I know it is difficult to find time to update your garden journal, but even if it’s a couple of weeks after the work, making notes which you will understand a year from now can help you in the long run. Some of the the things I record are dates of transplants and the health of the plant at that time; new…
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Feed the birds this winter
Suet cupcakes are great bird food Cook 2 cups of oatmeal in 41/2 cups of boiling water for 2 minutes Add 1 lb. Of lard or melted suet Add 12 ounces of peanut butter A handful of chopped figs or dates or currants and a chopped apple Mix thoroughly Remove from heat and stir in ¼ cup of cottage cheese…
Snow Mold
There are 4 types of snow mold diseases that can affect us in Alberta. They are: pink snow mold, gray snow mold, snow scald, and cottony snow mold. The disease causing fungi all grow during cold, wet weather and grow in autumn, spring and below the snow in winter. Patches of gray, white or pink mold appear on grass as…
Companion Planting
Companion planting is an old and proven method of putting plants together so that the individual plant characteristics of one plant, enhances the growth of a different plant. The same principle is used to repel and or confuse pests. Vegetable and companion vegetable tables are available. The following companion plant list is herbs and vegetables. Companion herbs for vegetables Beneficial…
Ornamental Grass
For drought tolerance and few pest problems, Ornamental grasses are a low maintenance, beautiful addition to your garden. Not only do they provide year around interest they require minimum care. This is a short list of what is available. Types to choose fromClump forming, the slow expansion of a well-behaved perennial. Suitable for mixed beds. Rampant spreaders. Unsuited for a mixed…
Evergreens in the garden
Dwarf evergreens bring year around interest to a mixed garden bed. Planted among deciduous shrubs and perennials their dense structure can make a solid background for smaller, airy plants or they can stand alone as a focal point.Colours:Dark to light green, blue to silvery blue they add to any colour scheme.Shapes:Ground-hugging, mounding or small tree forms are available to add…
House Plant Care in Winter
In summer houseplants may be neglected. But when we finish the outside garden work for the season we turn to inside plant care and maintenance. Houseplants may be dusty, a shower is an effective and efficient way to wash leaves. A soil drench can be done at the same time. Allow plants to dry out for a few days prior…
Preparing your plants for winter
Temperature fluctuations increases the risk of sunscald. Damage will show up as splitting of the trunk. Trees in a south or west aspect are subjected to bright winter sun and are most susceptible. Evergreens dry out by moisture loss through their needles. As needles can both absorb and lose moisture spraying foliage is also helpful. Prevention: water everything well before…
Stand out plants for Fall
Fall flowering perennials extend interest and appeal of your garden. Many are tall and can be left standing for winter interest. The seed heads will also provide food for birds. Cotoneaster, pictured above, is a shrub that has beautiful red, orange, peach and yellow leaves for fall. Barberry intensify in colour in fall. Lilac leaves may have a tinge of…
Having a plan
Working with a plan will give your landscape a pulled together look regardless if the changes take place over a weekend or a few years. Included with your design are the steps to follow in your landscape development. Your time and budget will direct what can be completed in each the stage. Your design shows you where to plant and lists the hardy plant recommendations. Plant care information is included.…
