African Violet Care and Propagation
We are big fans of African violets and know many of you are, too! These houseplants add color to any space in winter and their cheerful flowers make us smile.
Tropical Hibiscus and Hardy Hibiscus
Hibiscus ornamentals include varieties that bloom profusely for months, with eye-catching blooms in a variety of colours up to 30 cm wide. Of the flowering plant genus in the mallow family, there are around 400 different varieties of hibiscus including hardy perennials, herbs, vines, annuals, shrubs, or tropical plants. They are grown for a variety…
Beneficial Insects and Good Bugs For Your Garden
Here’s the deal on Beneficial Insects (aka good garden bugs). You may think all insects are pests or bugs, but that simply is not the case. There are many beneficial insects (good bugs) that would be all too happy to help you chase true bugs out of your yard and garden if you’d just give them a chance.
Prevent Black Spot On Roses
Most people who grow roses, at one time or another will face the dreaded “black spot.” The first steps to reduce the possibility of your roses having black spot is cultural.
Thoughts on Planning Your Garden
Planning your garden for the next season can add to the joy of gardening. Planning allows new ideas and accentuating what worked well. Greetings fellow gardeners, Planning a garden is as difficult as you choose to make it. A simple points list can be your plan, or a map, made to scale, of all…
Toxic Plants for Dogs and Cats, and Safe Flowers
It is important to be aware that plants and flowers are toxic to dogs and cats. This list can vary for dogs, cats, horses, and other companion animals. As a concerned pet owner, you want to make sure your environment has plants and flowers that are safe for dogs and cats. Dogs are less likely…
The Meaning of Gorgeous Flowers
Flowers are incredible natural beings. They are delightful and emitting delicious fragrances much to everyone’s delight. But flowers also carry deep meanings to let you speak your heart louder than words can do. The meaning of your favorite blooms is a key consideration when choosing a floral gift with global flower delivery. When selecting a…
Preparing Garden for Winter
Just as I prepare to stay warm this winter, I also need to prepare the garden for the upcoming winter season. As I finish putting the pots away and adding compost and leaves to the beds, I have a chance to check out what kind of plants are left. I cut down the peonies and…
Five Easy Ways To Get Rid of Fungus in Mulch
Did you know that mulch can also create a great habitat for fungi? Many fungi are actually inherent components of this diverse, biological ecosystem. And when fungus develops on mulch, you may want to get rid of some of it. YELLOW FUNGUS is mostly just unsightly but can be left to run its course. The…
Canada | Fall Gardening | Growing Food | Local - Ottawa | Master Gardeners | Seasonal | Veggie Bites
Bringing Lantana Indoors, Raspberry Royale, Red Malabar
To bring my Lantana indoors for the winter, I repotted it after checking for any creatures that might be lurking in the leaves and put it under the lights in my plant compound. You can do this as well with begonias, coleus and impatiens but be vigorous in checking for pests. As I enjoy cooking…
Pimentos, Beans and Red Pepper Jelly Recipe
This week’s tour around the garden features Scarlett Runner beans, Pimentos and ends with a favourite Red Pepper Jelly recipe and some health benefits of red peppers. Greetings fellow gardeners, As I wandered about my garden this morning, I could feel the winter waiting to come in. There never seems to be enough of…
7 Calming Teas and Herbs For Anxiety
There are several herbs and remedial plants noted for their ability to help reduce anxiety and improve sleep, all while promoting a healthy lifestyle. In addition, many teas and herbs provide other benefits. For example, in addition to reducing anxiety and improving sleep, chamomile tea and green tea can lower blood pressure, lead better skin…
How To Grow A Coffee Tree Indoors and Out
The Coffee Tree plant – Coffea arabica, produces glossy, dark green, 4-5 inch leaves, dress this upright grower. With good care and a mature plant, small clusters of tiny white flowers develop at the leaf joints of new growth. As an extra plus, the tiny flowers produce a sweet jasmine-like fragrance. Have you ever considered growing a…
Rosehip Jelly Recipe and Uses
Here’s an easy to make Rosehip Jelly recipe. It is a tart, sweet jelly. There are many Rosehip uses and benefits, known to be very good for your health Greetings fellow gardeners, Well, this is new. Rain! It has been a long time since we have had several days of rain in a row….
Hardiness Zones are Shifting With Climate Change
We will have to deal with climate zone map changes in the near future. Climate shifts have already begun to affect our everyday lives in ways even scientists can’t always predict. For example – many expert analyses suggest that plant hardiness zones have shifted in the past couple of decades; if nothing is done, they…
Do You Have A Fall Gardening Checklist?
A fall gardening checklist is provided below to assist you in completing tasks. Take out your pen or pencil and jot down any ideas you have for your garden, just like making a shopping list for fall planting. When autumn arrives, you’ll have a plethora of fall gardening ideas and a plethora of ways to…
How To Get Rid Of Aphids (and Save Plants)
Aphids, small piecing, sucking, leaf eating, troublesome pests, are common on outdoor plants and on houseplants. Aphids are easily brought indoors on infested plants, attached to clothing, or by the wind through an open window. You want to rid yourself of aphids because of the damage they cause to your garden, crops and indoor plants….
10-10-10 Fertilizer: Use And Benefits
If you’re unsure of your specific garden fertilizer needs, generally you’ll not go wrong applying 10-10-10 fertilizer an “all purpose complete fertilizer”, balanced for plants.
Veggie Bites – Cool Crop Planter and Gypsy Moths
If you would like to try a cool crop planter, you can plant one now. Find a large pot and place it in partial shade. You can use seeds or seedlings if you can find them. Lately, I have been finding gypsy moth caterpillars on my bushes and roses and even on my annuals. Greetings…
Veggie Bites – Peonies
I added compost to my peonies last year and overwintered them with maple leaves. They are much better this year. Often, we add soil to peonies either because the existing soil has eroded, or we want to add nutrients. Peonies, however, are very particular about their depth of planting. If you cover up the base…
Veggie Bites – Rose Petal Jelly
The rose I went for is the one I know as Frontenac. I brought a four-cup measuring cup with me and filled it with rose petals. My first batch of rose petal jelly is ready to eat. Greetings fellow gardeners, Oh, my goodness it is hot and dry. Hopefully, the temperatures will go down to…
How To Grow and Care For Gardenia Plants
Perfection in Nature! It happens when the beautiful waxy white flower of the Gardenia plant fills the air with its intoxicating, unmistakable fragrance. Myths abound on how difficult it is to grow Gardenias. Don’t be fooled! We’ve put together a “how to” on growing and caring for gardenias. Soil, planting, pH and a video.
On Best Mosquito Repellent Plants
Many commercial mosquitoes and insect repellent contain harmful chemicals which are toxic to children and pets. We are providing you here most effective and natural mosquito repellent plants which you can grow indoor and outdoor. Do you want to repel other insects? Here is a list of companion plants that repel insects, as well as…
Mindful Gardening Outdoors and Inside
We all know now that gardens and gardening enhance the wellbeing and happiness of people. That includes enjoying not only the beauty and the fruits of gardens, but also the satisfying work that creates this bounty These basic general tips and reminders reflect only my personal approach and ideas about what is most important in…
End of content
End of content