The moisture content of the soil on your property greatly affects the design of your low-maintenance garden. Before planting examine whether your proposed garden site, as it naturally exists, is wet or dry. Once you have determined that, you can either amend the soil or choose plants that flourish in the sort of soil you […]
If the soil tests described in our last two blog entries show that you need to improve the soil, you can do so in two ways; by adding the missing chemical components or composting. The best way to build a better soil is to work in lots of organic matter that can solve all sorts […]
Properly preparing your garden soil before you start to plan will save you endless hours and considerable expense in trying to make up for deficiencies later on. There is a lot you can do to improve the overall quality of your soil, and starting with good soils will also greatly broaden your plant choices. To […]
Plants grow in a variety of soils from Yukon tundra to Wasaga beaches; most individual plants, however, do well only in particular types of soil. Thus, a crucial first step in designing a low maintenance garden is to evaluate your soil and the kinds of plants that grow best in it. Sand and clay represent […]
As many of you have already noticed ash tress in Peel, Halton, GTA and York region are dying while others are being infested by the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a highly destructive invasive insect that attacks and kills all species of ash trees native to North America. This invasive pest […]
Before we say anything else, it is important to note that it is difficult if not impossible for weeds to invade dense, healthy turf and so they are seldom a serious problem on well-constructed and properly maintained lawns. Weeds can be troublesome on neglected areas or lawns on poor soil. Although hand pulling is practical […]
When the snow melts, your first impulse may be to get working on your lawn – but hold on your horses ………. starting too soon may actually do more harm than good. If your lawn feels spongy underfoot, that means that it is still too early. Wait until the ground feels firm. That’s the time […]
As the weather teases us one day into believing that spring is already here; and the other day reminding us that the winter still rules, the green thumbs amongst us are eager to do something for their gardens. Perhaps the best thing one can do while going through the ups and downs of undecided weather […]
If you are looking for a fast growing elegant plant around long entryways or even just to hide the neigbour’s shed that hurts your eyes, Skyrocket Juniper is your answer to these problems. This plant has a tall and extremely narrow, columnar growth habit. Its short, compact, silvery blue foliage is evergreen with virtually no […]
I hear often people complain that they cannot garden because all they have in their yard is shade. I have to challenge this assumption and lead you a helping hand. There is no reason why you cannot have a beautiful garden living in the shade. Here is how you do it: prepare soil – rather […]