In order to beat the heat of summer and have a colorful yard or patio all season long, you’ll need to have plants that are tolerant of the high temperatures of summer as well as being somewhat drought tolerant. The following is a partial list of plants having drought tolerant potential, but you must still remember that all plants will …
To Deadhead or Not?
First, what exactly is deadheading? This gardening term simply means to remove the old spent blooms including any developing seed from a plant to help keep it blooming longer. Why does a plant bloom more if you remove old flowers? Flowers are a means to ensure the continued survival of the plant and the next generation as well. In some cases, …
Pollinators
How to create a pollinator friendly garden What may seem like a small contribution — a tiny flower planted in a pot or the ground can actually provide a valuable place for pollinators like hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Chances are you’re already taking steps to help pollinators and you may not even know it! Sometimes keeping your yard a little …
Sun, Shade or Something in Between
One of the most basic questions on gardening is whether you are looking for a sun plant or a shade plant, or maybe something in between. This simple idea can be difficult to define if you don’t understand what constitutes full sun, full shade, and partial sun/shade. If you’re looking at a plant tag and it tells you your plant …
Lavender
Lavender can make a stunning addition to borders and perennial gardens, providing bundles of color and fragrant aromas from early summer into fall. With its green foliage, upright flower spikes and compact shrub-like form, lavender is ideal for creating informal hedges. You can also cut it for fragrant floral arrangements. Ensure that you purchase healthy plants for your garden. Provide …
Peppers
Peppers have a lot going for them. They offer something for everyone: spicy, sweet or hot, and come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes, plus the spicy ones can liven up bland food, making it more satisfying.They’re low in calories and are loaded with good nutrition, specifically two great antioxidants, vitamin C and vitamin A. California Wonder Peppers …
Making Mistakes
Love the idea of having a beautiful garden? Hold that thought! If you are fairly new to gardening you will need to know a few things that will help keep you out of trouble. Being a gardener means you will likely make a few mistakes, even armed with gardening know-how and well meaning advice, and that’s okay – you can …
Hydrangeas
Of all the flowering shrubs this has always been a show stopper! They are long living shrubs that bloom most of the summer and well into fall. With so many new varieties and colours to choose from you’re certain to find one that is right for you! Endless Summer Hydrangeas are unique as they can grow enormous, bold flowers on …
Fertilizers
Fertilizing your plants can sometimes be a bit overwhelming if you are unsure of what to use. It is essential though to use fertilizers when you are looking to get the best out of your plants, as most soils will not provide the essential long term nutrients needed for full plant potential. Whenever you see a fertilizer product, it will …
Herbs
Growing herbs is a simple way to add edible plants to your garden. Most herbs are very versatile, and grow well in the ground or in containers. They also mix nicely with either perennial or annual flowers in your garden. A few square feet given to growing herbs outside the back door or along the patio can also serve the needs …