting to show up in Canadian gardens. That’s because the subtle charms of these understated perennials are more than matched by their extreme hardiness (some stand up to Zone 2 conditions), easy care and, most of all, congenial attitude toward their garden companions, especially … [Read more...] about Getting to know sanguisorbas
Plants
There’s something about spirea
Since their introduction to the West in the 1850s, Japanese spireas (Spiraea japonica cvs.) have been embraced by gardeners everywhere for their white, pink and red flowers, tidy habit, easy care, ability to grow in average to poor soils and, more recently, for their bright, colourful foliage. From shopping centre parking lots to the most exclusive gardens, it’s hard to avoid … [Read more...] about There’s something about spirea
What are suitable plants for windy balconies?
Laura in Toronto, ON., asks: What are suitable plants for a windy, north-facing, fifth-floor balcony in Toronto (Zone 6)? I’m looking for plants that can withstand the wind, and can do reasonably well without much direct sunlight (i.e., receiving sunlight during the summer only in the early morning and evening as the sun rises and sets). Beckie’s reply: I assume you mean … [Read more...] about What are suitable plants for windy balconies?
Plants that move
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
8 plants for dry and shady gardens
Dry and shady gardens: a double whammy Most gardeners would agree that gardening in full shade presents certain difficulties, and I dare say that all would agree that gardening in dry, compacted soil is an even greater challenge; but combine the two, and you have a serious gardening hardship. Dry shade is almost always the result of mature trees with roots that run close to … [Read more...] about 8 plants for dry and shady gardens
