trees – Garden Making

Choosing conifer trees

February 5, 2019October 12, 2012 by Kat Fox

Our native white cedar (Thuja occidentalis). Photo from Humber Nurseries.

Choosing conifer trees is a big deal. It’s no wonder new gardeners (and maybe not just new gardeners!) start to get nervous when making their choice.

River birch at winter’s end

February 6, 2019February 22, 2012 by Judith Adam

The peeling bark of river birch (Photo by Brendan Zwelling)

Before buds burst out in leaf, look around your garden and consider if it has enough winter interest. We make our gardens in a cold climate, and having attractive plants … Read more

My favourite, the fern-leaved beech tree

February 7, 2019November 30, 2011 by Judith Adam

Fern-leaved beech has narrow, glossy leaves in summer, bronze leaves in fall and attractive grey bark year round. (Photo by Brendan Zwelling)

The fern-leaved beech is a tree of true elegance, with narrow glossy green leaves that turn burnished bronze in autumn and form the most ideal leaf mulch. In winter the grey bark is similar to the hide of an elephant, and the glossy chestnut brown buds are delicately pointed.

Behold the beautiful beech tree

February 3, 2019October 9, 2007 by Beckie Fox

Nothing outshines a beech tree in autumn, although it is an imposing tree in all seasons. The leaves glow orange and russet.

Just say no to tree staking

June 24, 2021May 9, 2007 by Beckie Fox

Another tree-care myth the needs to be re-considered is the tradition of tree staking where all newly planted trees are attached to stakes.