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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]