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New year, new plants
Plant association awards give gardeners much to be excited about in the wait for spring
Announcements of new plant introductions cascade down upon us at this time of year like flower petals blown by the wind. It’s an exhilarating feeling for gardeners — even for those who are required to dream a little longer while . . .
Posted: 2017-01-07
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Centre of attention
Set the scene with a beautiful holiday tablescape
When friends and family gather around the table during the holiday season, lingering over a delectable meal and good conversation, it's the best of times. Set the scene with a mix of favourite dishes, a tablecloth or runner and an . . .
Posted: 2015-12-19
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Making the cut... or not
An electric-tool primer for DIY builders and renovators
Cheap tools are the scourge of DIY builders and renovators. I say this because over the years I've fallen into the trap of purchasing inexpensive, blow-out-bargain-equipment that is shoddily constructed and guaranteed to produce unsatisfactory results 100 per cent of . . .
Posted: 2013-10-05
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Winter oasis
Embrace the season and create a backyard paradise
For many of us who live in a cold climate, our vision of a backyard paradise is synonymous with a lush, green, almost tropical environment. As we wait for spring to arrive, though, the ideal landscape should also invite us . . .
Posted: 2016-01-30
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Gardens of endless possibility
Starting with just one plant, you can build something amazing in your backyard
Fresh, innovative container design often begins with a single plant and the many possibilities presented by its unique texture, form or colour. Consider, for example, Heuchera Forever Purple. A zone 4 perennial, this Coral Bells variety boasts ultra-purple glossy leaves with . . .
Posted: 2017-05-20
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Room to grow
Rural properties perfect for expanding horticultural horizons
Think design challenges are unique to the postage-stamp sized, irregularly shaped urban property? Try gardening on an oversized lot or perhaps, even, an acreage. Many urbanites are doing just that in bedroom communities such as Oakbank, RM of Headingley, St. François . . .
Posted: 2014-08-09
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RENOVATIONS: Landscaping brings the beauty
The sky's the limit cost-wise for adding loveliness to your yard
A few years ago, I was shocked to read common burdock was on a list of "hardy Prairie perennial plants" recommended for backyard landscaping. More alarming, the list was compiled by a group of landscape experts who should have known . . .
Posted: 2013-05-25
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Fruits of their labour
Locally grown crops plentiful
The sweet juicy flavour of fresh fruit may be all you need to satisfy your sweet tooth -- and with less guilt. Rich in dietary fibre, vitamin C, potassium and other essential nutrients, the benefits of eating fresh fruit are . . .
Posted: 2014-10-04
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PERFECT perennials
Last year's flash frost damaging, but could inspire rebuilding
Last November gardeners braced themselves for potential plant losses when temperatures suddenly plummeted from 0 degrees on Nov. 23 to -28 C by Nov. 26. Without the benefit of at least a few protective centimetres of snow cover at the . . .
Posted: 2015-06-20
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Annual choices
Irresistible thrillers, fillers and spillers
The best advice when shopping for annuals goes something like this:Decide where you would like to grow annuals, whether in sun-filled or shady beds or patio containers. Consider the colour palette that appeals most to you and will complement your . . .
Posted: 2016-05-07