I love a good party plant, and with Canada Day fast approaching, I’ve been thinking about the flowering plants I grow that simultaneously bear blooms of three different colours. Some gardeners may think that tricoloured plants are a little over the top, but that’s what makes these varieties so festive. My Campfire roses bear yellow, pink and deep rose-coloured petals that … [Read more...] about Three tricoloured plants for Canada’s 150th party
roses
Miniature roses: simply irresistible
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
How to grow and brew herbal teas
The difference between serving tea made from herbs you grow yourself and herb tea from a bag “is like the difference between serving your guests a good vintage wine instead of some cheap plonk,” says Conrad Richter, president of Richters Herbs in Goodwood, Ont. “Herbal teas packed in bags are usually powdered,” he explains, so they’re “almost never as flavourful as whole … [Read more...] about How to grow and brew herbal teas
How to prune roses
Prune your roses properly and they will perform better in appreciation. Here’s how to make your first attempt at rose pruning successful to spur the plant’s growth and reap the rewards of more blooms this season. While there are basic pruning guidelines, such as when to remove dead wood and how to make the right cut, different types of roses often require different … [Read more...] about How to prune roses
Putting roses to bed
With frost upon us, the roses are getting ready for a long winter sleep. But don’t be fooled — their process of acclimatizing to winter dormancy is slow and gradual. Dormancy is the most crucial element of winter hardiness, and roses require six to eight weeks of acclimatization before they enter full dormancy, ready to withstand the lowest winter temperatures. It’s not … [Read more...] about Putting roses to bed
