Like many gardeners who grow plants from seed, my father waited impatiently to get his seed catalogues each year. A new year, a new garden — maybe the best garden ever. Then came the ritual of deliciously thumbing through pages, circling entries and making lists: the anatomy of a dream. Although he looked through catalogues from several companies, he only ever ordered from … [Read more...] about After 80 years, Veseys still growing
Growing from seed
Starting seeds indoors
Everything you need to know about starting annual flower and vegetable seeds indoors Growing new plants from seed is one of the most gratifying experiences a gardener can have. Who doesn’t remember a classroom windowsill lined with wobbly marigold seedlings in paper cups? The expert advice in this Garden Know How will help you get your annual seeds off to a strong start, … [Read more...] about Starting seeds indoors
Petunia Tidal Wave Red Velour grabs attention
This is the time of the year gardeners browse seed catalogues and websites, making lists of what might be interesting or fun or delicious to grow. One new annual, Petunia Tidal Wave Red Velour, caught my eye. Connie L. Dam-Byl, flower seed manager at William Dam Seeds Ltd. in Dundas, Ont., says it was both the red carpet and the star in their display gardens … [Read more...] about Petunia Tidal Wave Red Velour grabs attention
Beautiful pumpkins — warts and all
The arrival of the first seed catalogues has coincided with the end of pumpkin season. My friend Clare had a bumper crop of pumpkins (Curcurbita spp.) at her farm garden in Ontario, and her cold cellar is full of the smooth, round globes waiting for winter pies. She gifted me with a lovely specimen that sat on my porch Halloween night, and now is on the dining-room sideboard. … [Read more...] about Beautiful pumpkins — warts and all
First attempt at starting seeds indoors
I’m a beginner gardener, and trying to do things perfectly intimidates and even discourages me. I do take the basics seriously, but if I want to try planting sedum as a groundcover in a poorly drained area, well, I’m just going to try it, okay? (That experiment didn’t work out. But I vow to find another use for beautiful sedum somewhere – with better drainage – in my … [Read more...] about First attempt at starting seeds indoors
