PLANTING STEPS (PS Lupine Woodfield Mix above) (a)  After preparing soil, dig a hole deep enough to hold root ball.(b)  Remove the pot, break up root ball if root-bound.(c)  Place root in the hole, fill with water.(d)  Refill with soil. Root ball should be slightly below soil surface.(e)  Water a second time. 1.  CHOOSING PERENNIALS When buying perennials, look for fresh, healthy-looking plants that appear vigorous and ready to grow.  Avoid overgrown, floppy or leggy-looking plants, or any that are small and struggling to stay alive. Certain perennials (especially those with daisy-type flowers) are so vigorous they are often root-bound in the pots; they usually overcome this quickly once planted in … Continue reading →

Unwelcome guest disturbing your gardens? Keep pesky cats out with this tip! A great way to keep cats out is to plant a few cat-repelling plants in your garden. Lavender, lemon thyme, rue and what’s known to most as the “scaredy cat plant” is offensive to a cat’s heighten sense of smell and tends to deter them away. Rue is a perennial shrub with blue flowers and silver-green leaves. While the plant will look lovely in your garden, cats find its scent offensive and will stay away. The plant is easy to care for and will do well even in poor soil conditions. Double the effect of rue by scattering its … Continue reading →

       OHA’s, Floral Design & Plant Competition Think “Lucky 13” and show off your green thumbs and creativity at the Ontario Horticultural Association’s annual Floral Design and Plant Competition at the Successful Gardening Show, International Centre, Hall 2.                    New, this year, are novice classes in the design and the cactus & succulent sections. Check out the schedule today – that winning entry and prize money could be yours!  The venue is easily accessible by highway, free admission is offered to all exhibitors and volunteers, substantial prize money is up for grabs, parking is free and it’s fun – all good reasons to participate. If … Continue reading →