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The Saucer Magnolia is probably the best known and most widely planted variety in the Ottawa area, so named for its giant saucer-shaped flowers. Varying in colour from white to buttery yellow and from soft pink to magenta, magnolia flowers persist for a few weeks, after which time the fallen petals can be enjoyed a few more days as they cover the ground. The beauty of the magnolia flower canopy is only rivaled by its intoxicatingly beautiful perfume as it wafts through the air on a gorgeous spring day/evening.
One of the reasons magnolias make such a terrific floral display each May is the emergence of flowers that completely cover the branches before the leaves emerge, looking like delicious cotton candy.
Many people think of magnolia trees as ‘southern belles’ and are sometimes surprised to learn that magnolias grow and flower quite well in our northern climate.
Magnolias have actually been grown successfully in Ottawa for decades. The Central Experimental Farm has dozens of significant varieties in its collection, some of which were planted in the 1960s.
Since magnolias tend to be a little pricey, you’ll want to protect your investment by planting it in a sunny location with moist, well-drained soil. Fortunately for Ottawa gardeners, magnolias will also tolerate clay soils. Once established, they require very little care other than an occasional light pruning and are rarely bothered by insects or diseases. Most of the magnolia varieties sold at Ottawa garden centres will reach a height of 12-20 feet tall at maturity, making them right-sized for the average urban garden.
To see a map of the magnolia locations at the Experimental Farm, do an online search for “Ottawa Experimental Farm Magnolia Collection”. Closer to home, be on the lookout for these magnificent beauties throughout the Alta Vista area. Peak flowering usually occurs around mid-May.
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Snowberry is a fuss-free and trouble-free shrub that is quite simple to grow. Read about how the snowberry can enhance gardens.
Spotted Joe Pye Weed is a striking plant that grows tall with sturdy stems which bloom from midsummer to early October.
Add colour, texture and vertical intrigue to your garden with these ten bark varieties! Learn about Golden Curls Willow, Coral-Bark Japanese Maple, Black Cherry, Red Osier Dogwood, Tatarian Dogwood, Striped-bark Maple, Carolina Silverbell, Shagbark Hickory, Silver Birch, and Paperbark Maple.
Learn about my experience growing fingerling potatoes in a cloth bag and the challenges I faced. Find out the benefits of regular pots for potato cultivation and the importance of proper watering.
Grey headed Coneflower has eye-catching yellow flowers that entice birds and pollinators. It is ideal for natural plantings and meadows.
If you are starting from scratch, here are some great houseplant starters. They are easy-to-grow and require little maintenance.
Meta description: Enjoy a late-season burst of color in your garden with White Heath Aster: a bushy, compact plant with many small daisy-like white flowers that can turn your garden completely white. Blooming into fall, it's a great choice for a butterfly, pollinator, or cut flower garden!
Container gardening is very popular today, but it’s not new. People have been growing container plants for centuries, and there are favorites found in every culture.
We plant and sow for tomorrow. There is some faith on the part of the gardener mixed into the recipe of each successful garden.
If have a dog, you understand the need to have a dog friendly garden. You don’t want your gorgeous plants destroyed. We give you 10 ideas.
White oil insecticide is an all natural popular insecticide spray to control a wide range of insect pests, used by organic gardeners.
Lanceleaf Tickseed is ideal for the garden, outdoor containers, featuring bright yellow blooms that grow quickly in a sunny, dry setting.
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