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.
June 25, 2008
How Does Your Garden Grow?
Did you know that garden centres are reporting a 30% to 40% increase in sales of vegetables and edible plants? Factors behind this surge in home gardens include the high cost of food, interest in the “100-mile diet,” concerns about food quality, and the desire to have greater control over what we eat. Increasingly, people are even planting front-yard vegetable gardens and integrating food plants with decorative plants. It is not unusual to see lettuce, peas and herbs sharing space with roses, all in the context of a beautifully designed landscape. “Tomatoes are red, violets are blue…”
May 5, 2008
New Garden Design Goes Vertical
Did you know that “vertical gardens” are all the rage? Also known as “green walls,” these verdant vertical displays of moss and ferns are seen indoors and out, in locations from New York to Seoul. Started by the French botanist Patrick Blanc, these green walls also work as air fresheners. For an amazing slide show of green walls around the world, go to http://www.nytimes.com and enter “Green Anchors” in the search bar. You’ll see why one designer says, “I love the symbol and meaning of creating new laws of gravity for the earth.”
May 31, 2007
Garden Trends
Did you know that “xeriscaping” – the use of plants that require minimal water – is just one of many garden trends emphasizing sustainability and sophistication outdoors? Rain barrels and composters are being artfully integrated into yard designs. Recycled building materials such as huge beams, old lathing and reclaimed bricks are adding texture and warmth to new spaces. Salvaged first-growth wood is being fashioned into stunning, one-of-a-kind furniture and fixtures. Whatever the style may be, it feels great to be outside again!
May 11, 2007
Clean your Outdoor Furniture
Did you know you can freshen your outdoor furniture easily? On plastic, let shaving cream sit for a few minutes then wipe and rinse. For wood, rub on powdered dishwasher detergent with a soft brush then wipe clean. Use turpentine to erase rust on metal. Then, protect your clean lawn furniture with liquid car wax! (July 15, 2006)
May 11, 2007
Focus on Home Security
Did you know that a few simple measures could dramatically improve your home security? Back doors, patio doors and garage doors are the favoured entry points of intruders, so special attention should be paid to the strength of locks, doorjambs and hinges in those locations. One of the simplest and most secure locks is the deadbolt. Rigid bars should be inserted into the track of sliding doors. And whatever you do, don’t leave spare keys in obvious places, such as under a mat or inside the garage! (October 21, 2006)
May 11, 2007
Enhance Curb Appeal with a Fresh Facade
Did you know that the design of your home’s façade can dramatically enhance its curb appeal? For a modern look, add substantial wooden trim and mouldings to exterior windows; large, copper sconces for lighting; and a solid, panelled door with clean lines and streamlined hardware. For a country look, consider exterior window shutters; a glass panelled door; picket-style porch railings and window boxes. (October 28, 2006)
