When we moved into our house, the front and back lawns weren’t remarkable, but a perfect lawn had never been a priority. We eliminated the small front lawn entirely, adding a beech and redbud, shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers in the first year, but the back lawn was generally left to fend for itself. Over the years, we gradually planted deep perennial beds, added a cutting … [Read more...] about Lessons learned while renovating a lawn
How to
How to plant a tree in your garden
Before putting spade to soil, have all underground utilities located on the site and be aware of any in-ground irrigation nearby. Here are eight basic steps to follow to successfully plant a new tree in your garden: Dig a shallow planting hole — only as deep as the root ball — and at least three times as wide as the root ball. Find the trunk flare, the area at the base of the … [Read more...] about How to plant a tree in your garden
How to make kokedama
From the Hanging Gardens of Babylon in 600 BC to Boston ferns suspended in baskets more recently, plants have been given an elevated status by gardeners for years. Moss balls, taking inspiration from the Japanese aesthetic of minimalism, offer a different, distinctive take on hanging plants. Also called Japanese string art, or kokedama, the project comprises a plant encased … [Read more...] about How to make kokedama
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
