Author: Penka Matanska, Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton; published with permission Testing the boundaries of what can be grown in Ottawa, Canadian climate Zone 5a, brings a thrill of excitement – especially when the attempt is successful. I would like to share my experience with growing ginger plant (Zingiber officinale), while providing a few tips of…
Nasturtiums, with their vibrant flowers and lush foliage, are not only a visual delight but also an incredible edible. Both the leaves and the flowers of the Nasturtium plant are known for their culinary uses due to their distinctive peppery flavor, similar to watercress or arugula. Here’s why nasturtiums are considered an incredible edible: Culinary…
Author: Rebecca Last, Gardening at Last and Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton. Published with permission This was an amazing year for tomatoes. My small garden has produced at least ten kilos so far, and we’re not done yet! But what to do with all that bounty? After all, one can only eat so many fresh tomatoes,…
Author: Julianne Labreche, Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton; published with permission My bird feeders are a source of life in the stillness of winter. From my backyard window, I can watch the fluttering of wings at the edge of the garden. Northern cardinals perch on snow-covered evergreen branches. Woodpeckers hide black sunflower seeds in the crannies…
When it comes to urban landscaping, mountain maples prove their worth as hardworking, resilient, and beautiful additions. Standing at heights ranging from 15 to 25 feet (~10 m), mountain maples are one of the smallest maple species, perfectly suited for tight urban spaces. Best of all, their modest size doesn’t compromise their visual impact, especially…
Greetings fellow gardeners, It is time to decide what to bring inside and what to take to the compost. Even though my space is limited, I decided to bring a few of my annuals inside. As my fellow Master Gardener Mary Reid mentioned at her talk the other day, many of these annuals are perennials,…
Hemp, often overshadowed by its controversial cousin, marijuana, is a plant of many talents. Its fibers are transformed into textiles, paper, ropes, and innovative bioplastics. The seeds, often overlooked, are nutritional dynamos, teeming with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and a suite of minerals. And the flowers? They’re not just for show. They’re rich in cannabinoids,…
Lavender, known for its fragrant purple flowers and silvery foliage, is a popular plant for gardens and landscapes. It’s relatively easy to care for and can be used in various applications, from landscaping to essential oil extraction. Here’s how to grow, care for, and propagate lavender: Growing Lavender Choosing the Right Location Sunlight: Lavender thrives…
Greetings fellow gardeners, I am tired and happy and covered with ice bags. Life is good. On Saturday, I decided that I needed to reclaim my hügelkultur. It was surrounded by burdock ‘trees’, and grape vines and a very large branch that came down in the storm that I had not been able to move….
Gardening can be a relaxing opportunity to connect with nature, and it’s no surprise that more individuals have been taking up the cherished pastime in recent years. However, this tranquil activity is not entirely without its share of potential dangers. Certain plants, from leadwort to ragweed, can pose unexpected threats. Pollen and sap from these poisonous…
Gardening doesn’t have to stop just because it’s winter. With some planning and creativity, you can grow winter plants and vegetables, spruce up your home with house plants, and even begin planning your garden for spring. Do you know your hardiness zone? In considering these ideas, some may not apply to you depending on where…
There are people who thoroughly wash their bulbs and tubers before storing them. I let mine dry with a small bit of dirt around them, lightly packed them in newspaper, and put them in a box in the basement on a shelf. Greetings fellow gardeners, So, we got rain, and rain, and a bit more…
I packed a bunch of envelopes and a pen and was able to collect a lot of seed. It is a great time of year to collect seeds. Greetings fellow gardeners, Autumn is in full gear, and the colours are outstanding. I love this time of year. Preparing for winter gives us all time to…
Description: How do you turn your passion for landscape photography into a job? A step-by-step guide on how to make money capturing the beauty of gardens in Toronto. Where to find a job as a landscape photographer? Capturing natural beauty can be turned into a real means of earning a living. If you research the available photography…
Botanical gardens are captivating and diverse spaces where the beauty of nature is carefully cultivated and displayed for the enjoyment and education of visitors. These gardens serve multiple purposes, including conservation, research, historical interpretation, and public education. Botanical garden visitors are often motivated by recreational and leisure interests, including the pleasures of walking through enchanting…
From British Columbia’s vineyards to Alberta’s wheat fields and Quebec’s dairy farms, Canada offers a variety of rural properties. However, as a prospective farm buyer, your journey to land-ownership can often be punctuated by intricacies and complexities. In this article, you’ll discover the importance of farmland in meeting food demands and learn about different land…
Planning Choose Plants Plants native to your region are the best options for attracting and supporting wildlife. Visit the links on our resources page inthezonegardens.ca/ about-us to find books, webpages and apps that will help you choose plants. If in doubt, experiment! You’ll learn a lotby trying out different plants in your garden. Find Plants…
Wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is a plant that can pose several dangers to humans and animals due to its toxic sap and other characteristics. Habitat Wild Parsnip is most often found in areas exposed to full sun, although it can grow in the semi-shade of forests and riverbanks. It is tolerant of a variety of…
Do you imagine how much traditional gardening practices are harming our planet? If not, you may contribute to soil depletion, water pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change. And if you are feeling like a botanical serial killer, fear not because I have a solution for you- sustainable gardening. Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Sustainable…
Summer is a season that is harsh for not only for humans but also for plants and crops. The scorching heat and dehydrate the plants that can lead to damage. Some plants even die due to excess heat and dehydration. Every gardener and farmer try to water their gardens and farms every day to save…
Having a weather station in your garden can be beneficial for improving your gardening efforts. Here are several ways a weather station can help: Accurate local weather data A weather station provides you with real-time and localized weather data specific to your garden. This includes information like temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind speed, and solar radiation….
The 2023 Ottawa Water Garden Tour featured 11 water gardens on a self-guided day-time tour around the Ottawa area. Also included was an evening “Thank you” event at one of the most spectacular water gardens in the Ottawa area. The tour offers several benefits for both participants and the community as a whole. Here are…
To me, borage is an herb that is one of the best plants to grow for pollinators. Bumblebees and butterflies are always enjoying it along with hover flies, beetles and moths. Greetings fellow gardeners, Little bits and pieces of rain have been appearing here and there. My garden could use a good two days of…
Are you interested in growing a great organic lawn? If so, you’ll want to follow these tips for a landscape that’s lush, green – and most importantly, chemical-free. Going au naturel with your lawn is a great goal to have. While it does take a bit more patience and work upfront to get your lawn…
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