October 12, 2011
Plant Tulip Bulbs Now for a Bright Spring
Did you know this is a perfect time to plant tulip bulbs for next spring? The tulip is a reliable spring bloomer with built-in “antifreeze” that helps it withstand the winter. They can be planted much later than their bulb-relatives like daffodils. To avoid the look of too much precision, plant the bulbs in random holes with 5 to 11 bulbs per hole. A bulb that is 3-cm thick deserves a 10-cm hole. Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole and add a handful of bone meal to assure that roots get the nutrition they need. Bury your bulbs using the soil from the hole mixed with 30% sand to improve drainage. Step on the soil after planting to firm the soil around the bulbs and to encourage them to take root. For more information go to http://www.markcullen.com
September 12, 2011
Put Your Trees to Bed for Winter
Did you know that fall is a good time to take extra care of your trees? You can start by pruning dead and extra branches so the tree can better withstand the weight of ice and snow. For large trees, it’s advisable to call a certified arborist. You should also give your trees a good fall watering, especially young trees planted in the last 3 years. A layer of organic mulch around the tree can help maintain moisture. And, it will help replenish nutrients in the soil. Shape the mulch like a saucer around the base of the tree. Fertilizing trees isn’t necessary unless the soil is deficient in certain nutrients.
July 30, 2011
Outdoor Lighting Trends
Did you know outdoor lighting has gone high-tech, with solar- and LED-powered technology? “Great improvements in LED technology allow for more diverse outdoor light fixtures,” says Charles Lyall, of Eurolite. LED lighting uses 75% less energy, while solar lighting does away with electricity altogether. “Solar power is especially on trend,” Lyall says. “When [run by] solar power, much of the new outdoor lighting can produce wonderful light year round.” The idea is to create a dim, romantic glow, allowing for clear views of the stars and a reduction in light pollution. Illuminated outdoor accessories are also popular. The new President’s Choice Solar Illuminated Planter, designed like a pot but as luminous as a lamp, is among the latest examples.
April 25, 2011
Your Spring To-Do List
Did you know it’s time for spring home maintenance? Clear out and organize the furnace room and replace the filters on your furnace. Empty and clean out the humidifier. Test the temperature and pressure relief valve on your hot water heater. Uncover your outdoor air conditioner and clean the unit. Turn on the A/C and verify that it’s working properly. Make sure your downspouts are in place and extended as far as possible from the house. Check and clean your eaves troughs. Repair and replace any patio stones that may have moved over the winter. Open valves and check outdoor hose bibs for leaks or damage. Now sit back and enjoy your home inside and out!
April 12, 2011
Gardening with Purpose
Did you know that ‘habitat planting’ also known as ‘intentional gardening’ is a new trend that uses indigenous plants to create more sustainable environments? Native trees, shrubs and plants will attract bees, bats and other productive creatures and help to encourage mating and pollination. Among the most beneficial are aromatic herbs, grasses and wildflowers that mimic uncultivated environments, and shrubs, trees and flowers with nectar- and pollen-rich blooms.
October 8, 2010
Plant Your Ornamental Grasses Now
Did you know that ornamental grasses are growing in popularity? As they say in the Sheridan Gardeners Guide, “Ornamental grasses add texture, movement, sound and grace to any (sunny) garden.” People choose grasses to create a dramatic focal point or to define borders and boundaries. Most varieties will stand during the winter months, looking quite beautiful with a light dusting of snow. They are mainly resistant to pests and drought, and tend to get better with time. According to Mark Cullen, this is the perfect time of year to plant ornamental grasses.
July 4, 2010
Native Plants = Low Maintenance
Did you know that local, native plants require less maintenance as they have greater tolerance for pests, drought and disease? Mark Cullen recommends Blanketflower, Butterfly weed, Echinacea, Yarrow and Serviceberry (for sun); Lily of the valley, Solomon’s seal, Trilliums and Ferns (for shade). For info go to http://www.markcullen.com
May 31, 2010
Green Driveways Are Growing in Popularity
Did you know that “green” driveways are becoming more popular? One interlocking grid system made of recycled plastic allows grass to grow even with vehicles parked over top. Once the grid system is installed, you just add seed, fertilizer, water and then mow. It’s also easy to shovel in the winter. Not only is this system attractive, it is extremely durable and ecological. “The rainwater sinks right into the ground and doesn’t run into the sewage system. There are no puddles,” an owner says. “I love the green, fresh look and how my driveway melts into the garden. Even in the winter, it’s easier to shovel than my old driveway.” For more info go to http://www.groundsolutions.ca
October 19, 2009
Spectacular Colours Bloom in Autumn Gardens
Did you know that your garden can be just as beautiful in the autumn as it is in the summer? A little strategic planting can produce exceptional colours, textures and even aromas. Japanese maples, sumacs and ornamental grasses all provide extraordinary colours along with intriguing textures during the fall. Japanese anemones bloom during the cooler months. Some people swear the unmistakable aroma of cotton candy emanates from the Katsura tree at this time of year. Many people like to decorate outdoors with containers, which in addition to fall mums might include cabbages, kale, grasses and asters. With trees and shrubs on sale at garden centres, autumn is a great time to buy a few new pieces and put them in while the soil is still relatively warm. And, don’t forget to plant your bulbs!
June 15, 2009
ECO Lawn Care Alternatives
Did you know that “greener” lawn-care alternatives are emerging at a clip? It’s a good thing, considering the excessive time and resources that have been traditionally devoted to our lawn obsession. For example – Americans spend more than 3 billion hours a year using lawn and garden equipment; a conventional gas mower emits as much hourly pollution as 11 cars; and gas-powered leaf blowers have been banned by some cities to reduce noise pollution. On the bright side, here are just a few eco-trends: surging sales of Amish-made manual mowers, new “eco-lawns” comprised of drought-resistant and pest-resistant native grass, goat herds (supervised by a llama) for hire to trim your lawn, and all manner of organic lawn care products. Are you ready to join the grass-roots eco-lawn movement?
June 15, 2009
Greener Gardening
Did you know that gardening can produce a lot of waste material, especially during the May-June planting frenzy? Fortunately, some retailers and garden centres, with the support of growers and plastics manufacturers, are taking plastic pots back and recycling them directly. Loblaws and Zehrs Superstores are taking back pots, trays, tags and cell packs, even if you didn’t buy your plant material there. ValuMart Garden Centres will take their rinsed pots back. Growers pick up the empty pots and flats each time they bring a new shipment of plants. They send the material to a plastics recycler in Brantford, where it is remade into new plastic planting pots. So this year, make your green thumb greener by recycling your plastic pots and trays.
September 4, 2008
Living Walls Make Great Fences
Did you know that “living walls” offer an appealing alternative to traditional fences as a way to separate one property from another? To make these walls, live willow shoots are cut and planted into a trench dug along the fence line. A wooden frame is then constructed and installed, and the willows are interlaced through the frame. While the trees look like twigs at first, they quickly become established and soon grow like regular trees, surviving with what nature provides. These beautiful living fences provide security, privacy and act as very effective sound absorbers.
