An Introduction to Soil pH – How It Helps Your Garden Grow

Dec 182011
An Introduction to Soil pH – How It Helps Your Garden Grow

There are many worlds within the earth below your garden: it is the stage of many complex chemical processes and interactions between processes. Soil is a mixture of tiny mineral particles of many kinds, organic matter in various states of decomposition, and water. Living things like fungi, bacteria, earthworms and insects live their lives there, contributing to soil aeration, its organic matter content, and sometimes playing a vital role in chemical cycles like the carbon, nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorous cycles. [...]

Plant Profile: Clematis “Tangutica”

Oct 202011
Plant Profile: Clematis

Many Ottawa gardeners know the clematis as a fragile, fussy beauty who rewards only the most dedicated of caretakers with its lovely blooms. There is, however, a variety that may not have flowers of such showy extravagance, but is much tougher. “Tangutica”, like all clematis varieties, is a perennial woody vine of the buttercup family, but, unlike its more fastidious in-laws, is one which can survive Ottawa’s winters without protection. This is a plant that comes in to its own [...]

The Essentials of Deck Planning and Construction

Oct 132011
The Essentials of Deck Planning and Construction

If you’re thinking about building a deck next summer, fall is a good time to start planning. Chris Clarke spent the summer building his new deck, and now that the project has come to a successful conclusion, he has kindly agreed to share his expertise. As a professional contractor, Chris has a lot of experience not only with building his deck but others as well. Chris’ deck was 15 feet wide and extended 17 feet out into the yard. The [...]

Recommended Reading: “Secret Teachings in the Art of Japanese Gardens” by David A. Slawson

Sep 152011
Recommended Reading: “Secret Teachings in the Art of Japanese Gardens” by David A. Slawson

This book is very different from most of the gardening design books you’ve already read: for one thing, the prose is very dense and academic. It also does not take the hundreds of glossy photographs approach. Nonetheless, I carried this book around with me for weeks, reading a page or two, and then having to stop and think about it for a few hours before I could continue: it’s that kind of book. Every paragraph is rich with ideas, and [...]

Plant Profile: Periwinkle, or Myrtle (Vinca Minor)

Sep 032011
Plant Profile: Periwinkle, or Myrtle (Vinca Minor)

There are many lovely plants that make wonderful ground covers – periwinkle is one of my favourites. Overview Pros: Very low maintenance plant once established – will require some water during dry spells, and occasional weeding. Shade tolerant, but enjoys sun as long as it gets enough water (don’t let it fry, though). Spreads along the ground quickly – expands about 500% per year. Hardy: withstands winters to Canadian Zone 3 (USDA Zone 4). Evergreen – it’s the first sign [...]

Recommended Reading: “Nikwaki: Pruning, Training and Shaping Trees the Japanese Way” by Jake Hobson

Aug 132011
Recommended Reading: “Nikwaki: Pruning, Training and Shaping Trees the Japanese Way” by Jake Hobson

Most of the books you will find on Japanese gardens are full of lovely pictures, but will not tell you much about practical techniques and how to apply them in your own garden. This is one of the few books I will recommend for those who want to bring a Japanese influence to the design and care of their garden. Niwaki literally means “garden tree” in Japanese (as opposed to bonsai, which means “potted tree”), although both are pruned into [...]

Plant Profile: William Baffin Rose

Jul 282011
Plant Profile: William Baffin Rose

Here’s what I’ve learned about the Canadian-bred Explorer Rose “William Baffin”, as a gardener in zone 5A. Overview Pros: Extremely hardy (can handle winters to Zone 3) with no protection whatsoever. This means you don’t need to take the canes off the wall and bury them in Autumn. Disease resistant: suitable for pesticide-free gardens like mine (even in hot, humid conditions like those in Ottawa). Can be pruned to resemble a climber. A big show of deep pink blossoms every [...]

Yes Virginia, It’s Yucky: Compost Management for Neat Freaks

Jul 172011
Yes Virginia, It's Yucky: Compost Management for Neat Freaks

My inner tree hugger is completely at war with my inner neat freak when it comes to composting. Not only have I composted at home for a few years, but I have also been taking home the compost from work. This means that I have 4 bins to manage: The mini bin in my kitchen (thank you, City of Ottawa) The mini bin I use to truck compost home from work The large green bin that goes to the curb [...]

Ten Design Lessons from Frederick Law Olmsted, the Father of American Landscape Architecture

Jul 122011
Ten Design Lessons from Frederick Law Olmsted, the Father of American Landscape Architecture

This is a wonderful read for anyone interested in any kind of design, not just landscaping. 37 Signals is an online software company, and their blog has some real gems in it. Read the Ten Design Lessons article.  

Product Review: Lee Valley Tools Peony Support is Worth the Expense

Jul 032011
Product Review: Lee Valley Tools Peony Support is Worth the Expense

Overview Pros: Sturdy construction gives solid support for flower heads Adjustable height Expansive hoop width doesn’t crush leaves or stems Cons: Price is more expensive that the $6.00 plastic coated wire variety Tried, Tested, and True I have 3 peony shrubs that have long grown out of their inexpensive wire supports. I had been eyeing the solid-looking ones in the Lee Valley Tools catalogue, but at almost $40.00 each plus tax, I was hesitant to shell out for them. This [...]

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