Although I ordered a dozen dahlia tubers in January — the earlier you order, the better the selection — I’m thinking of choosing a few more. Unfortunately, we weren't able to save many tubers from last year’s plants, but this failing has an upside: A fresh start for this year and the chance to grow new-to-me varieties. My colour choices are eclectic, but I do focus on … [Read more...] about Shopping for dahlias
Plants
Canadian Shield first in new series of easy-to-grow roses
Canadian Shield, a vivid red landscape rose with glossy green foliage, is the first in a new series of easy-to-grow roses called the 49th Parallel Collection being developed at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre in Ontario. Introduced last year, Canadian Shield (Rosa ‘AAC576’) is a mildly fragrant floribunda with large double flowers — 42 to 52 petals per bloom — … [Read more...] about Canadian Shield first in new series of easy-to-grow roses
Using trees to screen an unattractive view
Screening an unattractive view can be a challenge, especially in a small garden. For example, if you have a long, narrow city garden and your next-door neighbour’s shed is not in great shape, what can you do to mitigate its impact on your lovingly designed beds and borders? In this example, a fence isn’t going to do the job. Most municipalities limit the height of fences to six … [Read more...] about Using trees to screen an unattractive view
Five native plants to try
If you’re thinking of including some native plants in your garden this year (and here are reasons why they’re worth considering), these are five plants worth trying. These plants will bring beauty and butterflies to your garden, and may be the perfect choice for that wet or shady spot you’ve been looking to fill. 1) Foamflower Tiarella cordifolia Hardiness Zone: 3 Foamflower … [Read more...] about Five native plants to try
Getting to know sanguisorbas
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
