Striking powers of observation

Renowned photographer Dennis Fast captures beauty in our own backyard

Dennis Fast is an internationally recognized wildlife and nature photographer. His compelling photographs of landscapes and wildlife species from many different places around the world show a unique recognition of and appreciation for all of nature. Fast’s work has been . . .

Posted: 2022-10-29

SOLUTIONS: Snakes will make bad cats scat

QUESTION: I sure hope you can help me. I am having an awful problem with cats in my flower bed. I have tried everything: pepper, mothballs, shaved soap, cayenne pepper, egg shells, fine chicken wire under the earth, rhubarb leaves . . .

Posted: 2009-06-21

Time to prune (most of) your hydrangeas

Start dreaming about these thrilling new varieties

Where do you keep your pruning shears? It’s time to fetch them. April is a perfect time to prune most varieties of hydrangea shrubs. The moment you grip the handles of your pruning shears and begin shaping your hydrangea shrubs . . .

Posted: 2020-04-11

Oh, the weather outside is…

… perfect for picking up some books on gardening

Whether you have a large garden or grow a few plants on a patio or windowsill, your interest in plants and nature opens the door to a world of new ideas and knowledge. Here are my recommendations for books . . .

Posted: 2024-12-14

Manitoba winemaking not an easy task

Research and development in North Dakota could improve production in colder climates

The idea that Manitoba wine and grape production might someday match that of the two primary cold climate wine regions in Canada — the Okanagan Valley in southern British Columbia and the Niagara region in southern Ontario — may seem . . .

Posted: 2017-08-05

All hydrangeas, all the time

Luscious new varieties to choose from -- but hurry before they're gone

How do you select just one hydrangea cultivar when there is an annual smorgasbord of luscious, new varieties that instantly slay you with their spectacular beauty? In a perverse sort of way, this annual dilemma is made easier thanks to . . .

Posted: 2020-06-27

Going against the grain

Manitoba growers create farm-to-table initiative with winter food bundle

A new collaborative farm-to-fork initiative that is being launched this month brings a tantalizing mix of farm-grown ingredients to your pantry and table. Similar to a vegetable CSA (community supported agriculture) box but without the vegetables, consumers will be able to . . .

Posted: 2019-01-05

It's amaryllis season

While outdoor plants go dormant, these beautiful flowers bloom indoors just in time for Christmas

Now that Thanksgiving’s over, amaryllis bulb kits are making their way onto store shelves. Packaged in pretty, glossy boxes with magnified images of gorgeous blooms, the kits contain everything you need for forcing flower bulbs indoors in time for Christmas . . .

Posted: 2016-10-15

Mid-summer tweaking and optimizing

Fill in the blanks and add some pizzazz

As the midpoint of summer draws near, gardeners spend more time contemplating the garden. Many plants are in peak bloom and garden spaces are filled with ever-changing colour and luxurious texture. Creating the look you want for your garden takes . . .

Posted: 2023-07-22

Chocolates are nice but how about a pergola?

This Valentine's Day, chase away your housebound blues with plans for a romantic backyard escape

Chocolates are nice on Valentine’s Day and a bouquet of fresh cut flowers is always appreciated. But at a time when seemingly endless social distancing restrictions amidst freezing temperatures may be throwing a wet blanket on romance and causing couples . . .

Posted: 2021-02-13