Ideas & How To's
The Best Things Dad Grows Aren't Always in the Garden
When I think about my dad, Francis Ferragine, I don't think about business first. I think about his tomatoes.
Every summer, Dad took great pride in growing the biggest, tastiest tomatoes he could. He was always checking on them, watering them, and making sure they had everything they needed to thrive.
Friend or Foe? 5 Garden Pests and 3 Beneficial Bugs Every Gardener Should Know
In June, one of the most common questions we hear is, "What's eating my plants?" While some insects can cause damage, many others are actually helping your garden thrive.
Knowing the difference between a garden pest and a beneficial insect can save you time, money and frustration throughout the growing season.
Plants That Give You More Than Just Flowers
The best plants in the garden do more than simply bloom. Some attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Others help pollinators thrive, tolerate heat and drought, save time with low maintenance care, or even support important causes in the community.
Ready for Seed Starting?
Starting seeds indoors is a great (and inexpensive) way to fill your garden. It gives you a great opportunity to try new and different varieties of plants, as well as experiment with planting times.
No-Fuss Grass: The Beauty of Ornamentals
Are you looking for a drought tolerant, fuss-free solution for your gardens? Then ornamental grasses may be the perfect perennial for your landscape. Dramatic in appearance and easy to care for, ornamental grasses are the ideal addition to almost any garden. These perennials add height and texture with their unique variegated leaves and plume-like blooms.
Get Ready for Harvest
One of the most exciting parts of growing a vegetable garden is harvesting. Regular harvesting will not only bring fresh produce to your table but will actually keep the plants healthier. However, sometimes it can be tricky knowing when your freshly grown produce is ready to be picked. Sunshine, warm weather, and rain can all impact when your crops are ready to be harvested.
Keep Your Garden Hydrated
Summer is the peak growing time for gardens. However, sunshine and heat can make it tricky for your plants to stay hydrated. This summer, avoid wilted and dying plants by creating an environment that will help you use water more efficiently.
Perennials for Shade
One of the most common problems with shade in the garden, is the lack of it!
In a new home, in a new subdivision, where can you grow lush leafy ferns, Astilbes and Hosta? There are so many plants that actually like shade! If you can create a garden in the shaded north side of your home, then you can enjoy a broad range of plants that thrive in shade.
5 Plants to Deter Mosquitos
If you’re familiar with mosquito repellant, or a product called the citronella candle, you may have heard of citronella grass! This lemon scented plant is a popular one, making it one of the most common used in natural repellants. Sitting near citronella grass is often said to be enough to protect you from mosquitos.
Plant a Drought Tolerant Garden
Beautiful gardens are designed to be enjoyed. However, sometimes it can feel like the maintenance, watering, pruning, and fertilizing, leaves little time to simply sit back and smell the flowers. One simple way to reduce the amount of maintenance is to choose a well-drained area in your property to plant a drought tolerant garden. These low maintenance gardens are ideal for cottages, large properties, and for gardeners who want to cut back on the amount of water they use in the summer.
Create a Tropical Paradise
Creating that resort experience at home is easy with our stunning variety of tropical plants. From bougainvillea to the Majesty Palm, the distinctive leaves and brilliant blooms make it easy to mimic the look of your favourite getaway.
The Secret to Successful Shade Loving Gardens
Shade gardens offer a place of refuge during those hot summer days. These spaces naturally attract plants in cooler tones (think blue, purple, and green) creating a space that is designed for relaxation. The secret to success is choosing the perennials, evergreens, and annuals that thrive in these lower-light spaces.
