When you consider that tuberous begonias can flower continuously from June until frost, have blooms that last more than a week, are easy to grow, and come in just about every colour, it’s a wonder more gardeners don’t grow them. If this is your year to try growing tuberous begonias, now is the time to get them started. Bulb basics The neat thing about … [Read more...] about Starting tuberous begonias
Spring season
Blooming where we’re planted
Much of North America is still deep into the winter of its gardening discontent. Here in the Maritimes, we’ve been buried in so much snow, we can’t even claim to have a garden of winter interest, because pretty much everything interesting is under snow drifts and plowed banks and more snow and a little ice to keep it all challenging. The snow is so deep in my garden I can’t … [Read more...] about Blooming where we’re planted
Understanding spring fertilizers
After a cool start to spring, leaves are beginning to open on roses, perennials, shrubs and trees. When new foliage is steadily appearing every day, it means the plants can process nutrients and manufacture their carbohydrate meal. It’s important to provide nutrients in mid-spring through early summer, when plants are eager to grow new roots and shoots. (You know plants are … [Read more...] about Understanding spring fertilizers
Making happy, healthy soil
Yesterday was my first chance this spring to spend an extended period of time in my yard, which is currently home to dozens of containers and two mostly empty garden beds - one in the front and one in the back. All the back garden bed has is a hosta, lamb’s ears and two mysterious perennials. The front garden is just as empty, with two equally mysterious shrubs. By the end of … [Read more...] about Making happy, healthy soil
Unpredictable hellebore seedlings
Hellebore blossoms are opening in my garden, and early bees are enthralled with the wide flowers and thick central stamens. It’s going to be another exciting season of unpredictable seedlings. Hellebores crossbreed and reproduce with enthusiasm, and there’s perpetual confusion as they take free rein with their own hybridization programs. Trying to identify self-sown hellebores … [Read more...] about Unpredictable hellebore seedlings
